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The Best Tool Kits to Hammer Out Your DIY Projects

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Contrary to popular belief, duct tape can't actually fix everything. That's why every home needs a well-stocked tool kit with all the best fix-it-yourself essentials. Whether you live in a brand new apartment or a centuries old house, you're going to need a good hammer and a strong screwdriver at some point to tackle odd jobs and home improvements.

Of course, not all tool kits are created equally. If you're not sure where to start, we've compiled this list of the best tool kits to help you tackle all your home improvement projects.

Best Overall: Stanley 65-Piece Homeowner's DIY Tool Kit

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This tool set has got everything you need for the basics, with a few extras packed in for good measure. The Stanley 65-Piece Homeowner's DIY Tool Kit features a Torpedo level, 16-foot measuring tape, 13-ounce hammer, 18-millimeter snap-off knife, long nose pliers, slip joint pliers and two screwdrivers.

Need more? No problem! It also features mechanic's tools like a full-polish ratchet and eight sockets along with hex keys, a 1/4-inch spinner handle and a 1/4-inch bit holder. All tools are ergonomically designed and meet or exceed ANSI specifications. Now you're impressed!

Best Value: Cartman 39-Piece Tool Set

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Despite its modest price point, the Cartman 39-piece tool set delivers the high quality and tool variety that most people want and need. It comes with a 10-foot tape measure, 8-ounce claw hammer, 6-inch slip joint pliers, 2-inch bit connector, 8-inch scissors, utility snap-off knife, four screwdrivers, eight SAE hex keys, one bit driver and a 20-piece bit set.

As one reviewer noted, "For the price, it's a nice selection of tools with good quality. It's easily portable, and the case doesn't come undone. I recommend this product for anyone looking for their first household tools, portability, quality, and/or low pricing." More than 2,200 five-star reviews reveal similar positive sentiments among buyers.

Best Kitchen Drawer Set: WORKPRO 100-Piece Kitchen Drawer Tool Kit

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Don't let the compact size fool you. This tool kit packs a lot of function into a neat, tidy package. The WORKPRO 100-piece Kitchen Drawer Tool Kit has everything you need for your DIY projects, and it all fits inside a sturdy carrying pouch that's sized just right for slipping into your kitchen drawer. It even features a padded handle for comfortable carrying when you're on the go. You get essentials like an 8-ounce claw hammer, a set of mechanics tools with nine sockets, a bit holder, an adaptor and 19 specialty bits.

Best Splurge: WORKPRO 322-Piece Home Repair Tool Kit

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If you're looking for an extensive variety of tools, and you don't mind spending a little more to get them, the WORKPRO 322-piece Home Repair Tool Kit might be your best bet. Inside this stylish, durable carry bag, you will find a huge range of tools, including three different types of pliers, six screwdrivers, a large set of sockets, a socket wrench, a hammer, a utility knife, seven precision screwdrivers, a folding hex key, a tape measure, an adjustable wrench, a brush, insulated tape, scissors, cable ties and a spirit level.

Wow, right? As one five-star reviewer noted, "The tool set blew me away. The quality was much better than I was expecting. This set exceeded what I was expecting...I 200% recommend this product."

Best for Mechanics: DeWalt 204-Piece Mechanics Tool Set

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Do you need a tool kit for tinkering in the garage? The DeWalt 204-Piece Mechanics Tool Kit and Socket Set has all the basics you need to get the job done. It includes one 1/4-inch pear head ratchet with a 72-tooth gear system that delivers high torque capabilities. It also includes multiple deep drive sockets, adapters, drive deep sockets, combination wrenches, extension bars and more.

This set received more than 320 five-star reviews, with one reviewer exclaiming, "This set is the standard by which all others should forever be judged. This is without question the best all-around, all-inclusive set that the DIY home repair/remodel and/or DIY auto repair person MUST have in their arsenal of home tools...you will never need to buy another socket, ratchet or accessory."

Best Grab and Go: AmazonBasics 65-Piece Home Repair Tool Kit

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If you're looking for a tool kit that you can easily grab and take with you, the AmazonBasics 65-Piece Home Repair Tool Kit is hard to beat. It weighs in at barely more than 5 pounds, and it contains all the basics you're likely to need, including a 13-ounce hammer, a 16-foot tape measure, pliers, screwdrivers, a level and a small set of mechanic's tools. The soft carrying bag lets you carry it using the handle or the shoulder strap.

Reviewers love this set for its easy portability. Grab it to go help a friend, take it with you to the office or on vacation, or keep it at home to tackle the basics. This versatile option is perfect for a variety of uses.

Best for New Homeowners: Black + Decker 68-Piece Drill and Home Tool Kit

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The Black + Decker 68-Piece Drill and Home Tool Kit features a 20-volt lithium drill powered by a lithium ion battery that holds a charge for as long as 18 months. It also includes a charger, tape measure, adjustable wrench, pliers, two manual screwdrivers, slip joint pliers, a ratcheting screwdriver, screwdriving bits, drilling bits and more.

Projects ranging from hanging your flatscreen television to hanging new window treatments to putting furniture together can progress much easier and with greater skill when you have a power drill and driver in your tool kit. That's part of the reason this versatile tool kit earned more than 1,200 five-star reviews.

Best Lightweight Kit: Allied Tools 38200 Project & Repair Set

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Easy to use tools, a lightweight construction and fun, bright colors are just three of the standout features that reviewers love about the Allied Tools 38200 Project & Repair Tool Set. One reviewer said, "This is as close as I have found to the perfect kit for female homeowners and maybe male ones too. I am not qualified to decide that, but this kit has everything I have needed in a year of being a homeowner." Needless to say, it comes with all the basics, including a hammer, pliers and scissors. Additionally, the soft-sided carrying bag has multiple pockets to keep everything organized.

Best Mini Tool Kit: Allied Tools 25-Piece Tri-Fold Mini Tool Set

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Do you need something that's small enough to tuck inside the glove box of your car? The Allied Tools 25-Piece Tri-Fold Mini Tool Set is compact, but it isn't light on the basic tools you need. It includes a ratcheted driver with bits, an extension, sockets, precision screwdrivers, a 3-inch tape measure and long nose pliers — all neatly tucked inside a zippered nylon case.

Best for Women: Apollo Tools DT0773N1 135-Piece Tool Kit

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It isn't often you can actually call a tool kit "cute," but the Apollo Tools DT0773N1 135-Piece Tool Kit comes in a zippy pink color that sets it apart from all the others on the market. Girly color or not, it features a full range of useful tools that are perfect for your DIY projects, including a cordless screwdriver with a reverse/forward mechanism, claw hammer, adjustable wrench, precision screwdrivers, putty knife and a wall hanging kit.

The kit has more than 680 five-star reviews, with one reviewer noting, "This is just what I needed for household repairs or any small task at home! Every time I need a tool, Hubby has it in his truck. I decided that I needed my own set of tools."

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