Best Mechanics Tool Set? Let’s Find Out!
Craftsman, GearWrench, Husky, Kobalt, Pittsburgh, DeWalt, Crescent, Starwork. Tool sets compared for durability, organization, tool performance including ratchet working arc swing, back drag, failure load, open and closed end combination wrench performance, socket adapter failure load, tool box ability to hold tools in the proper position during movement. Supplemental tool list provided below to round out your tool kit.
I purchased all of the tool kits to ensure an unbiased review. So, thank you for supporting the channel!
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➡ Products Tested In This Video (in no particular order):
Tool Box Sets:
GearWrench: https://amzn.to/3MUe0cQ
Starwork: https://amzn.to/40O0wVQ
Craftsman: https://amzn.to/3ut7Gmt
Crescent: https://amzn.to/40Rqlob
DeWalt: https://amzn.to/3MS3suI
Pittsburgh: https://amzn.to/3sAbDoU and available at Harbor Freight
Husky: Available at Home Depot
Kobalt: Available at Lowes
Supplemental Tools to Complete Your Tool Kit:
GearWrench Tool Box: https://amzn.to/3R8dj2e
Combination Wrench Set: https://amzn.to/3FSoDcg
Adjustable Wrench: https://amzn.to/3stiznv
Wire Cutters: https://amzn.to/4778T0Y
Needle Nose Pliers: https://amzn.to/3SyXWB9
Slotted and Phillips Screwdrivers: https://amzn.to/3FQ90Cj
SAE and Metric Hex Key Set: https://amzn.to/3Qx1p0r
Universal Joint, Adapter, Extension Set: https://amzn.to/3SHNMOB
Electrical Tape: https://amzn.to/3svaY7Z
Razor Blade or Knife: https://amzn.to/478ILDc
Water Pump Pliers: https://amzn.to/473U7rL
Extra Tool Box for Extra Tools: https://amzn.to/3MBfoks
Telescopic Magnet: https://amzn.to/4755Rul
Hose Clamps: https://amzn.to/3svaVcj
Locking Pliers: https://amzn.to/3u8xDaK
JB Weld Quick Epoxy: https://amzn.to/47unVhj
Baling Wire (not tested): https://amzn.to/3QqYuWW
Duct Tape: https://amzn.to/47rXFUy
Hex Key Set: https://amzn.to/3upieTs
Jump Starter & Tire Inflator: https://amzn.to/3SvfbTT
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Sony DSC-RX10 III Cyber-shot Digital Still Camera: https://amzn.to/2YdXvPw
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Azden Microphone: https://amzn.to/34d3DLE
Go Pro Bundle: https://amzn.to/3Ca0ZVN
This video is only for entertainment purposes. If you rely on the information portrayed in this video, you assume the responsibility for the results. Project Farm LLC
No mechanic would use those in a real shop. Half the stuff would never be touched
Having worked in the auto parts industry for 10+ years between O’Reilly, AutoZone and Napa, I am usually in the market for the best performing mechanic set for light to moderate use. Having used a 255 piece Husky set for the past 4+ years that does the job but there’s nothing to write home about, I’m ecstatic I found this video. I never would’ve thought about gear wrench before seeing this, but after seeing the video, I definitely am making gear wrench my next mechanic set. I’m always in the market for the most cost-effective set, but when it comes to a set that pretty much outperforms the rest, I’m not afraid to shell out the extra coin. Thank you again Project Farm for the honest unbiased opinion that really does truly help us all!
How does these tools compare with Snap On? Are tools from Snap-On really worth the money?
19mm and 3/4 are the same size so if a kit has one it doesn’t need the other.
1/2 =12mm, 9/16=14mm, 3/4=19mm that why they leave those out
May sound insane but others have also commented on you and how they respect you. That is a tough nut to crack! Lol But seriously having integrity, honesty and being respected? I can not think of one agency or group that fits into that category anymore. Godspeed and you have a friend in Pennsylvania. John
People like you are the good part of the interweb
Awesome!!
Here’s the list of products reviewed. More details in the video description. Thank you!
Tool Box Sets:
GearWrench: https://amzn.to/3MUe0cQ
Starwork: https://amzn.to/40O0wVQ
Craftsman: https://amzn.to/3ut7Gmt
Crescent: https://amzn.to/40Rqlob
DeWalt: https://amzn.to/3MS3suI
Pittsburgh: https://amzn.to/3sAbDoU and available at Harbor Freight
Husky: Available at Home Depot
Kobalt: Available at Lowes
Supplemental Tools to Complete Your Tool Kit:
GearWrench Tool Box: https://amzn.to/3R8dj2e
Combination Wrench Set: https://amzn.to/3FSoDcg
Adjustable Wrench: https://amzn.to/3stiznv
Wire Cutters: https://amzn.to/4778T0Y
Needle Nose Pliers: https://amzn.to/3SyXWB9
Slotted and Phillips Screwdrivers: https://amzn.to/3FQ90Cj
SAE and Metric Hex Key Set: https://amzn.to/3Qx1p0r
Universal Joint, Adapter, Extension Set: https://amzn.to/3SHNMOB
Electrical Tape: https://amzn.to/3svaY7Z
Razor Blade or Knife: https://amzn.to/478ILDc
Water Pump Pliers: https://amzn.to/473U7rL
Extra Tool Box for Extra Tools: https://amzn.to/3MBfoks
Telescopic Magnet: https://amzn.to/4755Rul
Hose Clamps: https://amzn.to/3svaVcj
Locking Pliers: https://amzn.to/3u8xDaK
JB Weld Quick Epoxy: https://amzn.to/47unVhj
Baling Wire (not tested): https://amzn.to/3QqYuWW
Duct Tape: https://amzn.to/47rXFUy
Hex Key Set: https://amzn.to/3upieTs
Jump Starter & Tire Inflator: https://amzn.to/3SvfbTT
I have the Pittsburg 125-piece set ($39). It has a hammer, pliers, locking pliers, screwdrivers, etc. It is what i keep in my truck as it is cheap, ok for simple fixes and I won’t care if it is stolen.
The cheaper sets are good for keeping in a truck or cabin while your good set stays at home. The Gearwrench does seem goo for a basic set for home.
Is there any reason to use obsolete 200 years old units If your gauge can show the torque in Nm? Ridiculous testing when nobody understands what those numbers mean.
Wild. I just went out and bought a bunch of tools from gear wrench and was happy. So before i got more i said i wonder if project farm had any reviews on gear wrench and poof here i am. Love this channel. Before i invest any money into tools i always watch this channel.
I have been eyeing the gearwrench socket set for some time and I wanted to make sure I wasn’t blinded by the expensive appeal. Thank you so much for this in depth and thorough review it helped me make up my mind
Im a third generation mechanic my dad and grandpa have always used craftsman and I’ve never had a problem for my mechanical problems i love the tool set.
This video has been and amazing help to me. I had never hear about GearWrench but in my research I had been hearing anecdotal rumblings that their stuff was worth the money. I greatly appreciate the time you put into this comparison. I actually had been search specifically for sets that included torx plus bits but I’ll figure that out next no one seems to include that.
I buy Gearwrench and father have Craftsman. Your review with Craftsman and Gearwrench is accurate. My only complaint with Gearwrench is they don’t make Lime green or Orange tool boxes. Thanks for a great and useful video.
Ive had that konalt set for years and a side note, around Christmas time you can get that kobalt set for 99.99 (what i paid for mine and bought one the next year for my uncle inlaw at the same price).
2:00 Look at all the wasted space in that tray! Why not organize the tools in a more compact manner and give us some room for extra storage?
Bluepoint makes nice tool kits
one word.. tekton
I really want that Gearwrench set, that thing is full of sockets and wrenches, and also has screwdriver with bits too. But I already have a Husky set…
Gearwrench seems good, BUT noticing during your final words, I could see the sockets through front. If I can see them, water splashing in can cause sitting water followed by rusting of pieces. Thoughts?
Where are the Gearwrench tools made ?
Dude! You left out the most important "item" The sockets!!! That’s why people buy socket sets for the sockets. The other stuff is irrelevant!!!
I’d love to see you apply your testing process to the new Harbor Freight ICON line of tools..
There are always compromises in these sets. I’d love to see your idea of a premium tool set in that 3 drawer box for long-distance road trips based on your previous tests. Maybe 3 boxes, best at any price, best value, and best economy?
I wish you had measured socket strength and fit. And also mentioned if the sockets were 6 or 12 point.
An additional important factor is the warranty and ease of replacing a broken tool.
In the old days if you broke a Craftsman tool, you replaced it at Sears with no questions asked. I know HD warrants their tools similarly. Just go to HD and exchange. What about the other brands? And consider how close you are to the store. Lowe’s is an hour a way. HD is 20 min.
You should review modular toolboxes with drawers.
I just want to let people knnow that Kobalt has got nice discounts going on in Lowe right now.
The $219 250 pc as well as the 277 pc set are for $99 at Lowe’s
I was hoping to see the Sam’s Channellock 200 pc set $99 in the video, but hardluck for me.
I am looking into buying a set today and I am not sure which one to go for.
Thanks a lot for your hard work!
Never buy anything unless it does good on this channel. Pure gold this channel is!
In 1980 I bought a comprehensive Craftsman tool kit that included wrenches, allen keys, screwdrivers, 1/4" drive deep and shallow sockets, 3/8" deep and shallow, and 1/2" shallow drive sockets. I used that kit for 4-5 years earning a living in a motorcycle dealership, and it is still my main tool set 40 years later. Craftsman were quality tools back then.
Would like to see the vevor kits tested like this too
I think that the Harbor Freight 301 pc. tool set is superior to all those shown here. It even includes normal screwdrivers, unlike the multi-bit with one driver sets are are popular in tool kits today.
kobalt used to make this ultra, ULTRA compact but still huge socket set. barely the size of a size 13 boot print, but had a full, no skipped numbers 3/8 ratchet and SAE/metric sockets from 8 to 21mm, a quarter inch adapter and 1/4 drive handle, with sizes from 5mm-16mm, a 3 inch 1/4 inch extension, 3 inch 3/8 extension, 6 inch 3/8 extension and a spark plug socket. I even found a small gap to fit a wobble adapter and a telescoping magnet.
That little socket set has been the single most useful thing I have ever owned in my life. The plastic case has been abused to hell and still works like new. It was like $20 in 2009 and I desperately wish kobalt would make it again so I can buy a spare for me and one for every person I know. Absolute smartest, most compact toolset I’ve ever used. sockets NEVER moved when it was closed. Only way it could have been improved was if it had magnets for the sockets molded into the plastic for the couple times I’ve tipped it over while open and they all fell out. I’ve even run all of those 3/8 sockets through an adapter on a 1/2 inch air impact driver and have never broken one.
The saving money part is true I bought a husky set during the Christmas holidays always kept it in my truck never needed it until the weekend I took it out of my truck. If that’s not just the way the universe works anyway it did save me money when I started my new mechanics job. I took it into work I didn’t have to rebuy tools for work. 280 piece set covers 90% of my daily activities.
I was they would do one with European tools
I would expect craftsman to excel at the wrenches. My grandfather swore by them, and he was a mechanic for i think 57 years
Walmart’s Hart brand has come out with a 99$ option, i saw it when getting oil and it looked like they had a good selection of tools inside of it
It is very important that you mention out-of-place pieces. That alone can say how much the producer respects its products.
Awesome video! Thanks!
My step mom’s dad bought me a Craftsman ratchet kit with 3 drawers as a graduation present and that thing has been one of the greatest gifts I’ve ever recieved in my life.
I’ve never once needed to buy a new/different socket or wrench.
It’s not super nice nor is it fancy but it has done thousands (if not tens of thousands) of jobs.
Every single person should have one of these
Please do a Harbor Freight ICON brand vs SNAP ON video. I’ve seen some on instagram but nothing with true tests or results @projectfarm
I’ll be doing auto work. Should I get the 6 point or 12 point? Infiniti guy btw
The huskys impact rated set (the black one) has the 152 tooth ratchets with the 2 degree turn ratio and is a much better set. I have both and though the impact set is smaller, the tools contained are much more useful and are of much better quality. Even though its smaller it contains more sockets and wrenches
Sooooo, how much do i want to spend on a set of Taiwan mechanic tool set
I saw on torque test channel the icon which is also a tool sold at harbor frieght was putting up a good fight it was statistically right behind snap-on atleast from the his graph showed
I got the kobalt set for 90 bucks after tax on sale locally. That’s really what was the deciding factor for me.
I love how u keep pointing out the Dewalt has no wrenchs lol
Well done!
I have Pittsburgh best set like it very much