KC Tool has launched a new “home tool kit,” featuring a selection of general purpose hand tools and a custom-fit case.
The tool kit features top brands, such as Knipex, Stabila, and Wera.
It’s described as being:
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A basic, high-quality tool kit for everyday needs, for the person who just got her first apartment, or a thoughtful housewarming or wedding gift.
Here’s everything it comes with:
- Picard Hammer with Ash Handle
- Witte Pro Phillips #2 Screwdriver
- Witte Pro 4mm Insulated Slotted Screwdriver
- Witte Pro 6.5mm Slotted Screwdriver
- Stabila 16′ Tape Measure
- Stabila 8″ Level
- Knipex 7″ Pliers Wrench
- NWS 6.75″ Needle Nose Pliers
- Wera Ball End Metric Hex L-Key Set
- Picard Retractable Safety Knife
- Wera Phillips #0 Precision Screwdriver
- Wera Phillips #1 Precision Screwdriver
- Wera 2 mm Slotted Precision Screwdriver
- Truce Designs USA-made case with Velcro closure and handle
All of the tools are made in Germany or the Czech Republic. The case is made in the USA. Correction: the Stabila tape measure is made in China (thanks ITCD!).
Price: $200
Discussion
This looks to be a thoughtfully configured kit.
I think maybe a bit handle and rail with a couple of bits might have worked well as an inclusion or in lieu of one of the fixed-handle screwdrivers. That would have allowed for a Pozidriv #2 bit tip, which would work well for Ikea furniture.
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I would also argue that there’s a need for inch hex keys as well, but if the choice is between metric or inch, the metric might be used more frequently.
KC Tool has offered curated product selections before, but this looks to be the first time they’re bundling a bunch of different tools from various brands together, and in a custom-fit case. It’ll be interesting to see how well this kit sells, and if the concept will be expanded upon.
eddie sky
Perhaps KC Tool could offer a “configurator” to custom a kit?
eddie sky
PS..you feel that quake, Stuart?
MM
That’s a great idea. KC seems to like making various combo deals anyway, so why not make a web tool to do it where customers can pick and choose exactly what they prefer?
Dave
Because then the case wouldn’t fit.
MM
That is not a problem at all.
KC tool carries many different cases, well over a hundred the last I looked. And if they were to implement something like this it makes logical sense they would add more generic cases to their catalog to go along with it. If they had this case custom made they can have others.
The configurator (website) could be programmed so you pick what case you want first, then the site displays how many and what kind of things it could hold, at which point you pick what tools you want to put in it. Another method would be to first pick a kit from a list and then offer the ability to customize it. For example maybe the kit has three screwdrivers and a hammer, but you get to pick which three screwdrivers and what hammer. There are many ways the selection process could be done, graphically or by drop-downs come to mind. I’m sure someone with real web programming experience would know much better ways to do it.
Dave
That sounds really interesting, actually. And really advanced. If you’re capable of doing something like that then I need you to work for me, lol.
Jerry
What if they were to offer options that fit the case, or better yet a few configurable cases.
Examples of what I mean would be a choice between SAE or MM hex keys, different pliers, or different types of screwdrivers or at least options that could include Robertson, Posi-drive, Torx, or a bit holder and bit set. The options would all fit the case yet allow for customization.
David Z
Most likely because of the added labor and complexity. They might also have gotten special pricing from these brands either for bulk purchasing, exposure, or both.
ITCD
Interesting, this is probably the first curated “homeowner” kit that isn’t pure swill. First I’ve seen anyway. Slight correction though, the Stabila tape measure is made in China, but everything else inside the pack is Euro. I thought about their inclusion of just 1 set of keys as well but with Ikea and a bunch of other flat packs loving the 4mm and sometimes other sizes I think the metric was the better choice between the two.
Stuart
Thanks! I added that to the post. KC Tool listed the COOs as Germany and Czech Republic, and I took that at face value. It’s likely an oversight, I’ll ping them about it.
Tom
Genuine question, do Americans actually use imperial allen keys? I’ve never seen an imperial allen head this side of the pond, just dusty unused (or more often rounded) sets of keys that came in tool sets.
Stuart
I use them all the time for assembly, maintenance, and fabrication tasks.
They’re still prevalent in a lot of industries. In the camera industry, 1/4-20 and 3/8-16 are common for tripods and mounting accessories, for example.
James
Yup I use them all the time in Canada. Less than metric no doubt but nevertheless often. Used them today to tighten a loose chair.
Koko The Talking Ape
For an IKEA-friendly set, they should really include a Pozidriv bit or two.
Dave
2nd time I’ve read similar on this site recently. I’ve put together a lot of ikea furniture, without trouble, and I’ve never used a posidrive bit. I don’t get it. 🤷🏻♂️
MM
You can use a Philips bit on a Pozi fastener, it just doesn’t fit very well, like using a crappy or worn-out bit or screwdriver. It’s the same with JIS.
Vards Uzvards
You might try it once, buy a driver, or at least a PZ2 bit, and then use it on Pozidriv screws. See the difference, compared to PH2.
Stuart
Posidriv makes the experience so much better. Not every time, but most.
Phillips works but slips out a lot, requiring excessive pressure.
MM
I gave my more detailed thoughts on this in the Toolguyd forum a few days ago but the short answer is that I generally agree with Stuart’s assessment. It’s got the most of the basics covered but I sure would like to see both standard & metric Allen keys and another tool that can engage nuts and bolts so you can back up a fastener while you tighten the other end. Stout scissors and a light of some kind are must-have basic tools too. I agree that a bit handle + bits or an 8-in-1 type of screwdriver makes more sense than the individual ones. A Wera Bit-check or Tool-Check would make a great combo with this set.
https://discuss.toolguyd.com/t/kc-tool-home-kit-thoughts/3470
Jared
I think this is the first “homeowner kit” I’ve seen that makes sense. These are good tools that you wouldn’t need to replace the moment you actually tried to use them.
I like all your suggestions too. While this kit is good, there’s room for improvement still.
If you’re only going to have a couple of screwdrivers, I’d insert both standard and precision multi-bit drivers. E.g. I’d rather cover more bases, even if that means sacrificing the individual screwdrivers.
Scott K
I agree, though this is pretty pricey for a simple homeowner kit. A multibit driver would be a good economical choice – especially for the insulated screwdriver. I probably use #2 Philips bits most often in mine.
MKY
Stuart-
“ All of the tools are made in ***Germany of the Czech ***Republic.”
Stuart
Sorry – *or* – thanks!
Nathan
Other than the I’ve got German tools… It’s rather expensive
I agree on the bit holder vs the drivers. Might also leave out the precision drives as a basic home kit. Leave a slotted of some size and bits for other slots, Philips 1,2,and maybe 3. Posi 1 and 2. Metric hex keys I would think so most and fits with the I’ve got euro tools mindset
Surprised by the case and like the pliers.
Gordon
I like the precision screwdrivers mostly for battery doors on kids toys. But I probably would have preferred to have a #00 (for eyeglasses) instead of a #1, Along with the aforementioned bit driver having a #1 bit instead. I rarely find a #1 bit useful, as it’s the thin shaft of the #0 precision screwdriver that helps reach a screw in the first place.
Champs
This looks a lot like my own toolkit, just with newer and nicer tools. Not a bad way to start out, but for $200 I think I’ll stick with the multifunction and older tools that are demoted to light duty around the house.
If there’s an upside to Chinese manufacturing and/or Torx, it’s the obsolescence of inch hex, a standard that should not exist.
gregs
Can anyone recommend an empty tool case like that one? I did google, but not very effectively.
MM
KC tool carries a lot of different pouches from Wera and others, there might be something in there that works for you:
https://www.kctool.com/bags-pouches/?page=1
You will also find similar things if you do searches for “tool roll” and “cordura tool case”
MM
Sorry, hit reply too soon. Just to be clear the “tool roll”, etc, searches should be on Google or similar, not KC tool.
gregs
Thanks, there’s a good selection there
Grokew
The maker of that case (truce designs) doesn’t offer it on their website. The Husky Pro tool organizer is a good option, if you can find it. Other alternatives are the pallet based tool cases that are available from Tecra, Jensen, and other toolkit suppliers, or their soft sided cases.
Koko The Talking Ape
It would be nice if somebody offered a kit with decent but not necessarily European tools. It could still be high quality, but it would cost quite a bit less. Stanley tape measures, Milwaukee utility knives, Megapro multi-drivers, Channellock dikes, etc. are all great. Acme carries all those brands, I think.
Richard
I love it. If I didn’t already have my own curated kit I would love to own this. I wish there were more storage to grow. As Stuart said some SAE hex keys and more varieties of driver heads. I picked up the wera kit with interchangeable long blades and I’ve been really liking it.
After that I would suggest someone get a drill and impact driver or go for a M12 surge with impact rated hex drill bits.
bob
I’m not impressed. Overly priced for the amount of tools (I’m not referring to the quality). It seems to me, anyone who wants those brands aren’t likely starter kit buyers, they probably already have a variety of quality tools. And those who do want a starter kit, probably aren’t likely to spend $200 on one.
But what do i know.
Bonnie
Yeah, like these are undeniably good tools. But the person who is using a Stabila level for hanging pictures in the hallway probably isn’t the same person looking at a one-and-done homeowners kit in the first place.
This feels more like someone who is looking for brands to brag about, but the packaging isn’t quite fancy enough for that either.
I guess this is for the tool nuts (of which most of us reading this site are) who want to splurge on a gift for kids or friends buying their first place. Just make sure you understand they won’t know how expensive this tool kit is, and try not to have a heart attack when you watch them use that same Stabila level as a tack hammer.
Scott K
Right- I’d think you would have to be informed to purchase this over a larger cheaper kit. And also to find yourself at KC tool as opposed to Walmart or Amazon.
Grokew
To be fair, it is way cheaper than Snap-on.
Aaron SD
Curious what the savings is with the kit vs buying individually
JP Michaels
One Chinese tool is one tool to many even it is a tapemeasure
BigTimeTommy
Absolutely no reason for a basic homeowner kit to be $200. I don’t know who this could be for.
MM
I think Bonnie nailed it: it’s for tool geeks to buy as a gift for friends or family.
You really have to be an enthusiast to buy this, but anyone who already appreciates higher end tools probably doesn’t need a beginner set for their personal use.
Nathan
That’s a great point. It’s an overpriced tool bundle for euro tool geeks and snobs to buy for other people
The Advent calendars are cheaper I think
Robert
No tool of the day at KCtool today, 6 April. Hopefully, they are not dropping that institution.
The DIY tool set is still featured.
Don Julio
Maybe we’ll get two Tools of the Day for the eclipse?
Andrew
Non-pro simple home owner here. I would never consider buying this kit. This reminds me of my buddy who has a $500 Dualit 2 slice bread toaster. I asked him why? He said it was a house warming gift .
Ct451
With a toaster you get some value in the aesthetics. People see it, they ask about it. This would be better marketed as an office tool kit. Show off to your colleagues or your employees (or your boss).
kent_skinner
I think it’s an excellent idea, but I’m confused by the mixed units.
An SAE tape and metric only hex keys. Sorry, but you need SAE hex keys as well. The tape should be mixed units.
No matter what, the kit won’t be the perfect fit and tools will be added (like the SAE hex keys). There should be a bit of extra room in the case, or it could be a different type of holder – tool roll or whatnot.
In any case, it’s brilliant.
Chip
These are nice tools but prefer dedicated sets like this.
Wera – 5059297001 Kraftform… https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NI7RRS?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Is what I started with,I threw out the filler blades that I don’t use.
I’ve added other 90mm power blades from Wiha and Vessel.
Philips, flat,torque+,sae and metric hex ball and security .
90mm blades are necessary for working on electric tools with deep screws in the clamshell.
I only buy good security bits instead of having an additional regular set.
These are more useful than the toolcheck+ sets for me.
I use swivel sockets more then regular, deep,semi deep,low clearance .
An impact driver with power blades,the aforementioned swivel sockets with multiple extensions, pocket prybar and plierswrench….are my daily use tools.
Curated are like the bespoke subscription.
Tools may be great for gifts,but I prefer setting up tooling that works for me.
That hammer is a filler.
I bought the Husky hanging bifold plastic low grade homeowner set $50 10 years ago for my sister.
She would use a caliper as a clamp lol.
Charles
Didn’t we put together a kit like this a couple of years ago?
I put together something similar for my sister a year or so ago using a mix of Megapro drivers, knipex pliers and a gedore hammer, Milwaukee tape measures and a Radio Shack level with a laser that I bought eons ago.
Everything went into a small metal box that had colored boxes for the Megapro bits and each was labeled (red was security bits – the ones with a hole in the center) and so forth, because I knew that neither of them would know (or care) about sizes. Inside the lid, I had a large drawing of the different types of bits and where they are likely found.
She loves it and it cuts down on the calls.