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GearWrench 80966 243-Piece Mechanics Tool Set vs Craftsman 320-Piece Mechanics Tool Set

The GearWrench 80966 is the better-built set for someone who turns wrenches often. Its 90-tooth ratchets with a 4° swing arc, 6-point sockets throughout and long-pattern combination wrenches with off-corner loading are the features pros notice. The Craftsman 320-piece set gives you more pieces and a wider mix of socket points, bits and hex keys, but its quick-release ratchets have a coarser action and owners report small pieces shifting in the case. Buy GearWrench for daily mechanical work; buy Craftsman for breadth and occasional use.

  • Choose the GearWrench 80966 if you want fine-tooth ratchets, 6-point sockets and long-pattern wrenches for regular automotive or equipment work.
  • Choose the Craftsman 320-piece set if you want the widest spread of sockets, bits, hex keys and nut drivers in one case for general repair.

Prices

  • GearWrench 80966 243-Piece Mechanics Tool Set: $299.00 at Gearwrench Shop (checked today)
  • Craftsman 320-Piece Mechanics Tool Set: $100.06 at Wiitlwoods (checked today)
  • Difference: the Craftsman 320-Piece Mechanics Tool Set is $198.94 cheaper than the GearWrench 80966 243-Piece Mechanics Tool Set today
GearWrench
GearWrench 80966 243 Pc. 6 Point Mechanics Tool Set in 3 Drawer Storage Box

GearWrench 80966 243-Piece Mechanics Tool Set

GearWrench 80966 243 Pc. 6 Point Mechanics Tool Set in 3 Drawer Storage Box

4.7(54 ratings)
$299.00at Gearwrench ShopChecked 52 min ago
See all prices and details
Visit Gearwrench Shop
Pros
  • 90-tooth ratchets with a 4° swing arc reach tight fasteners
  • 6-point sockets and off-corner loading reduce fastener rounding
  • Long-pattern combination wrenches add reach and a 15° offset box end
  • Drawer box has locking side flaps and a steel hinged lid
  • Strong owner rating for a set this size
Cons
  • No 12-point sockets, so some specialty fasteners need another tool
  • Fewer total pieces than the Craftsman
  • Heavy at about 48 lb
CRAFTSMAN
Craftsman Mechanics Tool Set 320 Piece Metric Drive Storage Case 9-99030

Craftsman 320-Piece Mechanics Tool Set

Craftsman Mechanics Tool Set 320 Piece Metric Drive Storage Case 9-99030

4.5(32 ratings)
$100.06at WiitlwoodsChecked 58 min ago
See all prices and details
Visit Wiitlwoods
Pros
  • 320 pieces cover sockets, bits, hex keys, nut drivers and adapters
  • 6, 8 and 12-point sockets in inch and metric
  • Quick-release ratchets speed socket changes
  • Magnetic bit driver handle with 96 screwdriver bits
  • Wide coverage for general repair in one case
Cons
  • Ratchet tooth count and swing arc are not specified
  • Owners report small pieces shifting out of their compartments
  • Some buyers wanted regular swivels instead of swivel sockets
  • Heavier case at roughly 66 lb

What separates them

GearWrench 80966 243-Piece Mechanics Tool SetCraftsman 320-Piece Mechanics Tool Set
Ratchet action90-tooth ratchets in all three drives with a 4° swing arcQuick-release ratchets in all three drives, tooth count not stated
Socket points6-point only, which grips flats and resists rounding6, 8 and 12-point sockets, more variety but 12-point grips corners
WrenchesLong-pattern 6-point combination wrenches with 15° offset box end8 combination wrenches
Piece mix243 pieces focused on sockets, ratchets, wrenches and bit sockets320 pieces including 96 screwdriver bits, 40 hex keys and 12 nut drivers
Storage3-drawer blow mold box with locking side flaps and steel hinged lid3-drawer case; owners report small pieces not staying in compartments
Build and finishAlloy steel with full polish chrome; off-corner loading on sockets and wrenchesChrome-plated stainless steel per listing
Weight and portabilityAbout 48 lb, 19 in longAbout 66 lb, 18 x 12.5 x 12 in case

Price history

$359.00$100.06
Oct 31Nov 11
  • GearWrench 80966 243-Piece Mechanics Tool Set: lowest $299.00 on Nov 11 at Gearwrench Shop.
  • Craftsman 320-Piece Mechanics Tool Set: lowest $100.06 on Nov 11 at Wiitlwoods.

Prices at every store

GearWrench 80966 243-Piece Mechanics Tool Set

  • Gearwrench ShopNew

    In stock

    $299.00Free shippingChecked 52 min ago
    Visit Gearwrench Shop
  • ToolupNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $359.00Checked 52 min ago
    Visit Toolup
  • The Power Tool StoreNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $359.00Checked 52 min ago
    Visit The Power Tool Store
  • Auto Tool WorldNew

    In stock

    $323.10+ $73.95 shippingChecked 52 min ago
    Visit Auto Tool World

Also available at

  • The Power Tool StoreCheck price at The Power Tool Store
  • Gearwrench ShopCheck price at Gearwrench Shop
  • AAA Industrial SupplyCheck price at AAA Industrial Supply
All 24 stores and price history →

Craftsman 320-Piece Mechanics Tool Set

  • WiitlwoodsNew

    In stockShips from abroad · duties may apply

    $100.06Free shippingChecked 58 min ago
    Visit Wiitlwoods
  • WalmartNew

    Availability unknown

    $209.88Checked Nov 2
    Visit Walmart
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by mrtrance01 (94.2% positive, 10,800 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $229.97Free shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit eBay

Also available at

  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart
  • eBayCheck price at eBay

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All 3 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecGearWrench 80966 243-Piece Mechanics Tool SetCraftsman 320-Piece Mechanics Tool Set
Piece Count243 Piece320
MaterialAlloy SteelStainless Steel
FinishFull Polish ChromeChrome plated
Drive Tang Size1/4 in 3/8 in 1/2 in—
Weight (Catalog)48.000 lb—
Overall Length19 in—
Included Storage3 Drawer Storage Box—
Socket Points6—
Ratchet Teeth90-tooth—
Swing Arc4°—
Box End Offset15°—
Bit Driver Bits30 bits—
Show all 37 specsShow fewer specs
SpecGearWrench 80966 243-Piece Mechanics Tool SetCraftsman 320-Piece Mechanics Tool Set
color—Black
size—17.7"
Pieces—320
Features—Magnetic
Socket wrench & set type—Socket Handle
Model—9-99030
Brand—CRAFTSMAN
Manufacturer—Stanley Black & Decker
Function—Tightening bolts
Included Tools—

What reviewers say

GearWrench 80966 243-Piece Mechanics Tool Set

  • 4.7 / 554 ratings

Rated 4.7 out of 5 across 54 ratings, owners treat this as a solid step up from starter kits. They like the ratchet action, the size range and the organized case; the main gripes are weight and the size of the box.

What people mention
  • Ratchet actionPraisedOwners say the 90-tooth ratchets run smooth and the short swing arc helps in tight spots.
  • CoveragePraisedBuyers like having SAE and metric sockets plus wrenches in one set.
  • WeightCriticisedAt around 48 lb, owners say it stays in the garage rather than traveling.
  • Storage boxMixedThe drawers keep tools organized, but the case is bulky and takes up bench space.

Craftsman 320-Piece Mechanics Tool Set

  • 4.5 / 532 ratings

Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 32 ratings, reviewers generally find the set well made and useful, and several call it a great set. Complaints center on small pieces not staying in their compartments and one damaged delivery.

What people mention
  • Build qualityPraisedReviewers describe the tools as well made and call the set a great one.
  • Professional usePraisedOne buyer says it suits a professional diesel mechanic's needs.
  • Case storageCriticisedSmall pieces do not stay in their compartments.
  • Swivel socketsMixed
Reviews
  • Great set

Questions and answers

Which set is better for working on cars?
The GearWrench 80966. Its 90-tooth ratchets swing in 4°, which matters in engine bays, and its 6-point sockets grip worn fasteners better. The Craftsman set has more pieces but a coarser ratchet action.
Which has more tools?
Craftsman, with 320 pieces against 243. Much of that lead comes from screwdriver bits, hex keys and nut drivers rather than sockets and wrenches.
Which ratchets are smoother?
GearWrench. The 90-tooth design gives a 4° swing arc. Craftsman lists quick-release ratchets but does not state tooth count.
Do the sockets resist rounding bolts?
GearWrench states an off-corner loading design on its sockets and wrenches, which grips the flats. Craftsman's 12-point sockets contact the corners, so they are more prone to rounding a damaged bolt.
Which case holds tools in place better?
GearWrench's blow mold box has independent sliding drawers and locking side flaps. Craftsman owners report small pieces not staying in their compartments.
Is the Craftsman set worth stepping up to over the GearWrench?
Only if you need 12-point sockets, hex keys and a large bit assortment. For ratchet quality, wrench reach and socket grip, the GearWrench is the stronger set.

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Buying guides that pick them

  • Best mechanics tool sets
Adapters, Extension bars, Ratchets, Sockets, Wr…
Set Size—320 pieces
Power Source—Manual
Tool Type—Wrenches, Adapters, Extension bars, Ratchets, S…
Dimensions—18 x 12.5 x 12 inches (case)
Weight—30.00 kg
Use Case—Tightening bolts
Repair Type—Mechanics' repair
Construction Material—Stainless Steel
Weather Resistance—Corrosion resistant
Handle Type—Magnetic handle
Mechanism—Ratcheting
Storage Type—3-drawer case
Tip Type—Torx, Allen, Flat, Star
Skill Level—Professionals
Typical Users—Mechanics
A buyer wished for regular swivels instead of swivel sockets.