I have been doing some spring cleanup here at ToolGuyd, and part of that involves tidying up past posts, to help with our on-site search results.
Over the past 5 years I have occasionally posted a few hand-picked tool recommendations as part of a “ToolGuyd Top Tool Picks” series of posts.
Most of the recommendations have held up over time, I continue to stand by them.
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I have consolidated the 8 Top Tool Picks posts here. A few of the oldest mentions were left out due to pricing or availability changes.
These are among the best tool kit upgrades I’ve made over the years. Some are a bit pricey for DIYers, others might be too basic of professional or industrial users.
Many of these tools are notable because they’ve elevated my experiences. The only exception is the Extech electrical starter kit, which is based on my experiences with a similar product by the same brand.
If you like this style of post, I’ll start working on the second series that can also be added in here over time – please let me know!
Table of Contents
Hand Tools
Engineer Inc Mini Scissors
Milwaukee Heavy Duty Scissors
Dewalt Folding Retractable Utility Knife
Tekton Multi-Bit Screwdriver
Tekton USA-Made Screwdrivers
Wera 9pc Ball-End Torx Key Set
PB Swiss Hex Key Set
Kershaw Link USA-Made Pocket Knife
Leatherman Skeletool KB Knife
Felo Ergonic Screwdriver Bit Holder
Excel Hobby Knife
Ullman Magnetic Pick-up Tool
Power Tools
Dewalt 20V Max 3-Speed Drill
Bosch Starlock Oscillating Multi-Tools
Metabo HPT 18V Triple Hammer Impact Driver
Testing Tools
Fluke 62 Max IR Thermometer
Extech MN24-KIT Electrical Test Kit
Home and Workshop Accessories
Tripp Lite Industrial Surge Protector Power Strip
Velcro Cable Wraps
PowerPax Battery Caddy
Rockwell JawHorse
Custom Leathercraft Kneeling Pad
Nifty Grabber
Retro 51 Tornado Pen
Pentel Graphgear 1000 Mechanical Pencil
Mallory Snow Brush
Otis Cleaning Brushes
Engineer Inc Mini Scissors
These EDC scissors are pretty small (look at product page photos to see in-hand shots), but are still relatively comfortable to use. They have some other handy features, but I mainly use them as compact or portable scissors.
These are in our Ultimate Tool Gift Guide, and for good reason – they’re awesome.
Buy Now(via Amazon)
Milwaukee Heavy Duty Scissors
I’ve broken scissors before, and have suffered through the use of office scissors that couldn’t cut plastic clamshell packaging, let alone anything tougher. These Milwaukee scissors have largely replaced my use of snips for cutting a wide range of materials.
Buy Now via Acme Tools
Buy Now via Home Depot
Dewalt Folding Retractable Utility Knife
It’s been nearly 10 years since I reviewed Dewalt’s folding retractable utility knife, and it’s still going strong.
I love this knife.
It’s retractable, so you still get some control over cutting depth, but also foldable, so it takes up little room in your pocket.
Tekton Multi-Bit Screwdriver
I’ve been getting in some more time with my new Tekton multi-bit screwdriver. So far, I like it, especially Tekton’s glass-reinforced nylon handle. It’s not perfect for all usage scenarios, but it offers a good “one size fits most tasks” kind of grip.
Also interesting is that the handle is made in the USA, and the receiver and bits in Taiwan.
100%, I would buy it again.
Tekton USA-Made Screwdrivers
Props to Tekton for designing their own line of screwdrivers, and for making them in the USA.
They’re very affordable, and comfortable to use too. Thus far, the tips of my test samples haven’t shown any wear, so they’re not shoddily made either.
If I didn’t already have way more screwdrivers than I could use, and I didn’t already have a bunch of test samples, I’d have bought a set for personal use.
2021 Update: Tekton now has hard-handle screwdrivers, also made in the USA.
Wera 9pc Ball-End Torx Key Set
Wera’s 9pc ball-end Torx key set is an interesting take on Torx L-wrenches. I like mine so far, but I don’t think I would have paid a lot more than the $13.13 deal price I came across a few years ago.
It’s different. If I didn’t already have any Torx L-wrenches, this might have been a good one to get. The ball-shaped end definitely helps improve off-straight-angle access.
2021 Update: After several years, I still can’t say if I’ve really benefited from the ball-end feature. I still find ball ends to be indispensable on hex tools.
PB Swiss Hex Key Set
I have always enjoyed using my PB Swiss hex keys, and there higher precision comes in handy on occasion, such as when I had dozens of fasteners to install and my Bondhus Allen keys didn’t quite fit right.
My stubby PB Swiss metric hex keys are nice problem-solvers as well, and I wish this style was also available in inch sizing.
10 years ago, I wouldn’t have been able to justify the cost of PB Swiss hex keys, and when you look at the pricing you’ll understand why. I pieced together my kit back when Amazon and Small Parts were clearancing them out at ridiculously low pricing.
PB Swiss’s hex keys are high quality tools and they have not yet let me down. These are the best hex keys I have ever used.
I don’t use PB Swiss hex keys exclusively, and definitely do not recommend these for beginners due to the premium pricing.
Kershaw Link USA-Made Pocket Knife
The Kershaw Link is a very nice USA-made assisted-opening pocket knife.
It has a 3.25″ blade length, which works well for all-around use. I sometimes prefer smaller knives, but the Link is nicely proportioned.
The Kershaw Leek was my gateway knife. Today, that role probably have went to the Link. It’s a very good knife (in my opinion of course) for under $40.
There are a few different versions, including a less expensive one with a glass-filled nylon handle. I’d recommend spending the few bucks more to get one with an aluminum handle.
Here’s a look at the blue-handle version:
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Leatherman Skeletool KB Knife
The Leatherman Skeletool KB knife is a great value. You can read more about it in Anthony’s 5 Great Cheap EDC Pocket Knives post.
I bought one in mid-2017, and while it doesn’t see as much use as some of my other pocket knives, I’ve been quite pleased with it.
The Leatherman Skeletool KB shows that you can have a good usable EDC knife without spending a fortune.
This version has a plain edge blade, and there’s also the KBX, which has a partially serrated blade and wider choice of handle colors.
Buy Now: Plain Edge via Amazon
Buy Now Partially Serrated via Amazon
Felo Ergonic Screwdriver Bit Holder
Felo Ergonic screwdrivers have a unique and comfortable handle. I own a couple of Ergonic screwdrivers, and also bought a bit holder, which allows me to use standard screwdriver bits and still get the same cushioned comfort.
At ~$18, the bit holder is a bit pricey to be one’s first foray into the Felo Ergonic product line, but if you’ve ever handled their screwdrivers, you’d know it’s worth it.
There’s a chance that you might not like the handle shape or the firm but squishable handle material, but this might just be the most comfortable screwdriver bit holder you’ll ever use.
Excel Hobby Knife
Everybody has heard about X-Acto hobby knives, right? But, there are other brands of hobby knives, and not just generic-branded clones.
Excel makes hobby knives too, and they’re compatible with standard blades including X-Acto’s. The knives feature a soft-grip handle, but the most unique part is the blade holder. Excel’s locking knob is at the rear of the tool, far away from the blade.
Ullman Magnetic Pick-up Tool
This is the Ullman HT-5, a convenient magnetic pick-up tool that can be clipped to your pocket.
It has a “power cap” that surrounds the magnet to block side attraction and boosts magnetic power at the tip, a textured cushion grip, and a pocket clip.
(The power cap works in the same way as a magnetic cup, basically redirecting the rear-facing magnetic pole to the same direction as the front-facing pole.)
The tip extends out, give you 5-1/2″ to 25-1/2″ of reach. With the power cap, it can lift up to 2-1/2 pounds.
Dewalt 20V Max 3-Speed Drill
I’ve been a big fan of Dewalt’s DCD990 and DCD995 3-speed premium brushless drills ever since (partially) building my own during a Dewalt factory tour.
I’m not quite sure it’s my favorite drill, but it’s certainly one of the best I’ve used.
Dewalt’s 20V Max 3-speed brushless drill and hammer drill deliver ample amounts of power without being too unwieldy or fatiguing to use. While larger and heavier than compact drills, it’s shocking to see how much smaller the modern version of this drill is compared to its predecessors.
Dewalt’s premium 3-speed brushless drills are among the best cordless drills on the market today. Unless you’re specifically looking for a different brand or form factor, it’s hard to go wrong with these models.
2021 Update: Go for the DCD996 hammer drill – it’s more widely available compared to the older DCD990 and DCD991. There are also new FlexVolt Advantage DCD999 and Power Detect DCD998 models, but the DCD991 drill and DCD996 hammer drill are still well-suited for most users.
Bosch Starlock Oscillating Multi-Tools
Bosch and Fein came out with a new Starlock oscillating multi-tool interface, and they’ve been singing its praise. Bosch has come out with new Starlock multi-tool blades and accessories, and Fein as well.
I had mixed feelings about the interface, until I tried it.
Bosch has two main Starlock multi-tool options – one with a kit box and more accessories, and another with a kit bag and fewer accessories. If you can use the cutting blades, the kit box version is worth the higher premium.
Buy Now: Kit Box Version via Amazon
Buy Now: Kit Bag Version via Amazon
Metabo HPT 18V Triple Hammer Impact Driver
The Hitachi triple anvil impact driver, now under Metabo HPT branding, continues to be my favorite 18V-class cordless impact driver.
It’s smooth, powerful, and maybe it’s my imagination but it seems to be quieter than competing models as well.
Thankfully, the price has come down over the years, it used to be $399 for the kit, although the kit version can still be hard to find compared to the bare tool. You could always snag the bare tool and starter kit.
Buy Now: Bare Tool via Amazon
Buy Now: Starter Kit via Amazon
Fluke 62 Max IR Thermometer
I bought a Fluke 62 MAX Plus IR thermometer on sale a few years ago, and found it to be an excellent IR thermometer with higher precision and reliability.
For less crucial applications, or just to have one for kicks and giggles, you’ll want something less expensive. Generally, I trust Fluke a lot more than generic brands when I need testing tools to be highly accurate and reliable.
2021 Update: The 62 Max Plus doesn’t seem to be easily available anymore. Fluke has an upgraded 64 Max model at comparable pricing, and the 62 Max is still widely available and more affordable.
Buy Now: 62 Max via Amazon
Buy Now: 64 Max via Amazon
Extech MN24-KIT Electrical Test Kit
These days, I’m able to justify pricier test and measurement equipment. But years ago when I was getting into electronics? Or if I were an average homeowner or DIYer with less demanding needs and a tighter budget? This Extech MN24 electrical test kit would have been a perfect start.
An AC voltage detector is a MUST-HAVE when working on wiring, to ensure that a circuit is deenergized for safety purposes. A receptacle tester can help you identify and troubleshoot issues without having to start pulling devices out of the wall. And a digital multimeter can help with all sorts of diagnostic tasks.
Tripp Lite Industrial Surge Protector Power Strip
At the same time that I discovered Flexzilla extension cords, I also bought a Tripp Lite “industrial” surge protector power strip.
I bought the smaller 6-outlet 15-foot surge protector, but think this 8-outlet 12-foot cord model would be better suited for the other corner of my workspace.
I am currently using Tripp Lite’s Isobar metal-cased surge protectors ( in 4-outlet and 8-outlet configurations), and they’ve been working out really well. The industrial models have different configurations and wrap-around cord storage.
My initial take is quite positive, but it’ll me some time to figure out if I like the Isobar or industrial style surge protecting power strips better.
2021 Update: I’ve had great experiences with all of my Tripp Lite power strips and surge protectors so far. This is still an enthusiastic recommendation.
Velcro Cable Wraps
I use Velcro’s 8″ x 1/2″cable wraps for so many thing. I started off buying 50 packs of cable ties – which came with 25 black and 25 gray ties – but my last purchase was for a 100pc pack of black cable ties for around the same price.
These are handy for smaller cable management tasks, such as taming USB cords, power cables, and other such things.
Buy Now: 100pc via Amazon
Buy Now: 50pc via Amazon
PowerPax Battery Caddy
I wrote about PowerPax battery caddies over the years, and briefly gushed about them in a video:
I don’t carry loose batteries in my tool bag, camera bag, or pocket. I pack them into PowerPax caddies. They’re made of hard plastic, and the AA and AAA caddies allow for reversible battery placement. That way, you can clearly see which batteries are fresh, and which need to be disposed of or recharged.
I now use a wide range of PowerPax battery holders in the workshop, home, and on the go.
Buy Now via Amazon
Storacell Store via Amazon
Rockwell JawHorse
Rockwell’s Jawhorse is still one of the best free-standing work clamps out there. I haven’t tried anything better, but I’m assuming that maybe there’s something else that I haven’t seen yet.
The Rockwell Jawhorse does a great job of clamping a wide range of materials, it’s highly portable, and it stores away nicely.
Custom Leathercraft Kneeling Pad
I recently had to replace my Custom Leathercraft kneeling pad, and I did so very willingly. This is FANTASTIC for when you have to work on the floor on a lot, and for things like bathing an infant.
It’s squishy and comfortable, and less cumbersome than knee pads. You can move it around, but it loses some of its advantages over knee pads when you have to move around a lot.
See Also:
Nifty Grabber
Springtime is almost here, which can mean picking up lots of gunk that you wouldn’t want to touch with your hands.
I previously wrote about this 3-foot Nifty Grabber. My favorite use these days? Grabbing a wet paper towel to clear out spider webs.
Retro 51 Tornado Pen
The Retro 51 Tornado is a short and robust rollerball pen, perfect for pocket-carry as an EDC pen. There are simple designs, such as the blue pen shown here, and also much more elaborately decorated designs that command higher prices.
I bought an orange Retro 51 Tornado a few years ago, as a sort of trial to see if some of their more collectible designs are worth the attention or higher pricing. It turned out to be a sturdy pen, suited for pocket-carry and even heavy use.
The basic pens are ~$20 each. Refills are around $4-5 each and are widely available online under Retro 51 and Schmidt brands. The pens come with a medium-tip rollerball refill, but you can also find ballpoint refills.
Pentel Graphgear 1000 Mechanical Pencil
The Graphgear 1000 is one of my favorite mechanical pencils. It is durable – at least for a mechanical pencil – thanks to its retractable lead sleeve. When you want to put the pencil away, even to say slip into a pocket, press the back of the spring-action pocket clip and the thin lead guide tube tip retreats into the pencil.
See Also: Do You Have a Favorite Pen, Pencil, Marker, or Other Writing Tool?
While not exactly fragile, an unprotected lead sleeve, or tip, can be bent or damaged if it’s not protected in a bag or pocket. So, with the Pentel Graphgear 1000’s retractable tip, it’s more easily transported without the need for special protections.
It’s available in 0.3mm, 0.5mm, 0.7mm, and 0.9mm sizes.
Mallory Snow Brush
The Mallory Ultra Maxx snow brush is the most durable snow brush I have ever used. Every year I try to convince myself to buy a larger brush again, for reaching over my car, but I like the simplicity and durability of this one.
There are no moving parts, and it’s built to be very strong and resilient. Even though I have to reach a little bit to sweep snow off the roof of my SUV, it’s still very comfortable and efficient to use.
If you’ve been meaning to buy a new snow brush, definitely consider this one.
Otis Cleaning Brushes
I wrote about Otis cleaning brushes before, and recently ordered a fresh pack for myself.
The white nylon brushes are the softest they make (but still quite stiff), followed by blue nylon and then brass.
Sure, you could try to source an old toothbrushes for cleaning misc. parts, but how many of those do you have around?
With this bundle, you get (10) white brushes and (1) bonus blue brush for $8.
Reader Recommendations
Are there any upgrade or add-on tools you’d recommend?