We asked Jason Kazakos, Managing Director of Zebra Home Improvement Limited, about what factors to consider when shopping for the best tool kits. “The best tool kit will be robust, ideally waterproof, and the right size for your needs,” Kazakos says. “Too big and it could get unnecessarily overloaded and become too heavy to carry around, and, if it’s too small, it might not fit the most essential items.” He also recommended looking for tool kits with durable cases that can protect the tools inside. “If you go for a box-style tool case, make sure it has strong closing locks so that they don’t fall open easily,” says Kazakos. With 322 pieces, including a hammer, a level, scissors, pliers, screwdrivers, socket sets, and even cables ties—all housed in a convenient tool bag with pockets, handles, and a shoulder strap—the WorkPro W009037A Home Repair Hand Tool Set is our top pick for the best tool kits. These are the eight best tool kits.
It has 322 super useful hand toolsTools are made from strong chrome vanadium steelIt has a durable 600D polyester carry bag
Not for professional mechanicsNot for high voltage (professional electrician use)Might not have all the tools required for professional use
Price at time of publish: $150 Case Size: 19 x 9.5 x 9 inches | Number of Tools: 322 pieces | Case Type: Bag with pockets, handle, and shoulder strap | Use: Household
Durable heat-treated toolsHighly affordableEach tool has its slot in the hard case for tidy storing
Tools might fall out of their slot if the case is not stored on the right side upNot for professional useThere’s no room in the case for any extra tools or bits you may want to add
Included in the best tool kits is everything you’ll need. There are precision screwdrivers, scissors, hex keys, pliers, connectors, a hammer, a utility knife, a tape measure, and even an assortment of wood screws. There’s also a magnetic bit driver featuring 30 different bits and a magnetic bit extension holder for those hard-to-reach areas. All the small bits have their own little containers that fit within the case, so you don’t lose them. However, for all items to stay in place when you store the case, you have to ensure that the side with the logo is at the top. Price at time of publish: $28 Case Size: 11.02 x 7.87 x 2.76 inches | Number of Tools: 49 | Case Type: Hard case | Use: Household
Suitable for professional useIncludes protective eyewear and rechargeable headlampThe hardwearing tool backpack has 39 pockets
It’s quite the investmentHas items that could prove unnecessary for the average DIYer or light household tasks
What’s more, there are other items in this toolset reserved for professional use, such as a non-contact voltage tester with a flashlight, a ground fault circuit interrupter tester, and a voltage and continuity tester. Though there are only 41 items in the set, the backpack toolbag offers plenty of room if you want to add some old trusties of your own, and there’s also a compact canvas zipper bag that fits inside it for any smaller items. Price at time of publish: $710 Case Size: 11.4 x 14.6 x 20.5 inches | Number of Tools: 41 | Case Type: Backpack | Use: Professional
Has 19 must-have basic tools for home useBudget-friendlyA great starter tool set
Not the best kit for more demanding tasksThe scissors are smallThough called a “mechanic’s tool kit," it’s not really suitable for auto use
The small zip-around nylon fabric carries case is only 9.5 inches long. So, you can store it practically anywhere, even in a kitchen drawer or the car’s glove box. Most of the tools, including the edges of the tool case, are bright orange, so they’re easily noticeable in busy storage space. This handy kit is also a great starter set for anyone who has just moved into a place of their own (perhaps kids who are just going off to college). Price at time of publish: $20 Case Size: 9.49 x 5.12 x 1.93 inches | Number of Tools: 18 pieces | Case Type: Soft zip-up case | Use: Household
It comes with a drill/driver with all the necessary bitsEasy-to-carry, hardy fabric tool bagA single battery charge can last up to 18 months
Not for professional useBest for use as a starter setTools are not held securely in the bag and can move around
Price at time of publish: $139Product Details: Case Size: Not stated | Number of Tools: 68 | Case Type: Soft case with handle | Use: Household
Includes 12 professional-grade power toolsThe set works out cheaper per tool in contrast to if you were to buy them all individuallyIt comes with two large carry bags to store all tools in
It doesn’t feature basic household hand tools like hammers, pliers, etc.These are professional tools, so there might be a bit of a learning curve for beginners
You’ll also get a powerful LED light, three batteries, and a charger, so while you’re using one tool, an extra battery can be charged in preparation for the power tool you need. This is one of the best tool kits with power tools for anyone who likes to dabble in a bit of woodworking and home renovation, and it comes with two large bags in the classic bright Ryobi green to store all the tools in when you’re done using them. Price at time of publish: $1,150 Case Size: N/A | Number of Tools: 12 | Case Type: Two fabric bags with handles | Use: Household and professional
It’s a great starter mechanic kitIt’s reasonably pricedHard blow-molded case designed for tools to snap into (and stay in) place
It’s mainly designed for auto useWon’t have all the tools necessary for professionally fixing carsThe case’s latches are a bit tight to open and close at first
The blow-molded hard case is super convenient and designed so that the tools snap into place and stay there. The kit also comes with screwdrivers, slip joint pliers, a spinner handle, a bit adapter, a tape measure, and a standard-sized fiberglass hammer that is designed for easy handling, superior grip, and less user fatigue. There’s also a snap-off utility knife which allows you to change the blunt blade on a whim. Price at time of publish: $55 Case Size: 16 x 10.3 x 4.4 inches | Number of Tools: 57 | Case Type: Molded hard case | Use: Car repair
Must-have mini toolkit for cyclistsSmall enough to keep on the bike for emergency repairsIncludes a pump
You won’t get much use out of it other than for bicycle repairIt does not include a pressure gaugeNot designed for repairing electric bikes
The hand pump is small, so it isn’t convenient for your main bicycle pump. Though, it’s great in times when there is an emergency. The fabric zip-around tool pouch is water resistant and comes with two velcro straps so you can securely affix it onto the bike’s frame, but it’s small and lightweight enough to keep in a backpack or fanny pack. If you’re looking for a value-for-money bicycle tool kit that is beginner-friendly and designed for emergency or basic fixes, this is a great option. Price at time of publish: $30 Case Size: 10.2 x 4.57 x 2.83 inches | Number of Tools: 24 | Case Type: Soft zip carry case | Use: Bike repair
What to Know About Tool Kits Before Shopping
Experience Level
Tool kits are usually sold and marketed for a specific industry and need. For instance, mechanic’s tool kits or woodworking kits are relevant to each sector, and they’re not sold in beginner or professional kits. “The tool kit depends on the industry and uses, not level of experience,” Kazakos says. Some tool kits come with power tools, while other heavy-duty tools, such as saws and grinders. If you’ve never used these types of tools before, there will likely be a bit of a learning curve. A tool kit for the home, however, will usually have all the necessary basics like hammers, wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, levels, and tape measures, which are suitable for users at all experience levels.
Use
As mentioned, many tool kits are designed for use in specific industries. While a general homeowner’s tool kit will have the most common tools needed for general home repairs and DIY, a woodworking tool kit could include saws and screwdriver bits specifically for wood. Compared to a plumbing toolkit could feature adjustable pipe wrenches and tube cutters. In addition to the best tool kits for mechanics, plumbers, and woodworkers, there are other tool kits available. These include electrician’s toolkits, masonry toolkits, mini toolkits for crafting (some of these come with mini drills, too), and tool kits for bicycle repair and maintenance.
Number of Pieces
Although tool kits are available with up to 400 (or more!) pieces, a tool kit with the basic and most needed items for home use could have around 20 pieces. The number of tools in some of the more plethoric toolkits could rack up because one drill, for instance, might have 100 different bits.
Your Questions, Answered
How many pieces do you need in a tool kit?
“Again, this is something that is dependent on the industry,” Kazakos says. “A carpenter will have between 30 and 45 hand tools wedged in a medium-sized open toolbox for easy access. A closed toolbox for general use will likely be smaller and have between 20 and 30 pieces.” The most important items that should be in every toolkit include a hammer, a set of screwdrivers in different sizes (both Phillips and flathead screwdrivers), pliers, utility blades, a straightedge, a level, measuring tape, hex keys, and a pair of wire cutters. To stack the best tool kits with everything you’ll need in any DIY situation, you should add other items. These items include a set of spatulas, spackle, adhesive tape (including painter’s tape), super glue, and pencils. Plus, if the toolkit doesn’t already include it, a power drill with various bits, plus an assortment of nails, screws, and bolts.
How do you clean tools?
You won’t really need to clean your tools often, if at all. If a tool gets covered in drywall dust, a simple wipe-down after use and before putting it back in the box is necessary. If a tool gets a bit grimy—for instance, after working on a car—the best way to clean it would be to “clean the metal section with an oil and wipe it with a damp cloth," Kazakos says. For particularly grimy tools, you can use a small amount of detergent (dish soap will do) and hot water. A dish sponge with a scouring side can be used to rub the tool down and release any stuck-on dirt, and then you’ll need to dry it with a clean cloth. In any event, it’s best to dry off any tool that has come into contact with liquid with a clean and dry cloth to avoid rust or corrosion.
Where should you store a tool kit?
The great thing about closed tool kits is that you can store them practically anywhere, even in a garage, shed, or basement. If it’s a waterproof case, you can even leave it outside if need be. However, any open-top tool kit should be kept somewhere dry and dust-free to keep the tools inside it in their best condition.
Who We Are
This article was written by Kat de Naoum, who has over ten years of commerce writing experience. Kat is also the commerce editor-at-large at Thomas-Xometry, the leading U.S. online platform for supplier discovery and product sourcing. For this article, Kat reviewed and tested multiple tool kits, researching factors such as each tool kit’s case size and style, the number of tools included, and value for money. She also spoke to Jason Kazakos, managing director of Zebra Home Improvement Limited.
