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While I’m obviously a tool enthusiast, I realize that not everyone needs an array of power tools, saws, drills, and drivers. However, everyone should have a decent quality, basic tool kit for incidental maintenance and repairs. Even if you live in an apartment and you have no ambitions to become a DIY expert, you might eventually need to open a light fixture to change a bulb, or hang a picture yourself, and if you’re in that camp, there’s a one-and-done, simple Craftsman toolkit you should have.
This Craftsman 57-piece mechanics home tool set is a good tool kit for anyone who thinks they don’t need a set of tools, but might have discovered that they need a screwdriver to remove a vent cover to clean it. If you realized too late that the “no tools required” label on your child’s assemble-it-yourself toy was a lie, and you actually need a hammer and a hex wrench to get the job done, this is the tool kit you need. It’s the perfect size for apartment living, and it’s on sale for $38.23, 30% off its usual price.
If acquiring this tool set sparks a desire to learn more DIY skills, you’ve got a good foundation to build a larger kit on. The ratchet, sockets, and bits are a standard size, so they’re compatible with other bits and attachments. These tools can be used on more advanced projects, like putting up shelves or swapping out a light fixture, they will be useful for that as well. I use a lot of these tools every day in the shop. If you want to start trying some slightly more advanced projects to test your interest and skills, this kit is a good jumping-off point.
What’s included
The Craftsman 57-piece mechanics home tool set includes a set of screwdrivers, including a changeable driver handle with multiple bits. This part of the set will allow you to drive almost any standard screw type. While most screws tend to be Phillips or flathead, sometimes you’ll encounter a star drive or a square head.
What do you think so far?
It also comes with a ¼-inch ratchet with a range of socket sizes for turning nuts and bolts. It’s got a set of Allen keys that—among other things—will come in handy when you’re disassembling the flat-pack bed you bought five years ago and lost the hardware for.
Other basic tools included are a tape measure, a hammer, a pair of pliers, a utility knife, and a tool box. The box is small enough to fit in a closet or cabinet—you won’t need your own home shop for this set—and the compartments will help you keep all your bits and sockets organized so you’ll be able to find them when you need them.