Top 10 Best Tool Kits in the UK 2021 (Stanley, IKEA and More)

There are so many options for tool kits all with varying contents, so where do you start? Our buying guide will help you with what you need to look for in a tool set, such as the contents, the size, and how easy it is to store. 

Before anything else, it’s important to establish the essential tools within a tool kit. There are many different opinions on this but we all have to start from somewhere. The general consensus seems to agree that your toolkit must contain these 5 tools:

1. A hammer - An essential tool for a number of household tasks. No matter what jobs you will need to do around the house, you will most definitely need to use a hammer at some point.
2. A screwdriver set - At the very least, you should have a minimum of one Phillips screwdriver and one flathead screwdriver for your DIY needs. Even better if you have multiple screwdrivers of differing sizes as one size doesn’t necessarily fit all. 
3. A set of pliers - Pliers are a multipurpose tool that can do a variety of tasks, from tightening or loosening bolts, removing nails and even cutting wires. Definitely a key tool in your kit!
4. A spirit level - No matter what you’re doing, a spirit level is indispensable to ensure you don’t put up any wonky frames or shelves.
5. A tape measure - At some point or another, your tape measure will be a lifesaver for your DIY needs, whether you’re trying to fit some curtains or find the right size desk. 

You now know what essential tools you need, but what else is there? One vital thing is to think about what you need your tool kit for – different sets might contain different tools that may suit your needs better. 

If you only plan on doing small repairs around the home or putting up a shelf every so often, you only really need a smaller tool kit of around 20 to 40 pieces. This may sound like a lot, but a large portion of this total will actually come from various screwdriver bits and attachments!

There are plenty of concise tool kits that include the basic essentials as well as a few extra tools such as Allen keys and scissors, many of which won't break the bank. 

After all, there’s no point in splashing out on a 200-piece tool kit if you're only going to tighten a loose screw once a year whilst everything else gathers dust in the box, so try not to get more than you need. 

Avid fans of DIY will want to step up to something more comprehensive, such as a set with around 50 pieces or more. Additionally, if you’re planning larger projects such as renovating the kitchen, you might need to consider a tool kit that suits your specific needs. 

For example, some tool kits are specialised for mechanics and contain tools such as wrenches, whereas some are made for woodworking and contain tools such as saws and sanders, so check the contents if there's something your project requires. 

Even if you have bigger requirements, it’s important to remember that not every tool kit will cover everything you need. It’s more cost-effective to buy a mid-sized kit and then buy extra tools as and when you need them, even renting them in some cases! 

One final thing to take into consideration is the type of storage your tools come in. 

If you plan to only keep your tools in a cupboard at home, a plastic case would be fine for you. These also work if you're low on space and need something as compact as possible. However, one thing to note is that plastic cases usually have moulded sections for each tool, which doesn't allow for any extras you may purchase. 

But what if you need something with more storage allowance, or you'd like something easier to transport? In that case, consider a tool kit with a lightweight fabric storage bag for easier movement. The downside, of course, is that their shape is much bulkier, and they may be less protective of your tools. 

With all of these things considered, let's take a look at our recommendations of the top 10 best tool kits!

If, like most of the nation, being in lockdown has afforded you a bit of extra time to finally start on those long-promised craft or DIY projects, let us help to inspire you! From taking up those annoyingly-long curtains to revamping some furniture or clothes, our guides can help. 

So there we have our best 10 tool kits to buy online in the UK. Whether you needed your first essentials kit or you wanted to upgrade your tools, hopefully our article provided you with all the assistance necessary and helped you find a set for all your DIY needs.

Author: Dodo Wang