GearWrench 80972 243-Piece Mechanics Tool Set vs Kobalt 302-Piece Mechanics Tool Set

The GearWrench 80972 is the better-built set for serious garage work: 90-tooth ratchets with a 4° swing arc, 12-point sockets throughout, and a 3-drawer blow-mold box that keeps 243 pieces organized. The Kobalt 302-piece set wins on raw count, with more sockets, six combination wrenches and a lifetime warranty, but its ratchets are the weaker link and the case is a single hard box. Owners of both praise the chrome finish and range of sizes; GearWrench buyers tend to be pros and repeat buyers, Kobalt buyers tend to be home mechanics who want the widest coverage for the money.

• Choose the GearWrench 80972 if you turn wrenches often and want fine-tooth ratchets, 12-point sockets and a drawer box that stays sorted.
• Choose the Kobalt 302-piece if you want the most sockets and wrenches in one kit and a lifetime warranty backing it.