A portable tool kit should hold the drives, sockets and hand tools you use most in one box you can carry and lock. The Teng Tools TC187 is a 187 piece mechanics kit in a barn style tool box. It covers 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" drive with metric sockets, plus wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers and bit sets.
What to look for in a portable tool kit
- Drive coverage: Check which drive sizes are included and whether there is a ratchet for each one.
- Socket range: Match the socket sizes to the fasteners you work on, and check for deep sockets where you need reach.
- Tool mix beyond sockets: A mechanics kit is more useful when it also includes wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers and bits.
- Storage and security: Look for organized socket storage, trays for loose tools and a way to lock the box.
- Size and weight: Know the footprint and carry weight before you commit.
What the TC187 includes
- Three ratchets, 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" drive, each with 45 teeth
- 1/4" drive 6 point metric sockets: 4, 5, 5.5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13 mm
- 1/4" drive 6 point metric deep sockets: 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 13 mm
- 3/8" drive 6 point metric sockets: 8 to 19 mm, plus 21 and 22 mm
- 1/2" drive 12 point metric sockets: 10 to 19 mm, plus 21, 22, 24, 27, 30 and 32 mm
- Extension bars: 3/8" drive 150 mm, and 1/2" drive 63.5 mm and 150 mm
- Reducing adaptor, 1/2" female to 3/8" male
- Wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers and bit sets
The box
The kit comes in the Teng Tools TC450 barn style tool box. Aluminum clip rails hold the sockets, and lift out trays give extra storage for other tools. The box has a padlock facility and full length piano hinges with turned edges for added safety.
- Dimensions: 7.9 x 17.7 x 7.9 in (200 x 450 x 200 mm)
- Set weight: 23.1 lb (10490 g)
When the TC187 is the right choice
Choose the TC187 if you work mainly on metric fasteners and want all three common drive sizes in one lockable box. The 1/2" drive range up to 32 mm handles larger fasteners, while the 1/4" drive sockets and deep sockets cover small work. The reducing adaptor lets you use 3/8" sockets on the 1/2" ratchet.
If you need a kit you can carry by hand all day, weigh the 23.1 lb set weight against how often you move it. If most of your work is on SAE fasteners, note that the socket sizes in this set are metric.
See the Teng Tools 187 Piece Mechanics Portable Barn Style Tool Kit - TC187.