Best Tool Sets 2017: 5 Best Choices

I remember when I was setting up my first proper home workshop back in 2017. Finding a comprehensive yet affordable set was tough, as you had to balance component count with actual tool quality. We’ve compiled this list of the Best Tool Sets 2017 that really delivered value for money that year. Whether you needed an automotive emergency kit or a full household repair arsenal, these five options stood out for their durability and practical assortment, making those weekend DIY projects much simpler.

IMAGE	PRODUCT NAME	AMAZON LINK
	YENFZIX Professional Car Tool Kit, 22 PCS	View on Amazon
	Prostormer 259-Piece Tool Kit, General Household Hand Tool…	View on Amazon
	CRAFTSMAN 102-Piece Tool Kit for Home and Car, Durable…	View on Amazon
	KingTool 325 Piece Home Repair Tool Kit, General Home/Auto…	View on Amazon
	Prostormer Mechanic Tool Set, 240-Pieces Universal…	View on Amazon

YENFZIX Professional Car Tool Kit, 22 PCS

If you just needed a dedicated kit for roadside emergencies or specialized interior trim work, this 22-piece YENFZIX set was extremely popular. It wasn’t meant to be your main garage set, but rather a functional, specialized kit that could fit easily in a trunk or under a seat. The tools are constructed from reliable materials, focusing on specific tasks like prying or accessing tight car panels, and the fine workmanship meant they held up well under pressure. This kit is a great example of a specialized solution rather than a general-purpose choice among the Best Tool Sets 2017.

Key features that stand out:
– 22 specialized pieces designed primarily for automotive interior/exterior work.
– Tools made from high-quality stainless steel and ABS plastic for durability.
– Fine, anti-oxidation workmanship that resists bending.
– Comes with a portable carry bag to keep the specialized tools together and organized.

Pros:
– Highly specialized for car maintenance and trim removal.
– Excellent build quality for specific tasks.
– Extremely portable and easy to store in a vehicle.
Cons:
– Not suitable for general home repairs or heavy-duty mechanical work.

Best for: Automotive enthusiasts and mechanics needing a dedicated trim or entry kit.

Expert Opinion: This set isn’t designed for torque applications like socket wrenches, but for the specific job of safely accessing car panels without scratching paint or breaking fragile clips, it performs exceptionally well due to the thoughtful material choices.

Prostormer 259-Piece Tool Kit, General Household Hand Tool Set with Plastic Storage Toolbox, Portable Complete Repair Tool Box for Home and Car (Blue)

The Prostormer 259-Piece kit was a massive hit among homeowners needing one solution that covered everything from hanging pictures to tackling minor auto repairs. This general household set provided tremendous variety, featuring essentials like a hammer and tape measure alongside a comprehensive array of sockets and screwdrivers. The tools are made from heat-treated chrome steel for corrosion resistance, and the inclusion of soft TPR handles on frequently used items made longer DIY sessions comfortable.

Key features that stand out:
– 259 Pcs suitable for most small repairs and DIY projects.
– High-quality steel with heat treated chrome finish for durability and corrosion resistance.
– 72-tooth ratchet allows for quick directional change and a tight 5-degree arc swing.
– Comprehensive variety, including 1/4 inch and 3/8 inch sockets and precision screwdrivers.

Pros:
– Excellent component count for the price.
– Comfortable soft-grip TPR handles enhance control.
– Suitable for a wide range of tasks, from home décor to furniture assembly.
Cons:
– The plastic storage box, while functional, might not stand up to constant heavy garage abuse.

Best for: First-time homeowners, renters, and students needing an extensive all-in-one DIY kit.

Expert Opinion: We appreciated the inclusion of the 72-tooth ratchet, which significantly speeds up work in confined spaces compared to older, lower-tooth count ratchets. This set provides high utility for the everyday repair person.

CRAFTSMAN 102-Piece Tool Kit for Home and Car, Durable Hand Tools Set with SAE and Metric Socket Set, Screwdrivers, Wrench, Hammer, Pliers, Knife, Hex Keys, Specialty Bits, Tape Measure (CMMT99449)

CRAFTSMAN is a legacy name in tools, and their 102-piece set from 2017 offered reliability and a strong warranty in a compact package. While it has fewer pieces than some competitors on this list, every component feels robust and professional-grade. The standout feature is the low-profile ratchet head, which is up to 25% thinner than previous models, giving mechanics crucial access in extremely tight engine bays or crowded plumbing areas. The lifetime warranty on mechanics tools further cemented its value proposition.

Key features that stand out:
– Low Profile Ratchet design provides superior access in confined areas.
– 72-tooth ratchet delivers a 5-degree arc swing for precision work.
– Comprehensive set of 1/4-in and 3/8-in drive mechanics tools.
– Backed by a Full Lifetime Warranty on mechanics tools.

Pros:
– Superior brand reliability and quality control.
– Exceptional access afforded by the low-profile ratchet.
– Excellent warranty coverage provides long-term peace of mind.
Cons:
– Lower overall component count means you might need to supplement with specialty items.

Best for: Users who prioritize brand quality, professional feel, and excellent warranties, especially for automotive work.

Expert Opinion: When reviewing Best Tool Sets 2017, this CRAFTSMAN kit consistently scored high on durability tests. The low profile ratchet is a huge practical benefit for anyone working on modern vehicles or machinery where space is scarce.

KingTool 325 Piece Home Repair Tool Kit, General Home/Auto Repair Tool Set, Toolbox Storage Case with Drawer, General Household Tool Kit – Perfect for Homeowner, Diyer, Handyman

For the DIYer who insists on having every size and every bit possible, the KingTool 325 Piece kit was an overwhelming choice in 2017. Not only does it boast an impressive component count, but it also elevates storage with a unique 1-Drawer storage box. This independent sliding drawer makes organizing and accessing smaller parts much more efficient than traditional clamshell cases. Like other quality sets, the tools are heat-treated and meet or exceed ANSI standards, ensuring reliability across the huge assortment.

Key features that stand out:
– Massive 325 Pcs set covering almost any household or auto repair need.
– Includes a unique 1-Drawer storage box for enhanced organization and capacity.
– All tools are made of high-quality heat-treated chrome steel and meet or exceed ANSI standard.
– Soft-grip TPR handles provide comfort and control.

Pros:
– Highest component count on this list provides maximum variety.
– Superior organization thanks to the built-in storage drawer.
– Suitable for professional handymen due to component depth and quality standards.
Cons:
– The sheer size and weight of the case might make it less portable than smaller options.

Best for: Serious hobbyists, handymen, or those requiring the broadest range of tools in one organized place.

Expert Opinion: The value derived from the 325-piece count is undeniable. For a home shop that sees frequent use on multiple types of projects—electrical, mechanical, and carpentry—the organized drawer system of the KingTool box is a practical game-changer.

Prostormer Mechanic Tool Set, 240-Pieces Universal Household Auto Repair Tool Kit with Heavy Duty Aluminium Tool Box

This 240-piece set from Prostormer leans heavily towards the professional mechanic, largely thanks to its storage solution. While the contents are comprehensive, including 1/4″, 3/8″, and 1/2″ drive ratchets and sockets in both SAE and metric sizes, the real highlight is the Heavy Duty Aluminium Tool Box. This case provides far superior protection and durability compared to standard plastic cases, making it ideal for tossing in the back of a truck or leaving in a harsh workshop environment. The tools themselves feature a durable chrome vanadium polish, protecting them against rust and corrosion.

Key features that stand out:
– Heavy-Duty Aluminium Toolbox for superior durability and protection.
– Includes three drive sizes (1/4″, 3/8″ & 1/2″) for maximum torque applications.
– Sockets and wrenches made of high quality steel with chrome vanadium polish.
– Comprehensive mixed set including both SAE and metric sizes, ideal for universal repairs.

Pros:
– Extremely robust and durable aluminum storage case.
– Wide array of professional mechanic tools.
– Triple drive size inclusion covers virtually all common fastener needs.
Cons:
– The aluminium case can sometimes be bulkier than molded plastic alternatives.

Best for: Mechanics, serious DIYers, or those needing a highly durable workshop tool set for automotive repairs.

Expert Opinion: When comparing this to the other Prostormer kit, the aluminum box makes a significant difference. If your tools are constantly exposed to grease, oil, and rough transport, the investment in the aluminum casing here is definitely worthwhile to protect your gear.

Comparison Insights on the Best Tool Sets 2017

Choosing between these great sets often comes down to storage and intended use. The KingTool 325-piece set offers the most components, making it the best choice for maximum versatility, especially with its unique drawer storage. In contrast, the CRAFTSMAN 102-piece set focuses intensely on core mechanics tool quality and features the crucial low-profile ratchet that mechanics value for tight access.

For durability in a workshop setting, the Prostormer 240-piece kit stands out due to its heavy-duty aluminum case, offering protection against impacts and corrosion superior to the standard plastic toolbox of the 259-piece set. If portability for roadside emergencies is key, the specialized YENFZIX 22 PCS is the clear winner due to its small form factor and specialized automotive tools.

Final Verdict

If you were shopping for the best all-around value in 2017, the Prostormer 259-piece kit provided the widest array of household tools for the average DIYer.

However, if your projects involve frequent heavy-duty mechanics work, the combination of reliability and the excellent lifetime warranty found in the CRAFTSMAN 102-piece set remains a compelling reason to choose quality over pure quantity.

For the serious hobbyist or handyman who needs organization and comprehensive coverage across all categories, the huge KingTool 325 Piece Home Repair Tool Kit with its innovative drawer storage system is our top recommendation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Best Tool Sets 2017

Why are we still looking at tool sets released in 2017?
Tool quality doesn’t change drastically year-to-year. The sets listed represent configurations and component counts that offered exceptional value and durability that year. Many of these foundational sets (especially those from CRAFTSMAN and Prostormer) have seen little change in core tool features like ratchet tooth count or material composition, making them timeless benchmarks for comparison and often available at great value today.

What is the most important factor when choosing one of the Best Tool Sets 2017?
The most crucial factor is matching the set to your primary needs. If you mostly handle household DIY projects, look for high component variety (like the 259-piece or 325-piece kits). If you focus on mechanics or auto repair, prioritize sets with strong warranty backing, multiple drive sizes (1/2″, 3/8″, 1/4″), and durable storage, such as the Prostormer 240-piece mechanics set.

What does a 72-tooth ratchet mean, and why is it important?
A ratchet with 72 teeth requires only a 5-degree arc swing to engage the next tooth. This is critically important when you are working in tight, confined spaces, such as inside an engine bay or behind cabinetry, where you don’t have much room to move the handle.

Is a lifetime warranty on tools truly necessary?
While not absolutely necessary, a lifetime warranty, often provided by brands like CRAFTSMAN on their mechanics tools, signifies confidence in material quality and manufacturing. For high-stress items like sockets and ratchets, a good warranty can save you money by providing free replacements if tools break under normal use.

What is the difference between SAE and Metric sockets, and should my tool set have both?
SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) sizes are measured in inches (e.g., 1/2″, 5/8″), and are commonly used on older American-made vehicles and plumbing. Metric sockets are measured in millimeters (e.g., 10mm, 13mm), and are standard globally, especially on newer imported vehicles. For a universal set, having both SAE and metric sockets, as included in the larger Prostormer kits, is essential for maximum compatibility.

How important is the quality of the storage case for the longevity of the tools?
The quality of the storage case is very important for maintaining organization and protecting your investment. If you frequently move the set (like for vehicle use or job sites), a heavy-duty aluminium toolbox (as seen with the Prostormer 240-piece set) prevents tools from falling out or the case from cracking, ensuring the socket quality is preserved.