Buying the best pliers might sound simple. If you’re an electrician, you probably already have your favorites. However, if you just started out in the trades, or you need a solution for more than just the sparky applications, we can help. We cover individual pliers as well as the best plier sets to get you off and running. Hopefully, these recommendations work regardless of whether you’re starting your career or just replacing some well-used or misplaced tools.
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Our recommendations come after hours of hands-on testing and real-world use. We also bring in professional tradesmen to get their hands on these tools and lend us additional thoughts and feedback. In the end, we can’t just recommend a single tool for everyone. For pliers, too many options exist. Hopefully, this article helps you find the model that fits your needs or application.
We’ve used lots of wire strippers. The Klein Kurve Dual NM wire strippers rank highly. We find them ergonomic, quick, and versatile. When Klein came out with their heavy-duty model, however—we did a double-take. The Klein Kurve heavy-duty wire strippers made something great even better. They quickly became our vote for best wire strippers as soon as we started using them. Not only do they strip heavier gauge wire than the prior model, but the knurled jaw also lets us easily grab and twist wire. It’s like a pair of linemen pliers and Klein Kurve strippers had a baby.
Also made in the USA, these pliers have all the great features of the first-gen Kurves but with a bit more. If you haven’t used these, check them out. At around $35 for the pliers, you won’t go back.
We also really like these wire strippers:
Believe it or not, not many pliers sets exist on the market. For the most part, these tools get purchased one at a time. Still, some options exist, and the Klein 6-piece Apprentice Tool Set makes for our current best pliers set by far. It includes 9-inch high-leverage lineman’s pliers, angled-head diagonal pliers, 8-inch long nose pliers, and a basic compact wire stripper. You even get a couple of cushion-handled screwdrivers in the mix for good measure. While none of these tools might fall under our favorites overall—the sum of the parts works really well.
The pliers and cutters feature induction-hardened knives on the cutting edges. We also like that every single tool in this kit is Made in the USA. This pliers set runs around $97 but should get any apprentice up and running with some excellent, long-lasting tools.
Also good:
WHAT?! We have the gumption to recommend a pair of side-cutters not made by Klein Tools? Sure, why not. We really like the smooth open/close action on the Crescent 9.5″ Z2 Lineman’s Pliers side-cutting pliers. They have an integrated crimper and fish tape puller. We also like that these pliers open and close easily with one hand. Finally, the crosshatched head makes them super-grippy.
Of course, while we do give this tool our best lineman pliers award, Klein and others make excellent products. We use several of them, in fact, and you can’t really go wrong with any of them. Pick these up for $25.
Also, take a look at these excellent lineman pliers:
This next recommendation comes from some experience. Often, manufacturers seem to overthink needlenose piers. In our opinion, the best needlenose pliers don’t need to have tons of leverage. They don’t need to open up super-wide. The point of a good set of needlenose pliers comes down to access. As such, you don’t have to spend a ton of money to get a good pair.
The Knipex Long (Needle) Nose Pliers fit the bill for us. At $36 they don’t come cheap—but they should last a lifetime.
If you need snap ring pliers, we find it often works best to get a nice set. We chose the Sunex 4 Pc Snap Ring Pliers Set (V) as our best snap ring pliers set since it covers all the bases. You get four 7-inch snap ring pliers, including internal use straight nose and bent nose pliers as well as external use straight nose and bent nose pliers. Did we mention these come with a lifetime warranty? We like that too.
These snap ring pliers feature self-opening, spring-loaded handles, so you can easily use them one-handed. The 4-piece set runs just under $45.
OK, this recommendation presented the toughest pick of the article. We like many of the available choices for insulated tools. The big deal comes down to trusting the brand, the warranty, and the certifications. For those reasons, we don’t recommend going cheap or picking up a knockoff brand for these tools. Still, you can drop a lot of money on insulated hand tools, so it helps to shop around. In the end, the best insulated pliers belong to the Klein Tools 5-piece kit.
This Klein 5-piece V kit gives you the basics. For just under $100 you get a side-cutter (NEEINS), diagonal-cutter (EINS), wire stripper (EINS), and two screwdrivers (INS and INS). These tools are also Made in the USA and meet or exceed ASTM F and IEC standards for insulated tools.
As mentioned above, this top pick has lots of great company:
Milwaukee Tool currently makes the best locking pliers—hands down. In particular, we like their 10″ Torque Lock curved jaw locking pliers. They also make straight jaw pliers, but we get the most use out of the curved jaws for grabbing onto pipes. For $16 you also can’t beat the price. Grab onto anything, then insert a screwdriver to really clamp it down onto the material. They also release instantly. Even Irwin Vice Grips, which we also like, don’t offer this level of convenience.
Speaking of Vice Grips…
You really need several different hose clamp pliers to cover everything you can run into. However, the best hose clamp pliers we’ve come across have to be the ARES flexible hose clamp plier. For removing spring clamps in odd or tight locations, you can’t beat them. We like the rubberized grips and the auto-locking mechanism that holds the clamp open until you choose to release it back onto the hose.
We also recommend you have a couple of direct hose clamp pliers as well, but if you only had one pair, this one tool covers anything from 18–54mm hoses. It prices out around $35 online.
The best long nose pliers don’t need to cost a lot of money. These tools give you extended reach into tough areas while still providing a decent grip. Unlike needlenose pliers that don’t give you a ton of grip strength, a good set of long nose pliers are similar to your lineman pliers but with a pointed tip. We feel the best long nose pliers are the Channellock 317 8-inch Long Nose Pliers due to their narrow form factor and long reach. They’re also made in the USA and sell for about $25.
Channellock doesn’t include a spring on these particular long nose pliers. If you want that feature, look for our secondary recommendation from Klein Tools.
Another great pick with a spring:
The best slip joint pliers always have a “kick out” at the base of the grip. It keeps your hand from slipping off and feels more ergonomic when using the tool. We prefer dipped handles on these tools and we look for a solid shear for cutting wire when needed. The Klein 8-inch slip-joint pliers come in three sizes and you can also get them with an integrated hose clamp function. Pick up a pair in either 6, 8, or 10-inch sizes from $16–25.
We also like these very much:
We know, we know…the best channellocks better be made by Channellock, right? Possibly. For us, the best channellocks should easily slide open and closed. Manufacturers also called these groove-joint pliers. Over the years many groove-joint pliers have hit the market. Few have impressed us as much as the Irwin Groovelock Pliers. These remain our top recommendation for best channellocks (in the generic sense) simply due to their ease of use.
Squeeze that center button and the head opens and closes easily. With Groovelock you also get more adjustment points over standard groove-joint pliers. Plus, the tool allows for true one-hand adjustment. Genius. For just $50 you can get a set of three common sizes of these tools.
We’d do you a disservice if we didn’t also mention these:
Fine, fine…Our recommendation on actual Channellocks follows a desire for a solid, reliable, USA-made pair of true Channellock pliers. Everyone should have a pair—period. They make a 4-piece Pro pack that gives you four common sizes to get you on your way. The set includes 4.5, 6.5, 12, and 16-inch tongue and groove Channellock pliers. Get this kit for around $77.
Our crew uses diagonal cutting pliers all the time. While that “high-leverage” term gets bandied about quite a bit, this tool makes it more than just a marketing term. In fact, these Southwire pliers are the best diagonal pliers we’ve ever used. They give you the strength of much larger pliers, have excellent durability, and feel very comfortable.
High leverage used to mean “longer handle”. Now, manufacturers started moving the pivoting point (in this case a hot-riveted joint) closer to the cutting blades. A sharp tip delivers pinpoint accuracy and cutting. At one point we used these to cut through a braided guidewire that was too thick for the pliers as a whole. Using the sharp, pointed knives, we snipped the individual strands until we got through. It also cut MC cable, Romex, and up to #6 wire with more ease than my traditional 9-inch cutters. Grab these for around $18-35 (dipped, comfort grip, or angled) and don’t look back.
Our crew consists of professional electricians and plumbers as well as contractors, auto mechanics, and handymen. Add on top of that a staff of people who use, review, and test tools all day long for their profession, and you have a lot of practical experience.
If it has a cutting edge, we cut through appropriate material—Romex, copper wire, straps, steel cabling, and more. If it strips wire, we test both the top and bottom gauges to see how accurately and consistently it works.
For products with knurled teeth and gripping force, we grab onto both flat materials as well as EMT pipe. The best pliers should grip securely and allow you to twist, pull, or otherwise maneuver material as needed to get the job done.
Our goal is to tell whether a pair of pliers really does what it says—or whether it just has a “neat” marketing gimmick.
Insulated pliers clearly have a particular requirement for handle materials. For other models, we waver between nice molded comfort handles and plastic-dipped. Molded handles work best for when you need a secure grip and lots of applied pressure. Dipped handles excel for basic tools that you want to grip quickly and get into tighter areas. Many of these tools come in both, and we find that personal preference often leads the way here.
Regardless of which you choose, the best pliers won’t slip out of your hands when you get a little oil or grease on them. Dropping tools from height makes for a bad work experience and lost productivity. It’s also dangerous!
We make an effort not to draw the line on USA steel. However, when possible, we like to use tools made in the USA with US steel. Steel quality definitely varies around the world and each country uses its own designations to signify the blend. We find US tool steel to be very consistent and reliable overall, so it’s our preference.
For tools with cutting edges, we look for good induction-hardened cutting knives. We typically use these types of tools enough to get a feel for how well these blades hold up when cutting wire over time. A good pair of side cutters should handle cutting smaller hardened steel like piano wire—without leaving a notch. If your pair says “not made for steel” then the jaws only really support copper and aluminum wire.
We check how much leverage a pliers delivers. For side-cutters (lineman’s pliers), you can find two ~9-inch tools with vastly different max jaw openings. We also look at how far apart the handles need to open in order to get those jaws fully apart.
The best pliers maximize the jaw opening and exert a good amount of leverage without requiring you to have gigantic hands.
In general, here are the features we look for on pliers:
Value is more than just the price of the tool. We consider the whole picture of what you get for the price you pay. That includes the performance, features, ergonomics, warranty, and of course the price of the tool.
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The Crescent 180-Piece Professional Tool Set is a solid professional socket set for working on cars, tractors, lawnmowers, and other motorized equipment with a few additions for household use. These sockets and ratchets are some of the highest-quality performers in the test, and there are a lot of them. You get two ratchets with three extenders for hard-to-reach places and over 80 sockets in metric and SAE, including a super handy 5/8" spark plug socket. The 12 combination wrenches (with one open and one box end) are among the best in the test. We like the screwdrivers and the magnetic bit driver, which come with 48 bits. The needle-nose pliers are high quality with nice action, but there are no ordinary pliers or tongue and groove pliers. The metric and SAE hex keys are fine and come in sturdy holders.
The company is the world’s best plier and cutter manufacturer supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.
Unless you're jumping straight into auto-care, we don't recommend this as a first-timer's toolkit. However, the expansive selection of tools will help you accomplish many household tasks. Adding a hammer would extend the range of this kit's home repair and project capabilities. The sockets, ratchets, and wrenches shined during testing, but the rest of the kit was just okay. The screwdrivers are comfortable in hand when dry, but their edgeless handles are challenging to hold when oily. The case is fairly good at holding tools but lacks durability. When ours arrived, there was a gouge in the bottom of the case, and one of the socket holders was slightly distorted and barely held the socket in place. If you're rough on your tools, consider a more durable case and set like the DeWalt 108-Piece Mechanics Tools Kit and Socket Set. All things considered, the Crescent Tool Set is an excellent option for those who want a starter kit for auto care or want to add a great set of sockets and wrenches to their tool bench.
The DeWalt 108-Piece Mechanics Tools Kit and Socket Set scores very high in our four metrics, though other award winners like the Black and Decker 20V Max 68-Piece scored better in general use selection. The tool quality and functionality were immediately apparent as soon as we assembled sockets to the ratchet. Easy-to-assemble and securely fastened are the themes of this kit. We effortlessly wrenched on ski bindings and worked on bicycles. The carrying case is lightweight, easy to carry, and has two metal latches that snap solidly into place. And as a carpenter who has used DeWalt products for over 20 years, one of our testers can assure you that durability is second to none.
Unfortunately, we can't recommend this high-quality toolset for general use only because it lacks diversity in its available tools. There are no hammers, pliers, or tape measures. If you require a more versatile general use set, we recommend checking out the Amazon Basics 173-Piece Hand Tool Kit. However, if you either already own or don't mind acquiring those other tools separately, this 108-piece kit from Dewalt might be the right toolset for you.
The Amazon Basics 173-Piece Hand Tool Kit set offers a killer value and a solid selection of household tools. It comes outfitted with a small hammer, a saw, various pliers, a tape measurer, a small selection of nails and screws, and even a Torpedo level. The small socket set is handy, the snap-off blade is adequate, and the level is convenient when hanging art. The screwdrivers and magnetic bit driver have comfortable handles with rounded edges that help maintain your grip. The driver's 20 extra Torx, Phillips, flathead, hex, and squarehead bits expand the toolkit's capabilities. We always appreciate having SAE and metric hex keys around the house, especially if you own bikes.
The construction of the pliers leaves something to be desired, as their small, slick grips make them difficult to hold and the joints are not tight enough. Unfortunately, the action on the slip joint pliers is the worst we tested. Therefore, if you simply need quality pliers, we suggest considering the Channellock 5-Piece Pliers Set instead. As for the ratchet, the gears are too far apart, so it takes more time and repetition to tighten and loosen the bolts. Also, the carrying case design could be much more precise to hold tools in place. After opening and closing the case multiple times, one pair of pliers fell right out. Despite these shortcomings, this tool set has impressive value and utility. We recommend the Amazon Basics to anyone looking for a starter kit on a budget.
The Channellock 5-Piece Pliers Set gives every indication of maintaining the quality we have come to expect from this brand. The large tongue and groove pliers, which a lot of us call channellocks, are the best of their kind in the test. They also have the widest size range, making them a must for gripping pipes during plumbing projects. The slip joint pliers and diagonal cutters also top the list, with the latter cutting through plastic and wire quietly and efficiently without sending shrapnel across the room. The needle nose pliers have the narrowest tip in the lineup, making them great for tight spots and precision work. All offer smooth action with little to no play. Long handles with a vinyl sheath provide ample leverage.
This plier set is excellent, but that's about all you'll get — and you're paying for it. The extra money will buy tools that work better, make your life easier, and last longer. They may save you money over time. They will save you grief. You will have to round out the rest of your tool kit — hammer, screwdrivers, sockets, hexes, etc. — on your own. In that case, should your projects require a plethora of various tools, the Crescent 180-Piece Professional Tool Set offers more of what you need. But if you need pliers, look no further. It's hard to imagine these failing, as each tool is top-quality. If you're looking to build a kit to last a lifetime, this plier set is for you.
The Craftsman 57-Piece Home Kit is a solid little tool set. If your projects aren't elaborate, this kit offers the best mix of basic tools. Its fiberglass and rubber-handled hammer is one of the better options in the test, as are its slip joint pliers. They have an easy action and comfortable grip. The screwdrivers are pleasant to wield and work well. Instead of the magnetic bit driver that many other kits include, this one gives you a ratcheting screwdriver with a bit adapter so you can use it for bolts or slap on a Torx, Phillips, or flathead to tackle an array of screws. We like it. The little socket set is a handy size. It's not top-of-the-line but it works well enough. The two hex key sets are standard, offering metric and SAE sizing. We like that the measuring tape is self-locking and marked with ¼ and ⅛ measurements, which are nice for taking measurements at a glance.
The sockets are only okay. The Crescent set is of higher quality. The snap-off knife isn't the most comfortable cutting device to hold. It works, though, and snapping off a dull end to reveal a fresh edge is easy enough with the included pliers. Just bend the blade end away from the scoring mark for a clean snap. The plastic carrying case is alright, though the sockets fall out easily. You have to remember to leave that side of the briefcase down. If you plan on using sockets frequently, the ones included in the DeWalt 108-Piece Mechanics Tools Kit and Socket Set are high-quality and the case holds the tools well, too. Still, this tool kit offers an impressive quality-to-value ratio and is a great starter tool set for less ambitious projects or those looking for quality on a budget.
The Black and Decker 20V Max 68-Piece kit is an easy favorite. If you've tackled any home repair projects involving screws, you know how many hours a cordless electric drill can save, so it's great to see one in a pared-down tool set along with all the essentials. The drill comes with 10 bits, which drills pilot holes for a reasonable range of screw sizes. We also appreciate the spade and hole saw bits. You may not need to cut a big hole through solid wood often, but if you do find yourself wanting to run some wires through the back of a desk or cut a finger pull in a cabinet, they are fantastic to have around. The drill gives you 11 torque settings to amp up the power for those higher friction tasks. We also like the pliers, the needle nose, and the slip joint. Their handles are a little short but offer a pleasant grip and feel more solid than some.
While the drill is fairly good, it's not powerful enough for heavy jobs. The battery holds out for about 25 minutes of continuous use, which is enough time to blast through a couple hundred pilot holes or a few full-hole cuts. An extra battery is necessary for longer projects, meaning you'll need to make an additional purchase. The included battery takes more than three and a half hours to charge. Additionally, the carrying case is just a bag with no organizational pockets, leaving your tools in a pile. Drill bits aren't very durable in those circumstances. The rest of the tools are on the fair side. Hammers with necks that narrow are easy to break, especially when prying out nails. The screwdrivers have oddly large bits, 5/16" for the flathead and a #14 wood screw for the Phillips. Although, the bit driver gives you smaller options. We aren't crazy about the grips or ergonomics of the pliers or snap-off blades, and the adjustable wrench wobbles. Still, this is a decent kit to get you going if you want to speed through your chore list with a cordless drill. If you require a better hammer and tool quality in general, the Craftsman 57-Piece Home Kit is another option to consider that's also affordable.
We tested these tool sets head-to-head and compared them to our family favorites, like a Stanley hammer that's been around for nearly 40 years and Channellock pliers of approximately the same vintage. Our team systematically tested every tool included in each set for several weeks. We rotated through the hammers, knocking nails in and prying them back out. Then we pulled more out with the pliers and worked on wire projects with the needle-nose options. We tackled rusty old bolts with the wrenches and ratchets and stripped old wires with the wire strippers. We ran battery life and charging time tests on the cordless drills and compared each kit's tool selection to determine their overall quality. We removed ski bindings with ratchets and then tightened truck toppers and bicycle bolts with various wrenches. Then we looked at toolset costs to compare value.
Our toolset testing is divided into four rating metrics:Clark Tate led our tool testing team. Clark grew up in a farming community known for its excellent middle and high school vocational programs. After several shop classes in middle school and a summer class in aerodynamics constructing model airplanes, Clark started taking advantage of her family's extensive tool set. She's helped build barns and fences, worked several roofing jobs, volunteered for Habitat for Humanity, and recently built out a camper van. She believes that high-quality tools should last a lifetime and work for you instead of against you. Clark also recruited her father, Glen Tate, to try out all the tools to get a larger person's perspective. They mostly agreed on preferences, though Clark liked smaller, lighter hammers better.
Brian Smith is the quintessential jack of all trades. A professional mountain guide during the summers and winters, in the off seasons he has worked as a carpenter for over twenty years and as a bike mechanic for eight years. With unwavering attention to detail, he has a keen ability to scrutinize the quality of various tools. His ability to guide folks through complex mountains translates to guiding consumers toward the products that best suit their needs.
From inexpensive tools that work for light-duty and infrequent use to day-to-day staples, we looked at a wide range of toolsets. We break down how each performed in our test metrics below.
When testing tools, we first focus on their quality and function. Then we note how useful the selection is for everyday tasks and specialized projects. Once we know how well they work and how long they are likely to last, we consider how much they cost.
Everyone wants a good value. To find one, look for high-scoring options with lower prices. We are particularly impressed with the Amazon Basics 173-Piece Hand Tool Kit. It offers a great tool selection for general projects at home. Some of the tools are less than inspiring (for instance, the pliers), but this kit will get you through many basic chores for less.
To get started with a trimmed-down selection of higher-quality basics, check out the Craftsman 57-Piece option. You get fewer tools off the bat but without any duds. If you're looking to dive into the DIY deep end, we think the extensive selection and high-quality tools in the Crescent 180-Piece Professional Tool Set also offer a fair value.
Of course, tools that last end up saving you money over time. Channellock's 5-Piece Plier Set seems to have the same high-quality standards as a pair that's served our lead tester's family for 40 years. The Cresent 180 piece sets a similar quality standard, and we see it as a good investment for anyone looking for an extensive socket set.
High-quality tools work well, making your job easier. If a tool warps easily or its grip slips, you'll have to work that much harder to get the task done. That's why we really focus on tool quality in our tests. The Channellock Plier, DeWalt 108-Piece Mechanics Tools Kit and Socket Set, and Crescent 180-Piece Professional Tool Set kits top the list, though the Craftsman options offer solid functionality as well.
As we've mentioned, our testers have a set of Channellock pliers nearly 40 years old and still holding steady. Our tests showed no difference between these ancestral pliers and the shiny new set, both USA-made. They were hands down the sturdiest pliers in the test with the best action, hold, and grip. The needle-nose pliers also have the narrowest point of any other option in the test. This makes them more precise than most and our top choice for detailed wire work.
Crescent is another big-name tool brand, and their Crescent 180-Piece Professional Tool Set kit is impressive. The sockets and combo wrenches are the sturdiest and most extensive we tested. The adjustable wrench has less play than any of the rest, holding its shape between turns, so you don't have to adjust it constantly. The rest of the set is less impressive but seems durable and more than holds its own with the other options tested.
The Craftsman 57-Piece Home Kit is a step down in quality but offers good value for tools that cover the basics. The socket set works well, and the hammer is one of the best we tested. In fact, every tool in the smaller Craftsman set performs its task admirably.
The Amazon Basics and Black + Decker sets are pretty good, though both contain some disappointing tools. The pliers in the Amazon Basics set are subpar, and we aren't thrilled about the hammer's narrow neck since we've broken similar ones in the past. The Black + Decker pliers are okay, but the adjustable wrench has a lot of play, rendering it less effective. We do like every other tool in the Amazon option, though, and we are impressed by the light and balanced hammer and its mini socket set.
The standalone cordless drill in the Black + Decker kit makes it a standout. A power drill can save a ton of time, and this is a decent one that comes with some pretty good screwdrivers, a measuring tape, a box cutter, a hammer, and pliers that work just fine. Though hole saws and spade bits are great for making large holes in wood, this drill struggled to power them through a board unless it was fully charged. The battery runs out after less than half an hour of continuous use. That's pretty impressive, but since you don't get a spare and it took over three hours to charge, you'll be limited to shorter projects.
The Dedeo Cordless Hammer Drill Kit has an extra battery, and it charges much faster, but it also comes with a stack of very low-quality tools. They are harder to use and may not stand the test of time. We suggest skipping this option and the Cartman Orange 39-Piece set, which is similarly low quality.
The Cartman 148-Piece Set, Dekopro 158-Piece Tool Set, and Apollo Tools 71 Piece Household Kit are all a little better, but not by much. They'll work for a time and each has a few nice additions (mostly the screwdrivers). Still, we recommend building your tool set over time if you can't afford one of the better kits.
Though the Crescent and Channellock Pliers sets are the highest quality, neither includes the necessary household basics, like a hammer. The Crescent Professional Tool Set is great if you need to work on cars, lawnmowers, tractors, or other engines but won't do much to help you hang a picture frame.
The Amazon Basics 173-Piece Hand Tool Kit gives you the best combination of tools to get you through most household chores and repairs. Thoughtful additions include a tape measure, a selection of small nails and screws, and even a torpedo level. We highly recommend shopping for a power drill separately if you go this route. They are worth their weight in gold if you need to do anything that involves more than three screws.
The Craftsman 57-Piece Set is a good pared-down option, with all the basics solidly covered. We would rather have a few good tools than a ton that are a pain to use. The Amazon Basics option offers similar functionality at a lower cost but with two bum pliers.
We tip our hat to the Black + Decker 68-Piece for offering some reasonable basics with an okay cordless drill. The combination will get you going and keep you going for long enough to figure out if you like doing your own handy work. If you do, you can start building a higher-quality tool set.
If you just look at tool selection, the Dedo Cordless Hammer Drill Kit's selection slays the competition. A cordless drill with two batteries, a trim socket set, screw divers, precision drivers, a hammer, and a little hack saw for (very) small jobs. Unfortunately, the quality isn't there, so we don't recommend this one.
The Dekopro set is similar, though it doesn't have a drill. A number of its basic tools—like the hammer, screwdrivers, and wire stripper—are downright pleasant to use. The wrenches, sockets, and pliers aren't up to our standards, though, and are much less enjoyable.
The Apollo Tools 71-Piece kit offers a unique and appealing selection. Apollo bills it as appropriate for home repair and craft projects. With an included square, mini-hacksaw, several rulers, and sturdy metal clamps, we were excited about its potential. Other than those clamps, the rulers, and the screwdrivers, every tool in the kit struggles to complete its task.
The Cartman 148-Piece Set is a reasonable buildout. Half of it is good enough to use often (skip the wrenches and the sockets). The 39-Piece is super paired down but covers the very basics. We don't expect the hammer to last long, and we don't recommend using it to pry out stubborn nails.
Some of these cases work far better than others. The DeWalt is superior to every other case we tested. With metal buckles, tabs that hold tools securely without needing a screwdriver to remove them, and a well-organized configuration that made it really easy to find the right tool, we love this case.
The plastic molded Crescent case has a little cubby for every socket and wrench, holding them in place. None drop out when you open the case, yet you don't need a crowbar to remove them, which is exceedingly rare. The case may not function perfectly forever, though. The plastic flexes each time you pull a tool out and will likely weaken over time. Also, the case that shipped to one of our testers had a small hole in the base, but we figured this was an anomaly.
The Cartman and Apollo cases work well, though their plastic feels a little lighter and may wear out faster.
Most plastic cases are much less effective. The sockets fall out of the Craftsman cases every time you open them unless you remember to leave the socket side down. The Dedeo and Dekopro cases are similar. The drill, extra battery, and level drop out when you open the Dedeo kit.
The bags generally work better because tools don't fall out. The Amazon Basics option doesn't have pockets big enough for many of its tools, so they end up in a heap. It works, but organization lovers won't like it.
The small, single-pocket Black + Decker case requires care to pack since the tools are truly stacked, even the drill bits. Drill bits aren't particularly durable, and you'll probably need to wrap yours in something to help them survive this case. The simple Channellock roll case works well.
When a tool breaks, you'll be right back here searching for another set. That's why we try to get a sense of how durable these tools are when we test them.
The Channellock pliers are all built to last. You do need to treat the needle-nose option with respect, though, due to how thin and delicate they are. They seemed sturdy enough in our tests, but needle-nose pliers aren't that difficult to break. We've done it a time or two. It's good to remember what they're intended for, which is precision work.
We also expect the sturdily built Crescent wrenches, screwdrivers, and pliers to stand the test of time. The blended steel with a rust-resistant chrome finish seems solid, and the hinges have less play than other options in the test. Other than the plastic case, we can't think of anything likely to fail quickly here. The same is true of the Craftsman 57-Piece home Kit.
The Amazon kits have a wide variety of tools but don't seem likely to last. We don't have great faith in the pliers, which have loose joints that will only get looser with time and use. However, the kits are very inexpensive and most of the metal tools will probably last a while.
The thin-necked hammers in the Black + Decker, Apollo, and Cartman 39-Piece sets won't stand up over time if you use them with any frequency. We expect the rest of the Black + Decker kit to function well for moderate use over time. We're less confident about the Apollo set or the smaller Cartman option.
While the Dekopro Tool Set doesn't have any gems, everything feels serviceable. The tools are lower quality and have looser joints than we'd like, but they work reasonably well and should do so for a while.
The larger Cartman option, the 148-Piece Set, has some nice screwdrivers and a hammer that we trust. These few foundational tools will likely last as long as you want them to. Aside from its decent cordless drill, very little in the Dedeo kit inspires confidence.
Here are some key questions and answers to help you find the right tool set for your needs.
A good place to start is by thinking about what type of projects you plan on tackling. Are you a weekend mechanic looking to wrench under your car? Or are you undertaking a household repair in the bathroom? Tool sets come with a wide range of different tools, so it's important to consider kits with tools you'll actually use. Start by making sure a set comes with the right essentials, such as a hammer, wrenches, screwdrivers, and a tape measure, and then consider other tools you think will be useful for your skill level and desired projects.
It's wise to consider how you'll store and carry your tools; some sets offer great carrying cases, while others will leave you disappointed. If your tool set will be taken to a job site or to a buddy's house, consider the design of the case and its ability to both organize tools effectively and hold up to extended use.
While tool sets that offer a large quantity of tools can sound enticing, it doesn't always mean you are getting more bang for your buck. Instead, focus on tools that are made with higher quality construction and look for tools that will be most useful for your personal needs.
Finding a toolset that's durable and long-lasting will save you money in the long run and potentially avoid a crucial tool breaking while working. You can identify durable sets through the quality of the construction, such as the joints in pliers or the fitment of sockets. Spending a little time to identify what makes a tool withstand abuse will ensure you find a toolset meant to last.
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