Craftsman 230-Piece Mechanics Tool Set vs DeWalt DWMT81534 205-Piece Mechanics Tool Set

The DeWalt DWMT81534 is the better pick for most shoppers. It covers all three drive sizes (1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 inch) with 72-tooth ratchets and a 5-degree arc swing, comes in a hard case with metal latches, and carries a full lifetime warranty. The Craftsman 230-piece set gives you more pieces and a three-drawer chest that keeps tools visible on a bench, but it is a heavier, bulkier unit with no stated lifetime warranty. Owners of both rate the ratchets as smooth; the DeWalt is the easier set to carry to a job and the safer long-term buy.

• Choose the Craftsman 230-piece set if you work mostly at a fixed bench, want the most pieces, and prefer drawers over digging through a case.
• Choose the DeWalt DWMT81534 if you want all three drive sizes, a portable hard case and a full lifetime warranty.