Amazon Basics AmazonBasics 173-Piece General Household Hand Tool Set

Why I reached for this kit

I keep a handful of “go-to” tools in the house so I don’t have to trek to the garage for every small fix. The 173-piece Amazon Basics kit quickly became that grab-and-go set. It’s compact enough to stash in a closet (about 16.9 x 12.7 x 3.35 inches), yet broad enough to cover the jobs that pop up in everyday life: assembling furniture, tightening cabinet pulls, hanging shelves, swapping out a door latch, even small plumbing and bike adjustments.

This isn’t a professional mechanic’s box—and it doesn’t try to be. It’s a practical, complete starter kit for general household work, with an emphasis on coverage, organization, and value.

What you actually get

The assortment hits the right notes for common tasks:

• 3/8-inch drive ratchet with a range of sockets
• 8 combination wrenches
• 22 hex keys (Allen wrenches), in both metric and SAE
• 6-inch slip-joint pliers and 6-inch long-nose pliers
• A selection of screwdrivers and driver bits
• A hammer and other basic accessories

There are enough sizes to keep you from improvising (and stripping fasteners), and the mix of long-nose and slip-joint pliers covers gripping, bending, and light cutting. The included hex keys save the day with flat-pack furniture and bike components. I also appreciate having both loose screwdrivers and a driver handle with interchangeable bits; that combo handles everything from outlet covers to cabinet hardware.

Build and finish

The tools are made from heat-treated, chrome-plated alloy steel. In hand, the finish is smooth with no sharp edges or casting flash, and the chrome plating has held up well through a couple months of regular use without signs of flaking or early corrosion. The grips are simple plastic with a light texture; they’re not cushy, but they’re comfortable and don’t get slick.

• Ratchet: Not an ultra-fine tooth mechanism, but engagement is positive and it doesn’t slip under reasonable household torque. Directional switch is firm and easy to flick with a thumb.
• Sockets and wrenches: No burrs, clean stamping, and the sizing is accurate. They seat properly and release without drama.
• Pliers: Joint play is minimal out of the box, and the cutters on the slip-joint pliers handle light-gauge wire and cable ties cleanly.
• Screwdrivers/bits: Tips are ground square enough to resist cam-out if you choose the right size. I didn’t find any soft or ill-fitting bit shapes in my sample.

Overall, the set feels better than “just adequate.” It’s not premium, but it clears the bar for durability and precision that I expect in a household kit.

In use: real-world tasks

A few representative jobs:

• Furniture assembly: The hex keys and driver bits covered every fastener in a flat-pack bookshelf and a TV stand. The long-nose pliers were handy for fishing a dropped cam bolt out of a tight cavity.
• Door hardware swap: The combination wrenches and Phillips screwdriver made swift work of a latch and strike plate replacement. No rounding, no awkward handle slip.
• Sink trap cleanout: The slip-joint pliers had enough leverage on plastic nuts without marring them; I wouldn’t use them for stubborn metal plumbing, but for basic PVC they’re fine.
• Bike tweaks: I used the metric hex keys and the 10 mm combination wrench for brake adjustments and a bottle cage install—no rounding, and the keys provided enough reach.

The hammer is balanced for light-duty striking—picture nails into pine, coaxing a stubborn bracket, or tapping a picture hanger. As always, wear eye protection when using any striking tool.

Ergonomics and control

The handles are straightforward plastic with a shape that fills the hand without hot spots. I worked bare-handed and with light gloves; in both cases I had predictable grip. If you’re used to rubber-overmolded comfort handles, you’ll notice the difference, but I didn’t experience slippage even when applying decent torque.

The ratchet’s head profile is moderate, so it fits into most places behind appliance panels and inside furniture frames. The long-nose pliers have a fine enough tip for retrieving small hardware in tight spaces.

Organization and the case

The blow-molded case is a big part of the appeal. Everything has a labeled slot and stays put as long as you open the case with the handle up. The layout makes it easy to see what’s missing before you close it—exactly what you want in a household kit that may move between rooms.

A few notes from my use:

• Sockets and small bits can pop loose if the case is jostled or opened upside-down. Not a dealbreaker, just open it the right way and give things a quick press back into place if needed.
• The latches are secure and haven’t sprung open in transit.
• The case itself is compact and reasonably rigid. It slides under a bed or into a closet shelf without eating space.

Where it’s strong

• Coverage: The mix of sockets, wrenches, hex keys, pliers, and screwdrivers handles almost every typical household job without a second trip to the garage.
• Value: You’d spend more piecing together this range individually, and you’d lose the benefit of a matched, organized case.
• Fit and finish: For house work, the tolerance and hardness are up to the task. Fasteners stay intact and tools don’t feel flimsy.
• Portability: Easy to carry around a home or toss into a car for a weekend project.

Where it falls short

• Not pro-grade: If you’re a contractor or wrenching daily on vehicles, you’ll want higher-end ratchets, drivers, and pliers with finer mechanisms and softer grips.
• Case retention: As with many blow-molded cases, some smaller pieces can loosen if handled roughly.
• Handle comfort: The plastic grips are fine for short sessions; if you’re working for hours, you may want cushioned handles.

None of these are surprises given the kit’s purpose: general household work rather than heavy trade use.

What I’d add to round it out

For a home starter kit, this is close to complete. A few inexpensive additions will cover more scenarios:

• Non-contact voltage tester for safe electrical work
• Stud finder and a box of quality wall anchors for hanging
• Utility knife with spare blades if one isn’t already in your kit
• A small torpedo level for shelves and frames
• A roll of electrical tape and plumber’s tape

Toss these into the case or keep them nearby and you’ll be equipped for nearly anything a house can throw at you.

Durability and care

Keep the tools clean and dry; the chrome plating resists corrosion, but grit will eventually scratch any finish. Wipe them down after use, especially the pliers and the ratchet. If you feel the ratchet getting gummy, a drop of light oil on the mechanism restores the click. Store the case indoors rather than in a damp garage corner to avoid condensation. And again, if you use the hammer or any striking tools, wear safety goggles.

Who it’s for

• New homeowners and renters who need a capable, organized starter set
• College students and apartment dwellers with limited storage
• DIYers who want a household kit separate from a larger garage toolbox
• Anyone looking for an all-in-one kit to keep in a closet for quick fixes

If you’re already well-equipped with pro-grade tools, this won’t replace them—but it makes a great secondary set you won’t mind carrying room to room.

Recommendation

I recommend this Amazon Basics 173-piece kit for anyone who needs a comprehensive, organized, and affordable set for everyday household tasks. The tool selection is thoughtful, the build quality is solid for the category, and the case makes it easy to keep track of everything. It’s not aimed at professionals, and the case retention could be tighter on small pieces, but those are reasonable trade-offs for a kit that covers so much ground without taking up much space. As a ready-to-use home toolkit, it hits the mark.