CRAFTSMAN 26 Piece Ratchet Sets and When to Go Bigger
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There are two CRAFTSMAN 26 piece sets, and they do different jobs. The 26-piece Socket Set with Palm Ratchet (CMMT12004) is a compact 1/4 inch drive kit with a 72-tooth palm ratchet and SAE and metric sockets, ideal for desk frames, monitor mounts and small bolts. The 26-piece Ratcheting Screwdriver Multibit Set (CMHT68001) is a ratcheting screwdriver with bits and nutdrivers, which covers most PC building and household screw jobs. For many PC builders, one of these is all you need.
When your projects move to cars, sim rigs with larger hardware or full garage work, it is time to go bigger. This guide covers six CRAFTSMAN sets: the two 26-piece kits, two 10-piece 3/8 inch drive mechanics sets (metric CMMT34564 and SAE CMMT34563), and two full mechanics tool sets with 189 and 256 pieces. All carry a Full Lifetime Warranty according to their listings. We compared specs and contents to show where each one fits.
JOB SHEET
Which CRAFTSMAN Ratchet and Socket Set Should You Buy
- PC building, electronics and household screws: CRAFTSMAN Ratcheting Screwdriver (26-piece, CMHT68001)
go to no. 01 - Small bolts on desks, rigs and furniture in tight spots: CRAFTSMAN Socket Set with Palm Ratchet (26-piece, CMMT12004)
go to no. 02 - Metric bolts on cars and aluminum-frame rigs: CRAFTSMAN Mechanics Tool (10-piece metric, CMMT34564)
go to no. 03 - SAE bolts in tight engine bays: CRAFTSMAN 10 Pc Mechanics Tool (SAE, CMMT34563)
go to no. 04 - A complete starter garage kit across three drive sizes: CRAFTSMAN 189 Piece Mechanics Tool
go to no. 05 - The biggest all-in-one kit with a 2-drawer box: CRAFTSMAN Mechanics Tool (256-piece, CMMT45256)
go to no. 03
No. 01
of 6
Craftsman
CRAFTSMAN Ratcheting Screwdriver
4.0
out of 5
Amazon buyer average
Affiliate link. Price and stock live at Amazon and change there, not on this page.
Best for
PC builds and household screw jobs
Pros
- Ratcheting multibit screwdriver
- Phillips, Torx, square, hex, slotted bits
- 1/4 inch nutdrivers
- Telescoping pick-up tool
Cons
- No sockets for bolts
- Bit lists in listing disagree
The CRAFTSMAN Ratcheting Screwdriver Multibit Set is the 26-piece kit for screws rather than bolts. Its ergonomic handle has three zones: a speed zone for quick rotation, a torque zone with added grip for heavy-torque work, and a precision tactile zone for careful control. A chrome-plated bar resists corrosion.
The bit assortment covers square, hex, Torx, slotted and Phillips drives, plus 1/4 inch drive nutdrivers and a telescoping pick-up tool, which is surprisingly handy for fishing a dropped screw out of a PC case. The two bit lists in the listing do not match exactly: the features name T6 through T25, while the included components add T27 and an H 1/8 inch hex and list duplicate Phillips and slotted bits. Check the package for the final contents.
This is the right 26-piece set for PC builders and apartment DIYers. It does not include sockets, so for nuts and bolts, pair it with the palm ratchet set.
- Speed, torque and precision grip zones
- Phillips, Torx, square, hex and slotted bits
- 1/4 inch drive nutdrivers
- Telescoping pick-up tool
No. 02
of 6
Craftsman
CRAFTSMAN Socket Set with Palm Ratchet
4.7
out of 5
Amazon buyer average
Well rated
4.6 or better out of 5 on Amazon
Affiliate link. Price and stock live at Amazon and change there, not on this page.
Best for
Desk, rig and electronics bolts
Pros
- 72-tooth palm ratchet
- SAE and metric sockets
- Compact storage case
- Meets or exceeds ASME
Cons
- 1/4 inch drive only
- Listing weight clearly wrong
The CRAFTSMAN Socket Set with Palm Ratchet (CMMT12004) is the 26-piece 1/4 inch drive socket kit. Its 72-tooth palm ratchet is designed for access in tight spaces, and the description says the included adapters help you reach around obstructions. The title lists SAE and metric sockets, with bits also included, and it comes in a compact storage case.
The set meets or exceeds ASME specifications and carries a Full Lifetime Warranty. The listing does not break down the individual socket sizes, and its item weight of 0.27 g is obviously an error, so ignore that figure.
This suits gamers who assemble desks, tighten monitor arms and adjust rig brackets. For larger fasteners on cars, a 3/8 inch drive set gives more leverage. You can also add a standalone CRAFTSMAN 3/8 ratchet as your next step.
No. 03
of 6
Craftsman
CRAFTSMAN Mechanics Tool
4.8
out of 5
Amazon buyer average
Well rated
4.6 or better out of 5 on Amazon
Affiliate link. Price and stock live at Amazon and change there, not on this page.
Best for
Serious garages wanting everything
Pros
- 256 pieces, three drive sizes
- 72-tooth low profile ratchets
- 2-drawer box with drawer bumps
- Full lifetime warranty
Cons
- Largest to store
- 72 rather than 90 teeth
Best for
Metric car and rig bolts
Pros
- Low profile 72-tooth ratchet
- Up to 25% thinner head
- 6-point sockets
- Blow mold case
Cons
- Metric only
- Only 10 pieces
The CRAFTSMAN Mechanics Tool Set, 10-piece metric (CMMT34564), is a focused 3/8 inch drive kit. It includes an improved low-profile 72-tooth ratchet with up to a 25% thinner head compared with CMMT81748, and a 5 degree arc swing for confined spaces. The 6-point sockets are designed for increased torque.
Everything has a full polish chrome finish for corrosion resistance, stored in a durable blow mold case, with a Full Lifetime Warranty. The listing does not itemize the metric socket sizes.
This suits metric work: most modern cars and aluminum-extrusion sim cockpits. If your fasteners are SAE, choose the CMMT34563 instead.
No. 04
of 6
Craftsman
CRAFTSMAN 10 Pc Mechanics Tool
4.7
out of 5
Amazon buyer average
Well rated
4.6 or better out of 5 on Amazon
Affiliate link. Price and stock live at Amazon and change there, not on this page.
Best for
SAE bolts in tight engine bays
Pros
- 90-tooth low profile ratchet
- 5 degree arc swing
- 6-point sockets
- 3 pounds
Cons
- SAE only
- Only 10 pieces
The CRAFTSMAN 10 Pc Mechanics Tool Set (CMMT34563) is the SAE counterpart, and it steps up to a 90-tooth low-profile ratchet. The listing still quotes a 5 degree arc swing, the same figure as the 72-tooth metric set, along with up to a 25% thinner head versus CMMT81748 and 6-point sockets for torque.
It is 8.5 inches long, weighs 2.3 pounds, uses a full polish chrome finish, and comes in a blow mold case with a Full Lifetime Warranty. The socket sizes are not listed.
This suits SAE fasteners on older vehicles, trailers and some furniture hardware. For both SAE and metric plus wrenches and bits, the 189-piece set covers everything.
No. 05
of 6
Craftsman
CRAFTSMAN 189 Piece Mechanics Tool
4.5
out of 5
Amazon buyer average
Affiliate link. Price and stock live at Amazon and change there, not on this page.
Best for
Starting a full home garage kit
Pros
- 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 inch drives
- 90-tooth low profile ratchets
- 6 and 12-point sockets, wrenches
- Metal-hinged case
Cons
- Bulkier than compact sets
- Measurement spec is inconsistent
The CRAFTSMAN 189 Piece Mechanics Tool Set (CMMT12134) is where you go bigger. It includes 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 inch drive low-profile 90-tooth ratchets with 5 degree arc swing and up to a 25% thinner head, plus 6-point and 12-point sockets, combination wrenches, hex keys, specialty bits and drive tools.
Everything is packed in a durable blow mold case with metal hinges, designed to fit CRAFTSMAN metal storage boxes, with a full polish chrome finish and Full Lifetime Warranty. One feature line mentions a 2-drawer box, while the description describes a blow mold case, and the spec sheet lists SAE only while the description mentions metric and standard sockets. Treat it as a mixed SAE and metric kit, but confirm the case style.
This is our pick for anyone building a first real garage kit. For the 1/2 inch drive side specifically, our CRAFTSMAN 1/2 socket set guide goes deeper.
- Three drive sizes: 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 inch
- 90-tooth low profile ratchets
- 6 and 12-point sockets, wrenches, hex keys
- Metal-hinged case
No. 06
of 6
Craftsman
CRAFTSMAN Mechanics Tool 256 Piece
4.4
out of 5
Amazon buyer average
Affiliate link. Price and stock live at Amazon and change there, not on this page.
The CRAFTSMAN Mechanics Tool Set, 256-piece (CMMT45256), is the largest kit here. It includes 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 inch drive low-profile 72-tooth ratchets with a 5 degree arc swing; the thinner head claim applies to the 1/4 and 3/8 inch drives. It adds a broad assortment of 6-point and 12-point sockets, combination wrenches and drive tool accessories.
Storage is a durable blow mold 2-drawer box, and drawer bumps on the front and back keep drawers in place when not in use. It has a full polish chrome finish and a Full Lifetime Warranty.
This suits serious garages and anyone who wants one purchase to cover nearly every job. If you prefer 90-tooth ratchets, the 189-piece set lists them.
What Sets These Models Apart
| Set | Pieces | Drive Sizes | Ratchet | Standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CMHT68001 Screwdriver | 26 | 1/4 inch nutdrivers | Ratcheting screwdriver | SAE, Torx, Phillips, others |
| CMMT12004 Palm Ratchet | 26 | 1/4 inch | 72-tooth palm | SAE and metric |
| CMMT34564 | 10 | 3/8 inch | 72-tooth low profile | Metric |
| CMMT34563 | 10 | 3/8 inch | 90-tooth low profile | SAE |
| CMMT12134 | 189 | 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 inch | 90-tooth low profile | Mixed, listing inconsistent |
| CMMT45256 | 256 | 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 inch | 72-tooth low profile | Not specified |
Figures in this table are copied from the Amazon listings for these models.
NOTES
Buying Tips for CRAFTSMAN Ratchet and Socket Sets
Start with your fasteners. PC cases and electronics mostly use small screws, which suits the ratcheting screwdriver. Desks, monitor arms and rig brackets often use small bolts, which suits a 1/4 inch palm ratchet. Cars and heavy hardware call for 3/8 and 1/2 inch drives.
Higher tooth counts and low-profile heads help in cramped spaces. A 72 or 90-tooth ratchet needs only a small swing to engage, and a thinner head fits where a bulky ratchet will not. If you work around obstructions often, a CRAFTSMAN flex head ratchet set adds angle as well.
Buy for the next project, not just this one. The 26-piece kits are great first tools, but if you already know you will work on a car or build a heavy rig, the 189-piece set saves buying piecemeal later.
FAQ
What is the difference between the two CRAFTSMAN 26 piece sets?
The CMMT12004 is a 1/4 inch drive socket set with a palm ratchet. The CMHT68001 is a ratcheting screwdriver with bits and nutdrivers.
Which CRAFTSMAN set is best for PC building?
The CMHT68001 ratcheting screwdriver set, with Phillips and Torx bits and a pick-up tool for dropped screws.
Do CRAFTSMAN sets have a lifetime warranty?
All six listings state a Full Lifetime Warranty.
Which set has the 90-tooth ratchet?
The SAE 10-piece CMMT34563 and the 189-piece CMMT12134 list 90-tooth ratchets.
Is the 256-piece set worth it over the 189-piece?
It adds more pieces and a 2-drawer box with drawer bumps. The 189-piece set lists 90-tooth ratchets instead of 72-tooth.
