The Best Tool Sets To Tackle All Your DIY Needs

Number of pieces: 68 | Weight: 4 pounds | Voltage: 20 | Power source: Manual, electric | Case included: Yes

For many people, having a tool set with a plethora of options means that most of those devices will go unused. This kit from Black + Decker manages to toe that middle ground by offering up enough tools to allow you to do pretty much any home project without leaving you overwhelmed when it comes time to select a tool. One of the big features of this kit is the 20-volt lithium drill that can help make assembling furniture and hanging cabinets easier. (Worth noting: The battery can hold a charge for up to 18 months.) You’ll also get 68 hand tools and accessories, including a hammer, pliers, three screwdrivers and an adjustable wrench. It all comes with a matching carrying bag for simpler storage.

What the editors say: Fran Sales, updates writer for Forbes Vetted, says, “My roommate and I have had this kit for almost three years. While the bag isn’t the sturdiest, the included tools are durable and good-quality, so they make up for it. The power drill, in particular, has been a game changer: We’ve moved so many times and it’s made building furniture and hanging things so much easier. I used to be afraid of power drills (I’m not handy at all), and I use this one all the time.”

Pros:

• Covers most essential homeowner needs
• Drill is lightweight enough for smaller hands

Cons:

• Case isn’t very durable or good for organizing
• Not for seasoned DIYers

Number of pieces: 65 | Weight: 7 pounds | Voltage: N/A | Power source: Manual | Case included: Yes

There are certain tools that are crucial to have at your place, like a good hammer, Phillips head and flat head screwdrivers, pliers and a measuring tape. This basic kit from Stanley has you covered with those, plus a little more, like socket wrenches and a level, to help ensure the next photo you hang is straight. While the kit doesn’t have any power tools (meaning it’s not ideal for larger projects), first-time homeowners or those new to tools will find this kit very useful. A nice perk: The hard carrying case doubles as an organizer with a dedicated spot for each item.

Pros:

• Easy to organize
• Both case and tools are sturdy
• Good tool range

Cons:

• Case arrives screwed shut
• Doesn’t come with an adjustable wrench

Number of pieces: 119 | Weight: 15 pounds | Voltage: N/A | Power Source: Manual, electric | Case included: Yes

There are a lot of projects you can do around your home—hang photos and tighten loose screws, for instance. Enter, this kit from Kobalt, which has everything you need to do home fix-it projects, plus a little extra. Homeowners who are used to being handy around the house will find plenty of useful tools to choose from including two ratchets, 32 socket sizes, a spinner, magnetic bit driver, six screwdrivers, three pliers, a hammer, measuring tape, a leveler and more. Plus, the sockets are made from chrome vanadium steel, a harder material than other types of steel, to help with their longevity. Lastly, the set also comes with its own soft but sturdy case that’s made of two-layered nylon and a reinforced bottom; it’s also easily portable, thanks to its fold-up design and robust carry handle.

Pros:

• A wide variety of tools for the cost
• Large screwdriver range
• Included case is soft but compact and durable

Cons:

• Limited power tools
• May not be for those new to home improvement

Number of pieces: 168 | Weight: 13 pounds | Voltage: N/A | Power source: Manual | Case included: Yes

This 168-piece tool kit might contain more than most people need, but it might also be the last one you’ll ever have to buy. For instance, you might not reach for the caps used for electrical wiring often, but you’ll surely appreciate the hardware for hanging picture frames. And the ratchet set may not be among your most-used items, but you’ll likely reach for the nylon-tipped spring-loaded clamps for everything from securing holiday decorations to holding down outdoor table cloths. Yes, this kit has multiple items that you don’t find in other tool sets, but they’re probably ones you would have ended up buying at some point, anyway. Plus, several reviewers praise the tool set’s portability, saying it’s been especially convenient when they’ve had to repair things on the road.

Pros:

• Huge selection of tools
• Solid organizational case

Cons:

• Tools aren’t the most durable
• Some of the case’s compartments don’t hold the pieces securely

Number of pieces: 267 | Weight: 19 pounds | Voltage: N/A | Power Source: Manual | Case included: Yes

Kobalt does not skimp on quantity with this massive tool set. A Lowe’s bestseller, it features 267 pieces, meaning it contains almost everything you need to keep your home in good repair. These include standard essentials like a hammer, eight screwdrivers, a tape measure, a 95-piece wall-hanging set and a wrench; it also offers extras you won’t find in standard kits but might find yourself needing at some point, like wire cutters, needle-nose pliers and 41 sockets. Plus, the kit comes in a soft case with ample external pockets to help you stay organized. The case is designed like a tote with its padded carrying handle and adjustable shoulder strap, making toting around this arsenal of tools a little more comfortable.

Pros:

• Kobalt offers a lifetime warranty on its hand tools
• Comfortable carrying case that’s easy to organize

Cons:

• Sockets can be tricky to get out of plastic holders
• Some buyers wish it includes a power drill

Number of pieces: 65 | Weight: 5.8 pounds | Voltage: N/A | Power Source: Manual | Case included: Yes

Not everyone has an entire garage to store tools but this Amazon Basics kit fits into a compact storage bag. At 13 x 5.3 x 8 inches and weighing under 6 pounds, it’s petite enough to stash in the bottom of a closet or cabinet when it’s not in use. It also has both handles and a shoulder strap, making it simple to tote around. Best of all, the kit features all of the essentials a first-time renter or homeowner might need for smaller repair jobs: a hammer, two screwdrivers, pliers, a ratchet, Allen wrenches, a tape measure and more. The only major things missing are a full-sized wrench and a drill, but that’s a minor omission for many of the reviewers who rated this kit over four stars.

Pros:

• Compact size makes for easy storage
• Good tool set for basic home repairs and maintenance

Cons:

• Not ideal for more intensive projects

Number of pieces: 230 | Weight: 26.7 pounds | Voltage: N/A | Power Source: Manual | Case included: Yes

The tools car enthusiasts rely on are completely different from the items most people need to fix things around their home. However, this mechanics set from Craftsman is packed with sockets, ratchets, wrenches and specialty pieces to help you tune up and fix your car or motorcycle. The three-drawer carrying case allows you to stay organized, and it features a one-handed locking dial to allow you to secure drawers for easy carrying. You can also rest the drawers on top of the box when they’re in use. And if you need something in a hurry, the large markings on the sockets are helpful for identifying sizes at a glance so you can grab and go.

Pros:

• Huge selection of standard and deep sockets
• Impressive organizational case
• One-handed drawer locking

Cons:

• Have to remove drawers to access items in the back
• Case isn’t as durable as the tools

Number of pieces: 3 | Weight: 1.5 pounds | Voltage: N/A | Power source: Manual | Case included: No

While there are larger gardening tool kits out there, many have items you’ll never end up using. Fiskars hand tool kit gives you the essentials: A trowel, transplanter and cultivator. They’re all crafted from the high-quality steel Fiskars is known for to help keep your tools in peak condition while you toil in the soil. There are also thoughtful details like depth measurements on the spade so you can tell how far you’ve dug. A rust-resistant coating helps keep them looking new over time and with regular use. Each hand tool is lightweight and features ergonomically shaped handles to help you feel comfortable as you work.

Pros:

• Ergonomic handles
• Spade has helpful depth markers
• Covered by lifetime warranty

Cons:

• No gloves or carrying case included
• Some reviewers say these aren’t ideal for clay-type soils