DeWalt Mechanics Tool Set (247-Piece)

I tossed the DeWalt 247-piece set behind the truck seat and put it straight to work over a few weeks of mixed-duty tasks: an RV trip shakedown, a lawn tractor tune-up, an HVAC blower swap, and a quick brake service. It’s a broad, flat case that slides neatly where other “cube” kits won’t, and that portability defines the whole experience. This is a go-anywhere mechanics set that covers most fasteners you’re likely to meet in general automotive, equipment, and household repair.

What you actually get—and how far it goes

Coverage is generous without getting exotic. There are three ratchets (1/4, 3/8, 1/2-inch drives) paired with 6-point sockets in both SAE and metric, plus a meaningful spread of deep sockets. The set tops out at 1 inch (SAE) and 24 mm (metric), which took care of lug nuts, suspension hardware, and mower deck bolts in my mix. You also get spark plug sockets (5/8, 3/4, 13/16), a clutch of bit sockets (hex and Torx), a bit driver with a wide assortment of bits, a handful of combination wrenches, and the practical staples—adapters and extension bars in each drive.

It’s not a “shop master” set, but the breadth is enough that I wasn’t hunting for sizes all day. The combination wrenches are the most limited piece of the puzzle; they cover common mid-range sizes but don’t replace a standalone wrench roll. If you lean heavily on wrenches, you’ll want to supplement.

Ratchets and sockets: the core experience

The ratchets are the highlight. All three drives use a 72-tooth mechanism, so you get a 5-degree swing arc. In tight quarters—pulling blower assemblies or reaching around accessory brackets—that fine-tooth engagement matters. I had no trouble bumping fasteners one click at a time where a 36-tooth ratchet would have been frustrating.

The push-button quick-release works cleanly and never jammed, even with gloves. Socket fit is snug, and the 6-point design gripped hardware without rounding. The sockets and ratchets have a full-polish chrome finish that wipes clean easily and shrugs off smudges and road grime. After a few gritty uses, I saw no hint of plating flake or early corrosion.

Torque-wise, the 1/2-inch drive did what I asked of it, including lug nuts and stubborn mower blade bolts, though there’s no breaker bar in the set. If you regularly bust loose rusted hardware, add a breaker bar or cheater pipe to your kit. The extension bars are well chosen—3 and 6 inches in 1/4 and 3/8, and a 5-inch in 1/2—which handled most reach problems I ran into. The included drive adapters (up and down between 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2) broaden your options and were useful in a pinch.

One note: I didn’t see a universal joint in this assortment. It’s a small omission, but if you work around steering shafts or exhaust manifolds, throw a swivel in the case and thank yourself later.

Bits, drivers, and specialty sockets

The bit sockets are a smart inclusion. Hex and Torx sizes cover a lot of modern vehicles and appliances. I used the hex bits on caliper guide pins and the Torx on an HVAC fan housing without issue. They seat cleanly, didn’t twist under normal torque, and save you from stacking a bit into a driver into an adapter—always a sloppier setup.

The separate bit driver with a vinyl anti-slip handle is fine for light work. It’s not a replacement for a dedicated screwdriver set in feel or leverage, but it’s handy for interior work, clamps, and light-duty fasteners. The assortment of bits is broad enough that I found what I needed each time.

Spark plug sockets with rubber retainers are here and did their job—no plugs dropped into a well, and the sizes cover common engines.

Wrenches: useful, but not the star

The combination wrenches are solid, polished, and straight. They’re regular wrenches—no ratcheting mechanism—and they hit the most used sizes in both SAE and metric. For me, they complemented the ratchets rather than replaced a full wrench set. If your work style relies on wrenches for speed or clearance, you’ll want a more comprehensive wrench lineup.

The case: portable and polarizing

The blow-molded case is a flat “briefcase” profile with metal latches. I like this format. It stows behind a seat, stacks on a shelf, and doesn’t hog floor space. The metal latches feel secure and have held up to being tossed around the bed of a truck and opened in cold weather.

Retention inside is the mixed bag. Most sockets and bits snap into their molded nests with a firm click, and everything looks tidy when you lay the case flat. If you store and open it horizontally, you’ll likely be happy. If you carry the case upright and then open it vertically, some rows—especially smaller sockets and bits—can shake loose and scatter. That’s frustrating in the field.

Two practical tips fixed this for me:
- Transport it flat whenever possible and open it like a suitcase.
- Cut a thin sheet of foam (or even an old mouse pad) to lay over the sockets before closing the lid. It adds just enough compression to keep everything put.

It’s also heavy. That’s the trade-off with a 247-piece kit in a sturdy case. The flip side is that the flat format spreads the weight, and the handle is comfortable enough for short hauls.

Day-to-day use and ergonomics

Ergonomically, the ratchets have a comfortable handle profile that didn’t hot-spot my palm under load. Direction switches are positive without being stiff. The chrome finish throughout is easy to keep clean and makes spotting dropped pieces easier. Size markings are readable, though, like most polished sets, they can glare in direct sunlight; I marked a handful of frequently used sockets with a paint pen for quick grabs.

The set’s selection makes sense for mobile repairs. Those adapters let you, for example, power a 1/4-inch socket with your 3/8 ratchet if the smaller ratchet is buried elsewhere in the case. Deep sockets in 1/2-inch drive covered suspension nuts well; 3/8 handled most engine bay duties; and 1/4 took care of panels and light brackets.

What it does well—and where you’ll outgrow it

Strengths:
- Broad, practical size coverage in SAE and metric with 6-point sockets.
- Three 72-tooth ratchets with quick-release make tight work easier.
- Useful bit sockets and spark plug sockets reduce the need for a second case.
- Flat, metal-latched case is easy to stash and carry.

Limits:
- No breaker bar and no universal joint—both common needs if you wrench often.
- Wrench selection is limited; not a full replacement for a dedicated set.
- Case retention can be hit-or-miss if you store and open it vertically.
- Tops out at 1 inch/24 mm; heavy-equipment work will need larger sockets.

Durability and warranty

I ran the set in cold and damp conditions, wiped it down, and tossed it back in the case. The chrome finish has held up, and the ratchet mechanisms feel consistent. DeWalt backs it with a limited lifetime warranty, which is table stakes in this category but still reassuring.

Who it’s for

If you’re outfitting an RV, truck, or garage with a single, portable mechanics kit that covers a lot of ground without chasing oddball fasteners, this set makes sense. It’s an excellent “base camp” kit for DIY automotive work, small-engine repair, and general maintenance. Pros who need a travel kit for site calls will appreciate the breadth and the case format, but heavy daily users will still want standalone specialty tools beside it.

Recommendation

I recommend the DeWalt 247-piece set as a capable, portable core kit for DIYers, mobile techs, and anyone who wants comprehensive coverage in one case. The ratchets are smooth, the 6-point sockets fit well, and the accessory mix reduces extra trips to the toolbox. Be aware of the case quirk—carry it flat and consider adding a thin foam sheet—and plan to add a breaker bar, a universal joint, and a fuller wrench roll if you tackle tougher or more frequent jobs. With those small additions, this becomes a hard-to-beat, go-anywhere toolkit.