Guide to Picking the Only Toolset You Will Ever Need

Imagine you have moved into your new apartment where everything is in place, things are functioning as they are supposed to, and you love it all. However, a few months down, you start noticing small things in your new apartment that require your attention such as a loose door handle or a nail poking out of your work desk. You consider calling a workman or your landlord to fix these minor issues but then you decide to tackle these annoyances yourself for once. 

To fix these problems yourself, you will need a toolset that caters to your regular maintenance requirements, helps with your DIY projects, and allows you to boast your handyman skills in front of your friends and family. 

To help you decide what toolset box you should purchase, we have composed a complete guide on buying your first toolset box. The guide includes types of tools in a toolset box, things to consider before purchasing one, and the top toolset brands available on Amazon and their products. Without further ado, let’s dive right in.

Types of Tools

Types of Tools

Whether you are buying a toolset box for fixing up regular annoyances at home or starting new DIY projects, you need to know the types of tools that exist so that you can purchase the best toolset and complete your tasks efficiently. Let’s have a look at some of the main types of tools you would find in a toolset.

Hand Tools

A black box with a bunch of tools stored inside

As the name suggests, these are the tools that are primarily to be used with hands. 

Hammer

A hammer hitting a nail

Hammers are one of the most common tools out there and are used for a variety of purposes. They are simple yet effective tools and can be used for driving nails into a surface, hitting an object to shape it, or disassembling an object. Although hammers are super useful, they are also dangerous. There are different types of hammers including sledge hammers, mallet hammers, claw hammers, and ball-peen hammers.

Pliers

Different types of pliers on a table

Another common tool that provides a versatile range of uses. They can be used to grip tools, reach hard-to-reach places, hold objects and wires, remove nails, or cut wires or metal. Pliers come in different types including electrical pliers, slip-joint pliers, cutting pliers, and needle-nose pliers. 

Wrenches

A set of silver wrenches

Wrenches are widely used tools that offer the user the ability to grip, tighten, fasten, and loosen different objects such as nuts & bolts, and pipes. The automobile industry uses wrenches heavily as the requirement of tightening and loosening different circular objects comes up frequently. They can also be used in your garage. There are a variety of wrenches including open-end wrenches, adjustable wrenches, ratchet wrenches, and short-body wrenches, all serving different purposes.

Clamps

Metal clamps on a wooden table

Clamps allow you to hold together two pieces of objects while you are working such as gluing them together or assembling them. They free your hands and apply the required amount of pressure on the two objects being held together.

Screwdrivers

A person working with a screwdriver on a drawer

Screwdrivers, as the name implies, are hand-operated tools that allow you to twist and drive screws into the surface or piecework you are working on. The simplest of screwdrivers have a shaft at one end to grip the screwdriver and a tip that fits in the crevice of the screw. 

Measuring tools

A metal measuring tape on a wooden table

Measuring tools are the starting point of any fix or a DIY project as they allow you to develop a concrete and specific action plan. A famous saying “measure twice, cut once” truly applies in areas such as woodwork and metalwork as once you cut either of them, you cannot reverse the damage. As such, measuring tools are super important for any project of that sort.

Measuring tools come in a variety of types: measuring tape, levelers, calipers, measuring squares, protractors, and rulers. 

Power Tools

A battery-operated drill drilling a hole into a wood plank

Power tools are inventions of the 21st century. They offer many advantages as they accelerate the pace of work and improve the precision & accuracy of the work as well. These power tools are usually electronic and can come in corded or cordless varieties. Some power tools are also fuel-powered.

Drills

A woman drilling a nail into a home appliance

The simplest and most commonly used power tool is a drill. Drills allow you to drill holes in different surfaces, drive screws or fasteners, and are great tools to use in woodwork, metalwork, and masonry. They improve the efficiency of work with less time and better precision & accuracy.

Drills are available in numerous types and sizes including corded drills, cordless drills, and drills with brushless motors. However, they are expensive pieces of equipment.

Grinders

A grinder grinding metal

Grinders, as the name implies, allow you to grind any excessive material or smooth any sharp edges. Grinders use an abrasive wheel that slices off chips from the workpiece to smoothen or eliminate any excess material or edges. They are widely used for metalwork and removing excess metal from welded joints.

Grinders are available in the market in different types including angle grinders, bench grinders, precision grinders, and pedestal grinders.

Nail Gun

A nail gun being used wood

A nail gun allows you to drive a nail into a surface quickly and precisely. When you repair house siding or install baseboards, nail guns come in handy as they allow you to efficiently drive nails into your workpieces quickly.

Nail staplers are used on rather softer materials such as wood, leather, plywood, and other sheathing materials. They are a simpler and less powerful version of a nail gun. 

Fasteners

A bunch of fasteners lying together

These are connecting tools such as nails, bolts, screws, and nails. They help in holding two workpieces together.

Nuts & Bolts

Nuts are used to hold two pieces together and inserted into a drilled hole on a workpiece, they have threaded holes. Bolts are then used to fasten the object together, however, the bolt must be a mating one with the nut. 

Nails

Most widely used fasteners are nails that carry a bulky object or join two pieces together. You hold a nail steady with the sharp side against the piecework and hit it with a hammer to drive it in. They are used with woodwork, plastic, drywall, masonry, and concrete. 

Screws

Screws are threaded fasteners that allow you to hold two pieces together. Unlike bolts, screws do not require a nut to secure them. This is because the driving action of the screw i.e., circular motion secures the screw and the piecework together. Screws do not require holes to be drilled as they are themselves drilled into piecework.

Let us summarize the type of tools you would find in a toolset in the table below:

Tool Uses
Hammer
  • Driving nails into an object
  • Forming or deforming piecework
  • Disassembling an object
Pliers
  • Grip objects
  • Access hard-to-reach places
  • Cut or holding wires/metal
Wrenches
  • Grip
  • Tighten / Loosen
Clamps
  • To temporarily hold piecework together
Screwdriver
  • Twisting and driving screws into an object
Measuring tools
  • Manipulate the piecework with precision and accuracy
Drills
  • Drill holes in an object
  • Drive fasteners, screws, and bolts
Grinders
  • Removing unwanted material from the object’s surface
  • Sharpening or smoothing the edges of a metal piece
Nail Gain
  • Drive nails into objects usually using compressed air
Fasteners
  • Include nuts & bolts, screws, and nails.
  • Used to hold piecework together and secure them.

Things to Consider Before Purchasing a Toolset

Things to Consider Before Purchasing a Toolset

Before purchasing your first tool kit, you should consider some factors so that the one you purchase is the most suitable tool set for you. Here are some things to consider before purchasing a toolset.

Your toolset is an investment

Tools should last for a large period of time, even decades. As with any other product you purchase, tools also come in different qualities and you get what you pay for. It’s better to have a small range of high-quality tools rather than a large range of subpar-quality tools as they will only last you a year or two, slow down your work, and overall makes your entire work less efficient.  

No to multi-tools

Although multi-tools may be handy when traveling or for tasks that do not require full-sized tools, they are usually mediocre at most of the tasks. If you want to work on your DIY projects or tackle the regular maintenance of different objects at your home, we recommend that you avoid multi-tools.

Know the purpose

Before purchasing your toolset, you should know why you need to buy a toolset. If you buy a toolset box that is not congruent with your requirements then you end up performing your tasks at a much slower pace and inefficiently or may not even be able to do the task with the tools you have. As such, you should always exactly know what you want to do with the toolset and then can find the suitable toolset brands.

Ensure sufficient storage space

You also need to know whether you have a dedicated space to store your toolset as they are heavy and can be potentially dangerous. In addition to this, you should also purchase a toolset that comes with a sturdy box and is easy to work with. 

A toolbox with many types of tools inside

Make it simple

If you are buying your first toolset box then you don’t need every tool that has been invented. You need the most commonly used types of tools in your toolset including

  • Flat screwdrivers with one small tip and one large tip
  • Phillips screwdrivers with size 1 tip and size 2 tip
  • A claw hammer to pluck out nails
  • Locking pliers
  • A measuring tape
  • Diagonal cutters
  • A putty and utility knife
  • An adjustable wrench
  • Fasteners of different kinds

Consider the cost

Toolsets can be pricey, and as such, you should always take into consideration the cost of the toolset you want to buy. Even though you are saving up on the workman’s labor and other costs, it does not mean you should splurge all you want. Weigh up the costs and the benefits before making a purchase decision. The most expensive toolset is not necessarily the best for you.

Measuring units

Tools come in two different types of measurement: metric or SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers). Metric measures in millimeters whereas SAE measures in inches. As such, you should also consider this factor while purchasing your toolset as converting units can take up time and slow down.

However, some toolsets come with both measurements. Nevertheless, ensure that you get the toolset with the units you want to work with.

Top Toolsets Brands on Amazon

With the types of tools and factors to consider before purchasing a toolset covered, it’s time to look at some of the top-selling toolsets.

Craftsman

Craftsman was registered as a company in 1927 in the United States and has been operating as a top-reputed toolset brand in the world. The company has a stringent focus on quality control and has won several awards. The company is famous for having an unlimited lifetime warranty on many of its products. 

Their CRAFTSMAN Home Tool Kit is the most popular product, it comes in two variants: 57 pieces and 102 pieces. The 57 pieces variant packs 45 specialty tools including a hammer, measuring tape, bolts, slip joint pliers, screwdrivers, 11-piece specialty bit bars, and 8-piece hex key sets, and the case is blow-molded. 

Another product Craftsman has is their CRAFTSMAN Mechanics Tools Kit which is a 216-piece model including a 72-tooth ratchet, fasteners, and a three-drawer box. It’s a great find for those who are garage enthusiasts.

Black+Decker

Black+Decker is an American multinational producing a wide range of products including toolsets. The company was established in 1910 in Baltimore, United States, and has been operating since. It is another well-known name in the industry and holds 100+ manufacturing facilities around the world with a global presence in over 60 countries.

One of their highly reviewed toolkit on Amazon is their beyond by BLACK & DECKER Home Tool Kit is one of their top products. The toolset includes a drill with drill bits and screwdriving bits, two pliers, hex wrenchers, a level, hammer, battery, battery charger, and a screwdriver. It comes with a storage bag as well as a warranty. In addition, it is fitted with LED integrated lights to indicate the battery level of the drill. 

The BLACK & DECKER 8V Drill & Home Tool Kit is a similar product that includes an 8V drill, 57 hand tools and accessories, and a carrying case. The hand tools & accessories include a claw hammer, tape measure, adjustable wrench, slip joint pliers, and drill bits.

DeWalt

DeWalt was founded in 1923 and rapidly grew in 1947 as American Machine & Foundry Co. It produces high-quality toolsets as it is a household name. The company has a global presence in many countries such as Italy, Brazil, Mexico, and the United Kingdom with manufacturing facilities in the United States and in other countries too. DeWalt is a widely known brand and holds a stellar reputation for making quality toolsets.

The STANLEY Tool Set is an example of such an excellent tool set by DeWalt. It comes with a complete range of metric and SAE sockets, a hammer, 16’ tape, a snap-off knife, level, long nose and slip joint pliers, 2 screwdrivers, and a rachet. These tools come with a sturdy toolbox and each tool is made of high-quality steel. Other products under the Stanley brand name by DeWalt include plier sets, drive socket sets, and tape measures.

Eastvolt

Although a recent name in the industry, Eastvolt nevertheless enjoys a good reputation in the budget category for toolsets. It is based out of China and develops & manufactures a wide range of power tools and toolsets. 

Eastvolt brand has a wide variety of toolsets available on Amazon, each being highly reviewed. The Eastvolt Home Tool Kit is a top-reviewed toolset for home use. It is equipped with a 20V drill with wide usage, a long-nose plier, an adjustable wrench, a claw hammer, a 100-bit holder, strong sleeves, measuring tape, a fastener box, and a flexible hose. All of this is packed in a storage box. The drill included is a specialty by Eastvolt with a high-performance motor and two-variable speed settings. 

Another product they offer is the Eastvolt 20V Max Cordless Power Drill Driver Kit & Home Tool Kit which comes with a 20V power drill, long nose plier, wrench, hammers, and other hand tools & accessories – this product comes with comparably fewer components than the other Eastvolt product aforementioned.

Amazon Basics

Amazon Basics, a brand by Amazon itself, was launched in 2009 to offer budget cables & plugs products to its customers. It also produces toolsets that have received exceptional reviews for their quality and value for money. Amazon Basics offers toolsets for household use and procures them from China.

The Amazon Basics 131-Piece General Household Home Repair and Mechanic’s Hand Tool Kit Set is a great tool set for household use. It is offered in two variants: 131-piece and 173-piece. The 131-piece variant includes 6 combination wrenches, 16 hex keys, 4 screwdrivers, a claw hammer, long-nose pliers, and measuring tape. It also includes a few others components too. The built quality is great with good grips on all of the hand tools.

Conclusion

Picking the perfect toolset requires you to understand the types of tools, and things to know before purchasing one and exploring the top toolsets & tool kits out there. In this guide, we have highlighted each of these areas so that you can select the best toolkit out there that is perfect for your use. With the right toolset, you can be the handyman of your family, tackle the daily house problems easily, and begin your most anticipated DIY projects.