The Best Hand Tools, Tested and Reviewed

Hello, my friend, hello again; today we come together to talk about The Best Hand Tools, Tested and Reviewed and hope the blog can help you.

Power tools are front and center for many DIYers, but no workshop is truly complete without a basic hand tool collection. Check out the ones that scored big with us.

Hand tools are the mainstay of any well-equipped workshop. Choosing the right ones will go a long way toward helping you complete your projects. The best hand tools for you will depend on the type and complexity of your projects.

To help you find the best products for your tool box or workshop, we put a number of popular products through their paces. Each of the hand tools and tool sets reviewed in this guide met our standards for construction quality, effectiveness, user convenience, and working comfort. Continue reading to learn more about our shopping considerations and how each product performed in our tough tests.

1. BEST OVERALL: Craftsman CMMT99448 102-Piece Mixed Tool Set
2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Workpro 322-Piece Home Tool Set With Carrying Bag
3. BEST SCREWDRIVER SET: Klein Tools 85078 8-Piece Screwdriver Set
4. BEST SOCKET SET: Craftsman CMMT12024 135-Piece Mechanics Tool Set
5. BEST PLIERS SET: Irwin Vise-Grip 8-Piece GrooveLock Pliers Set
6. BEST CHISEL SET: DeWalt DWHT16063 4-Piece Wood Chisel Set
7. BEST HACKSAW: Klein Tools 702-12 High-Tension Hacksaw
8. BEST TAPE MEASURE: Stanley 8-Meter/26-Foot Tylon Tape Measure
9. BEST LEVEL: Bosch GLL 30 Self-Leveling Cross-Line Laser

Editor’s Note: We’re in the middle of testing even more of the top hand tools on the market right now. Check back for our honest reactions after getting our hands on best picks.

How We Tested the Best Hand Tools

With such a broad category to assess, we approached product testing with a focus on build quality, user comfort and convenience, and choosing the right tool for the task at hand. We recorded measurable features such as size, weight, and number of tools in each kit before testing each tool according to its type.

For driving tools like ratchets, wrenches, screwdrivers, and hammers, we installed and removed bolts, screws, and nails of different sizes. For cutting tools such as saws and chisels, we cut metal, plastic, or wood. For measuring tools, including the measuring tape and level, we measured in different environments and lighting.

We tested all tools for durability by dropping them onto a concrete floor—three times from waist height and three times from shoulder height—noting any obvious damage and then working with them again. All of the tools in this guide survived our durability test unscathed and proved to be effective and comfortable to use.

Our Top Picks

Whether shoppers are looking for a whole set of tools for auto and home repairs or only need to fill in with a few screwdrivers, our lineup can point them in the right direction. We tested these tools with an eye toward quality, practicality, and convenience. Read on to learn how they performed in testing and why we include them among the best hand tools available.

Best Overall

Craftsman CMMT99448 102-Piece Mixed Tool Set

The Craftsman 102-piece mixed tool set is a great choice for those who need a compact all-in-one tool kit for the home or garden shed. This kit includes a good selection of Society for Automotive Engineers (SAE) and metric sockets with ¼-inch and ½-inch drive ratchets, as well as an adjustable wrench, screwdrivers, hex keys, slip joint pliers, long-nose pliers, groove joint pliers, 12-foot tape measure, utility knife, and a 16-ounce claw hammer. Craftsman’s quality shines through with the bright chrome finish on the socket set and finely geared ratchets, magnetic-tip screwdrivers with cushioned grips, and durable chrome vanadium steel and alloy steel construction.

We used this kit to tune up a lawn mower and appreciated that it included most of the tools we needed. However, since this kit lacks deep well sockets, we had to borrow one from another set to remove the spark plug. Beyond that, we found that the ergonomic ratchet handle design felt comfortable in hand, and the tightly geared drive mechanism worked well, including in a few spots where space was constricted. The grippy handles on the screwdrivers were easy to use, even once our hands became a little greasy. And we noted that the pliers all operated smoothly without a break-in period. All of the tools had a strong, durable feel. We liked that the kit included a thoughtful combination of the most necessary tools, packed into a space-saving low-profile storage case.

 

Read our full review:  Craftsman CMMT99448 102-Piece Mixed Tool Set

Product Specs

• Tool count:102
• Tool types: Ratchets/sockets, screwdrivers, hex keys, bit driver/specialty bits, adjustable wrench, pliers, hammer, utility knife, tape measure
• Carry case: Molded plastic

Pros

• Kit includes a thoughtful assortment of tools for many home repair and DIY projects
• Legendary Craftsman quality hand tools are built to last a lifetime
• Comes with ergonomic handles and comfortable grips reduce hand fatigue
• Well organized and easy to store and carry, thanks to its low-profile hard-sided case

Cons

• Kit does not include deep well sockets or wire strippers
• Breakaway-blade utility knife feels less durable than razor blade types

Get the Craftsman 102-piece hand tool set at Amazon, Lowe’s, or MSC Direct.

Best Bang for the Buck

Workpro 322-Piece Home Tool Set With Carrying Bag

With an outstanding selection of tools and a starting supply of emergency fasteners, all at an affordable price, the Workpro 322-piece tool set is a great choice for new homeowners or RVers. Metric and SAE sockets—both regular and deep well—with ¼-inch and ⅜-inch ratchets, regular and precision screwdrivers, diagonal cutters, lineman’s pliers, long-nose pliers, adjustable wrench, SAE and metric hex keys, 25-ft/8-meter tape measure, spirit level, 16-ounce claw hammer, utility knife, wire stripper, wire brush, and scissors round out the tool assortment. The kit also includes a roll of electrical tape, drywall anchors, picture-hanging hardware, 4-inch cable ties, and replacement utility blades.

The Workpro tool kit came in handy for hanging pictures in the living room, repairing a porch light fixture, and assembling a new garage cabinet. We appreciated the set’s inclusive nature, with most of the hand tools needed for a wide range of home repairs.

The tool quality was pretty good overall, especially for the modest price, and the handles were well cushioned and comfortable to grip. But we noted a few exceptions: The tape measure housing arrived with a large crack, although this did not negatively affect operation. The spinner handles of the precision screwdrivers, as well as the plier joints, moved somewhat stiffly. Also, the handles on the 6-inch pliers and diagonal cutters were a bit undersized for large hands.

We really liked the convenience of color-coded clip bars to keep all of the sockets organized in the soft-sided carry bag—one color for SAE sockets and the other color for metric. The screwdrivers were comfortable and included a set of stubbies for low-clearance work. Plus, the tool bag had plenty of inside and outside pockets to organize the tools for work, yet for storage and travel, we found it best to pile everything inside and sort it out at project time.

Product Specs

• Tool count: 322
• Tool types: Ratchets/sockets, screwdrivers, hex keys, bit driver handles/assorted bits, adjustable wrench, pliers, hammer, utility knife, scissors, wire stripper, spirit level, tape measure, wire brush
• Carry case: Soft sided

Pros

• A nice diversity of tools for home repair and maintenance projects
• Generally good-quality hand tools for a modest price compared to similar options
• Rugged soft-sided carry case with lots of pockets to keep tools organized
• Bonus features include electrical tape, picture hardware, drywall anchors, and cable ties

Cons

• Some of the tool handles are slightly undersized for larger hands
• Some of the tools operate stiffly and may require a break-in period
• The 322-piece count seems slightly inflated, counting single-use supplies (cable ties, tape, hardware kit, and blades)

Get the WorkPro hand tool set at Amazon or Sears.

Best Screwdriver Set

Klein Tools 85078 8-Piece Screwdriver Set

The Klein Tools 85078 screwdriver set features a general purpose assortment of the most commonly used screwdrivers. The eight-piece set includes two stubby screwdrivers with #2 Phillips and 5/16-inch slotted tips; two 3-inch screwdrivers with #1 Phillips and 3/16-inch slotted tips; two 4-inch screwdrivers with #2 Phillips and 5/16-inch slotted tips; and two 6-inch screwdrivers with #3 Phillips and ¼-inch slotted tips. The heat-treated chrome-plated shafts have internal flanges inside the hard plastic handles for a solid, twist-resistant blade anchor. A cushioned rubber overmold on the handles offers a comfortable nonslip grip.

In our screwdriver tests, the Klein Tools set offered the best fit into most screw heads and the most comfortable grip of all the models we tested. Although the tips were not premagnetized, which can be a very convenient feature in certain situations, anyone can do that at home easily enough, so we did not take off points for that. We liked that the kit includes stubby screwdrivers, since we often find ourselves lacking in clearance above a screw. We also appreciated the the big #3 Phillips and ¼-inch slotted tips, since using an undersized screwdriver damages screw heads. Possibly the best feature, and one of the simplest, was the rubber overmolded handle that simultaneously increased the girth of the handle for easier gripping, cushioned the grip, and reduced slippage. Working with them was a pleasure.

Product Specs

• Tool count: 8
• Tool types: Slotted and Phillips screwdrivers
• Carry case: Not included

Pros

• Kit includes stubby and standard sizes #1, #2, and #3 Phillips and slotted screwdrivers
• Hard plastic handles with rubber overmold offer durability and a comfortable grip
• Screwdriver type and size are embossed on the handle tips for easy reference
• Shafts are heat-treated and chrome plated for extended durability

Cons

• Kit does not include precision screwdrivers, which may be a drawback for some shoppers

Get the Klein Tools screwdriver hand tool set at The Home Depot, Grainger, or Acme Tools.

Best Socket Set

Craftsman CMMT12024 135-Piece Mechanics Tool Set

DIYers need more tool versatility for different projects. The Craftsman 135-piece Mechanics Tool Set comes equipped with 72 regular and deep well sockets in SAE and metric sizes as well as three ratchets in ¼-inch, ⅜-inch, and ½-inch drive sizes. The 72-tooth ratchet gears minimize arc swing. For even more ratcheting flexibility, the kit includes 6-inch drive extensions for ½ and ⅜ drives, a 3-inch extension for the ¼ drive, a ⅜- to ¼-drive adaptor, and a ⅜ universal joint drive adaptor. The kit also includes ⅝ and 13/16 spark plug sockets, eight combination wrenches in SAE and metric sizes, a ¼-inch bit driver with 17 specialty bits, and a set of hex keys.

The Craftsman mechanic’s tool kit proved to be a well-equipped pick. Right away we noted the flexibility built into this set. Using the general purpose ⅜-drive ratchet as a starting point, adding the ⅜-inch to ¼-inch drive adaptor as needed, it is compatible with SAE sizes 5/32, 3/16, 7/32, ¼, 9/32, 5/16, 11/32, ⅜, 7/16, ½, 9/16, ⅝, 11/16, ¾, and 13/16; and metric sizes 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19—a respectable 31 different sizes of regular and deep sockets, or 55 of 72 sockets included in the kit.

The other ratchets, drive extensions, deep well sockets, and drive adaptors increased the functionality. We used the smaller ¼-inch ratchet and bit driver for electronics and other smaller detailed work. The big ½-inch ratchet was good for removing lug nuts to rotate a set of truck tires and would be nice to have around for other heavy-torque projects.

The ratchet handles here are the same design as those used in our Best Overall pick—a comfortable ergonomic design with a short arc swing for easier use in tight spaces. The directional switch and socket release buttons operate smoothly. We also liked the large clear size markings on the sockets and inside the carry case. The only problematic issue we noted is how tightly some of the sockets fit into the carry case. It was difficult to remove and replace them with our bare hands.

Product Specs

• Tool count: 135
• Tool types: Ratchets and sockets, wrenches, hex keys, bit driver/assorted bits
• Carry case: Molded plastic

Pros

• Kit includes an excellent assortment of SAE and metric sockets in ¼-, ⅜-, and ½-inch drive sizes
• Three different ratchets—¼, ⅜, and ½ inch—offer adaptability for different types of projects
• Box wrenches, hex keys, a bit driver, and 17 specialty bits add to the kit’s functionality
• The heavy-duty molded plastic carry case is clearly labeled, features a rugged metal hinge, and closes securely with 4 latches

Cons

• The ½-inch drive sockets fit too tightly into the carry case for easy removal
• There may be more tools than the casual user would need

Get the Craftsman mechanics hand tool set at Amazon, Ace Hardware, or Blain’s Farm & Fleet.

Best Pliers Set

Irwin Vise-Grip 8-Piece GrooveLock Pliers Set

Get ready to pull, twist, and grab pipes, fittings, bolts, and more with the Irwin Vise-Grip GrooveLock Pliers Set. It boasts six of the most commonly used types of pliers, plus an adjustable wrench and diagonal wire cutter. The set contains long-nose pliers, linesman’s pliers, slip-joint pliers, and three pairs of GrooveLock pliers that adjust to various widths. The pliers’ handles come with nonslip comfort grips, and the steel is high-quality chrome vanadium. This set is designed to last for years, and it contains the pliers a DIYer or budding electrician needs.

While equivalent tools included in our Best Overall and Best Bang for the Buck selections were perfectly capable for completing a project, these Irwin Vise-Grip tools make work more comfortable and less frustrating. The overall tool quality felt and performed exceedingly well in our tests. The handles were generously proportioned for comfortable use in large or small hands, and the moving parts moved smoothly with no break-in period.

We especially liked the uniquely designed groove-lock pliers with push-button width selectors that do not slip out of place accidentally. We also appreciated the fractional and millimeter markings on the jaws of the adjustable wrench that indicate the precise measurement of the bolt or nut in its jaws. This kit was excellent in most respects, but we would have gladly traded one of the groove-lock pliers for a pair of Vise-Grip locking pliers.

Product Specs

• Tool count: 8
• Tool types: Pliers, adjustable wrench, diagonal cutter
• Carry case: Soft sided

Pros

• This nice tool selection includes groove-lock, slip-joint, long-nose, and linesman’s pliers; diagonal cutters; and adjustable wrench
• High-quality tool steel with cushioned nonslip grips offers durability and comfort
• Everything is packed in a heavy-duty tool roll bundle for easy transport and organization

Cons

• Surprisingly, a set of Vise-Grip locking pliers is not included

Get the Irwin hand tool set at Amazon, Acme Tools, or Northern Tool + Equipment.

Best Chisel Set

DeWalt DWHT16063 4-Piece Wood Chisel Set

Wherever wood must be notched, trimmed, sliced, or scraped into shape, a good set of wood chisels gets the job done. This set of four DeWalt wood chisels is designed to provide comfort and control for many years of demanding use. Bimaterial synthetic handles offer cushioning and controlled grip with a hardened metal strike cap for improved durability. Tempered and hardened chrome carbon-steel blades, in 1-inch, ¾-inch, ½-inch, and ¼-inch widths, sharpen easily and hold their edge well with extended use. The blades are lacquered for increased corrosion resistance.

At about half the price of comparable chisels from brands popular with fine woodworkers, this DeWalt four-piece chisel set presents a great value for the quality. The blades arrived sharp enough to work with, held their edge well in our tests, and were easy to sharpen on a stone.

The bench chisel design was ideal for a wide range of wood chopping and paring. We used this kit to make half-lap joints in pressure-treated lumber and to create a notch for a gate latch. The chisels felt good in hand with good grip and cushioning and consistently cut smoothly even with infrequent sharpening. This set could even make a serviceable start-up kit for making furniture or other fine woodworking projects with the addition of paring chisels for delicate slicing and mortise chisels for heavy, detailed chopping, and maybe ⅛-inch and 1 ¼-inch chisels of this same design. Our only objection is the lack of a protective storage option, such as the simple plastic blade covers some other sets include.

Product Specs

• Tool count: 4
• Tool types: Wood chisels
• Carry case: Not included

Pros

• Tempered, hardened chrome-carbon steel blades sharpen easily and hold their edge well
• Blades in this set are lacquer coated for improved corrosion resistance
• Bimaterial handles with metal strike caps offer comfort, control, and durability
• Kit includes 4 bench chisels, sizes 1 inch, ¾ inch, ½ inch, and ¼ inch

Cons

• Blade covers are not included for safe storage; improper storage could dull the blades
• Not a comprehensive set; additional chisels will be required for fine