We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more ›
You need the right tool for the right job, and sometimes the job requires an entire arsenal of tools. Combo tool kits are cost-effective ways to give your workshop a wide variety of handy gadgets in one set. The kits include a wide assortment of useful devices. From power drills and drivers for making household repairs to rotary tools and heat guns for crafts and hobbies, these combo kits give you exactly what you need—and then some. If you’re new to crafting, building, or need a quick way to stock up on must-have tools, the best tool combo kits become the foundation of your ever-expanding toolbox.
- Best overall: DEWALT 20V Max Cordless Drill Combo Kit
- Best for experienced craftspeople: Makita XT269T 18V Cordless Combo Kit
- Best for homeowners: CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Drill Combo Kit
- Best for beginners: DEKOPRO 168-Piece Mixed-Tool Set
The best tool combo kits: Reviews & Recommendations
Don’t get overwhelmed. If you are new to the wide world of power tool sets, all the options can seem daunting and confusing. But once you figure out the job you’re trying to accomplish, it’s easy to narrow your search and find the best tool combo kit for your specific needs.
Best overall: DEWALT 20V Max Cordless Drill Combo Kit
Everything You Need
Pros
- Comprehensive set of tools
- High quality from trusted name
- Good price compared to buying tools on their own
Cons
- Takes up a lot of space
Specs
- Number of tools: 10
- Power: Two lithium-ion batteries (included)
- Weight: 37 pounds
Dewalt 20V tools are high-quality machines known for their power and dependability. With the Dewalt combo kit you get a power drill, an impact driver, reciprocating saw, circular saw, oscillating multi-tool, blower, and Bluetooth speaker. Every member of this family is a hard-working appliance. You can probably do without one or two of the tools, but this kit is an affordable way to always be ready to fix furniture, make household repairs, and properly finish projects. With one set, you become a well-rounded DIY construction worker. This drill tool set is also a great foundation for collecting an entire shed full of Dewalt power tools. However, this is a big power tools set and you will need the space to store everything.
Other product recommendations
Best for experienced craftspeople: Makita XT269T 18V Cordless Combo Kit
Long-Lasting Power
The Makita drill set includes an impact driver and powerful drill. You can do a lot with just these two tools. With exceptional torque and speed control, these hardy tools are good for household repairs and round out an existing set of tools. The Makita 18V LXT lithium batteries charge quickly and run for a long time, some of the longest of any cordless tool set. The drill and driver will come in handy more often than you think. While it isn’t cheap, this tool set with drill is a great way to get both tools at a reasonable price. If you want to upgrade your current drill and driver, this set will be the new hero of your workshop.
Best for homeowners: CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Drill Combo Kit
Great Cordless Collection
The Craftsman tool kit is smaller than the Dewalt tool kit on the list, but it provides enough power tools to accomplish any DIY project. Even if you don’t know your way around a tool kit, you’ll be familiar with these devices: circular saw, drill, driver, oscillating multi-tool, lights, and more. The tools are all strong and sturdy, and they run on Craftsman 20V batteries. It’s tough to beat a set of quality tools like this at a price less than $300 if you’re looking for cheap power tool sets. This cordless tool combo kit isn’t an overpriced, bloated set—everything here is useful.
Best for beginners: DEKOPRO 168-Piece Mixed Tool Set
Affordable Basic Tools
No power is required for this robust set of hand tools from Dekopro. The socket set alone is worth the price, but you also get the pliers, screw drivers, wrenches, and clamps everyone needs. For young adults leaving the nest and starting to make it on their own, this is a necessary part of growing up. All the tools are safe, sturdy, and easy to use. Stick the set under the couch in a cramped apartment, or keep it in the trunk of your car for emergencies. The tools don’t require batteries—they run on elbow grease—which is fine for a basic repair kit. This is how every great carpenter, plumber, electrician, and mechanic started out.
Things to consider when shopping for the best combo tool kit
Ready to load up on the best tools and utensils? With so many tool kits on the market, it’s important to do a little homework first and find the assortment that fits your needs. Understand what these tools can accomplish and the benefits and drawbacks of buying them in combo kits.
Why buy a combo tool kit?
Tools can be expensive, especially if you buy them individually. While a hammer or screwdriver won’t break the bank, if you also need a power drill, saw, angle grinder, and more, it’s best to buy them in one inclusive kit.
Tool combo kits are aimed more at beginners and those who want a nice variety of tools to get started on a job or hobby. Does that mean the tools aren’t professional quality? Not at all. Brand-name tools, even when sold in a combo kit, are still reliable machines. But they may lack some of the more expert-level functions and options of solo power tools.
The right tool kit becomes a time-saver, often giving you a tool you never knew you needed—until you need it quickly.
How many tools do you need?
Tool combo kits come in a variety of sizes. Some will only offer two tools, others will include an entire garage’s worth of equipment. The smaller sets may lack special tools you need for specific jobs, but are more affordable. Larger sets may be overpriced if you only plan on using half of the tool assortment.
If it’s within your budget, it’s best to err on the side of too many tools. These extra tools may only be needed once or twice, but when they make a particular job easier, you’ll be glad you spent the extra money. Tool kits are cheaper than buying each tool individually, so you’re getting a deal on each and every item included in the combo kit. That’s a great way to rationalize buying a $1,000 kit. And if you find you’re not using some of the tools, sell them at a yard sale. That’s why yard sales were invented!
Read through the tools included in the combo kit. If you’re unfamiliar with one of them, do a little internet digging. You will probably find a few hundred videos explaining that tool and how to use it.
Power supply
One benefit of a tool combo kit is that all the tools will be the same brand, which means they can use the same power supply. Cordless power tools use rechargeable batteries, and if all your tools are from the same family, these battery drill sets can share the batteries. This makes it easier to have batteries charged and ready for all of your tools. And it helps keep a workshop or shed less cluttered.
This does mean you’re going all-in on one brand, so make sure it’s a brand you trust and one with a proven track record of dependability. Some cheap combo kits may offer the right tools, but the batteries will die quickly or the tools will fall apart.
Do you need the basics or specific tools?
Many all-in-one tool kits provide the basics for almost any job: drill, driver, saw, flashlight, and different attachments for each. These are fantastic for beginners who need to quickly stock up on DIY essentials.
But for some jobs and hobbies, you may be better off fine-tuning your equipment needs. Combo kits for hanging picture frames won’t be as useful for auto mechanics.
There are tool kits for any type of hobby: model-making, biking, woodworking, metal sculpting, stone carving, textile crafting, and so much more. These unique tools can make a world of difference with your specific project.
Extra accessories
Some power tool combo sets will include hard or soft carrying cases, extra batteries, extra attachments, and more. The carrying case is a great bonus, especially for lugging tools to job sites or a friend’s house. Carrying cases are also a must for saving space in small rooms and apartments. Some power tools are bigger than you think. Circular saws and angle grinders can be bulky and difficult to stash in a junk drawer. Make sure you have the space needed to store all the tools, especially if you’re opting for a large set of equipment.
FAQs
It’s tough to say which power tool brand is the best. Each has pros and cons. Makita cordless tools have long-lasting batteries. Dewalt tool kits are stuffed with useful and dependable products. And Craftsman tools have been established for nearly 100 years. You can’t go wrong with any of these tool makers. You can find cheap tools and tool kits from unknown brands, but don’t expect them to last—most are made with thin material and inefficient motors. Stick with a brand you recognize, and you’ll get a high-quality set of tools.
The Makita XT269T Combo Kit is the best drill combo set. The driver and drill are well-made and extremely durable. You get a lot of torque from these two machines. The battery is the best in the business, and it charges quickly. The only downside? This battery tool set isn’t cheap. But you’re paying for dependability. If you need a drill set for home repairs and DIY projects, the Makita tool kit is the perfect solution.
The number of tools in a tool combo kit can range from two to more than 10. The most important thing to look for when buying a tool combo kit is the number of tools. Ask yourself: Does the kit have everything I need? Two piece drill/driver combo sets are great if you already have a circular saw. But if you’re just starting out on a DIY journey, look for a well-rounded kit with all the essentials: saws, drivers, drills, and more. If you’re looking for a more specific tool kit, one for model making and fine detail, you’ll need a great rotary tool. Dremel rotary tools are good crafting utensils, but you can find quality rotary tools from other brands and in combo sets that include other useful tools.
Yes, most tool combo kits that require lithium ion batteries to operate come include the batteries in the kit. Other tool and combo kits, such as the DEKOPRO 168-Piece Mixed Tool Set, don’t come with batteries because the kit doesn’t include power tools.
The final word on the best tool combo kits
- Best overall: DEWALT 20V Max Cordless Drill Combo Kit
- Best for experienced craftspeople: Makita XT269T 18V Cordless Combo Kit
- Best for homeowners: CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Drill Combo Kit
- Best for beginners: DEKOPRO 168-Piece Mixed-Tool Set
Get yourself an instant toolbox with the right combo kit. These convenient kits pack all the essential power tools and more in one package. It’s cheaper than buying everything individually and these kits are easier to store, thanks to included carrying cases and tool bags. Stick with one brand so you can use the rechargeable batteries across all devices. And most importantly, make sure you understand how each tool operates to avoid catastrophe. With your complete set of tools, you can tackle any task and be ready for any project.
