In-depth review
Craftsman CMMT45306 Review (2027)
In-depth research review of the Craftsman CMMT45306 230-piece set: 72-tooth ratchets, 3-drawer case, and complete drive coverage.
Our verdict
The CMMT45306 is the best complete mechanics set for home garages: 230 pieces, 72-tooth ratchets, and the only 3-drawer case here. But it is big, heavy, and priced above leaner sets, so minimalists should take the Crescent CTK170CMP2 and ratchet snobs the DeWalt DWMT72165.
What we like
- 230 pieces cover 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 in drives with sockets and wrenches
- 72-tooth ratchets need only a 5-degree swing in tight spaces
- 3-drawer storage case keeps every piece visible and organized
- 6-point sockets grip fastener flats to resist rounding
What to watch out for
- Large case is heavy and not jobsite-portable
- Drawer latches need care to stay aligned over years
- Premium over smaller sets with similar ratchet quality
What owners report: Craftsman CMMT45306 230-Piece
Synthesized from recurring themes in long-term owner feedback.
Most praised
- Opening a drawer and seeing every socket in place makes finding the right size fast
- Ratchets needing only a short swing help in the cramped corners of an engine bay
- Six point sockets bite fastener flats confidently on older, corroded hardware
Common complaints
- The big drawer case is a garage fixture, not something to toss in a trunk
- Drawer latches need gentle handling to stay aligned over years of use
- Owners pay a premium over smaller sets with comparable ratchet quality
Who it is for
Home mechanics who want one organized purchase to cover automotive and household repair for years.
Coverage and ratchets
230 pieces across 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 in drives means the socket you need is almost always present, in both SAE and metric. The 72-tooth ratchets click every 5 degrees, which is the spec that matters in engine bays, and the mechanisms feel smooth rather than gritty. 6-point sockets with 6-point contact grip fastener flats properly, resisting the rounding that ruins bolts and afternoons.
The 3-drawer case
The case is the differentiator: three drawers keep sockets, ratchets, and wrenches separated and visible, and nothing migrates in transit the way blow-mold trays allow. The tradeoff is size and weight; this is a garage resident, not a trunk kit. Drawer slides need occasional alignment attention after years of heavy loading, the one durability caveat.
How it stacks up
Against the DeWalt DWMT72165, the Craftsman wins on organization and piece count (230 vs 204) while the DeWalt wins on ratchet feel and latch durability. Against the VEVOR 297-piece set, the Craftsman is the more curated, better-organized kit while the VEVOR wins purely on count (297 vs 230) for buyers starting from zero.
Key specifications
- Piece count
- 230
- Drive sizes
- 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 in
- Ratchet
- 72-tooth, 5-degree arc
- Sockets
- 6-point, SAE and metric
- Case
- 3-drawer storage case
Also consider
DeWalt DWMT72165 204-Piece
72-tooth precision in a tough metal case.
Why consider it: Choose the DeWalt for better ratchet feel and metal latches if you value mechanism quality over drawer organization.
- Piece count: 204
- Drive sizes: 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 in
Crescent CTK170CMP2 170-Piece
The focused set without the filler.
Why consider it: Choose the Crescent for 72-tooth quality at the lowest price if 170 focused pieces are enough.
- Piece count: 170
- Drive sizes: 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 in
Research-based assessment. TrueGear has not hands-on tested this product; this evaluation synthesizes manufacturer specifications, retailer documentation, and published expert reviews.
Questions, answered
Is 230 pieces overkill?
For most home garages, no: the count includes both SAE and metric plus wrenches and accessories. You will use the core 60 pieces constantly and be grateful for the rest twice a year.
How heavy is the case?
Heavy enough that it lives where you put it. This is not a portable set; buy the Crescent or DeWalt if the kit needs to travel.
Are the drawers durable?
Yes with normal care, but they are the wear point: keep them aligned and do not overload beyond their slides' comfort, and they last for years.