Tool Kits

Tool kits are the foundation of many a tool collection. The go-to gift for the child starting an apprenticeship, and still used years later toolbox sets, and general-purpose tool kits are the building blocks of learning a trade or embarking on DIY projects.

Take a look at our wide collection of tool kits, which includes a 67-piece set pre-loaded in a two-drawer tool chest, 139-piece general-purpose tools in a case, and much more. Our range of tool kits are carefully chosen from dependable suppliers like Workshop®, Senator® and Yamoto®.

What are tool kits?

Tool kits are available in many forms, including collections of a particular type of tool, like pliers, or a range of common tools in a beginner's general-purpose kit. They're usually supplied in a carry case, toolbox, or foam inlay for storage in a tool cabinet.

When tool kits?

Tool kits are a quick way of amassing a collection of tools in multiple sizes to allow for portable convenience when on a job.

Why tool kits?

They're the ideal way of ensuring the essentials are on hand when needed in just the sizes you want.

Tool kit types

Tool kits cover a variety of trades and tool-specific sets. Often named for the trade, tool kits like an Engineer's tool kit or an electrician's wiring set are designed specifically for that trade and should feature approvals from an accredited institute. While a general-purpose set will be composed of a collection of commonly used tools, like screwdrivers, spanners, and pliers.

• General-purpose tool kit   -   Contains a variety of general-purpose tools required for most tasks.

• Trade specific tool kit   -   A mechanic's or electrician's tool kit, approved by an accredited institute, like the VDE.

• Tool specific tool kit   -   A single tool type in a range of sizes, like a set of ratchet spanners and sockets.

• Starter tool kit   -   Contains the basics for those who have no tools.

Considerations when choosing tool kits

• Application - tool kits are named for their intended purpose and should always display a list of contents for you to check that they have what you need.

• Selection - for general-purpose and starter tool kits, it's important to check that the tools available deliver a good selection of commonly used tools, such as screwdrivers, a hammer, a tape measure and so on.


• Specifications / Standards - for tool kits targeted specifically at a trade, it's important to check that the tools contained are approved by that trade's governing body.

• Quality - good quality tools will come at a price; however, a high carbon steel set of tools will deliver long-lasting performance and will save you money in the long run.

• Storage type - this should meet your requirements, for example, if you already have ample storage a foam drawer insert for a tool case is a good option. Or if you require portability, a hard carry case or duffle bag is ideal.

• Price - the cost of a tool kit should rely on the quality of the tools and their longevity. There's an extensive range available in the marketplace, so it's best to shop around and compare brands.

Tool kit jargon buster

To keep you up to date with standards and information pertaining to our range, we've put together a brief explanation of the VDE certifications institute and its role in approving tools and devices used in electrical engineering.

What does VDE approved mean?

VDE is an abbreviation for the Verbrand de Elektrotechnik, which is an internationally accredited institution based in Germany. VDE approval for tools, components, and systems, relies on five tests to ensure the insulation on the tool meets safety standards.

Let's break it down...

• Voltage piece test - involves submerging the item in water for a period of twenty-four hours, and then subjecting it to 10,000 volts for three minutes. To pass the test, no spark, discharge through the insulation or current must be detected.

• Cold shock test - sees the item cooled to -25°C and subjected to impact. To pass the test, the insulation must remain robust and not break.

• Adhesion test - checks the bond of the insulation coating to the item. After storage for seven days at 70°C, a force of 500 Newtons is applied to the coating. To pass this test, the coating must remain firmly attached to the item.

• Pressure test - To pass this test the item must remain passive at 70°C, under the pressure of 20 Newtons and subjected to 5,000 volts.

• Combustion test - To pass this test, the insulation material must self-extinguish after exposure to a flame for ten seconds. If it continues to burn, it fails the test.

FAQs

What tools are in a basic tool kit?

A general-purpose tool kit should include a range of screwdrivers, a hammer, pliers, spanners, a small spirit level, a tape measure or ruler, a utility knife, hex keys, and scissors. Depending on the size of the kit, a socket wrench and a range of attachments are often included.