The Best Tool Sets

Experts called it the 'Goldilocks of tool sets', it includes everything needed for most basic tasks, yet also not large enough to be overwhelming or take up tons of storage.

Testers particularly liked the quality of the 16-foot tape measure, which opens and retracts smoothly compared to the tape measures often found in cheaper sets, which have a tendency to stick.

The carrying bag has interior side packets, but the tools are likely to turn into a jumbled mess in there.

Once you get into larger repairs, you'll want to upgrade to a more durable kit with heavy-duty tools, such as a 16-ounce hammer, rather than the 12-ounce plastic one Amazon includes in this kit.

The 20-volt, variable-speed cordless drill packs enough power to handle basic household drilling tasks like picture hanging and shelf mounting.

This Black+Decker set is a great option if you're starting from scratch. The set, which weighs only eight pounds, includes a utility knife, pliers, an adjustable wrench, a ratcheting screwdriver, a tape measure, a level and other essentials.

The fiberglass hammer offers an improved grip for increased comfort and its 16-ounce weight means it can take on harder tasks, like driving framing nails into thick lumber.

We also like that the hard-sided plastic case has dedicated grooves for each tool.

We love the variety of tools included with this kit, which covers all the basics, including a hammer, screwdrivers, a tape measure, pliers, a wrench, a ratcheting screwdriver with nut drivers, a utility knife, and even a bubble level.

These tools might not be of professional quality, but we think they are sturdy enough so that just about any average DIYer can rely on dependable performance, use after use.