A basic home tool kit should have the essentials you need to hang a picture, change batteries in your devices, and maybe even replace a doorknob or lock. The mid-priced Stanley 65-piece Homeowner’s Tool Kit has the tools and quality to cover basic home tasks. Kits usually come in a handy case that makes it easy to keep everything organized while keeping the tools protected during storage. We put the Stanley through basic household jobs to see how it held up. Keep reading to get our take on whether it belongs in your house.
Performance: Perfect for the basics
There are certain tools homeowners need regularly. General kits should have a hammer, tape measure, screwdrivers, a socket set, and pliers. These are simple tools that make life easier and let you take care of home maintenance. We hung a picture, replaced batteries in toys, and cut boxes using the Stanley tools. None of them were big projects, but each required basic tools to get the job done. Our first project revealed something that seems to be an issue with this tool set—inconsistent quality. At 13 ounces, the hammer is a decent weight for putting nails in a wall stud, and the tape measure extends, stops, and retracts easily. Sockets, hex keys, and pliers are all of good quality. The level stands out as a weak spot, however. It was broken before we took it out of the case. There’s a small plastic piece across the top that was cracked. The hardshell case has an assigned space for each tool. It creates a pretty tight fit. It would be easy to break the thin plastic piece along the top of the level when trying to insert or remove it in the case. Thankfully, Stanley provides a limited lifetime warranty on their tools.
Design: Love the hard case
We both liked and were irritated by the storage case’s design. Overall, it was great. The hardshell allowed us to stack other items on top of it or around it without damaging the tools inside. Each tool has a plastic molded holder in the case, which we also liked. Stanley’s case gets extra credit from us for keeping everything organized and easy to grab. We tested a Black & Decker tool kit that had a storage bag rather than a hard case. We were always rummaging around trying to find the right tool amongst a sea of sharp edges. That’s not the case with the Stanley. Everything has its place, making jobs go faster because we didn’t waste time searching for tools. However, some of the holders didn’t hold the tools very well. The tape measure fell out every time we opened the case, and the pliers fell out once, too. It was not a huge issue, but it wasn’t fun reorganizing as soon as we opened the case. Simultaneously, other tools were held so tightly that we had a hard time getting them in and out. The case issues weren’t a deal-breaker by any means. The quality of the tools and the case’s organized compartments outweighed the issues we had with the quality of the broken level and the case’s functionality. If we’re pointing out what we didn’t like, the level and case issues are it.
Included Tools: A good selection
The Stanley kit has the basic tools you need for minor home maintenance tasks and DIY projects. While we love the selection with this kit, we wish it had wrenches or an adjustable wrench. Basic plumbing and bolts that fall either above or below the provided sockets will require additional tools. This set includes:
16-foot tape measure13-ounce hammer18mm snap-off hammerTorpedo levelLongnose pliersSlip joint pliersTwo-piece screwdriver set¼-inch round head, full polish ratchet8 SAE 1/4-inch sockets1/4-inch spinner handle1/4-inch bit holder 30 specialty bitsTwo hex key sets (metric and SAE) with caddiesHardshell case
Price: Where quality meets a reasonable price
Although we had a few minor issues with the Stanley tool kit, we found the balance of tool quality to price to be well worth it. This isn’t a kit you can bring to a construction site, but it’s got the tools you need for basic home maintenance in solid weights, durable casings (except for the level), and a solid case. For about $50, you’ll be equipped for hanging photos, mounting a TV, and doing minor home repairs. The weight and quality indicate they should last quite a few years with standard home use. A limited lifetime warranty covers all of the tools.
Competition: Some have more and others less
Black & Decker 20v Max Drill & Home Tool Kit: If you’ve got more than basic home repairs in mind, the Black & Decker might be a better choice for you. It includes a cordless drill with a hole saw and spade bits. The case isn’t nearly as nice as the Stanley, but if you’ve got bigger DIY dreams in mind, this kit has a more extensive (and powerful) selection. WorkPro 100-Piece Kitchen Drawer Tool Kit: Stanley tools are better quality than the WorkPro by far. However, if you’re looking to save a few dollars and want a smaller case, the WorkPro isn’t a bad option. It’s a good choice for an office, car, or kitchen tool kit that’s only used occasionally. The balance of selection and quality versus price makes this one worth it for many homeowners. It has its blind spots like the lack of wrenches and cheap quality level, but for most people, it has what’s needed at a reasonable price.
