Amazon has a “limited time deal” on this Craftsman 230pc mechanics tool set, featuring a broad selection of tools, sockets, and accessories in a Versastack-compatible 3-drawer tool box.
Is this a good deal? I think so – for beginners and similar users – and I’ll break down the reasons.
Amazon is selling this set for $99. According to online price trackers it does bounce up to its list price on occasion. Still, I’d say it’s likely designed around the $99 promotional price.
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According to Amazon, they sold 10K+ of this set in the past month. Lowe’s, which has this Craftsman tool set at the same price, says they sold 5K+ of this set in the past week. It’s proving to be a popular deal.
Craftsman describes the 230pc set as an “all in one” mechanics tool set, and it does look like a well-equipped starter set or budget-conscious portable tool kit.
Here is what you get:
- 3 ratchets – 72-tooth, 1/4″, 3/8″, 1/2″
- 3 extensions
- 1 socket to bit adapter
- 75 sockets
- 47 standard length sockets
- 28 deep sockets
- 44 hex keys
- 28 long hex keys
- 16 short arm hex keys
- 21 combination wrenches (including midget wrenches)
- 16 bit sockets
- 1 bit driver handle
- 66 screwdriver bits
Out of the 230 pieces, Craftsman gives you 3 ratchets, 3 extensions, 1 adapter, and 75 sockets.
Most of the sockets are 6pt, and from the contents spec sheet it looks like just the (6) 1/2″ sockets are 12pt.
I’ve tested a Craftsman Versastack tool set before, and its case was considerably better than the blow molded cases commonly bundled with mechanics tool sets.
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At the $99 price point, I’d say this is the best general purpose starter kit bargain around right now.
This set has a lot of fillers that inflate the parts count – such as the 66 screwdriver bits – but I still think it has a lot of useful value.
For example, if you wanted the same low-profile 3/8″ ratchet as your first, it would cost you $28 and up right now. Want the 1/4″ too? That’d be another $26, or a little more if you bought one of the most basic tool sets Craftsman offers. Just the two ratchets would cost more than half that for this entire set.
I would buy this as a portable tool kit or as a housewarming gift or similar for users who don’t have a lot of hand tools. It might still be a good set for more demanding users, although its bargain value will be diminished with more current or future overlap.
You get a lot of useful tools, even if there are a lot of “filler” items you might already have or might never use, but the price seems good. The storage case and Craftsman warranty are bonuses.
Price: $99
If you’re a ToolGuyd regular, this set probably isn’t for you, unless you’re just starting out with hand tools, need a portable set, or are buying a tool kit as a gift for a beginner or similar. Do you agree with my assessment, or would you recommend an alternative to this Craftsman set?
As I see it, the alternatives to a set like this are to spend less on a much more basic set, or a lot more either for more pieces to trade filler wrenches, hex keys, and screwdriver bits for more sockets and drive accessories such as additional extension lengths and universals.
Want More Tools?
Amazon also has this 262pc Craftsman mechanics tool set for $149.
John
I picked one of these up a few years ago. Pretty happy with it. Compact and well organized. I’ve beat a lot of the sockets with an M18 Fuel 1/2” impact and haven’t split one yet. This would be a great gift for a new homeowner or anyone who maintains their own cars/mowers.
Joe E.
If you’re spending the money for one of these 3 drawer mechanics sets, Husky or Master Mechanic is the way to go. More wrenches, more sockets, more extensions, no skips, less filler to jump the count.
Stuart
Husky case is terrible in comparison. And, the price went up. You get some more sockets with the Husky set but few wrenches.
Nathan
I have to agree the husky case is good enough and for that beginner /novice and they probably won’t notice.
eddiesky
I’d wait for a sale, or apply a gift card to HD’s Gearwrench set. Typically $250-$300 but much better support for replacement parts and with Craftsman’s poor replacement/Lowe’s support…
Still for the price/value, nice spare set in back of a vehicle, a shed/garage/basement and for young person starting out.
Nathan
Biggest complaint is the number of bits included for what is a beginner thing. Well that and midget wrenches
It’s stubby. (Not to be political thought it was odd)
Meanwhile . Biggest issues with these cases is you can’t add to it anyway. So why bother
Stuart
Craftsman specifically calls these midget wrenches, and others do the same.
They aren’t stubby wrenches. Stubbies are regular sizes but shorter.
Nathan
Huh. Never heard of such I sit corrected
Tommy
I have bought 2 boxes and the weak patts are the ratchets. They are very fragile. No waranty to replace them.
Stuart
Craftsman has a lifetime warranty.
Mr B
I bought this set 2 years ago for $99 and I like it. One of its best features is that you can use it with other Versastack boxes for expansion. I have the Versastack bit set with drills on top And I’ve been considering adding the drawer unit below. One of the DeWalt it sets attaches as well. I don’t remember what they call their system. T-stak?
I think it’s a great set for a first time homeowner or apartment owner. Or for a cabin or vacation home.
YoniPDX
I bought a similar set at Sears around 2017 Black Friday as well.as some SAE wrenches up to 1 1/8″ (owned old F150 with 5.7 V8 but was during the Mazda/Ford co-op so vehicle had both SAE and Metric – I have Metric up to 24 IIRC. Sockets upto 32mm
I think I ended up getting a bunch of Sears cash I ended up using it to get a Samsung sound bar, sub and wireless satellites for free (tools were for bought for use in my business).
But mine was in the old metal locking.drawer case – but the blow-molded removalable drawers are intresting -it mostly sits with clear covers in place – I have had to turn to it a few times over the years when a socket disappeared in to the engine bay or I set it some place before returning it to its spot after a project.
Its probaly perfect for most hobbyist or homeowners. Its getting harder and harder to work on vehicles that are 2010+
JoeM
Believe it or not, I bought two sets like this from Canadian Tire. Stanley, instead of Craftsman. Nearly identical to eachother, one was 203 pieces, the other was 236. Black Chrome editions. I like them. Nice having duplicates of the same sockets so you can torque a fastener from both ends if needed.
I can say they are 100% compatible with TSTAK, and they are very handy to cover all the bases. Nice to have full sets of sockets as well. I paid a bit more… give or take the conversion rate… but it was worth it. If these are the Craftsman edition of what I’ve got, down to the ratchet grips, then they’re very nice.
Andres
Yeah Stanley B&D rebranded a bunch of stuff for craftsman to include these kits. The Stanley fatmax I believe(yours) has different ratchets, tho not sure if it’s entirely the same, but they will surely have differences between markets. They sell them in Europe too.
Steven B
Why does no one ever sell ratcheting wrenches? I know they cost more, but at least on the premium versions, why not?
Am I weird for preferring ratcheting? I’ve used them in high torque applications and I think they are better for about 99% of situations…or is there something I don’t know?
Stuart
Gearwrench does, and it drives up the price of the set.
ITCD
I think the Channellock sets also come with ratcheting or maybe they used to and don’t now.
DJA
I dont remember exactly when they first became available but I have a similar set purchased from a local Sears store from at least over 10 years ago. Nothing has broken & wear surprisingly enough is minimal for being how old & much I have used the set. I would say get it, if you do not have any sockets of any kind.
ElectroAtletico
Gearwrench. Nuff said.
Stuart
With Gearwrench, you should point to specific kits you have hands-on familiarity with.
There have been signs as well as rumors that Gearwrench has been swapping in lower grade Crescent tools into some kits.
I saw some irregularities here – https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/gearwrench-115pc-mechanics-tool-set-deal/%3C/a%3E – and have since seen some complaints on social media.
ParamountPaint
Does anyone know the total weight of this? Seems like it would be good to have on utv or tractor if it’s not too cumbersome
Vards Uzvards
https://www.craftsman.com/products/cmmt45306
26.5 lb
MatW
I bought a similar stanley set from canadian tire when I was just starting out on my trade. The one thing I really dislike about these sets in drawers is that it is really easy for the sockets to bounce out of their spot during transport and that makes the drawers extremely hard to open when that happens. If it was just sitting on my shelf in a garage it would be great but definitely not ideal for the back of a work van.
marc
how does this compare to the kobalt one also going for 99
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-KBLT-297PC-MECH-TOOL-SET-3-drive-set-SAE-MM/5015031681
Stuart
It looks like the Kobalt has more sockets, but it looks like they’re mostly 12pt rather than 6pt (I prefer 6pt). I’m more inclined to trust Craftsman’s quality over Kobalt’s these days. The Craftsman set has more wrenches, but whether they’re useful sizes is debatable.
Lyle
I have this set from like 2 or 3 years ago and paid $99 back then too. I remember shortly after I bought it there was another similar set for the same price and I thought it was better for some reason but I didn’t see it go on sale again after. Or maybe this is the newer version and I have an older one. Either way, it’s a decent set and I like it.
JackGlennwood
This isn’t a limited time deal, Craftsman has been hocking this set for 99 since last December. Friend picked it up and regrets doing so. OK kit to keep in your truck/boat but that’s about it. Not your fathers craftsman…
Stuart
Amazon labels it a “limited time deal.” Looking at online price trackers, it’s not always $99. But, as mentioned in the post, I believe it’s designed around the $99 promo price. If you miss the price now, it should be back around the winter holiday season for a few months. It’s still a great bargain.
Mike
Why do they always include 1/2″ sockets? I feel like anyone buying an ” all-in-one ” kit probably doesn’t need 1/2″ sockets. Does anyone really use 1/2″ sockets anymore? Most mechanics I know don’t use them, till they don’t have that size in 3/8″. Of course, not including the people that do actually need them, but that isn’t the target audience for these sets. When’s the last time the average Joe needed over a 3/4″ or 19mm? With the exception of lug nuts.
Stuart
I use 1/2” ratchets and breaker bars with larger sizes fairly regularly. Not as much as 3/8” drive, but often enough.
Mike
I think you’d qualify as a ToolGuyd regular at this point. Like you said, we aren’t the target audience for these. I just don’t see the target audience using 1/2 sockets. I see my sister having this set, and she’d likely use many of the parts, but never the 1/2″ stuff. I’d love to see those swapped with a Cobra-style pliers and pliers wrench. Those would be much more handy.
What are you doing with 1/2? Feel the only projects of yours we ever see include 80/20 rail.
Stuart
You’re not going to find a lot of high part count sets without 1/2″ drive, especially with brands like Craftsman describing them as “all-in-one” sets.
Similarly, ratchets are more often sold in 3pc sets rather than 2pc sets. You can also buy them individually.
That’s how I bought my first 1/2″ ratchet – Sears had very compelling pricing on a 3pc set of low-profile Craftsman ratchets.
For me, 1/2″ drive tools tend to be unanticipated problem-solvers. I haven’t upgraded my 1/2″ tools in the same way as my 1/4″ and 3/8″ tools, but I’m still glad to have them.
David
I keep looking at these types. Something to carry in the vehicle. Sometimes I have to help someone at their house etc.
I don’t want expensive tools in the vehicle. I’m afraid they might get stolen. I might just put a simple set together for the vehicles.
Masterforce has some decent sets.
I’ll just keep looking.
Plain+grainy
I guess if you have a set stolen Out of your truck. One of these value sets would be a little easier to lose.
Kentucky fan
I have this set as a catch all car set with some supplemental tools added to cover bases. I added a set of Williams supercombos I replaced with proto in my main box and a few icon pliers I got on the last big harbor freight sale. With that setup I have fixed a myriad of issues.
This set in and of itself is wonderful for what it is. It is well organized and has the vast majority of common sizes. The two set of hex wrenches in long and short are also great. The included ratchets aren’t the best but they don’t suck either.
kc
Buy some older tools at swap meets, flea markets, garage sales. US made brands like Craftsman, Proto, Stanley, Peterson, Channellock, Williams, many other quality tools are everywhere, leave the china made garbage at Lowes. Might take you a bit longer, but the result is worth while.
Doug in PF
When DWMT75049 is on sale at Amazon B01BHJE0J4 for $150 it seems like a better deal to me. I see it hasn’t been $150 for awhile so maybe no longer an apt comparison.
Stuart
Amazon might discount some Dewalt mechanics tool sets for the upcoming Prime Day sale.
I wish Dewalt would upgrade their mechanics tool set storage options. Blow molded cases are rarely well-done. I really like Milwaukee’s low profile cases with removable trays, as they’re sturdy and well-organized. With the Craftsman Set, you get a convenient Versastack-compatible drawer setup.
Ray
I have a travel trailer and so I need a tool kit. Every trip requires something to be fixed. I have a $39 HF blow molded tool kit that makes me cringe every time I use it, but it has just about everything I need in one box. Cheap, crappy tools, awful blow molded box, but everything is in one place.
Walt Bordett
I never recommend a tool set that does not have a container that allows you to add some tools that are not included in the set. Or gift the tool set and such a container.
I concur with the comments about finding good used tools at yard sales. Also, some good sales to be found at hardware and big box stores and always check out Harry Epstein online.
When my daughter was five years old, I bought her a Plano plastic toolbox personalized for her and a few hand tools. No toys or kid size tools just good tools usually bought on sale. Every year until she graduated high school, I added a few tools a year, now she has a tool set tailored for her needs and is familiar with using them. She is married and turning 40 soon.
Perry
I’ve had the older set for about 6 or 7 years now with another tstak drawer added underneath for extra hand tools. I use them all on job sites and I use it fairly often around my property, it’s just easy to have everything in one spot organized instead of digging through my old metal tooolbox
Norman Simison
I order my set and Amazon said they can’t deliver.
Stuart
It’s still in stock. If you’re not happy with Amazon, support, Lowe’s also still has it.
Scott
I think i have this one, Versastack 262 (nice locking latch on top corner). I’ve got tool sets coming out my ears, but this did look like a nice one for portability. It is that, although with my dissatisfaction, I went to a briefcase style, 189 piece Craftsman. Same limited socket selection, but greatly increased portability.
My dissatisfaction is the sockets, in that there are “missing” sockets (numerically). Not a deal breaker for a starter set, but I’m 68 and wrenching for most of those years and socket sets have always had “continuity” (5/16″ all the way to 3/4″, by 16th’s, for example, or 4mm through 19mm, once metrics came on the scene (yeah, I’m old enough that Mr first several sets were SAE, as that’s what Chevys, Fords, Harleys had)). I can’t recall what vehicle, but I was underneath, dealing with a transmission mount and encountered a 15mm bolt head. That was when I started doubling up SAE/metric kits.
Back to this set, I will likely gift it to my granddaughter’s husband, as it is a nice set of tools (my dad had Craftsman when I was growing up, so definitely a nostalgic choice, and a great comfort level for me). My OCD is probably what is in the way of loving this set.