We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Home Home Improvement The 10 Best Tool Kits of 2024 Because everyone should have one. By Barbara Bellesi Zito Barbara Bellesi Zito Barbara Bellesi Zito is a freelance writer from Staten Island, NY with more than 18 years of experience covering home and lifestyle topics for a variety of publications. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines and Rachel Center Rachel Center Rachel covers all aspects of the home space and tests products to find the best for consumers. When she's not writing, you can find her streaming, hiking, and decorating. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on March 15, 2024 In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Final Verdict How to Shop FAQs Take Our Word for It Real Simple / David Hattan Whether you're a homeowner, renter, or someone who is currently living in a temporary living situation, such as a college dorm, everyone should have a basic tool kit to hang decor and handle repairs. Having a bevy of tools at a glance is not only handy but also cost-effective. Buying these items altogether, instead of separately when you need them, may end up saving you more money in the long run. To find the best tool kits, we considered type, use, and experience level, selecting options for novices as well as experienced DIYers. We also spoke with Todd Saunders, CEO of Broadlume, for his expert insight on finding the right tools for your household tasks. Our Top Picks Best Overall Tool Kit: Stanley 65-Piece Homeowner's Tool Kit at Amazon ($69) Jump to Review Best Budget Tool Kit: Amazon Basics 65 Piece Home Basic Repair Tool Kit Set With Bag at Amazon ($35) Jump to Review Best Splurge Tool Kit: Deko Tool Kit at Amazon ($64) Jump to Review Best Starter Tool Kit: Cartman 39-Piece Tool Set at Amazon ($20) Jump to Review Best Tool Box: Craftsman 20-inch Plastic Tool Box at Amazon ($22) Jump to Review Best Tool Bag: Craftsman Versastack Red/Black Polyester 17-in Zippered Tool Bag at Amazon ($54) Jump to Review Best Tool Kit for Power Tools: Craftsman Cordless Drill Combo Kit at Amazon ($369) Jump to Review Best Tool Kit for Cars: DeWalt Tool Kit and Socket Set at Amazon ($70) Jump to Review Best Tool Kit for Bikes: Crankbrothers M19 Multi-Tool at Amazon ($24) Jump to Review Best Tool Kit for Gardens: Mechrevo Gardening Tool Set at Amazon ($26) Jump to Review Best Overall Tool Kit Stanley 65-Piece Homeowner's Tool Kit Home Depot View On Amazon $69 View On Walmart $69 View On Home Depot $58 What Stands Out It’s a great selection of high-quality tools. What Could Be Improved Some tools don’t fit securely in their storage slots. Whether you’re a budding DIYer or want to hang a frame without hassle, you need a reliable tool kit. This set from Stanley can handle many projects in and around your home—it includes all the basics you need: a claw hammer, a level, two types of pliers, a Phillips and a flat screwdrivers ratchet and spinner handle, two hex key sets, a tape measure, a utility knife, loads of drill bits, and more. The tools fit into a sturdy case for easy storage and organization, so you can avoid rummaging through a kitchen drawer or messy closet to find what you need. All the tools conform to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) specs, so you know you’re getting safe, sturdy tools to work with. The case is about the size of a laptop and won’t take up much space on a shelf or workbench. Number of Pieces: 65 | Weight: 8.08 pounds | Kit Size: 3.3 x 10.9 x 16 inches Best Budget Tool Kit Amazon Basics 65 Piece Home Basic Repair Tool Kit Set With Bag Amazon View On Amazon $35 What Stands Out This broad selection of tools comes in compact storage. What Could Be Improved It doesn’t have a wrench. If you need basic tools on hand but don’t want to break the bank, opt for this Amazon Basics tool kit. This budget-friendly set is ideal for occasional DIYers, with 65 pieces including a hammer, pliers, Phillips screwdriver, flat screwdriver, ratchet, socket set, tape measure, level, two hex sets (both metric and SAE), and dozens of bits. The tools stow away neatly in a zip-up bag with a shoulder strap or padded handle so you can carry it comfortably. Advanced DIYers will want to expand beyond this set, but if you’re getting started or need a toolset for the occasional repair, this set of tools will do the job. Number of Pieces: 65 | Weight: 5.78 pounds | Kit Size: 13 x 5.3 x 8 inches Best Splurge Tool Kit Deko Tool Kit Amazon View On Amazon $64 View On Dekotools.com What Stands Out It includes fasteners like nails, screws, and wall anchors. What Could Be Improved It’s large and takes up a lot of space. If you're someone who prefers to tackle home repairs themselves or likes to dabble in small DIY home projects, you'll need a tool kit as robust as this one from Deko. The kit features 31 tools that can handle a wide variety of jobs, ranging from tightening nuts and bolts to stripping the insulation off of wires inside the walls of your home to installing peel-and-stick wallpaper. The kit includes basics such as hex keys, a hammer, utility knife, measuring tape, and level, as well as tools geared toward more experienced craftspeople, including a small saw, nylon spring clamps, wire stripper, polished quick-release ratchet, and more. Also included is insulating tape; a small assortment of nails, wall anchors, and screws; and a handful of screw bits that range from basic Phillips to Pozi. All of the tools featured in this kit are made of steel and finished with chrome, which helps avoid corrosion over time. The included toolbox is quite sturdy and comes with a rubber-padded ergonomic handle for extra comfort. However, considering the case is 17 inches long and more than a foot wide, it may not be ideal for people who are lacking in storage space. Number of Pieces: 168 | Weight: 13.09 pounds | Box Size: 17.5 x 13.5 x 3.94 inches Best Starter Tool Kit Cartman 39-Piece Tool Set Amazon View On Amazon $20 View On Walmart $32 What Stands Out It covers the basics. What Could Be Improved The storage slots are tight. If you’re new to using tools or want to keep a few on hand for household projects, all you need is a simple starter tool kit, like this one from Cartman. It has four screwdrivers—including Phillips and slotted—a hammer, pliers, utility knife, bit driver, connector, hex keys, screwdriver bits, and a tape measure. These sturdy tools come in an equally sturdy case compact enough to stow on a small shelf in your closet. While you can't tackle major home renovations with this set, it’s a great start to building a bigger tool collection. Number of Pieces: 39 | Weight: 3.3 pounds | Kit Size: 12.52 x 7.4 x 3.15 inches Best Tool Box Craftsman 20-inch Plastic Tool Box Amazon View On Amazon $22 View On Craftsman.com What Stands Out It offers rustproof storage for your tools. What Could Be Improved The top doesn’t open all the way. Your tools need dedicated, protective storage to keep them in mint condition and working as well as they did the day you bought them, which is why we love this box tool kit from Craftsman. This sturdy plastic box is like a briefcase for your tools. It’s roomy enough to store a hammer, screwdrivers, wrench, measuring tape, and more and has two top organizers for smaller tools like hex keys. The handy removable tray is perfect for nuts, bolts, nails, and other fasteners, allowing you to keep it nearby while you work on your next household project. We like the spaciousness of the 20-inch case, but it also comes in 16-inch and 13-inch options if you have fewer tools to stow. Number of Pieces: 1 | Weight: 3.89 pounds | Kit Size: 20 x 9.75 x 9.75 inches Best Tool Bag Craftsman Versastack Red/Black Polyester 17-in Zippered Tool Bag Amazon View On Amazon $54 View On Walmart $85 View On Craftsman.com What Stands Out This bag is sturdy enough for the pros. What Could Be Improved There’s no bag divider. This heavy-duty zippered bag from Craftsman has a sturdy flat bottom to keep your tools secure on a shelf in your closet or garage. The bag is made from top-grade 1680 denier material, which makes it waterproof and impact-resistant. It also has 29 pockets and slots to organize your tools, while the pass-through zippered compartment makes it easy to access your tools. The dual carry handle is ergonomic, plus the shoulder straps have padding so you can easily tote heavy tools. We like the smart additions of a clip to secure a tape measure and a buckle strap to hold a level. Number of Pieces: 1 | Weight: 5.78 pounds | Kit Size: 10 x 10 x 18 inches Best Tool Kit for Power Tools Craftsman Cordless Drill Combo Kit CRAFTSMAN View On Amazon $369 View On Ace Hardware $369 View On Farmandfleet.com $369 What Stands Out It’s a nice set of tools for DIYers ready to advance their household projects. What Could Be Improved It doesn’t come with storage. This Craftsman power tool kit is a great investment for DIYers. Whether you are planning on tackling a home renovation soon, or you simply enjoy building things in your spare time, you'll need the heavy-duty machinery included in the Craftsman V20 Max 7-Tool Combo Kit. The kit includes a half-inch drill, a quarter-inch driver, a reciprocating saw, a circular saw, an oscillating tool, a grinder, a task light, two lithium batteries, and a lithium iron charger. You can use the drill to hang shelving, the oscillating tool for removing grout, the reciprocating saw for cutting up shrubbery or trees, and the circular saw for cutting up wood. Unlike other tool kits, this kit does not come with its own storage due to the large size of each power tool. As such, you will need a lot of available space in your home to be able to store these safely. Number of Pieces: 10 | Weight: 31.9 pounds | Box Size: 20.1 x 14 x 11.75 inches Best Tool Kit for Cars DeWalt Tool Kit and Socket Set DEWALT View On Amazon $70 View On Mscdirect.com View On Farmandfleet.com $133 What Stands Out It’s got a good variety of sockets. What Could Be Improved It can be difficult to pull tools out of their slots in the box. This mechanics tool set from Dewalt contains 108 tools to help you get whatever at-home job you need done for your car. The kit includes two pear head ratchets, which are super useful for working in tight spaces. There are plenty of hex keys big and small, nut drivers and bits, a socket extender, and an extensive collection of sockets that are both in SAE and metric measurements. The SAE sockets included are 5/32, 3/16, 7/32, 1/4, 9/32, 5/16, 11/32, and 3/8, and the metric sockets include 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11. This mechanics tool kit is ideal for people who are primarily doing fastening applications at home. The kit comes in a sturdy storage case that has a secure space for every tool, no matter how small. What's more, this product comes with a lifetime warranty. Tools: 108 | Weight: Not listed | Box Size: 15.75 x 11.61 x 3.54 inches Best Tool Kit for Bikes Crankbrothers M19 Multi-Tool REI View On Amazon $24 View On REI $37 View On Crankbrothers.com What Stands Out It’s compact and portable for fix-ups on the go. What Could Be Improved It might be slightly heavy to bring on bike rides. This Crankbrothers bike tool kit is great because it's compact and lightweight enough to take with you while en route. Having this on hand will prevent a breakdown mid-ride that you are unable to fix, saving you from being stuck somewhere. It includes a chain tool, spoke wrenches, hex wrenches, screwdrivers (two Phillips and two flatheads), torx, and open wrenches. It has textured side grips on either end of the tool kit, making it easier to hold onto the small kit while making a repair, even with gloves on. The Crankbrothers M19 Multi-Tool is conveniently less than half a pound and is slightly bigger than the size of your average smartphone, able to be kept in a bike jacket pocket or small backpack. Both the tools and storage case are made of steel and can hold up in a variety of inclement weather. And unlike most tool kits of any kind, you can choose between multiple colors, including black, gold, silver, and midnight. Tools: 19 | Weight: 0.45 pounds | Size: 6 x 4.5 x 1.5 inches Best Tool Kit for Gardens Mechrevo Gardening Tool Set MECHREVO View On Amazon $26 View On Walmart $31 What Stands Out It’s a great starter set for beginning gardeners. What Could Be Improved The bag doesn’t fully enclose the metal tools. The Mechrevo 10-Piece Gardening Tool Set stands out for its functionality. The kit comes with helpful tools including a hand rake, hand fork, transplanter, weeder, trowel, pruner, gloves with fingertip claws for easier gripping, and a kneeler pad. Not all garden tool sets include a kneeler pad, which, if you've experienced having to kneel while gardening for a prolonged period of time, you know how essential it is for not just comfort, but stability as well. Each of the tools are made of aluminum, which is naturally rust-proof. The accompanying tote is made of water-resistant polyester and comes with exterior compartments and a large carrying handle to make moving around your garden as easy as possible. Number of Pieces: 10 | Weight: 4.33 pounds | Bag Size: 15 x 15.8 inches Final Verdict Overall, we recommend the Stanley 65-Piece Homeowner's Tool Kit. It includes all the standard tools needed for basic home projects, including a screwdriver, hammer, adjustable wrench, level, measuring tape, and utility knife. If you want something more minimal and budget-friendly, we recommend the Amazon Basics 65-Piece Home Basic Repair Tool Kit, which comes with a convenient and easy-to-carry storage bag. How to Shop for Tool Kits Like a Pro Type There are a variety of tool kit types available on the market, and it can become very overwhelming to choose one for the first time, especially if you aren't exactly sure how much use you will make of it in the future. Basic tool kits include things like a hammer, screwdriver sets, adjustable wrench, level, measuring tape, utility knife, and more. Upgraded tool kits are those tool kits that include upwards of 100 tools and include items such as clamps, multiple sets of pliers, dozens of screw bits, wire strippers, and more. Power tool kits don't include these non-motorized hand tools, but rather heavy machinery such as electric saws and drills for big home projects, such as renovations. In terms of what type you should select, only go with what you know you will need. “Whether or not you need more advanced tools such as wrench sets or Allen keys depends on the type of projects you plan to do around your home,” says Saunders. Use Oftentimes tool kits include a wide variety of tools that, because they are included in the kit, a novice might assume that it's something that they need. But that isn't always the case. Take stock of the projects you intend on doing and choose a tool kit based on the tools you know you will need. Saunders recommends avoiding “gimmicky unitasker tools” as he calls them, like T-handled screwdrivers or other “strange iterations” of basic tools. “Instead, opt for tools that can be used for a variety of projects, such as a wrench set, a stud finder, and different-sized hammers,” he says. For example, if you are getting a toolbox that will help you set up your home, you'll need a kit with a utility knife to open boxes and a hammer and level to hang up framed art. If you are planning on doing some more in-depth household projects, including renovations, consider a tool kit with a larger amount of tools, including wire strippers and ratchets, or a power tool kit. Power tool kits include a drill, electric saws, an oscillating tool, and more. If you only find yourself needing a power tool here and there, such as a drill, know that some non-motorized tool kits come with a drill. And sometimes hardware stores, such as Ace Hardware, allow you to rent power tools for a short amount of time. Experience Level If you're a beginner in the world of tool kits, it's best to buy the most basic tool kit and see how much use you get out of that. Basic tool kits include standard tools such as hammers, screwdrivers, measuring tape, a utility knife, a level, and an adjustable wrench. Over time, if you find yourself doing more projects or repairs and find yourself going back and forth to the hardware store to get more items, then upgrade to one of those tool kits that have 50 or 100 tools available. Power tool kits, which usually include a drill and electric saws, are an investment and should only be purchased by DIYers who frequently partake in home renovation projects or serious repairs. These power tools require important safety precautions that should be taken before use and if you are using them for the first time, you should have someone experienced with those tools supervise. Saunders recommends starting with a simple power drill made for home use. “I personally prefer drills with a cord since they offer more consistent power and you don't have to worry about charging batteries,” he says. If your drill doesn’t come with bits, be sure to buy a variety set that includes basic screwdriver bits. “This will help you make short work of small projects like assembling furniture,” he explains. Questions You Might Ask What tools should be in a basic tool kit? Standard tools that come with basic tool kits should include a hammer, flathead screwdriver, Phillips head screwdriver, a wrench, pliers, utility knife (otherwise known as a box cutter), tape measurer, level (an absolute necessity for hanging up art), hex keys, an adjustable wrench, and screwdriver bits that can be fastened on top of a screwdriver. Many kits come with all of these things, but sometimes there will be traditional items missing such as a tape measure—a tool Saunders says is a “must-have”—or level. If that's the case, use your best judgment about whether or not the projects you intend to complete with this tool kit require that item or items. For example, you may not think you need a wrench but you know you can't go without a utility knife. If you're unsure about whether or not you intend to use a missing tool, know you can always buy it separately later. “As your DIY skills grow, your toolbox will need to grow with them,” says Saunders. Where should you store a tool kit? Tool kits should generally be stored indoors in a dry place. Most tools are made of steel, which rusts when it comes in contact with moisture. Even though tool kits usually come with their own storage unit, like a box or bag made of plastic or water-resistant fabric, it's still best to keep them inside and away from moisture-ridden places like the bathroom out of an abundance of caution. Otherwise, store the tool kit wherever you have the room, keeping in mind that power tools and their accessories are best stored in the same box they were purchased in. If you don't have a lot of storage space in your home, get a small tool kit with the absolute basics you need, or consider storing the tool bag or box under your bed or the couch. Take Our Word for It This article was written by Rachel Center, a product reviews home writer for Real Simple, and updated by Barbara Bellesi Zito. They spent hours researching all the components that make the best tool kits, ultimately choosing the products on this list based on type, use, and experience level. Barbara also spoke to Todd Saunders, CEO of Broadlume, for his expert insight on finding the right tool kit for your home. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit