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Whether one owns or rents, a home repair tool kit is essential for inevitable fixes and projects around the house, from hanging curtains to assembling a raised garden bed. The best home tool kit should have tools for tackling most household jobs—a list that varies depending on the home’s age and one’s comfort level with DIY improvements.
For those who prefer taking on smaller jobs, such as assembling furniture and swapping out door knobs, a somewhat basic tool kit is appropriate. As DIY skills grow, a tool kit with more advanced tools and power likely makes more sense.
Follow this guide to learn about the essential factors to consider when shopping for the best home tool kit, and find out why these products are among the most reliable and useful kits on the market.
- BEST OVERALL: Stanley 94-248 65-Piece Homeowner’s Tool Kit
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Apollo Tools DT9706 39-Piece General Tool Set
- UPGRADE PICK: DeWalt DCK883D2 20V Max Cordless 8-Tool Combo Kit
- BEST FOR NEW HOMEOWNERS: Black+Decker LDX120PK 68-Piece Drill & Home Tool Kit
- BEST FOR DIYers: Crescent 180-Piece SAE/Metric Professional Tool Set
- BEST MINI TOOL KIT: WorkPro 100-Piece Kitchen Drawer Home Tool Kit
- BEST POWER TOOL KIT: Makita XT614SX1 6-Piece 18V Cordless Combo Kit
- BEST FOR CARS: DeWalt DWMT73802 142-Piece Mechanics Tool Set
- BEST FOR BIKES: Cyclists CT-KO1 23-Piece Bike Tool Kit
- BEST FOR GARDENING: Carsolt 10-Piece Garden Tool Set
How We Tested the Best Home Tool Kits
Since we tested a diverse set of home tool kits for this guide, we applied equally diverse processes. For all kits, we considered durability, tool quality, and ease of use. To determine these factors, we conducted real-world tests of each tool.
- Hammers: We drove different-size nails into a 2×6 board.
- Screwdrivers: We attempted to drive screws into a wood board manually.
- Socket sets: We drove lag bolts into wood and loosened and tightened bolts inside car and lawn-mower engines.
- Power drivers: We attempted to drive a 3-inch wood screw through two 2x6s.
- Cordless drills: We bored holes into wood using drill bits ranging in diameter from ⅛ inch to 1 inch.
- Reciprocating saws: We cut through wood 2x4s with wood blades and through screws and nails with metal blades.
- Angle grinders: We attempted to cut through a metal bolt.
- Disc sander: We sanded a 2×4 board.
- Vacuums: We performed common workshop tasks, such as vacuuming sawdust.
- Specialty kits: For our bike and gardening tool kits, we used the tools in real-world situations, performing maintenance on a mountain bike for our bike tool set and tending to a backyard garden and pruning trees and shrubs with our garden set.
Our Top Picks
The best home tool kit includes every tool required for basic projects and repairs but doesn’t clutter a space with needless extras. Users can tackle the most common household projects with the kits recommended below.
Best Overall
Stanley 94-248 65-Piece Homeowner’s Tool Kit
Pros
- Durably made with ergonomic handles and rubberized grips
- Includes essentials for completing most odd jobs around the house
- Molded carrying case keeps all the pieces well organized
Cons
- Tape measure feels low quality compared to other tools
- Number of sockets sizes limited to 8 imperial sockets
Stanley’s 65-piece hand tool kit includes a thoughtful mix of reasonably priced, well-made tools. While the set is by no means comprehensive, it sets itself apart from other tool kits by including tools that can handle bigger jobs.
The kit includes a flathead and Phillips-head screwdrivers, two pairs of pliers, a hammer, a tape measure, a level, and a utility knife. Accompanying these tools is an assortment of accessories, including 30 screwdriver bits, 10 Allen wrenches/hex keys, and eight ratchet attachments.
While the selection of tools is nice, Stanley differentiates itself by offering higher-quality tools. Many portable tool sets come with smaller hand tools, which limit them to light duty. Stanley’s doesn’t. The hammer is full size, as are the sets of pliers and screwdrivers, and the tape measure extends 16 feet. We had no problem hammering an 8D framing nail into a 2×4 with the hammer, something we couldn’t do with the smaller hammers other kits have. Stanley equips these hand tools with ergonomic handles and rubberized grips that make them comfortable for bigger jobs.
We also liked how the tools fit neatly into the carrying case, keeping everything together for easy transport to the project’s location.
That’s not to say that the kit didn’t have weak points. The quality of the tape measure felt cheap compared to the other tools in the kit, and we wished the kit included more than eight socket sizes. Those gripes aside, Stanley offers one of the best-equipped home tool kits on the market.
Read our full review: Stanley 94-248 65-Piece Homeowner’s Tool Kit
Product Specs
- Size: 65 pieces
- Type: General
- Storage: Molded plastic case
Get the Stanley home tool kit at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Best Bang for the Buck
Apollo Tools DT9706 39-Piece General Tool Set
Pros
- Well-designed handles and grips on the screwdrivers
- Utility scissors capable of cutting through thick cardboard
- Fits into compact case that tucks easily into a kitchen utility drawer
Cons
- Smaller size of tools limits them to light-duty use
Buying a home tool kit doesn’t have to be an expensive proposition. This economical Apollo tool kit contains the most useful tools for basic DIY household repairs, such as hanging a picture, tightening a loose screw or door knob, or opening the battery compartment on a child’s toy. The 39-piece kit includes a hammer, pliers, tape measure, and Allen wrenches, plus precision screwdrivers and scissors. Apollo also includes a driver bit for those wanting to pair the kit with a cordless drill.
This is a set clearly designed with smaller jobs in mind. With the smaller size of its hand tools, the kit is suitable for mainly light-duty jobs. The precision screwdrivers are sized to work with mechanical screws found in electronics, and the small size of the hammer limits it to smaller finish nails and picture hangers. That said, we found the tools to be as durably made as the tools in many of the higher-priced kits we tested.
The tools have a sturdy feel due to their carbon steel and heat-treated chrome steel construction, and they fit nicely into the molded plastic case. Apollo adds some delicate touches, including a bit holder with labels for each bit, making it easy to identify the one that’s needed. The case is compact enough to fit neatly inside a kitchen drawer—ideal for those looking for a simple kit for their home or apartment.
The highlight of this kit is the interchangeable screwdriver with its many bits, oversize handle, and knurled soft rubberized grip, which allowed us to drive in even larger wood screws. The utility scissors were also a pleasant surprise with their ability to slice through thick cardboard.
For those looking for a small home tool kit to handle odd jobs around the house, this kit from Apollo tools is a great deal.
Product Specs
- Size: 39 pieces
- Type: General
- Storage: Molded plastic case
Get the Apollo Tools home tool kit at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Upgrade Pick
DeWalt DCK883D2 20V Max Cordless 8-Tool Combo Kit
Pros
- Durable metal and high-grade plastic construction with ergonomic rubber grips
- Lightweight, balanced feel to all tools
Cons
- High overall price for a kit that includes only 8 power tools
- Smaller batteries have limited life between charges
DeWalt is always in the conversation when there’s a discussion about the best of the best in power tools, and for good reason. The DeWalt name comes with an expectation of quality and performance, which held true in our rigorous testing of DeWalt’s 8-tool combo kit. This premium collection of cordless DeWalt tools comes with DIY essential tools, including a drill, impact driver, disc sander, and circular saw, along with some less frequently used tools, including a reciprocating saw, angle grinder, multi-tool, and shop vac.
DeWalt triumphed in our tests. With its ample torque, the impact driver had no problem putting a 3-inch screw into two 2x6s. We also loved the cordless circular saw, which glided smoothly through our 1-inch-thick piece of OSB subfloor. We had similar success with the reciprocating saw and angle grinder, which we tested by cutting off the tops of metal screws and nails. We were also pleasantly surprised by the mini vac, which demonstrated a surprising amount of power when cleaning up moderately sized shop messes, such as sawdust.
The kit included two 2-amp batteries along with a charger. While these batteries don’t last as long as the 3-amp batteries other premium tool brands include with their cordless power tools, we liked them better. The 2-amp batteries are lighter and more compact than their bulky 3-amp cousins. These smaller batteries made each tool feel lighter, more balanced, and easier to wield. While the 2 amps have a shorter life before needing a recharge, the nimble feel is worth the sacrifice.
In terms of build, this collection of tools feels rock solid, thanks to a mix of high-grade plastic, steel, and rubber. DeWalt also puts a lot of effort into ergonomics. All of the company’s tools feature molded handles with large triggers and rubberized grips that feel good in the hands even over a full workday.
Other thoughtful features we appreciated in this kit include the halo of three LED lights on the power driver that provides ample illumination even in dark conditions and the heavy-duty duffel bag that holds the entire set.
The price tag on this set is notably high, but given the quality of the kit, users get what they pay for with the DeWalt 8-tool combo kit.
Product Specs
- Size: 8 pieces
- Type: Power tools
- Storage: 2 storage bags
Get the DeWalt 8-tool home tool kit at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.
Best for New Homeowners
Black+Decker LDX120PK 68-Piece Drill & Home Tool Kit
Pros
- The 20-volt cordless drill is surprisingly powerful
- Large ergonomic grips on the hand tools make them comfortable to use
- Includes a wide variety of bits for the cordless drill
Cons
- Phillips-head screwdriver is too big for standard screw heads
- Smaller hammer and tape measure suitable only for light-duty jobs
While this 68-piece kit from Black-Decker doesn’t have the quality of premium-brand kits, it does have a robust set of tools. The highlight of this collection is a powerful 20-volt cordless drill, which we found to be surprisingly powerful. We were able to bore a 1-inch-diameter hole through a 2×6 with a paddle bit, which was included with the set. And since the kit doesn’t skimp on the drill accessories, including a broad range of drill bits, paddle bits, hole saws, and socket drivers, we could see using this cordless drill for a variety of projects.
Hand tools make up the remainder of the kit’s collection. There’s a set of screwdrivers and a bit driver that comes with a wide assortment of Phillips, flathead, square, and star bits. A hammer, tape measure, utility knife, pair of pliers, and crescent wrench round out the kit. While the tools in the set feel solid and well made, we also found many of them to be suitable only for light-duty jobs due to their small size.
The tape measure only extends 10 feet, and the hammer is suitable for driving in only smaller nails. We also found a few design issues. The screwdrivers feature rubberized ergonomic grips that make them comfortable to grip, but the Phillips-head screwdriver is too large to fit into standard-size Phillips screw head. Aside from these issues, Black+Decker’s tool kit offers a great starter set for new homeowners looking for the basics to handle minor repairs and projects around the home.
Product Specs
- Size: 68 pieces
- Type: General
- Storage: Storage bag
Get the Black+Decker home tool kit at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Walmart.
Best for DIYers
Crescent 180-Piece SAE/Metric Professional Tool Set
Pros
- Collection of sockets covers a broad range in both metric and imperial sizes
- Includes full set of screwdrivers and a bit driver
- Ergonomic handles and durable chromium-steel construction
- Well-designed carrying case with double doors
Cons
- Does not include some essential tools, such as a hammer or tape measure
The sheer number of tools in this set from Crescent makes it a great option for weekend warriors. Its broad collection of sockets ranges from 4 millimeters (mm) up to 20 millimeters, with imperial sizes that range from 5/32 inch up to a full 1-inch socket. There’s also a nice collection of deep sockets, making it well equipped for home auto mechanics.
But this isn’t just a mechanics set, which is why we like it so much. It won’t provide users with a hammer or tape measure, but there’s a full set of screwdrivers along with a bit driver and a collection of 48 bits. There’s also a crescent wrench (of course), wire cutters, and needle-nose pliers.
While selection is important, it’s quality that sets Crescent above other similarly sized tool sets. The sockets and wrenches are made of tough chromium steel, and the screwdrivers have large handles with rubberized grips.
During our testing, we found that the sockets fit snugly on the heads of the bolts. Crescent’s 3/8-inch wrench is a bit longer than the others we tested, providing more torque for removing tough bolts. We especially liked the ergonomic handles on the screwdrivers, which made it easy to apply pressure on the handle without hurting our hands. We also liked the locking mechanisms on the ratchets, which kept the sockets from popping off and ending up somewhere in the depths of our car engine.
All these tools fit nicely in their compact case, which is surprising given how many pieces the set includes. Carrying this tool set to the driveway to work on the car or an upstairs location didn’t feel like a chore. We also liked the double-door style of the case, which we found easier to open than the typical clamshell-style case found with most tool kits.
Product Specs
- Size: 180 pieces
- Type: General and auto mechanic
- Storage: Molded plastic case
Get the Crescent home tool kit at Amazon, Ace Hardware, The Home Depot, or Walmart.
Best Mini Tool Kit
WorkPro 100-Piece Kitchen Drawer Home Tool Kit
Pros
- Each hand tool has a large ergonomic rubber grip that makes it easier to use
- Compact case is small enough to fit inside a kitchen drawer
- Includes broad range of screwdriver sizes
Cons
- Smaller size of hand tools limits them to smaller jobs
For those seeking a tool kit for tackling minor jobs that also fits easily into a kitchen utility drawer, the WorkPro is a great option.
Yes, this kit does include 100 pieces, but that doesn’t mean it’s big and bulky. The kit features a lightweight but durable soft-sided storage pouch that easily tucks into a drawer. The pouch includes straps to hold each tool firmly in place, making them easy to access when needed.
This kit features all the basics, including a claw hammer, needle-nose pliers, standard pliers, a 9-inch magnetic level, multiple screwdriver bits, four precision screwdrivers, and an adjustable wrench. It’s enough for light-duty jobs, such as hanging a picture or removing the battery cover on a toy. It even has the tools for bigger efforts, such as changing a light fixture or trading out a faucet.
Ergonomic rubberized handles on the hammer, pliers, wrenches, and screwdrivers make each tool comfortable to use and easy to grip.
The WorkPro does have its limitations. While the driver with interchangeable bits worked as well as any we tested, the small sets of pliers and the undersized 8-ounce hammer are only good for light-duty jobs. The hammer did well enough with smaller nails, but larger fasteners outmatched it. This was also the case when we tested the kit’s pliers. The kit’s collection of sockets only includes metric and tops out at 13 mm, and the tape measure only extends 10 feet. Still, for renters or homeowners looking for a tool kit for small jobs, the WorkPro is a worthy choice.
Product Specs
- Size: 100 pieces
- Type: General
- Storage: Storage bag
Get the WorkPro home tool kit at Amazon.
Best Power Tool Kit
Makita XT614SX1 6-Piece 18V Cordless Combo Kit
Pros
- Durable tools with high-quality plastic, rubber, and metal construction
- Powerful circular saw and power driver
- Comes with 2 long-lasting 3-amp 18-volt batteries
Cons
- Large batteries can make these power tools feel a bit heavy and unbalanced
A DIY tool shop simply isn’t complete without the requisite power tools, and Makita offers one of the best kits for fulfilling that need. Its 6-piece cordless set includes all the essentials plus a few nice-to-haves. In addition to a power driver, cordless drill, and circular saw, Makita also includes a hand vacuum, reciprocating saw, and flashlight, making this a great project kit.
We were impressed with the entire lineup. With its 18-volt 3-amp battery, the impact driver quickly drove our 3-inch deck screw through two 2x6s. Likewise, the 6.5-inch blade of the circular saw mowed quickly and cleanly through our 1-inch-thick OSB subflooring.
Makita chose a novel design for its reciprocating saw, which has a notably smaller profile than other reciprocating saws we tested. Its compact design made it more nimble, allowing us to position it at different angles and fit it into tighter spaces than other Sawzalls we tested. We liked the vacuum’s versatility, which functioned as a handheld vacuum or upright portable vac when paired with the detachable extension.
As a premium tool brand, Makita didn’t disappoint with the design and build of the tools in this kit. All the power tools feature a mix of heavy-duty plastic and metal construction with rubber accents to enhance grips and protect the tools from nicks and scratches.
The Makita kit comes with two hefty 3-amp 18-volt batteries. While we liked the added runtime the larger batteries offer, they do make the tools feel heavier and slightly unbalanced.
Many power tool sets include a carry bag, but Makita’s surpasses any other we’ve seen. It’s made from durable canvas with a stitched Makita logo and features wheels and an extendable handle, allowing users to roll it from the car or garage to the jobsite as they would a piece of luggage. This attention to detail is why this kit is one of the best for the workshop.
Product Specs
- Size: 6 pieces
- Type: Power tools
- Storage: Storage bag
Get the Makita home tool kit at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart.
Best for Cars
DeWalt DWMT73802 142-Piece Mechanics Tool Set
Pros
- Comprehensive collection of tools that includes deep sockets, metric, and Imperial sizes
- High-quality steel makes for a durably constructed set
- Carrying case securely holds all pieces in place for transport
Cons
- Flat ratchet driver handles can be uncomfortable when applying a lot of pressure
- Set does not include a larger 1/2-inch driver
A well-organized and comprehensive set of sockets, drivers, and wrenches is an absolute must for home auto mechanics, and this kit from DeWalt delivers with the sheer number of included tools.
The DeWalt kit has metric and imperial sockets, ranging in size from 3/16 inch to ⅞ inch and 5 mm to 19 mm, along with a collection of imperial and metric deep drive sockets and a spark plug socket to boot. DeWalt also includes a full set of wrenches and nice extras, like socket drive bits and a host of adapters and extenders that make it easier to get into tight spots.
There’s even a set of star and Phillips screwdriver bits and a set of drivers for a power driver. This is truly a comprehensive set of sockets. If there is a gripe, it’s with the lack of a beefy ½-inch driver to provide the added torque necessary to tame stubborn frozen bolts.
The DeWalt name comes with an expectation of quality, and this set didn’t disappoint. The sockets, drivers, and wrenches all have a solid, last-a-lifetime feel. We liked the added touches, which include knurled surfaces on the sockets and drivers that make them easier to grip.
During our tests, the sockets fit snugly onto our test bolts. The tight contact of the sockets and numerous pins inside the driver allowed us to smoothly and quickly ratchet bolts into wood. We also had no problem reaching the deeper confines of our car engine to loosen and tighten bolts, thanks to the joints and extenders, all of which fit tightly together. At no point did we feel like we’d lose a socket, adapter, or extender in the engine.
Some may not like the ratchet driver handles, which have a flatter shape than those that use a round handle, since their design can put more pressure on the palm when working on a tough bolt.
All of the kit’s pieces fit securely into their case. DeWalt even thoughtfully organizes the power driver bits into a small carrying case that fits inside the larger one. Even when we dropped the case from waist height, all the pieces stayed in their respective spots. Our only complaint is that getting pieces out of these spots can be a bit of a challenge.
In all, it’s hard to find much wrong with DeWalt’s socket set, which is well equipped for home mechanics.
Product Specs
- Size: 142 pieces
- Type: Auto mechanic
- Storage: Molded plastic case
Get the DeWalt mechanics home tool kit at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Tractor Supply Co.
Best for Bikes
Cyclists CT-KO1 23-Piece Bike Tool Kit
Pros
- Includes a comprehensive set of tools for performing most basic and advanced bike repairs
- Comes with a compact hard carrying case that keeps all tools well organized
- Thick grip on tools makes it easier to pull hard on them
Cons
- Some tools have flat grips that make them difficult to pull on
Cyclists offers a very comprehensive bike tool kit at a price that’s reasonable for DIY bike mechanics. The breadth of tools this kit offers is what impressed us the most. It has all the essentials for handling basic maintenance, such as changing a flat tire, fixing a broken chain, or trading out pedals. It also has tools for more advanced projects, including changing a crankset, replacing a bottom bracket, or swapping out a rear cog set.
Cyclists’ collection of tools is also well made. All tools have a rubberized grip that makes them more comfortable to use. Since bike components are often secured with a torque wrench (to prevent them from coming apart mid-ride), it’s often necessary to have to pull mightily on a tool to remove a pedal, crank bolt, or bottom bracket. We were impressed with how sturdy these tools felt under pressure; we experienced no bending. We also liked the thick grip on the pedal wrench and bottom bracket wrench, which were easier on the hands even when pulling hard on the tool.
Since the tools in this set really only apply to bikes, we were happy they came with a hard plastic storage case that kept them together and separated them from the general population of tools in our garage workshop. The case is also compact, making it easy to store on a garage shelf close to our family’s two-wheeled vehicles.
There are certainly higher-quality bike tool sets out there, but they also cost hundreds of dollars and are designed for professional bike mechanics who spend their days assembling bikes, tuning drivetrains, truing wheelsets, and replacing chains. This set from Cyclists is an ideal option for the avid cyclist who wants to DIY all the maintenance on the family’s fleet of bikes.
Product Specs
- Size: 23 pieces
- Type: Bike
- Storage: Molded plastic case
Get the Cyclists home tool kit at Amazon or Walmart.
Best for Gardening
Carsolt 10-Piece Garden Tool Set
Pros
- Ergonomic handles with rubberized grips are comfortable for all-day use
- Durable heavy-gauge stainless steel construction endures the rigors of gardening
- Includes all the essential hand tools for gardening
- Handy canvas tote bag keeps tools together and organized
Cons
- Exposed spring on pruning tools seems vulnerable to dirt
- Trowels bend under heavy pressure
Carsolt’s 10-piece set of gardening hand tools includes multiple trowels for weeding and planting, two shears and a hand saw for pruning, a hand rake for loosening soil, and a knife and puller tool designed for taking out weeds.
Each tool features a large molded ergonomic handle with a rubberized grip built for comfort. We could see ourselves comfortably using these tools for long gardening days with or without gloves. And while we weren’t wild about the lemon-yellow color, the bright hue did make them easier to spot among the dirt and plants.
The business end of each tool consists of stainless steel construction. While the weeding tools performed well during our testing, we found that the trowels had limitations. We had no problem digging in dry soil, but they bent when we attempted to dig through dense wet soil after a heavy rain. While this was disappointing, the trowels are still sturdy enough to fulfill most gardening needs given that we had to apply a fair amount of force to bend them.
Carsolt’s cutting tools fared well when put to the test. With their angle-sharpened edges, the tools gave us little trouble completing some off-season pruning of our yard’s ornamental dogwood and semi-dwarf peach tree. That said, the exposed springs on the two pruners feel somewhat vulnerable to clogging from dirt and debris.
While we only subjected our kit to a single night out in wet weather, we feel confident we could have left these tools in the rain for several days without worrying about rust.
With any set of specialty tools, there’s a good chance they’ll end up lost in the menagerie of other tools that live in a workshop, which is why we really liked Carsolt’s canvas tote bag. The tote has individual pockets for each tool (along with the larger space for gardening supplies), making it easy to keep the tools together and transport them between the garden and the yard.
Product Specs
- Size: 10 pieces
- Type: Gardening
- Storage: Storage bag
Get the Carsolt gardening home tool kit at Amazon.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Home Tool Kit
Before shoppers decide on a home tool kit, it is essential to consider which tools will receive the most frequent use, along with a few other factors, to ensure they choose the best home tool kit for repairs and projects around the house.
Essential Tools
Whether choosing a basic or advanced tool kit, the best products feature the following essential tools.
- Claw hammer: This hammer is necessary for a wide variety of jobs, including hanging pictures and removing nails.
Measuring tape: Accurate measurements with a measuring tape are vital to ordering the correct-size window shades, determining a room’s square footage, spacing wall hangings, and many other tasks.
Screwdriver: Phillips and flathead screwdrivers can tighten hinges and door knobs, straighten electrical plates, fix loose chair legs, assemble furniture, and aid in a multitude of other jobs. For those with minimal space for tools, purchase a combination screwdriver with changeable tips of different sizes.
A hex key (also known as an Allen wrench): A hex key can quickly tighten or loosen bolts, screws, and fasteners. They are available in different sizes and as kits.
Level: Use a level to ensure pictures hang straight, appliances aren’t on an angle, and shelves don’t slope.
Needle-nose pliers: These pliers are ideal for delicate tasks, such as jewelry repair.
Utility knife: Break down boxes, slice into packaging, and open caulking tubes with a reliable utility knife.
Useful Additional Tools
- Precision screwdrivers (both Phillips and flathead): Many electronics contain tiny screws, and most home tool kits do not include the smaller screwdrivers required to loosen or tighten them. A precision screwdriver allows users to work with tiny fasteners, even on eyeglasses.
- Adjustable wrench: An adjustable wrench loosens and tightens nuts and bolts. Consider the 8-inch size that handles most jobs and takes the place of an entire wrench set.
- Power drill: Yes, it’s possible to use a screwdriver to tighten and remove screws, but a power drill reduces the necessary time and effort significantly.
Many manufacturers of lower-cost tool sets compensate for poor-quality tools with an abundance of items. In other words, it’s quantity over quality. Luckily, most well-known tool manufacturers have price points to match all budgets. Start with a small tool set from a reputable tool manufacturer and add on as needed.
Specialized Kits
- Power tools: This type of kit features a collection of the most common power tools, including cordless drills, power drivers, circular saws, and reciprocating saws. In addition to these essential power tools, larger kits also include flashlights, oscillating tools, and even blowers.
- Automobiles: Automobiles use machine bolts and screws, so most auto kits include a collection of standard and socket wrenches. These sets come with broad socket and wrench sizes ranging from 5/32 inch to ½ inch in standard size and 5 mm to 18 mm in metric. A larger mechanic tool set also includes full sets of Allen wrenches and screwdriver bits.
- Bicycles: Designed to handle simple and advanced bike repairs, bicycle kits boast specialized tools such as hex wrenches, chain tools, pedal wrenches, and spoke cassette lockring tools. These specialty tools facilitate such maintenance and repair jobs such as changing a tire tube, removing a bottom bracket, adjusting seat height, and repairing a broken chain.
- Gardening: This type of kit includes handheld tools for planting and maintaining plants. A typical gardening set provides a trowel, hand rake, cultivator, weeder, pruner, and transplanter. These tools usually fit into an apron or carrier that allows the user to transport them to the garden easily.
Material
Home tool kits use durable metals—like steel or a steel alloy—and plastics that vary in strength depending on the specific kit type. Wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, Allen wrenches, and socket wrenches in home tool, auto, and bicycle kits are commonly made of cobalt or chromoly steel. These alloys are harder and can withstand metal-on-metal contact without stripping or breaking.
Gardening tools that must endure damp and wet environments typically consist of polished stainless steel, which is very hard and resists rust and corrosion from water and moisture. Most hand tools have molded plastic handles with rubberized grips that make them comfortable to hold, whether the user is digging a hole for a tomato plant or tightening a bolt on a brake caliper.
Sizes
As mentioned earlier, it’s important to consider the jobs that need tackling before investing in a home tool kit. Many kits include both metric and imperial sizes, and it’s handy to have both since many furniture kits are made overseas. Most home tool kits contain the most common sizes of screwdrivers, socket wrenches, and pliers.
Since automobiles have various sizes of bolts and screws, a mechanics tool set typically provides a host of bolts and screw bits. Gardening kits feature small handheld tools ideal for working in and around delicate vegetables, plants, and flowers.
Storage
Home tool kits include a case that helps the owner organize all components for compact storage or easy transport. Manufacturers make some storage cases from rigid plastic with dedicated spots for each tool, eliminating the need for a tool box. Other carrying cases consist of soft-sided fabric duffel bags or zippered fabric cases with elastic loops that hold each tool in place.
While fabric cases are more difficult to clean, it’s easier to compress them to fit into tight spaces. Molded plastic cases hold up to abuse better but can be bulkier. Consider the storage space available for the kit before purchasing.
FAQs
Wondering which tools you need in a home tool kit or the best brand of tools? Read on for answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about home tool kits.
Q. What should be in a home tool kit?
A home repair tool kit should have the essential tools for completing basic repairs and other tasks around the house. These tools include a hammer, tape measure, pliers, Phillips-head and flathead screwdrivers, socket wrench and sockets, and a level.
Q. What is the best brand of tool set?
The best brand of tool set depends on the type of tools. DeWalt is widely considered the best brand for power tools, while Stanley is highly regarded for hand tools, such as ratchets, sockets, screwdrivers, and other essential parts of a mechanics tool set.
Q. What is a good starter tool set?
With its affordable price and large number of pieces, the Stanley home tool kit is one of the best starter tool sets available.
Meet the Tester
Tony Carrick is a freelance writer specializing in home improvement, landscaping, technology, home security, and design. His articles have been featured on such sites as Angi, Popular Science, Futurism, 360 Reviews by U.S. News & World Report, Domino, and more. Tony has conducted rigorous product testing on everything from power tools to home security systems to backyard grills. With each review, his goal is to help readers determine whether a product meets their needs and if it is or isn’t worth its price tag.
Additional research provided by Debbie Wolfe.
