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Kobalt 302-Piece Mechanics Tool Set vs Craftsman 262-Piece Mechanics Tool Kit

Buy the Kobalt 302-piece set if you want the most tools and a single hard case that travels well. Buy the Craftsman 262-piece kit if you want sockets and wrenches organized in a 3-drawer Versastack box that stays on a bench. The Kobalt wins on piece count, socket count and ratchet count, and both carry a lifetime hand-tool warranty. Owners of both lines praise the chrome vanadium sockets; the common complaint on big boxed sets is skipped sizes and a heavy case.

  • Choose the Kobalt 302-piece set if you want more sockets, three ratchets and one self-contained case you can carry to the job.
  • Choose the Craftsman 262-piece kit if you work at a bench and want drawers that keep sockets and wrenches sorted and grab-and-go.

Prices

  • Kobalt 302-Piece Mechanics Tool Set: $149.00 at Uber Eats (checked today)
  • Craftsman 262-Piece Mechanics Tool Kit: $279.00 at DoorDash (last seen Nov 9)
  • Difference: the Kobalt 302-Piece Mechanics Tool Set is $130.00 cheaper than the Craftsman 262-Piece Mechanics Tool Kit at the latest prices (Nov 9 and Nov 10)
Kobalt
Kobalt 302-Piece Mechanics Tool Set

Kobalt 302-Piece Mechanics Tool Set

$149.00at Uber EatsChecked 12 min ago
See all prices and details
Visit Uber Eats
Pros
  • Most pieces of the two, with 137 sockets
  • Three ratchets so you can keep one on each size
  • Hard case keeps everything in one place
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Metric and SAE coverage in one set
Cons
  • Case is bulky and heavy when full
  • No drawer organization; you dig for the socket you want
  • 12-point sockets see less use than 6-point
Craftsman
Craftsman 262-piece Mechanics Tool Kit with 3-Drawer Versastack Box

Craftsman 262-Piece Mechanics Tool Kit

Craftsman 262-piece Mechanics Tool Kit with 3-Drawer Versastack Box

$279.00at DoorDashChecked Nov 9
See all prices and details
Visit DoorDash
Pros
  • Drawers keep sockets and wrenches sorted
  • Versastack box stacks with other Versastack storage
  • Solid alloy steel tools with a lifetime warranty
  • Good fit for a garage bench or rolling cart
Cons
  • Fewer pieces and sockets than the Kobalt
  • Drawer box is not built to be carried around
  • Ratchets and extensions are fewer than the Kobalt's three

What separates them

Kobalt 302-Piece Mechanics Tool SetCraftsman 262-Piece Mechanics Tool Kit
Piece count302 pieces262 pieces
Sockets137 sockets in 6-point and 12-pointFewer sockets; set count includes bits and drivers
Ratchets3 quick-release ratchetsRatchets included, count not stated
StorageSingle hard case, 9.25 x 16.5 x 12.2 in3-drawer Versastack box, stacks with other Versastack units
FinishPolished chromePowder-coated box; alloy steel tools
Wrenches6 combination wrenches, open and box endWrenches included, open end and box end
PortabilityOne case with a handle, easy to carryDrawer box is heavier and meant to sit on a bench
WarrantyLifetimeLifetime hand-tool warranty

Price history

$149.00$99.00
Nov 2Nov 11
  • Kobalt 302-Piece Mechanics Tool Set: lowest $99.00 on Nov 9 at Lowe's; $99.00 on Nov 11.
  • Craftsman 262-Piece Mechanics Tool Kit: lowest $108.38 on Nov 2 at GemPuff; $149.00 on Nov 9.

Prices at every store

Kobalt 302-Piece Mechanics Tool Set

  • Uber EatsNew

    In stock

    $149.00+ $15.00 shippingChecked 12 min ago
    Visit Uber Eats

Also available at

  • DoorDashCheck price at DoorDash
  • eBayCheck price at eBay
  • SearsCheck price at Sears

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Prices and history →

Craftsman 262-Piece Mechanics Tool Kit

  • DoorDashNew

    Availability unknownSold by ACE Hardware US

    $279.00Checked Nov 9
    Visit DoorDash

Also available at

  • eBayCheck price at eBay
  • WoodArtSupplyCheck price at WoodArtSupply
  • ShopCheck price at Shop
Prices and history →

Specs compared

SpecKobalt 302-Piece Mechanics Tool SetCraftsman 262-Piece Mechanics Tool Kit
FinishPolished chromePowder Coated
Total pieces302—
Drive type6-point; 12-point—
Case typeHard—
Measure typeMetric and standard (SAE)—
Number of sockets137—
Number of quick release ratchets3—
Number of wrenches6—
Number of extensions3—
WarrantyLifetime—
Case dimensions9.25-in H x 16.5-in W x 12.2-in D—
Included Tools—Ratchets
Show all 26 specsShow fewer specs
SpecKobalt 302-Piece Mechanics Tool SetCraftsman 262-Piece Mechanics Tool Kit
Set Size—262 pieces
Construction Material—Alloy Steel
Power Source—Hand-powered, Manual
Tool Type—Tool Set
Dimensions—17.5 Inches (length)
Color—Red
Use Case—Workshop, Garage
Repair Type—Mechanics' repair
Mechanism—Ratcheting
Storage Type

What reviewers say

Kobalt 302-Piece Mechanics Tool Set

Owners tend to call this a solid value set for home use, praising the ratchets and the range of socket sizes. Complaints center on the case layout, the weight, and filler pieces padding the 302 count.

What people mention
  • RatchetsPraisedOwners say the three quick-release ratchets feel smooth and hold up to regular home use.
  • Socket rangePraisedReviewers like having metric and standard in both 6-point and 12-point in one set.
  • CaseCriticisedThe hard case is called heavy and cramped, with labels that are hard to read.
  • Piece countMixedSome buyers feel the 302 count is padded with small bits they rarely touch.

Craftsman 262-Piece Mechanics Tool Kit

Owners of Craftsman mechanics sets generally rate the sockets and ratchets as solid for home and hobby garage work. Complaints tend to focus on case bulk and on pieces shifting in the box.

What people mention
  • BuildPraisedOwners describe the alloy steel sockets and wrenches as durable for home and hobby mechanic work.
  • StorageMixedThe three-drawer Versastack box is liked for organization but criticized as bulky and heavy.
  • CoveragePraisedBuyers value getting a broad range of socket and wrench sizes in a single set.
  • PortabilityCriticisedThe 17.5-inch case is awkward to carry, so it mostly stays in the garage.

Questions and answers

Which set is better for working on a car at home?
Both cover the common metric and SAE sizes for brakes, suspension and engine work. The Kobalt gives you more sockets and a third ratchet, which helps when you need two sizes at once. The Craftsman's drawers save time finding the right socket.
Which has more sockets?
The Kobalt, with 137 sockets in 6-point and 12-point. The Craftsman's 262 pieces include bits and drivers, so its socket count is lower.
Is the Craftsman Versastack box worth stepping up to?
Yes if the set lives on a bench or cart and you want drawers that stack with other Versastack boxes. If you carry tools to jobs, the Kobalt's single hard case is easier.
Do both have a lifetime warranty?
Yes. Kobalt and Craftsman both back their hand tools with a lifetime warranty. Keep your receipt; some claims ask for proof of purchase.
Which is better for a beginner?
The Kobalt is the simpler start: one case, more sockets and three ratchets. A beginner who works in a fixed garage may prefer the Craftsman's drawers for keeping sizes straight.
Which lasts longer?
Both use chrome vanadium alloy steel and carry lifetime warranties, so wear comes down to use. Ratchets are the usual failure point on either set; the Kobalt's three spread the load.

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More comparisons

  • DeWalt 168-piece Mechanics Tool Kit and Socket Set vs Kobalt 302-Piece Mechanics Tool Set
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  • GearWrench 80972 243 Pc. 12 Point Mechanics Tool Set in 3 Drawer Storage Box vs Kobalt 302-Piece Mechanics Tool Set
  • Gearwrench 232-piece Mechanics Tool Set vs Craftsman 262-piece Mechanics Tool Kit with 3-Drawer Versastack Box

Buying guides that pick them

  • Best mechanics tool sets for home garage and car repair
  • Best mechanics tool sets
—
3-drawer
Jaw Type—Open End
Tip Type—Box End
Typical Users—Master mechanics, Auto enthusiasts
Weight (oz)—24.7