Tools, tools and more tools.
Tools are a big part of your work life as a heavy equipment or diesel mechanic. Every technician needs a good set of tools to work with every day.
Buying diesel mechanic tools can become expensive — some pay $15,000 or more for a full set.
That’s why you want to make sure the tools you buy are the absolute best fit for your needs. While the functionality of hand tools — like wrenches, socket sets and ratchets — is the same from one brand to another, other things like durability and price, differ.
Here at RDO Equipment Co., we have more than 1,000 full-time heavy equipment service technicians. These professional mechanics do the important work of keeping our customers’ machines, and operations, running effectively. While we offer tool financing and reimbursement programs, the kind of tools a technician uses on the job is up to them.
In this article, we’ve listed 10 great diesel mechanic tool brands to consider as you look to fill out your box in 2025. Note: These brands are listed in alphabetical order.
10 Diesel Mechanic Tool Brands to Consider in 2025
- Cornwell Quality Tools
- Craftsman
- Gear Wrench
- Grey Pneumatic
- Mac Tools
- Matco
- Milwaukee Tool
- SK Tools
- Snap-On
- TEKTON
1) Cornwell Quality Tools
Cornwell is a staple name within the diesel tool space. Founded in 1919, Cornwell produces quality hand tools in two Ohio locations. Cornwell operates on a franchise model, with individuals operating Cornwell tool trucks within each area. For more information and to find a dealer in your area, visit Cornwell’s website.
Types of Tools and General Price Range
- Storage (carts, toolboxes and systems): $700-$29,000+
- Ratchets/Ratchet Sets: $79-$430+
- Socket Sets: $140-$480+
- Wrenches/Wrench Sets: $270-$700+
- Other Hand Tools: $150+
- Power Tools: $100-$700+
- Power Tool Accessories: $45-$480+
Financing: Available
Product Warranties: Available
2) Craftsman
Craftsman has been around for a long time; they’ve been making tools since 1927. Today, Craftsman’s catalog includes tools ranging from power and hand tools to home and outdoor solutions. In 2017, Craftsman was purchased by Stanley Black and Decker. If you’re looking for a wide range of diesel tools and tool sets at competitive prices, Craftsman is worth considering. Craftsman tools can be purchased online or at select retailers like Ace Hardware and Lowes. While these will be lower in price than other options on this list, Craftsman tools may also be less durable. Learn more on Craftsman’s website.
Types of Tools and General Price Range
- Storage (carts, toolboxes and systems): $120-$2,000+
- Ratchets/Ratchet Sets: $33-$200+
- Socket Sets: $60-$200+
- Wrenches/Wrench Sets: $30-$600+
- Other Hand Tools: $50+
- Power Tools: $100+
- Power Tool Accessories: $45+
Financing: Not Available (through company)
Product Warranties: Available (Read Policy)
3) GEARWRENCH
Gear wrench was established in the early 1990s with the goal of creating high quality tools for technicians in a number of industries. Their most notable product, perhaps is their GEARWRENCH ratcheting wrench which is widely used. You can find GEARWRENCH hand tools online and at retailers like the Home Depot. You can also use GEARWRENCH’s website to shop for your specific industry. Learn more on GEARWRENCH’s website.
Types of Tools and General Price Range
- Storage (carts, toolboxes and systems): $340-$5,000+
- Ratchets/Ratchet Sets: $30-$200+
- Socket Sets: $60-$400+
- Wrenches Sets: $70-$200+
- Other Hand Tools: $50+
- Power Tools: N/A
- Power Tool Accessories: N/A
Financing: Available
Product Warranties: Available ( Read Policy)
4) Grey Pneumatic
Grey Pneumatic is a leading manufacturer of sockets, ratchets and drivers for heavy equipment and diesel technicians. Founded in 1989 with products focused on tires and wheels, Grey Pneumatic now manufactures more than 4,000 impact sockets and related accessories. You can purchase Grey Pneumatic tools from authorized distributors and online. Visit Grey Pneumatic’s website.
Types of Tools and General Price Range
- Storage (carts, toolboxes and systems): $340-$5,000+
- Ratchets/Ratchet Sets: $49-$100+
- Socket Sets: $60-$800+
- Wrenches Sets: N/A
- Other Hand Tools: $50+
- Power Tools: N/A
- Power Tool Accessories: N/A
Financing: Available
Product Warranties: Available ( Read Policy)
View Grey Pneumatic’s full product catalog
5) Mac Tools
Founded in 1938 on the pillars of dedication, quality and trust, Mac Tools has become one of the largest tool companies in America. Today, Mac Tools produces hand tools, toolboxes and a wide range of power tools and accessories. Although you can buy Mac tools directly online, it’s also common for technicians to work with one of Mac’s more than 1,000 franchised tool trucks. Discover Mac Tools’ website.
Types of Tools and General Price Range
- Storage (carts, toolboxes and systems): $300-$8,000+
- Ratchets/Ratchet Sets: $80-$260+
- Socket Sets: $20-$600+
- Wrenches/Wrench Sets: $60-$600+
- Other Hand Tools: $60+
- Power Tools: $200+
- Power Tool Accessories: $15-$400+
Financing: Available
Product Warranties: Available (Read Policy)
6) Matco Tools
Matco was founded in 1946 and has been selling tools from franchised tool trucks since 1979. Although Matco is commonly associated with its automotive tools business, it has a deep catalog of diesel mechanic tools. Matco also has tool kits and programs created specifically for students. It sells tools directly on its website and through distributors.
Types of Tools and General Price Range
- Storage (carts, toolboxes and systems): $330-$12,000+
- Ratchets/Ratchet Sets: $50-$250+
- Socket Sets: $100-$2,000+
- Wrenches/Wrench Sets: $10-$800+
- Other Hand Tools: $20+
- Power Tools: $200+
- Power Tool Accessories: $15-$400+
Financing: Available
Product Warranties: Available (Read Policy)
7) Milwaukee Tool
Milwaukee Tool is one of the oldest companies on this list—founded in 1924. Milwaukee is widely known for the innovative solutions it provides for construction professionals (power tools, lighting, energy, etc.). It also has an established inventory of heavy-duty mechanic hand tools. If you’re interested, you can learn more about Milwaukee Tools on its website and purchase them at retail locations like Ace Hardware and The Home Depot.
Types of Tools and General Price Range
- Storage (carts, toolboxes and systems): $300-$1,200+
- Ratchets/Ratchet Sets: $70-$500+
- Socket Sets: $20-$400+
- Wrenches/Wrench Sets: $30-$600+
- Other Hand Tools: $60+
- Power Tools: $250+
- Power Tool Accessories: $25+
Financing: Not Available (through company)
Product Warranties: Available (Read Policy)
8) SK Tools
SK Tools is passionate about producing quality tools for the “American technician.” Innovating with these professionals in mind is what SK Tools does. Founded in the early 1900s, SK Tools has an established catalog of tools (nearly 1,500 products) backed by warranty. Learn more about SK Tools on its website.
Types of Tools and General Price Range
- Storage (carts, toolboxes and systems): $200-$2,400+
- Ratchets/Ratchet Sets: $50-$400+
- Socket Sets: $30-$1,600+
- Wrenches/Wrench Sets: $14-$1,100+
- Other Hand Tools: $30+
- Power Tools: N/A
- Power Tool Accessories: $15+
Financing: Available
Product Warranties: Available (Read Policy)
9) Snap-On
Snap-On was founded in 1920 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Today, Snap-On is a premier producer of diesel mechanic tools around the world. With more than 13,000 associates and thousands of products, Snap-On has become one of the largest tool companies in the world (serving customers in more than 130 countries. Snap-On operates a franchise model and has more than 3,400 franchise vans in the U.S. If you work for a shop or dealership, Snap-On likely has a van in your area and you’re probably on their map. Learn more on the Snap-On website.
Types of Tools and General Price Range
- Storage (carts, toolboxes and systems): $1,500-$20,000+
- Ratchets/Ratchet Sets: $1400-$500+
- Socket Sets: $50-$600+
- Wrenches/Wrench Sets: $50-$800+
- Other Hand Tools: $30+
- Power Tools: $300-$1,200+
- Power Tool Accessories: $40+
Financing: Available
Product Warranties: Available (Read Policy)
10) TEKTON
Tekton is a family-owned tool company based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Focusing on producing hand tools they “would want to use” themselves, TEKTON values hard work, precise thinking and questioning conventions as it creates classically designed and refined hand tools for professional technicians. TEKTON offers mechanic tool bundles but doesn’t produce power tools. Learn more on TEKTON’s website.
Types of Tools and General Price Range
- Storage (carts, toolboxes and systems): $1,500-$10,000+
- Ratchets/Ratchet Sets: $35-$500+
- Socket Sets: $30-$800+
- Wrenches/Wrench Sets: $30-$1,400+
- Other Hand Tools: $10+
- Power Tools: N/A
- Power Tool Accessories: N/A
Financing: Available
Product Warranties: Available (Read Policy)
Choosing Your Tools and Saving Money On Them
When it comes to buying tools, you’ll probably end up buying from more than one of these companies. Some of them don’t produce everything you need and depending on your location, you might not have access to certain company’s distribution networks.
Some things you’ll want to consider as you build out your set of tools are the following:
- What incentives does my company have? Do they offer tool reimbursements? If so, does this apply to only a certain set of tools, or anything I choose?
- What is my access like? Is there a set of trucks that come to my workplace regularly that I could take advantage of?
- What am I looking for? Do I need to most high quality tools right now, or could I save some money by purchasing second hand or from a less expensive company?
As you can see, each of the companies above offer different price ranges on their tools. While these are general numbers, if you’re concerned about the financial burden tools can become, consider a less expensive manufacturer — at least to start.
Financing is another consideration. Many tool companies offer tool financing (either directly through them or through a third party).
If this is something you’d like to participate in, make sure you understand the company’s payment terms before signing up for financing.
Any way you slice it, diesel technician tools are expensive. It’s estimated that the average tool expense technicians pay just for a starter set of tools is around $10,000-$15,000+.
This is why saving wherever you can is important.
Check out these 12 tips for saving on your tools.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re happy to answer them.
Join RDO Equipment Co. as a Service Technician
Looking for the opportunity to build a career in a growing industry? RDO is always looking to add talented service technicians to our team.
Find an opening in your area here.
To learn more about our career opportunities, visit our Service Technician Careers page.
John Thomas
John has been around heavy equipment for more than 20 years. In 2012, John started working on John Deere construction equipment at a dealership in Wyoming and hasn’t looked back. Today, John is the service operations manager for RDO Equipment Co. in Casper, WY. In this role, John assists technicians in getting acquainted with John Deere systems and helping them grow in their careers. John enjoys working with John Deere products and helping his team learn everything they need to know to be successful servicing them. He particularly likes the technological aspects of his job, as heavy construction equipment becomes more technical, John likes remaining on the cutting edge and partnering with his employees to make RDO successful within the heart of Wyoming.
