Universal Home Tool Kits: How to Choose and Browse the Best Kits

Universal sets of assembly and locksmith tools are compact, make it convenient to use, store and carry all the necessary equipment. According to the idea, universal sets include hand tools designed for the most basic operations, but in practice their layout varies greatly, depending on the manufacturer and price. We will figure out how to choose a universal set of tools for the home - a complete, high-quality and durable.

How to determine the types of tools included in the set

A universal set of tools for the home includes: articulated-lip, impact, clamping, measuring and marking, cutting tools and several options for working with detachable threaded connections - screwdrivers, wrenches, heads with a handle or a convenient ratchet handle.

Recommended “stuffing” home toolbox:

• Medium weight hammer (300-500 g).
• Screwdrivers - straight and cross (two - long and short).
• Ratchet handle with interchangeable tips (bits).
• Vorotok (ratchet) with a set of main heads (4–32 mm), extension cords, cardan.
• A set of keys (open-end, combination or combination), as well as hex keys with torx and hex tips.
• Roulette 5-10 meters, a metal ruler, or a square with a centimeter scale.
• Caliper, construction pencil, marker.
• Pliers, wire cutters, long-nose pliers.

One or more devices can supplement the listed set:

• Adjustable wrench.
• Cold chisel.
• Chisel.
• Small hammer weighing 150 g.
• Round-nose pliers, CSI.
• Electronic tester or indicator screwdriver.
• Construction cutter (knife).
• Level - inexpensive bubble, digital or laser.
• Clamp or small vise, a set of different-sized clamps, or both.
• The hacksaw is short (150-300 mm).
• Hacksaw wood average (350-490 mm).
• Gas key.
• Scissors for metal.

The listed list is not the limit, it can be significantly expanded by means of the arsenal of a joiner, plumber, electrician or auto mechanic, but, firstly, such a set will cease to be compact, its case will be heavy and inconvenient, and secondly, it is very rare to solve one problems required immediately all special equipment.

It’s easier to stay on the “duty” set of the basic types of “locksmiths”, and specialized - carpentry or plumbing accessories, equipment for an electrician or auto mechanic - to purchase in a separate set.

Percussion instrument

Universal hand tool kits usually include medium-weight hammers (300 or 500 g). Classic - with a wooden handle, or nail guns with a metal rubber handle.

Each type has its advantages: an ordinary hammer has two different-sized flat convenient strikers and a “current-resistant” handle, a nail clipper has an additional option and a strong rubberized non-slip metal handle.

You will need a medium and light hammer from the kit for hammering nails, tilting the part, working with a chisel, knocking out the movable axis, disconnecting the "stuck" halves of the part, easy fitting or rough dismantling.

Measuring and marking tool

To measure the dimensions, angle, inclination of parts or structures, rulers, tape measures, squares with one metric (cm-mm) scale, or two - metric and inch are used.

The width, length, height, diameter of the part is measured with a caliper, tape measure or ruler, the angle of adjustment is measured with a metal angle or protractor. Horizontal or vertical deviations are fixed using the bubble "level".

Marking on metal, wood and plastic surfaces is carried out using calipers, slate or chalk pencils, waterproof marker.

Universal sets are rarely equipped with all these devices at the same time - the manufacturer is usually limited to only one or two of them, for example, tape measure and square. In most cases, this is enough, but for installing a boiler, a shelf in the bathroom or a console under the TV “level” you will definitely need.

The most necessary measuring tools.

Clamping tool

The clamp for the home craftsman is a “portable vise” with which you can fix the workpiece, tightly connect the glued surfaces, build a temporary marking ruler or guide plane on any table, and even hang a portable socket or lighting fixture.

Therefore, it is best when this tool is included in the kit.

Clamp.

Articulated Lip Instruments

Articulated-lip tools are pliers, pliers, tongs, pliers, nippers, long-nose pliers and round-nose pliers, as well as their varieties - CSI, thin-nose pliers, sliding pliers. They are used for fixing, removing small parts, mounting joints, stripping insulation and many other works. Thanks to the current-insulating handles, they are indispensable in the repair of household appliances. The wider their assortment in the set - the better, but for the minimum set there are enough pliers, side cutters and nippers.

The most popular in everyday life are - nippers, an interchangeable wrench, pliers and pliers.

Thread cutting tool

To restore the broken thread of fastening or to cut a new one you will be helped by a manual cutting tool - a tap with a handle, or a die with a holder. The internal threads are cut with a tap, the external ones with a die. For each thread size, there are several types of taps and dies, sequentially doing roughing, finishing and finishing cutting.

This type of cutting tool, as well as wrenches and die holders for it, is rarely included in the universal set. If you often have to construct something yourself or restore various mechanisms - sweeps, a set of countersinks, taps and dies are easier to find separately.

Thread cutting kit.

Tool for cutting and processing materials

Hacksaws, chisels, knives, planers, grinding tools are used for roughing and finishing fitting of workpieces made of wood, metal, composite and other materials.

It’s good if the universal set of tools includes a multifunctional saw with interchangeable hacksaw blades - for metal or wood, knives. In addition, one or two chisels will come in handy.

Multifunctional saw.

Hole Tool

For making holes in various materials, drills of the corresponding category are used - for metal, stone (concrete), wood. To fine-tune these holes, cutting internal and external threads, chamfering, taps, dies, reamers, countersinks of various diameters are used.Sweeps - the basic size of the hole is evenly expanded, its taper is set, the countersink - chamfers and descents are performed.

Drills usually come with power tools - drills, rotary hammers, screwdrivers, or are sold separately. Countersinks and reamers can be purchased individually. Drilling holes in concrete, metal or solid wood requires an appropriate power tool, so these tools are not needed in the case of a hand tool.

Tool for assembling detachable threaded connections

Sets of removable heads, spanners, socket spanners, socket wrenches, hex wrenches, adjustable wrenches - are designed to work with bolted joints, nuts and other parts that have corresponding faces and sizes.

Screwdrivers are used for adjusting and mounting screw connections, screws and other parts with a straight, cross-shaped or polyhedral slotted groove. Screwdrivers are simple - with a short and long shaft and special - power, adjustment, control. In the universal kit - four different-sized and multi-slotted screwdrivers are enough.

Slotted screwdrivers.

To work with interchangeable socket heads and tool nozzles (bits), L-shaped wrenches, straight or curved screwdriver handles with ratchet mechanism, interchangeable magnetic or collet clamps are used.

The more accessories (cardan or flexible joints, extending spacers) and the more varied nozzle options (accessories) - Torx, hexagon, Pozidriy, Torq-Set - the more versatile it will be.

What to look for when choosing a universal kit

The combination of certain types of keys or a clamping tool allows you to make the set more compact by including a minimum of items, so when choosing, try not to "chase" the cases with a large number of parts. Take a closer look at the purpose of the proposed devices - whether you will regularly use all of them.

The wider the additional functionality of the devices - extenders, flexible or cardan spacers, magnetic holders - the more convenient it will be for you to work in cramped conditions, with small, or hard-to-reach fasteners. The more options for each specific tool - an electrically insulating anti-slip handle, ratchet or torque wrench, an additional range of adjustments - the more operations you can do in one go.

When choosing a universal set of tools for home in a suitcase, pay attention to:

• Material for the manufacture of the working part. Most often it is ASTM A-123 chrome vanadium steel, or similar stainless steels (Cr-V or CrV), with a hardness above 40 HRC.
• Country of origin of the kit. The shelves supply the highest quality products: Germany, Taiwan, Russia, Poland and China (subject to a joint venture).
• Precision processing, clear pairing, smooth, edges, lack of backlash in parts. Mandatory for all pliers tools, handles, handles.
• Quality, workmanship and ergonomics of the handles, their benzo-oil resistance, insulating properties. Evaluate the quality of casting, the fixation of the handle, the presence of zones with a variable topography.
• Category. Professional sets are more durable, high-quality, but also expensive. Unprofessional - cheaper, but often less quality and wear out faster.
• Isolation. Pliers and screwdrivers approved for use with power grids must bear the voltage mark that their insulation can withstand.

If you choose a case in the store - bring along a couple of bolts or nuts of the running sizes to check the fit of the keys and heads of the proposed set for compliance with the standard. The weaker the fit of the key on the nut and the greater the free play - the lower the quality of the set. With this key or bat, you simply ruin the edges of the fasteners.

If you are focused on online shopping, study customer reviews not only for the set you are interested in, but also other offers from the manufacturer and do not hesitate to ask questions to the consultant. The review below will help you navigate in detail.

The best universal tool kits

Professional tool kit Stankoimport NAB.12.14.105

A complete professional set of 105 items in a durable suitcase with a metal clasp. His Russian-Taiwanese manufacturer seriously approached the issue of packaging, adding to the set of special tools for electrical work - a tester, crimp (KSI) and adjustable pliers, long-nose pliers. In addition to them, the set contains: a hammer, a hacksaw, wire cutters, pliers, a tape measure, an adjustable wrench, a cardan screwdriver with a bit holder and interchangeable bits, a knife, a set of heads with two ratchets (quick-release) extension cords and cardans, 9 inbus and 9 combination keys, 6 different-sized screwdrivers.

Conclusion. With the exception of trifles, the user reviews of the kit are unambiguous - they are pleasantly surprised by the strength of the tools, satisfied with the high-quality acquisition, and dissatisfied with the cost.

Set of 101 items - ombra OMT101S

Inexpensive universal semi-professional set of metalwork tools from Taiwan. Suitable for car maintenance and repair, assembly, installation and maintenance of household appliances, furniture, the manufacture of simple home-made structures using any factory hardware.

The kit includes: a small hammer, a hacksaw, a tape measure and a marking cutter, a set of socket heads with an extension, a ratchet and a universal joint, 9 hexagonal (inbus) keys, 6 screwdrivers with a Phillips and straight slot, 10 combination wrenches, pliers, long-nose pliers, side cutters, a set of 32 bits with a ratchet (straight, hex, stars, Torx).

Conclusion. Judging by the reviews, the set is really universal, covers all domestic needs, is compact, the handles have a comfortable grip. Due to the presence of flexible and cardan extensions, it facilitates the installation of hard-to-reach fasteners. Suitable for regular use.

DEKO DKMT187 Tool Kit

An expanded set of hand tools and accessories for the garage or home workshop, packed in a voluminous metal case on casters, with a retractable handle. Manufacturer - China. The set includes wrenches, inbus, adjustable, hex wrenches, ratchet wrenches and accessories, screwdrivers, wire cutters, long-nose pliers, pliers. The equipment of the most "running" sizes has long and short adapters and cardan joints. The "Base" is supplemented by a car gauge, pliers (CSI), tape measure, scissors, knife, electrical tape, saw, level, clamp and a set of fasteners.

Conclusion. Owners respond to the set in two ways - those who are used to regularly and actively using a hand tool are not satisfied with the quality of hardware, those who need equipment from time to time - for compactness and ergonomics, everything suits, including price. The set is unprofessional, but will completely cover the "apartment" needs.For the auto repair shop - a rather weak screwdriver; there are not enough power screwdrivers and accessories.

Kraftool 27978-H131 Tool Kit

A professional tool kit of 131 items, the feature of which is a rigid vertical drawer with sliding shelves-lodgements. The case contains: a hammer, a set of 6 screwdrivers, a ratchet with a set of heads, a cardan and an extension cord, a bit handle and accessories (39 pcs.), Combined pliers, thin-nose pliers, wire cutters, an adjustable and adjustable wrench, in-socket and combination wrenches, a hacksaw for metal.

The set of German-Chinese production is universal, suitable for assembling and repairing furniture, plumbing, household appliances, car maintenance, and laying electrical networks.

Conclusion. User reviews are mostly positive - the tool is high-quality, it is enough to cover all needs, there is the possibility of understaffing. However, the heavy weight and unreliable fastening of parts inside the case does not allow it to be used as a wearable inventory. It is more suitable for stationary use in an apartment, house or garage.

Jonnesway tool kit S04H52460S

A professional fitter and assembly kit of 60 items from a Taiwanese manufacturer contains the necessary minimum devices for servicing a car, motorcycle or bicycle, installing and repairing household appliances, furniture, and plumbing.

The case includes: pliers, a hammer, one interchangeable and six combination keys, a handle for bits and accessories, screwdrivers (4 pcs.), A set of heads (18 pcs.) With a ratchet, medium and flexible extensions, cardan.

Conclusion. Judging by user reviews, this is one of the most “tenacious” sets (lasts 10 or more years). With small additions - it will become a reliable help in solving everyday problems. Compact, lightweight, equally useful in an apartment, in the garage and trunk of a car.

Kuzmich tool kit NIK-001/187

A Chinese-made fitter's and assembly set includes equipment for installing electrical networks, car repairs, household appliances, marking and fitting various materials. In an aluminum case with wheels, as many as 14 different screwdrivers are assembled, a screwdriver handle with accessories, clock screwdrivers, 9 hex and 10 combination keys, two wrenches with a set of heads and all adapters.

There is an adjustable wrench, adjustable pliers, pliers, pliers, wire cutters - with a thin insulated handle. In addition to the standard knife, tape measure, level and box with fasteners, the set includes a durable hammer-nail puller, glue gun, CSI, terminals, screwdriver-tester.

Conclusion. According to owners, this kit is well suited as an “apartment” storage of tools that will be used infrequently, accurately, without using force. The safety margin is enough to change the faucet, repair the outlet or assemble furniture from Ikea.

Set of the joiner's and metalwork tool STURM 1310-01-TS3

A simple Chinese budget set in a lightweight folding plastic case. It contains a complete basic kit for the assembly and fitting of room furniture, wooden, plasterboard, metal structures, installation and maintenance of plumbing or household appliances. In this set of 173 items, in fact, only 86 are tools. The remaining 87 are fasteners added with a bonus.

The case includes: a hammer, 6 screwdrivers, a tape measure (5 m), a set of screwdrivers, thin-nose pliers, and pliers. There is a set of heads with ratchet handle, adapter and extension cord, 16 octagonal keys, a set of bits (Torx, HEX, Pozidriv) with a ratchet screwdriver handle, as well as 6 combination wrenches, an adjustable wrench, a thin “clerical” cutter and bubble level.

Conclusion. Judging by the reviews, the main application of this kit is to lie as an "emergency" stock in the pantry and used from case to case. The kit in the hands does not “crumble”, but with intensive use it is short-lived. For standard "apartment" needs - replacing a faucet, hanging a shelf or fixing an outlet - this is fine.

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