The 7 Best Tool Kits of 2023

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. Tool kits not only include basics like a hammer, hex keys, and measuring tape, but more advanced ones can have tools that people tend to buy separately, including a box cutter or level. Buying these items altogether, instead of separately when you need them, may end up saving you more money in the long run.

To come up with the best tool kits, we considered type, use, and experience level, selecting options for novices as well as experienced DIYers.

Read on to learn more about our top picks and how to choose the right tool set for you.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall Tool Kit:

WORKPRO 100-Piece Tool Kit at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Budget Tool Kit:

IKEA tool kit at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Splurge Tool Kit:

DEKOPRO Tool Kit at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Tool Kit for Power Tools:

CRAFTSMAN Cordless Drill Combo Kit at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Tool Kit for Cars:

DEWALT Tool Kit and Socket Set at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Tool Kit for Bikes:

Crankbrothers Multi-Tool+Case at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Tool Kit for Gardens:

MECHREVO Gardening Tool Set at Amazon

Jump to Review

4.2

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart

Who it's for: People looking for a starter tool kit with all the tools needed for basic home projects.

Who it isn't for: People who are looking for a tool kit that also has power tools included.

This editor-approved tool kit is a fantastic starter for people moving into their first apartment or home. The tool kit includes a claw hammer, an adjustable wrench, an auto-lock tape measurer, two flathead and phillips-head screwdrivers, and both combination pliers and long nose pliers. Also included is a utility knife, which will make unpacking your moving boxes so much easier, and eight hex keys, which will come in handy in case you lose any hex keys that come with your assembly-required furniture.

In addition to the basics, the Workpro 100-Piece Home Tool Kit comes with a handful of helpful extras including 40 zip ties, 10 replacement utility knife blades, nine sockets, and 20 screw bits that stay on their included screwdriver magnetically. The included polyester (and water-resistant) case has dedicated compartments with straps to secure each tool in its place, effectively eliminating any worry that the tools will become jumbled once inside.

Number of Pieces: 100 | Weight: 4.95 pounds | Box Size: 12 x 9 x 3 inches

IKEA

View On Amazon View On Ikea

Who it's for: Beginners who truly want just the basics at a low price.

Who it isn't for: People who want a tool kit that includes a level and tape measurer.

This bare-bones tool kit is a great option for people who don't want to invest in a larger kit that is filled with items they know they won't use, which for some could include sockets, hex keys, or multiple pliers. The Ikea Fixa 17-Piece Tool Kit gives you the absolute basics, including a claw hammer, one pair of pliers, an adjustable wrench, and a screwdriver that comes with 12 attachable screw bits, including various sizes for flatheads and phillips heads.

Also included is a rubber cover that, when applied to the hammer, turns it into a mallet. The kit comes in a compact, plastic case that has a specified place for each tool so everything stays neat and organized. Although it does come with basics that allow you to tighten furniture screws and hang wall art, it does lack traditional tool kit items that are necessary for home repair, such as a level and tape measure.

Number of Pieces: 17 | Weight: 2.7 pounds | Box Size: 7.25 x 1.5 x 10.75 inches

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Target View On Dekotools.com

Who it's for: People who do a lot of small projects and repairs around their home and need more than a basic tool kit has to offer.

Who it isn't for: People who are looking for a tool kit that will take up less storage 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 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 overtime. The included tool box 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 compatible 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

CRAFTSMAN

View On Amazon

Who it's for: Serious DIYers who often dabble in home projects that require building.

Who it isn't for: People renting apartments who don't have the space or need to renovate or build things that require power tools.

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, 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 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

DEWALT

View On Amazon View On Acmetools.com View On Farmandfleet.com

Who it's for: People who feel comfortable tinkering with their car to make adjustments or repairs.

Who it isn't for: People who prefer to leave their car repairs to the professionals.

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 most 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

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Chainreactioncycles.com View On REI

Who it's for: People who want a bike kit that they can take with them while riding.

Who it isn't for: People who only use their bike every so often for leisure.

This Crankbrothers bike tool kit is great because it's compact and lightweight enough to take it 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, screw drivers (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

MECHREVO

View On Amazon View On Walmart

Who it's for: People who want a gardening tool kit that includes a mat for their knees.

Who it isn't for: People who don't garden frequently.

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 Workpro 100-Piece Home 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. It also comes with a water-resistant polyester storage bag and includes extra tools such as zip ties, replacement utility knife replacement blades, and a nice selection of sockets and screw bits.

How to Shop for Tool Kits

Type

There are a variety of tool kit types available on the market, and it can become very overwhelming choosing 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, 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.

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 off of the tools you know you will need.

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 level and hammer 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 to 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, level, and adjustable wrench. Overtime, 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.

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 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.

Where should you store a tool kit?

Tool kits should generally be stored inside 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, which is typically 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. 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 it 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. She 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.