The best hand tools are incredibly diverse. Not only do they allow you to repair your motor, and vehicles in general, they also work well for home repairs, fixing electronics, and completing countless other DIY projects. If you’re a motorhead looking for an excellent set of tools for tweaking things under the hood, or merely someone looking for a great set of hand tools to have around the house, investing in the best hand tools set is a smooth move to make.
It can be difficult to find the perfect hand tools, so we reviewed dozens of hand tools to find the best, reliable, and highest quality, based on their features, functions, prices, and Amazon ratings. We narrowed our search down to 5 of the top-rated hand tools for auto (and home) repairs.
Whether you’re looking for additional pieces to add to your collection of hand tools, or searching for a starter or replacement set of hand tools in general, the Crescent Mechanics Tool Set is one of the best sets money can buy. Excellent for working under the hood but also more than capable of tackling DIY projects, fixing up broken electronics, and completing basic home repairs, this set of hand tools is second to none. Furthermore, they’re both affordable and come highly rated from satisfied Amazon customers.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Hand Tool Sets
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Crescent CTK170CMP2 Mechanics Tool Set | 4.6 |
| Runner Up | DEKOPRO 168 Piece Socket Wrench Auto Repair Set | 4.4 |
| Best Budget Buy | CARTMAN Red 39-Piece Tool Set | 4.5 |
| Best Screwdriver Set | ORIA Professional Repair Tool Kit | 4.5 |
| Best Socket Wrench Set | AmazonBasics Mechanics Socket Set | 4.5 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Our Top Pick: Crescent CTK170CMP2 Mechanics Tool Set
The Crescent CTK170MCP Mechanics Tool Set is a tool lovers dream. Just about any hand tool necessary to complete day to day tasks can be found in this toolkit. Think of this toolkit as a one-stop shop, providing for all your industrial, mechanical, or basic consumer needs.
Crescent Tools have become a trusted name in the tool trade industry. This Mechanics Tool Set is not just a toolset for Mechanics; the toolset has a variety of tools that can get you out of almost any situation where tools are required. The kit includes tools such as sockets, wrenches, ratchets, pliers, screwdrivers, and many more universal tools. The toolkit meets all updated required safety standards (ANSI and ASME).
The Crescent Mechanics Tool Set is an excellent addition to anyone’s tool set or a great starter set for the average layman. The collection consists of a diverse set of tools that can assist with just about any project. The toolset comes in an easy to carry and easy to store case making the tools always accessible and organized. Crescent provides the buyer with a high-quality toolset for a fantastic price that includes both metric and SAE measurements. This toolset has been carefully selected and put together to meet the needs of the consumer.
Our Runner Up Pick: DEKOPRO 168 Piece Socket Wrench Auto Repair Set
The DEKOPRO 168 Piece Socket Wrench Auto Repair Set is an excellent alternative to the Crescent as it provides the consumer with the same amount of variety in tools. The DEKOPRTO 168 Piece Tool Set would be a great starter package for an individual who is building their tool collection or for someone who works in mechanics or constructions; it is also a great toolset for the average DIY at home projects. The toolset comes with a variety of tools that are easy to use, easy to store, and the packaging makes the tools very accessible.
The tools in the DEKOPRO 168 piece tool set meets all safety requirements through ANSI. The toolkit contains a variety of tools that make any project or repair possible. Tools included in the kit are wrenches, screwdrivers, ratchets, as well as a variety of other tools. Have a DIY project but don’t have all the tools needed to complete the project? This is an excellent toolset for all your one-stop tool needs (and wants!).
Are you on the hunt for a toolset that provides you with a variety of tools? Then this would be a great addition or start to your tool collection. Tools in this toolset are professional grade and come in an easy to carry and easy to store carrying case. The DEKOPRO 168 piece tool set comes with a variety of tools that work on just about any project.
Best Budget Pick: CARTMAN Red 39-Piece Tool Set
The CARTMAN 39-Piece Cutting Plier Tool Set is great for someone who is looking for a toolset to start their collection but is not looking to spend a lot of money. This is a great option for the budget conscious consumer. The CARTMAN toolset is an excellent toolset to have on hand around your house, apartment, or place of business to use on minor or small repairs. All tools in the CARTMAN toolset meet safety standards set by ANSI.
This budget-friendly toolset contains a variety of tools. The toolset comes with a tape measure, a hammer, screwdrivers, a utility knife, and hex keys – all the essential tools needed to complete simple everyday projects. The tool set comes in a simple carrying case which makes mobility and storing a non-issue. This toolset provides the means to the consumer at an extremely affordable price point.
The CARTMAN toolkit provides the consumer with tools needed to complete everyday projects from nailing in a loose board or fixing a simple plumbing issue. This toolset contains tools someone would need to get started on any small project and are made from high quality and durable materials. The tools in this set are also designed to withstand corrosion. This is a tool kit you should consider purchasing if you require essential tools at a budget-friendly price.
Best Screwdriver Set: ORIA Professional Repair Tool Kit
The ORIA Professional Repair Tool Kit is a 60 in 1 precision screwdriver set that can be used to repair electronics and other items. This screwdriver shaft comes with a flexible shaft, which is a necessity when repairing electronics or other things where the screws are not completely visible.
The ORIA Screwdriver set is versatile because it has a variety of sizes and shapes of screwdrivers to meet all of your needs. This tool set comes in an easy to carry and easy to store case. The case contains a place for every piece, so there will not be any looking around for missing or lost parts. This is an excellent toolset for anyone who works on or is repairing laptops, game consoles, cellular phones, or any other small electronics.
The ORIA Screwdriver Set is a screwdriver set comprised of a 4 mm aluminum driver, a flexible shaft extension, a 60 mm shaft extension, a connector, and various bits in a variety of sizes. The set is available in yellow or blue and is very reasonably priced considering everything that is offered in the kit. This is a set to consider purchasing if you are in the market for a screwdriver set to repair electronics and other small projects.
Best Socket Wrench Set: AmazonBasics Mechanics Socket Set
The AmazonBasics Mechanics Socket Set contains that most needed and most used sockets, wrenches, and hex keys as well as the most used screwdriver bits. There are 201 pieces in total. The Mechanics socket set provides the consumer with easy accessibility and tools that are easy to use.
The AmazonBasics Mechanics Socket Set comes with an extensive variety of sockets in just about every size. Tools in the Mechanics Socket set to use the metric or AES measurement systems. The toolset comes with a quick-switch release making it easy for any consumer to use. The set comes in a steel forged case that is easily accessible and convenient to store.
This is an excellent high-grade socket set for all your basic needs – it is not just designed for mechanics. Amazon’s one-year warranty guarantee backs the AmazonBasics Mechanics Socket Set. It is an excellent toolset for basic mechanics, car hobbyist/enthusiasts, or necessary home repairs. The added benefit of the 3-piece drive pear-head ratchet makes this tool set easy to use in tight spaces. Furthermore, it is an excellent toolset for someone looking to build their socket set to work on mechanics or other small projects around the house.
Who Should Buy Hand Tools
Whether you are restoring an old-timer, replacing your brake pads, or changing your truck tires, you will for sure need some hand tools. Hand tools for repairing a car can have versatile use and can help you anywhere with tightening bolts, screwing screws, or knocking nails. When you are doing car repairs yourself, you thus save a lot of money that you would otherwise give to car services. Therefore, buying hand tools could be considered as an investment. That said, purchasing quality hand tools set is always a good investment, as it saves money in the long turn.
It is not just petrolheads who like to have a nice collection of hand tools. Likewise, some people like to rely on their skills or think of themselves as doers. And let us not forget the people who dare to accept a challenge and fix broken devices themselves. All of them require hand tools. If you do not want to depend on some service, you will certainly depend on your hand tools as well as your skills. Moreover, craftsmen like electricians, carpenters, and many others also like to have proper hand tools that always provide the best performance. If you are a person who likes to brag on a Monday morning about repairing brakes on your truck in your garage during the weekend, hand tools is simply a must-have.
No tools equal no work done. That is why you need to think of your hand tools as of an essential component of any small repair you do or any DIY project you want to undertake, be it on your car, motorbike, bicycle or house. The first step in achieving this is to make your collection of hand tools. You need useful hand tools to make sure that any task is completed correctly. So, buying hand tools set is an elegant solution because it contains all the hand tools you might need for your DIY projects; everything in one place kind of approach. Such instruments usually come in one case, making it handy to take them everywhere you need. However, if you are a professional and use hand tools every day, a good and dependable hand tool set is advisable to have. A few features worth considering when obtaining a hand tool set follow.
Important Features to Consider
Hand tools should have a few important features. Here’s what to consider when selecting hand tools:
- Ease of use. This is the feature of the highest importance, as any hand tool has to fit your hand perfectly to provide you hand grip for maximum performance. Likewise, a hand tool needs to be constructed to reduce the force you need to apply to complete your tasks, since any awkward posture while using a hand tool can lead to injuries.
- Quality of components. Low-quality components cause a lot of inconveniences, so choose hand tools that are made of high-quality materials. These materials will as well improve your user experience.
- Durability. If you want durability in your hand tools, it will cost good money. But good hand tools will last for decades and be useful for many generations to come. Moreover, the tools that are handed down to younger generations bring emotional value.
- Versatility. Hand tools come in great versatility. Some manufacturers put together various hand tools into sets and sell them together. Sets like these may contain over a few hundred pieces, and you can find pretty much everything you might need there.
- Warranty. You will always want to go for a lifetime warranty since such tools are made of quality materials, usually harder and lighter. That combo brings your user experience to a higher level. Hand tools without a lifetime warranty will also do the job, but can at the same time let you down when you need them most.
- Price. Reliable and high-quality hand tools will cost you much up front, but you will benefit from them for a long time after. Cheap hand tools will crack, or bend under pressure more often than expensive ones and they have to be renewed regularly. Expensive hand tools, on the other hand, usually come with a lifetime warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are basic hand tools?
Hand tools may well differ by their purpose and usage, but one characteristic is common for all of them – all hand tools are hand operated. They come in different sizes, depending on their purpose. Some of the basic hand tools are wrenches, drills, scissors, saws, screwdrivers, knives, hammers, pliers, clamps, snips, tape measure, etc.
What are the types of hand tools?
There are different types of hand tools for a different kind of work. Hence, hand tools can vary according to the purpose of their use: woodworking hand tools, hand spinning tools, metalworking hand tools, knives, and so on.
What are the proper uses for hand tools?
Hand tools have to be used only according to their purpose. Always use the right tool for the job you are doing and maintain them in good condition, clean and dry. Hand tools should always be carried in a sturdy toolbox. Replace worn out hand tools when needed, do not postpone that. Always choose your hand tools by their quality, not by their price. Quality materials such tools consist of will guarantee practical usage for a long time.
What are the basic safety guidelines for using hand tools?
While using hand tools, try to keep your wrist straight and avoid any awkward motion of hand tools. Inappropriate use of any kind may cause incidents or injuries. Hand tools with sharp edges should be kept in a suitable covering when not in use to prevent any damages that might arise from unintended contact.
Other Hand Tools We Reviewed
We reviewed 20 other hand tools. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best hand tools list, they’re the best of the best and each is still a great option for you. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
Combination Hand Tool Sets
Hi-Spec 67 Piece Metric Auto Mechanics Tool Set
The first additional toolset we looked at was the Hi-Spec 67 Piece Metric Auto Mechanics Tool Set. This bad boy comes with every tool you could need for roadside auto-emergencies.
Key Features:
- Large range of general hand tools
- Excellent for auto and use around the house
- Hi-spec warranty included
Cost: $32
MVPOWER 95 Piece Home Mechanics Repair Tool Kit
MVPOWER’s 95 Piece Home Mechanics Repair Tool Kit makes home and auto repairs a breeze. It also includes a compact toolbox which is easy to store in your trunk or a closet.
Key Features:
- High quality and durable
- Easy to use
- Includes all essential tools and pieces
Cost: $43
VonHaus 65 Piece Home Repair Tool Set
The VonHaus 65-Piece Home Repair Tool Set is a versatile set of tools consisting of all high-grade steel and comfort grips.
Key Features:
- Extra strength and comfortable grip
- Safe and easy storage
- High-end and long-lasting
Cost: $50
Crescent CTK101 101-Piece General Purpose Tool Set
The Crescent CTK101 General Purpose Tool Set consists of 101 of the essential tools and pieces needed for working on your car, truck, home, electronics, and more.
Key Features:
- Meets or exceeds ANSI specs
- Blow Mold carrying case
- Heavy duty tools and pieces
Cost: $50
One of the best all-around handtool sets on the market is DEKOPRO’s 196 Piece Tool Set. It comes with everything from a hammer to pliers, wrenches, sockets, bits, razor knife, measuring tape, and more.
Key Features:
- High-quality pieces
- Extremely adaptability
- Convenient carry case
Screwdriver Sets
Performance Tool W1727 39-Piece Screwdriver Set
This 39-Piece Screwdriver Set contains standard as well as precision screwdrivers for working on things of all shapes and sizes.
Key Features:
- Non-slip grip
- Chrome Vanadium bits
- Organized built-in bit holders
Cost: $25
XOOL 58 in 1 Precision Screwdriver Set
When it comes to fixing small scale stuff, XOOL’s 58 in 1 Precision Screwdriver Set is where it’s at.
Key Features:
- High quality and multi-function
- Magnetic and anti-static
- Hardcase
- Durable
Cost: $15
208 Piece Ultimate Screwdriver Bit Set
The 208-Piece Ultimate Screwdriver Bit Set consists of high-grade carbon steel bits sandblasted for long-lasting durability.
Key Features:
- Practical design
- Durable pieces
- Guarantee included
Cost: $27
Precision 56 in 1 Screwdriver Set
Precision’s 56 in 1 Screwdriver Set is perfect for fixing glasses, cameras, electronics, toys, and so much more.
Key Features:
- Rust resistant
- Magnetic Bits
- Portable case
Cost: $30
Apsung 110 in 1 Professional Screwdriver set
Apsung offers one of the most versatile multi-function professional screwdriver sets on the market. It comes with 110 pieces and is excellent for fixing everything from computers to watches.
Key Features:
- Magnetic screwdriver and pieces
- Carrying case and easily accessible
- High quality and durable
Socket Sets
Not only does the TEKTON Socket Set come with a few dozen sockets, but it also includes a high-quality universal joint, a screwdriver and bit adapter, as well as a 6-inch extension as well.
Key Features:
- Compact storage case
- High-end mirror-chrome vanadium steel plated finish
- Complete set
Cost: $50
TACKLIFE Master Hex Bit Socket Set
The TACKLIFE Master Hex Bit Socket Set comes with professional quality sockets for everyday use under the hood or in your home or garage.
Key Features:
- Reliable and durable design
- Storage box included
- Torque strength
Cost: $30
Neiko 10083A Master Torx Bit Socket and External Torx Socket Set
The Neiko Master Torx Bit Socket and External Torx Socket Set consists of every Chrome-Vanadium premium S2 steel bit your wratch could ask for.
Key Features:
- Organized storage box
- High-end durable tools
- Excellent torque
- Precision bits and pieces
Cost: $50
DEWALT Mechanics Tools Kit and Socket Set
This Mechanics Tools Kit and Socket Set is made by one of the best tools manufacture in the world, DeWalt. It includes 72 pieces and comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
Key Features:
- 72 toothed gear
- Non-slip grip
- 5-degree arc swing
- Slim head
Cost: $225
CASOMAN Complete 3/8″ and 1/2” Drive Impact Socket Set
Built for use with impact tools, the CASOMAN Drive Impact Socket Set is efficient for even the hardest to turn bolts and nuts.
Key Features:
- Exceeds ANSI standards
- Maximum torque while not damaging corners
- Chrome Vanadium alloy steel
Pliers Sets
WORKPRO’s 7-Piece Pliers Set comes with all the basics; groove joint pliers, long nose (x2), slip joint(x2), diagonal, and linesman.
Key Features:
- Extra hardened edges for excellent cutting
- Double dipped grips for firm handling
- Drop forged and highly durable
Cost: $16
Channellock Tool Roll-8 8pc Professional Tool Set
This 8-piece Pro Tool Set from Channellock comes with all the main pliers that you need for working on vehicles, household needs, and other projects.
Key Features:
- Extreme Xlt leverage tech
- Laser heated teeth and edges for superior performance
- Rust resistance
Cost: $120
IRWIN Tools VISE-GRIP Pliers Set
IRWIN Tools VISE-GRIP 5-Piece Pliers Set includes standard sized slip joint pliers, diagonal cutting pliers, linemans pliers, adjustable wrench, groove joint pliers, and a storage bag.
Key Features:
- Machined jaws for increased grip
- High-end nickel chromium steel
- Non-slip ProTouch grip
Cost: $25
WORKPRO 5-piece Pliers Set Basic Homeowners’ Tools
WORKPRO’s 5-piece Pliers Set is a set of basic yet highly durable pliers for tinkering on your vehicle or fixing up stuff around the house.
Key Features:
- Drop forged, high alloy carbon steel
- Corrosion resistant
- Plastisol double-dipped handles
Cost:$15
Irwin Tools VISE-GRIP Original Locking Tool Set with Tray
The Irwin Tools VISE-GRIP Original Locking Tool Set comes with all the locking pliers you need for twisting, turning, tightening, and clamping things under the hood or in the home.
Key Features:
- Highly durability
- Max locking force possible
- Includes lifetime warranty
Cost: $90
