Craftsman Tool Sets With a Toolbox: Which Size Should You Gift?
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Craftsman has been a household name in hand tools for generations, and its mechanics tool sets are a go-to gift for new homeowners, new drivers and anyone starting to fix things themselves. The appeal is simple: a ready-made set of sockets, ratchets and wrenches packed in its own case, so nothing gets lost in a drawer, all backed by Craftsman’s lifetime warranty on mechanics tools.
The six sets below differ mainly in piece count, which drive sizes they cover and what they come in, from a 57-piece household kit in a molded case to 230 and 262-piece sets in stackable 3-drawer toolboxes and a 308-piece set packed in plastic trays.
Craftsman Mechanics Tool Sets Compared
Best for: Beginners and small car-trunk kits
Pros
- 83 pieces, SAE and metric
- 1/4 and 3/8-inch drives
- Blow mold case with metal hinges
Cons
- No 1/2-inch drive
- No wrenches listed
| Model | Pieces | Drive Sizes | Case Type | Ratchet Teeth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CRAFTSMAN 230 Pcs Mechanics Tool Set (CMMT45306) | 230 | 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 in | 3-drawer VERSASTACK box | 72 |
| CRAFTSMAN 57 Piece Mechanics Tool Set (CMMT99447) | 57 | 1/4 in | Blow mold case | 72 |
| Craftsman 262-Piece Mechanic Tool Set (CMMT45309) | 262 | 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 in | 3-drawer VERSASTACK box | 90 |
| CRAFTSMAN 308 Piece Mechanics Tool Set (CMMT45939) | 308 | 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 in | Plastic trays | 72 |
| CRAFTSMAN 189 Piece Mechanics Tool Set (CMMT12134) | 189 | 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 in | Blow mold case (listing also says 2-drawer box) | 90 |
| CRAFTSMAN Mechanics Tool Set 83 Piece (CMMT12121) | 83 | 1/4, 3/8 in | Blow mold case | 72 |
A few terms explained before the details. Drive size is the size of the square peg on the ratchet that the socket snaps onto. A 1/4-inch drive is for small fasteners in tight spots, 3/8-inch is the everyday size for most car and home jobs, and 1/2-inch handles big, tight bolts like those on suspension parts. SAE sockets are measured in inches and metric sockets in millimeters; most modern cars use metric, while older American vehicles and many household items use SAE. Ratchet teeth matter because more teeth mean a smaller swing is needed to catch the next tooth: a 72-tooth ratchet needs a 5-degree swing, and Craftsman’s 90-tooth ratchets list the same 5-degree arc in these listings. Finally, 6-point sockets grip the flat sides of a bolt firmly, while 12-point sockets are easier to slip on at odd angles.
CRAFTSMAN 230 Pcs Mechanics Tool Set for a Complete Drawer Toolbox
Craftsman
CRAFTSMAN 230 Pcs Mechanics Tool Set, Socket Wrench Set, Car Tool Kit with VERSASTACK Toolbox, SAE and Metric,1/4 in, 3/8 in, and 1/2 Drive, Short and Long Arm Hex Keys (CMMT45306)
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
CRAFTSMAN 230 Pcs Mechanics Tool
Best for: Car enthusiasts wanting a drawer toolbox
Pros
- 230 pieces, SAE and metric
- 3-drawer VERSASTACK box
- Three drive sizes
Cons
- Heavy at 24.7 pounds
- 72-tooth, not 90-tooth
The CRAFTSMAN 230 Pcs Mechanics Tool Set, model CMMT45306, comes in a 3-drawer VERSASTACK toolbox. It includes 91 sockets, 3 ratchets, 21 wrenches, 44 hex keys (short and long arm), 66 specialty bits and 5 accessories, in both SAE and metric, across 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2-inch drives.
The low-profile 72-tooth ratchets have heads up to 25% thinner for tight spaces. The toolbox has a spring-loaded one-handed locking dial that opens, closes and locks the drawers, and drawers can be nested on top for temporary storage. VERSASTACK is Craftsman’s stackable storage system, so the box can connect with other VERSASTACK pieces. The set weighs 24.7 pounds and carries a Full Lifetime Warranty.
This suits a car enthusiast or new homeowner who wants a proper toolbox with room to grow. If they work on cars often, the 262-piece set adds more sockets and 90-tooth ratchets.
CRAFTSMAN 57 Piece Mechanics Tool Set for Household Jobs
Craftsman
CRAFTSMAN 57 Piece Mechanics Tool Set Home Tool Set, Sockets, Ratchet, Screwdrivers, Hammer, Pliers, Hex Keys, Specialty Bits Hand Tools (CMMT99447)
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
CRAFTSMAN 57 Piece Mechanics Tool
Best for: First apartment or household gift
Pros
- Hammer, pliers, screwdrivers included
- Tape measure and utility knife
- Compact blow mold case
Cons
- 1/4-inch drive only
- Limited for car repairs
The CRAFTSMAN 57 Piece Mechanics Tool Set, model CMMT99447, is a mixed household kit rather than a pure mechanics set. Alongside a low-profile 1/4-inch drive 72-tooth ratchet and 6-point sockets, it includes screwdrivers, a slip-joint plier, a hammer, a tape measure, a utility knife, hex keys and specialty bits.
Everything packs into a durable blow mold case, a hard plastic case with molded spots for each tool. The mechanics tools carry a Full Lifetime Warranty and the hand tools a Limited Lifetime Warranty. The listing gives a weight of 2.97 kg, about 6.5 pounds.
This suits a first apartment, a college student or someone who mostly hangs pictures and tightens furniture. It covers only the 1/4-inch drive, so it is not built for car repairs; the 83-piece set is the next step for light automotive work.
Craftsman 262-Piece Mechanic Tool Set for Car and Motorcycle Work
Craftsman
Craftsman 262-Piece Mechanic Tool Set with 3-Drawer VERSASTACK Box, SAE and Metric Socket Set, Car and Motorcycle Tool Kit with Combination Wrenches and Spark Plug Sockets, 90-Tooth (CMMT45309)
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
Craftsman 262-Piece Mechanic Tool
Best for: Serious DIY mechanics and motorcyclists
Pros
- 262 pieces with 118 sockets
- 90-tooth ratchets
- Spark plug sockets
Cons
- Heaviest drawer set at 27.5 pounds
The Craftsman 262-Piece Mechanic Tool Set, model CMMT45309, is the fuller VERSASTACK drawer set. It includes 118 sockets, 3 ratchets, 24 wrenches, 44 hex keys, 66 specialty bits and 7 accessories, in SAE and metric across all three drive sizes. The title mentions spark plug sockets and combination wrenches.
Its low-profile ratchets are 90-tooth, with a 5-degree arc swing and heads up to 25% thinner. The 3-drawer box has the same one-handed locking dial, nestable drawers and a drawer stop system that allows drawers to be removed. It weighs 27.5 pounds and has a Full Lifetime Warranty.
This suits a serious DIY mechanic or motorcycle owner who wants more sockets than the 230-piece set in the same style of box. For a lighter carry, the 189-piece case set keeps the 90-tooth ratchets.
CRAFTSMAN 308 Piece Mechanics Tool Set for Garages With Storage
Craftsman
CRAFTSMAN 308 Piece Mechanics Tool Set, Socket and Wrench Set (CMMT45939)
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
CRAFTSMAN 308 Piece Mechanics Tool
Best for: Garages with existing tool storage
Pros
- Largest count at 308 pieces
- 6- and 12-point sockets
- Chrome finish
Cons
- Plastic trays, no toolbox
- Listed at 20.5 kg
The CRAFTSMAN 308 Piece Mechanics Tool Set, model CMMT45939, has the highest piece count here. It includes 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2-inch drive 72-tooth ratchets (the thinner-head claim applies to the 1/4 and 3/8-inch ones), a broad assortment of 6-point and 12-point sockets, combination wrenches and drive accessories, with a full polish chrome finish for corrosion resistance.
The important detail for gift-givers: the tools come in plastic trays, not a toolbox or carrying case. The listing gives a length of 23 inches and a weight of 20.5 kg, about 45 pounds, which is unusually heavy compared with the others. The specifications list only SAE, and the listing does not give a breakdown of metric sockets. It has a Full Lifetime Warranty.
This suits someone who already owns a rolling tool chest and wants to fill its drawers. If a box is part of the gift, pick the 230 or 262-piece set.
CRAFTSMAN 189 Piece Mechanics Tool Set for a Portable All-Rounder
Best for: Growing car toolkits in a portable case
Pros
- 90-tooth ratchets
- Three drive sizes
- Case fits metal storage boxes
Cons
- Case type unclear in listing
- Metric coverage unclear
The CRAFTSMAN 189 Piece Mechanics Tool Set, model CMMT12134, covers all three drives with low-profile 90-tooth ratchets, 6 and 12-point sockets, combination wrenches, hex keys and specialty bits, in a full polish chrome finish.
The description says it comes in a durable blow mold case with metal hinges, designed to fit into Craftsman metal storage boxes, while one feature line mentions a 2-drawer box, so the case type is not fully clear. The specifications list SAE only while a feature line mentions metric, so check the socket list on the page before buying for a metric car. It has a Full Lifetime Warranty.
This suits someone who wants three drive sizes and 90-tooth ratchets without a heavy drawer box. For a drawer toolbox with confirmed SAE and metric, choose the 262-piece set.
CRAFTSMAN Mechanics Tool Set 83 Piece for Beginners
The CRAFTSMAN Mechanics Tool Set, model CMMT12121, has 83 pieces in SAE and metric. It includes low-profile 1/4 and 3/8-inch drive 72-tooth ratchets, 6-point sockets, specialty bits and drive tools in a blow mold case with metal hinges that fits Craftsman metal storage boxes. The finish is full polish chrome, and it has a Full Lifetime Warranty.
The listing does not mention wrenches or a 1/2-inch drive. At 17 inches long, the case is easy to keep in a car trunk or closet.
This suits a new driver or beginner who wants a reliable starter set for simple jobs. As their skills grow, the 189 or 230-piece sets add more. Our 3/8-inch drive socket set guide covers adding sockets later.
How to Choose the Right Craftsman Mechanics Tool Set
Match piece count to real use. A household kit like the 57-piece set covers everyday fixes. The 83-piece set handles basic car tasks. The 189, 230 and 262-piece sets suit regular car work. The 308-piece set is for stocking a large garage.
Check drive sizes. For cars, you usually want at least 3/8-inch; for heavier bolts, 1/2-inch. The 57-piece set covers only 1/4-inch, and the 83-piece set stops at 3/8-inch.
Choose the case. If “with toolbox” matters, the 230 and 262-piece sets come in 3-drawer VERSASTACK boxes. The 57, 83 and 189-piece sets come in molded cases. The 308-piece set comes in trays only.
Consider SAE and metric. Most modern vehicles use metric fasteners. The 230, 262 and 83-piece sets clearly list both. For more set ideas, see our Craftsman tool set guide.
FAQ
Which Craftsman tool set comes with a real toolbox?
The 230-piece and 262-piece sets come in 3-drawer VERSASTACK toolboxes with a locking dial. The others use molded cases or plastic trays.
What is the best Craftsman set for a beginner?
The 83-piece set is a good start for light car work, and the 57-piece set suits general household jobs.
What is the difference between the 230 and 262-piece sets?
The 262-piece set has more sockets (118 versus 91), more wrenches (24 versus 21) and 90-tooth ratchets instead of 72-tooth. It is also slightly heavier.
Does the 308-piece set include a case?
No. The listing says the tools come in plastic trays for organization and storage.
What warranty do these sets have?
The listings name a Full Lifetime Warranty on mechanics tools. The 57-piece set’s hand tools have a Limited Lifetime Warranty.
