Just like you can’t write code without a keyboard, bake a cake without a pan, and take a photo without a camera, you can’t perform any repairs on a vehicle or complete a DIY task without some essential tools. If you’re a professional contractor, however, you’ll need more than essential tools – you’ll need a professional-grade tool kit. These tool kits contain the most essential tools, such as screwdrivers and wrenches, ratchets and sockets, and much more. The great thing about buying a tool set is that you don’t have to break your bank to get a quality one. However, you can spend up to several thousand if you’d like.
Almost any tool kit will do the job if your goal is to fix your car, hang a shelf, or put together some furniture. It’s only if you need something extra that you’ll need to really think about what you’re getting. Here’s a range of tool sets that are worth considering – some of which are designed and priced for beginners, whereas others are for professionals who perform serious, heavy-duty tasks. These tool sets are chosen based on personal experience, as well as user reviews.
DeWalt 108-Piece Tool Set
This is a decent tool set if you’re on a budget. It only goes for about $70. On the downside, it’s not that comprehensive, as it lacks pliers, wrenches and a couple of other things, but it still features 108 pieces. This includes metric and imperial sockets with their corresponding 3/8-inch and 1/4-inch drive ratchets that have a 72-tooth ratchet, they’re ideal for work in tight spaces. This kit also features Allen wrenches, a screwdriver bit set and a range of extension bars and adapters. It comes with a carrying case that keeps things tidy and clean, and allows you to easily transport it from one place to another.
Stanley 156-Piece Metric and Imperial Tool Set
Another great set if you’re on a tighter budget. With a price of about $450, this tool kit features 1/4-inch standard sockets and ratchet, extensions, bit holder and uni joint, as well as 3/8-inch drive standard sockets, extensions and uni joint and spark plug sockets. Moreover, it features 1/2-inch drive standard sockets and socket. On top of sockets and accessories, it features metric combination spanners, ratchet screwdrivers, imperial and metric hex keys, an adjustable wrench, combination and diagonal cutting pliers, as well as nose pliers.
Craftsman 189-Piece Tool Set
This set is ideal for those just getting started with using wrenches around the garage or home. It includes 189 pieces – everything from ratchets, sockets, wrenches and screwdriver attachments. It’s one of the most versatile sets, from one of the best tool manufacturers. The set is available in both metric and imperial sizes, and is backed by a lifetime guarantee. The tools come with a corrosion-resistant finish to ensure a great look for years to come. This tool set can get virtually any job done around the home, and comes with a plastic storage tote for extra convenience.
Klutch 566-Piece Tool Set
This tool set is at the middle ground between affordable and professional-grade tool sets. It comes at around $1000, which is quite a lot to spend on a tool set, unless you’re a professional contractor. However, at this price, you get 566 pieces, including everything you may ever need to do some serious work. From screwdrivers and sockets, to quick-release ratchets, Allen keys, wrenches, nut drivers, etc. Every tool features high-visibility marking, so you’ll never grab the wrong one. Its ratchets come with a 72-tooth mechanism, allowing you to use them in tight quarters. Moreover, many of the items are made using chrome vanadium steel, so you can rest assured you won’t break or bend any tool, no matter how much you abuse it.
Gearwrench 613-Piece Hand Tool Set
Another mid-range tool set, manufactured by Gearwrench – an industry leader in tool manufacturing. This tool set features 613 pieces, providing a wide range of bits, sockets, pliers and screwdrivers. For extra versatility, the ratcheting wrenches feature a 72-tooth drive mechanism, allowing you to work in extra tight places. These pieces are also chrome-polished and feature slim-head designs. The 84-tooth drive mechanisms allow you to get the job done faster, no matter how much space you got to work with. On top of all this, you get extension bar adapters that allow you to reach fasteners in awkward spots, a slew of adapters, and a ball-end hex key set. On the downside, this set costs about $2500, which isn’t cheap by any means, but hey – quality usually costs money.
Conclusion
If you’re serious about performing your own repairs around the house or garage, or you’re a seasoned professional who has to use hand tools on a daily basis, having a quality tool set can go a long way. As you can see from the sets above, there are tool kits for sale for virtually every job out there. All you have to do is spend some time looking for the right one.
