We researched dozens of tool kits, considering their included components, sturdiness, durability, and functionality. Our best overall pick is the BLACK+DECKER 12V Max Drill 60-Piece Home Tool Kit, which comes with a robust collection of dependable starter tools, including a cordless drill. Here are the best tool kits. It’s hard to imagine any basic DIY project or household repair you couldn’t tackle with the BLACK+DECKER 12V Max Drill 60-Piece Home Tool Kit. This handy tool kit contains not just the basic hand tools you’ll reach for most often, including a hammer, screwdrivers, tape measure, pliers, wrench, ratcheting screwdriver with nut drivers, utility knife, and a level, it also comes with a BLACK+DECKER 12V Max Cordless Drill along with 10 assorted drill bits and 32 assorted screw-driving bits. That means you’ll make short work of assembling furniture, tightening screws, hanging pictures, fixing that drooping door or garden gate, or any other common tasks on the honey-do list. And while these tools might not be professional quality, they are sturdy enough so that just about any average DIYer can rely on dependable performance use after use after use. It’s the perfect tool kit for anyone just starting their tool collection, a new homeowner, or anyone who enjoys handling their own repairs around the house and garden. The kit also includes a charger and tool bag. Price at time of publish: $162 This Apollo Tool Set comes with a claw hammer, slip joint pliers, tape measure, utility knife, manual bit driver with 2-inch bit extension and 20 popular bit sizes, precision screwdrivers for small screws, hex keys, and a pair of scissors. All the tools are made from steel alloy and are chrome-plated to resist corrosion, and they feature non-slip handles for a more comfortable grip. While these tools are by no means heavy duty, this affordable tool set is ideal for small, common household jobs. Price at time of publish: $30 In this set, you’ll get an electric drill, impact driver, reciprocating saw, circular saw, multi-tool, and worklight, as well as a 1.5 Ah battery and 4 Ah battery. Because the tools are all part of the brand’s ONE+ platform, you can use the same batteries in all of them, as well as in other RYOBI ONE+ tools. The tools even come with a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty. Price at time of publish: $260 The kit includes a sturdy plastic storage case, which makes it easy to store in a closet, garage, or even under your bed. While you aren’t going to carry out complex DIY projects with these tools, they are more than adequate for basic tasks and repairs around your home, such as tightening loose screws, hanging pictures, tackling minor plumbing repairs, or putting up curtain rods. There’s even a bottle opener so you can enjoy a cold beverage once your project is complete. Price at time of publish: $55 The included tools are a hammer, tape measure, needle-nose pliers, long tweezers, Phillips screwdriver, and a flat-head screwdriver. The case measures a mere 8.25 x 4.5 x 1.75 inches, so you could fit this even in the most storage-deprived home or in your car’s trunk. Note that the included tools are a little smaller than the typical sizes, but that helps keep the weight and storage requirements down. Price at time of publish: $25 The set also includes two 20-volt lithium-ion batteries, a charger, and two handy contractor’s bags to keep everything portable and together. Price at time of publish: $999 These gardening tools are made from polished aluminum to resist rust, and they feature ergonomic handles to reduce fatigue and discomfort during long gardening sessions. The tote bag has five external pockets surrounding the spacious inner compartment, and it has a board in the bottom so it can stand up on its own. Price at time of publish: $30 What will you find in this kit? Tools include a chain rivet extractor, chain ring nut wrench, and metal tire lever, as well as screwdrivers, chain tools, a pedal wrench, a spoke wrench, pre-glued patch kits, and more. With these tools and some knowledge, there aren’t too many bicycle repairs you won’t be able to manage on your own, as well as tuning up your bike and performing regular maintenance. Price at time of publish: $79 The tools in this kit are forged from chromium-vanadium for unbeatable strength, and they have a polished chrome finish that you can easily wipe clean. They have large, hard-stamped size markings to help you quickly find the tool you need, and the plastic storage case has size markings, as well. Price at time of publish: $185
Intended Projects
Is there a particular task you need to complete with your tool kit? For example, if you’re hanging a painting, you’ll probably need a measuring tape, level, screwdriver or hammer, and maybe even a stud finder. If you like working on your car, you’ll need a socket set. If it’s gardening that you love, you’ll want hand tools, pruners, and a watering can. Think about what you’ll be using your tools for as you hunt for the perfect home kit.
Storage Space
Even though it’s not the most important factor to consider when buying a tool kit, you should think about how much space it will take up in your home. If you’re living in a small apartment, a kit with several hundred pieces will take up a solid chunk of your storage space and rarely come in useful. On the other hand, if you have a whole garage to dedicate to your tools, and enjoy tackling repairs around the house, assembling furniture, maintaining your own car or motorcycle, or just want to be prepared for anything, it’s worth buying a comprehensive kit with all the tools you are likely to need.
Tool Kit Basics
You don’t need a huge collection of tools if you only occasionally do odd jobs around the house, but you should have at least the basics. Here are the must-haves for your home tool kit.
Screwdriver set with both Phillips and slotted screwdrivers in a range of sizesClaw hammerTape measureLevelNeedle-nose pliersSlip-joint pliersAdjustable wrenchSet of nails and screws in various sizesUtility knifeDuct tapeFlashlightTool box or bag for storage
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article is edited and updated by Michelle Ullman, the tool expert for The Spruce. She has extensive experience not only in writing about all things related to the home, but also in carrying out various DIY projects, including landscaping, painting, flooring, wallpapering, furniture makeovers, and simple repairs. For this roundup, she considered dozens of home tool kits, evaluating each for basic features, extras, and feedback from customers, and also sought advice from Glenn Wiseman; RASDT, RHDT, and sales manager at Top Hat Home Comfort Services. Additional reporting was done by Lauren Murphy, a freelance writer whose work has also appeared on Hunker and the Huffington Post.
