Craftsman Mechanics Tool Sets From Starter to Pro
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The right Craftsman tool set depends on what you plan to wrench on. For desk builds, TV mounts and game room upgrades, the 57 piece home tool set or the 83 piece CMMT12121 socket set covers you without clutter. For real car and motorcycle work, you want one of the big Craftsman mechanics tool sets with 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2-inch drives, and the choice there comes down to piece count, ratchet tooth count and whether you want a VERSASTACK drawer box or a simple case.
This guide compares six sets, from the 57 piece CMMT99447 up to the 308 piece CMMT45939. Two of them, the 230 and 262 piece sets, come in 3-drawer VERSASTACK boxes that lock and stack. The 189 piece and 83 piece sets use blow molded cases, and the 308 piece set arrives in plastic trays. We compared the listings, piece breakdowns and intended use rather than testing the tools ourselves, and we flag the spots where a listing is thin or contradicts itself.
JOB SHEET
Which Craftsman Tool Set Should You Buy
- A complete SAE and metric mechanics kit in a stackable drawer box: CRAFTSMAN 230 Pcs Mechanics Tool Set (CMMT45306).
go to no. 01 - The biggest piece count for a garage wall or shop cart: CRAFTSMAN 308 Piece Mechanics Tool Set (CMMT45939).
go to no. 02 - General household jobs, furniture and rig assembly: CRAFTSMAN 57 Piece Mechanics Tool Set (CMMT99447).
go to no. 03 - A mid-size three-drive set with 90-tooth ratchets: CRAFTSMAN 189 Piece Mechanics Tool Set (CMMT12134).
go to no. 04 - Car and motorcycle work with spark plug sockets and the largest socket count: Craftsman 262-Piece Mechanic Tool Set (CMMT45309).
go to no. 05 - A compact starter socket set for light auto jobs: CRAFTSMAN 83 Piece Mechanics Tool Set (CMMT12121).
No. 01
of 6
Craftsman
CRAFTSMAN 230 Pcs Mechanics Tool
9.4
/10
Our score
Well rated
Scored 9.2/10 or higher
Affiliate link. Price and stock live at Amazon and change there, not on this page.
Best for
Car DIYers wanting a complete stackable kit
Pros
- Three drives, SAE and metric
- 3-drawer VERSASTACK box
- 44 hex keys and 66 bits
- Full lifetime warranty
Cons
- Heavy at 24.7 pounds
- 72-tooth ratchets, not 90-tooth
The CRAFTSMAN 230 Pcs Mechanics Tool Set (CMMT45306) is the balanced all-rounder of this group. It covers 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2-inch drives in both SAE and metric, and the listing breaks the count down as 91 sockets, 3 ratchets, 21 wrenches, 44 hex keys in short and long arm styles, 66 specialty bits and 5 accessories. The ratchets are 72-tooth with a 5 degree arc swing and a low profile head that Craftsman says is up to 25% thinner, which helps when you are reaching behind an engine bay bracket.
The storage is the real draw. Everything packs into a 3-drawer VERSASTACK box with a one-handed locking dial that opens the drawers and locks them shut when you carry it. Drawers can be nested on top of the box while you work, and the box connects with other VERSASTACK storage. The trade-off is weight: 24.7 pounds loaded.
- 91 sockets, 21 wrenches, 44 hex keys, 66 bits
- Three low profile 72-tooth ratchets
- 3-drawer VERSASTACK box with locking dial
- Full lifetime warranty
It suits the home mechanic who wants one kit that handles most car jobs and stays organized. If you want more sockets and finer 90-tooth ratchets in the same box style, the 262 piece set is the step up.
No. 02
of 6
Craftsman
CRAFTSMAN 308 Piece Mechanics Tool
8.0
/10
Our score
Affiliate link. Price and stock live at Amazon and change there, not on this page.
Best for
Garage owners wanting the most pieces
Pros
- Largest count at 308 pieces
- 6-point and 12-point sockets
- Full polish chrome finish
- Full lifetime warranty
Cons
- Plastic trays, no drawer box
- Metric coverage unclear from specs
The CRAFTSMAN 308 Piece Mechanics Tool Set (CMMT45939) has the highest piece count here. The description lists 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2-inch drive low profile 72-tooth ratchets with a 5 degree arc swing, plus a broad assortment of 6-point and 12-point sockets, combination wrenches and drive accessories. It has a full polish chrome finish for corrosion resistance.
Two details to weigh. First, the tools come in plastic trays rather than a drawer box, so plan on a tool chest or shelf to keep them. Second, the specification line lists the measurement standard as SAE only, and the listing does not break the 308 pieces down by type, so if metric coverage matters for your vehicle, confirm the exact contents before buying. The listed weight is 20.5 kg, which is a lot of steel.
- 308 pieces across three drive sizes
- 6-point and 12-point sockets
- Low profile 72-tooth ratchets
- Full polish chrome finish and full lifetime warranty
This set fits someone filling a rolling tool chest who wants maximum coverage in one purchase. If you want portable storage included, the 230 or 262 piece VERSASTACK kits are the better choice.
No. 03
of 6
Craftsman
CRAFTSMAN 57 Piece Mechanics Tool
8.4
/10
Our score
Affiliate link. Price and stock live at Amazon and change there, not on this page.
Best for
Apartment dwellers and PC or desk builders
Pros
- Hammer, pliers, screwdrivers included
- Tape measure and utility knife
- Compact blow mold case
Cons
- 1/4-inch drive only
- Too light for most car repairs
The CRAFTSMAN 57 Piece Mechanics Tool Set Home Tool Set (CMMT99447) is a mixed kit, not a pure socket set. Alongside a low profile 1/4-inch drive 72-tooth ratchet and an assortment of 6-point sockets, you get screwdrivers, a slip-joint plier, a hammer, a tape measure, a utility knife, hex keys and specialty bits.
That mix makes it the pick for everyday jobs: assembling a gaming desk, mounting a monitor arm, hanging shelves in a streaming room or tightening loose chair bolts. Everything packs into a durable blow mold case that weighs about 2.97 kg. Warranty coverage is split: a full lifetime warranty on the mechanics tools and a limited lifetime warranty on the hand tools.
- 1/4-inch drive low profile 72-tooth ratchet
- Screwdrivers, slip-joint plier, hammer, tape measure, utility knife
- Blow mold carry case
It gives way quickly on car work. With only a 1/4-inch drive, it cannot handle lug nuts or larger suspension bolts, so anyone doing auto repair should start with the 83 piece set or larger.
No. 04
of 6
Craftsman
CRAFTSMAN 189 Piece Mechanics Tool
9.0
/10
Our score
Affiliate link. Price and stock live at Amazon and change there, not on this page.
Best for
Mid-size kit with finer 90-tooth ratchets
Pros
- 90-tooth ratchets
- 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2-inch drives
- Case fits Craftsman metal boxes
Cons
- Listing unclear on case versus drawer box
- Hex key count not specified
The CRAFTSMAN 189 Piece Mechanics Tool Set (CMMT12134) brings three drive sizes and a finer 90-tooth ratchet design with a 5 degree arc swing and low profile heads. The description mentions 6-point and 12-point sockets, combination wrenches, hex keys and specialty bits, with a full polish chrome finish.
The listing is inconsistent on two points. It describes a durable blow molded case with metal hinges that fits into Craftsman metal storage boxes, but one feature line says the set is packed in a 2-drawer box. The specification lists SAE as the measurement standard, while a feature line refers to both metric and standard sockets. It also does not give a per-type piece breakdown. Check the product photos and contents list before you order if these points matter.
- 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2-inch drives
- 90-tooth low profile ratchets
- 6-point and 12-point sockets plus wrenches
- Full lifetime warranty
It suits someone who wants three drives and a 90-tooth ratchet feel without paying for a full drawer box, or who wants to add a set to an existing chest. Our Craftsman socket set guide covers smaller socket-only options if this is still more than you need.
No. 05
of 6
Craftsman
Craftsman 262-Piece Mechanic Tool
8.2
/10
Our score
Affiliate link. Price and stock live at Amazon and change there, not on this page.
Best for
Car and motorcycle work needing full coverage
Pros
- 118 sockets including spark plug sockets
- 90-tooth ratchets
- 3-drawer VERSASTACK box
- Full lifetime warranty
Cons
- Heaviest listed set at 27.5 pounds
- More pieces than casual users need
The Craftsman 262-Piece Mechanic Tool Set (CMMT45309) is the heavyweight of the VERSASTACK pair. The listing counts 118 sockets, 3 ratchets, 24 wrenches, 44 hex keys, 66 specialty bits and 7 accessories, in SAE and metric, with spark plug sockets included for engine work. All three ratchets are low profile 90-tooth designs with a 5 degree arc swing.
Like the 230 piece set, it lives in a 3-drawer VERSASTACK box with a one-handed locking dial, removable drawers and a drawer stop system. It weighs 27.5 pounds, the heaviest weight listed in this group, so this is a garage kit rather than one you toss in a trunk.
- 118 sockets including spark plug sockets
- Three 90-tooth low profile ratchets
- 24 wrenches, 44 hex keys, 66 bits
- 3-drawer VERSASTACK box and full lifetime warranty
This is the one for riders and car owners who tackle tune-ups and bigger repairs. If you mostly need the 1/2-inch drive for lug nuts and suspension, our Craftsman 1/2 socket set roundup covers dedicated options.
No. 06
of 6
Craftsman
CRAFTSMAN Mechanics Tool
8.2
/10
Our score
Affiliate link. Price and stock live at Amazon and change there, not on this page.
Best for
Starter sockets for light auto work
Pros
- 1/4 and 3/8-inch drives
- SAE and metric
- Portable blow mold case
- Full lifetime warranty
Cons
- No 1/2-inch drive
- No wrenches listed
The CRAFTSMAN Mechanics Tool Set, 83 Piece (CMMT12121) is a compact SAE and metric socket set with 1/4 and 3/8-inch drives. It includes low profile 72-tooth ratchets with a 5 degree arc swing, 6-point sockets and drive tools in a blow mold case with metal hinges that fits into Craftsman metal storage boxes.
The listing does not mention combination wrenches or a 1/2-inch drive, so this is a socket-focused starter. It handles battery terminals, interior trim, small engine jobs and bike or PC case hardware well. For a deeper look at the ratchet size most people reach for first, see our Craftsman 3/8 ratchet guide.
- 1/4 and 3/8-inch drive 72-tooth ratchets
- SAE and metric 6-point sockets
- Blow mold case with metal hinges
- Full polish chrome finish and full lifetime warranty
It suits first-time owners and anyone who wants a trunk-friendly kit. Lug nuts and larger fasteners call for the 1/2-inch drive in the 189, 230, 262 or 308 piece sets.
What Sets These Models Apart
| Set | Drive sizes | Ratchet teeth | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 230 piece CMMT45306 | 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 in | 72 | 3-drawer VERSASTACK box |
| 308 piece CMMT45939 | 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 in | 72 | Plastic trays |
| 57 piece CMMT99447 | 1/4 in | 72 | Blow mold case |
| 189 piece CMMT12134 | 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 in | 90 | Blow mold case (listing also mentions 2-drawer box) |
| 262 piece CMMT45309 | 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 in | 90 | 3-drawer VERSASTACK box |
| 83 piece CMMT12121 | 1/4, 3/8 in | 72 | Blow mold case |
Figures in this table are copied from the Amazon listings for these models.
NOTES
Buying Tips for Craftsman Tool Sets
Match drive sizes to the job first. A 1/4-inch drive handles small fasteners, 3/8-inch covers most engine bay work, and 1/2-inch is for lug nuts and suspension. If you only assemble furniture and rigs, the 57 piece kit is enough. If a car is involved, get a set with at least 3/8-inch, and ideally 1/2-inch. Check SAE versus metric coverage too, since most modern cars use metric fasteners.
Tooth count affects how little you need to swing the handle. Both 72-tooth and 90-tooth designs here list a 5 degree arc swing, and all six sets use low profile heads, so the practical difference is small for most home users.
Finally, think about storage. VERSASTACK boxes lock, stack and carry well, which is useful if you move between the garage and driveway. Blow mold cases are lighter and fit Craftsman metal boxes, and trays suit a rolling chest. If you also want power tools, a Craftsman combo kit can pair with any of these sets.
FAQ
What is the best Craftsman mechanics tool set for car work?
The 262 piece CMMT45309 offers the most sockets, spark plug sockets and 90-tooth ratchets in a VERSASTACK box. The 230 piece CMMT45306 is a close alternative in the same box style.
Does the 308 piece CMMT45939 include a toolbox?
No. The listing says the tools come in plastic trays for organization and storage, not a drawer box.
Is the 57 piece home tool set good for PC building?
Its screwdrivers, bits, hex keys and small 1/4-inch drive sockets fit that kind of light assembly. It is not meant for car repair.
Which Craftsman sets have 90-tooth ratchets?
The 189 piece CMMT12134 and the 262 piece CMMT45309. The other four sets list 72-tooth ratchets.
Do these sets have a warranty?
All six list a full lifetime warranty. The 57 piece set specifies full lifetime on mechanics tools and limited lifetime on its hand tools.
Does the 83 piece CMMT12121 include a 1/2-inch drive?
No. The listing describes 1/4 and 3/8-inch drives only.
