CARTMAN 39 Piece Tool Set General Household Hand Kit with Plastic Toolbox Storage Case Orange

First impressions and where this kit fits

I tossed the Cartman 39‑piece kit into the back seat for a weekend move-in and immediately appreciated what it is—and what it isn’t. It’s compact, bright enough to spot in a cluttered room, and it packs the basics I actually reach for: a hammer, pliers, screwdrivers, a tape measure, and an assortment of driver bits and small wrenches/keys. If you’re outfitting a first apartment, dorm, or just need a compact set that lives in a kitchen drawer or car trunk, this kit hits the mark. It’s not a tradesperson’s toolbox, and it doesn’t pretend to be. Think light repairs, assembly, and general around-the-house tinkering.

What you get and how it’s organized

The layout is straightforward. Each tool snaps into a molded slot in a slim, orange plastic case with a carry handle. The case keeps everything visible at a glance, so you don’t end up rummaging for the right piece. I like that the bits and smaller items aren’t loose; they have dedicated spots that prevent the all-too-common “toolbox confetti” effect when you open the case.

The tool selection is curated rather than exhaustive, which is a plus for a compact set. There are no novelty fillers—just the essentials you tend to need in a pinch. The hammer, pliers, and screwdrivers cover a surprising amount of ground, and the driver bits extend the set’s reach to different fastener types without bloating the kit. The tape measure is the quiet hero of any small toolkit, and it earns its keep here for quick furniture spacing, picture placement, and shelf layout.

Build quality and feel

For a budget-friendly set, the build quality is respectable. The tools are heat-treated and chrome-plated, which matters more than the marketing language suggests. In practice, that translates to better durability and corrosion resistance than bare steel, and it means the tools wipe clean after dusty or damp jobs. The grips are comfortable and not overly squishy, which lends confidence when you’re bearing down on a stuck fastener or pulling a nail.

None of the pieces feel overbuilt, but they don’t feel toy-like either. The hammer has a small footprint that makes it easy to swing in tight quarters, and the pliers open and close without gritty play. The screwdrivers register cleanly in fastener heads and don’t cam out under reasonable torque. The driver bits are perfectly adequate for occasional use—if you plan on driving long runs of screws, you’ll want a dedicated driver, but for assembling flat-pack furniture or tightening cabinet hardware, these handle it just fine.

The case: a plus with a caveat

The orange case is a big part of this kit’s appeal. It’s slim, light, and easy to stash. The molded retention does a good job of keeping items in place even when it’s riding in a car trunk or jammed on a closet shelf. The plastic and hinges feel budget, which is not surprising at this price point. My case has held up to normal use without issue, but I wouldn’t expect it to shrug off a heavy drop or being used as a step stool. Treat it like a tool organizer, not a toolbox you’d throw off scaffolding, and it should serve you well.

How it handled real jobs

Here’s where this kit earns its keep:

• Moving-day setup: Assembling a small bookcase, tightening bed frame bolts, and attaching cabinet pulls were all straightforward. The assortment of bits covered the “which driver do I need?” moment without a separate run to the store.
• Hanging pictures and small fixtures: The hammer and tape measure are the baseline duo. A small torpedo level would make this even better, but I got by with measured marks and careful spacing.
• Quick fixes: Tightening door hardware, securing a wobbly table leg, and nipping off a tag or two all fell within the kit’s wheelhouse.
• In-the-car emergencies: This lives nicely under a seat for license plate screws, battery compartment fasteners on accessories, and general “I wish I had a tool” moments.

I didn’t encounter any glaring weak spots in light-duty use. The tools do what they’re supposed to do, and that reliability is the entire point of a compact household set.

What it’s not for

This is not the kit for automotive wrenching, heavy carpentry, or renovation work. The hammer is on the lighter side, the pliers are set up for general tasks rather than abuse, and the drivers aren’t meant for high-torque, daily use. If you’re framing walls, pulling stubborn deck screws, or working on suspension components, you’ll want a different tool strategy.

It also doesn’t include a level or a broad range of fasteners. That’s not a flaw so much as a scope decision, but it’s worth noting if your first task is a gallery wall or mounting shelves.

Ergonomics and usability

The handles have a practical, slightly textured grip that doesn’t feel slick when your hands are a bit sweaty or dusty. The proportions are friendly for smaller hands without feeling cramped for larger ones. Nothing in the kit requires an instruction manual; it’s a grab-and-go selection that won’t intimidate someone who’s new to tools.

One usability note: the molded slots are snug when the kit is new. That’s good for retention, but you may need to press items firmly back into place until the foam and plastic relax a touch with use.

Durability and maintenance

The chrome plating helps with rust resistance if you store the kit in a garage or bring it along in a car. I give the tools a quick wipe after use and occasionally toss a silica gel pack into the case if it’s headed for damp environments. The moving parts—pliers and adjustable mechanisms—benefit from the occasional drop of light oil.

As with any compact kit, the easiest way to shorten its lifespan is to ask the wrong tool to do the wrong job. Don’t use the pliers as a pry bar, don’t hammer with the driver handle, and don’t expect the bits to replace a dedicated impact driver. Used appropriately, everything here should last.

What I’d add to make it even better

A few small additions transform this into a near-perfect starter/secondary kit:
- A small torpedo level for picture hanging and shelf alignment
- A mixed pack of wall anchors and screws
- A few cable ties and a roll of electrical tape
- A utility knife if you don’t already carry one

None of these are expensive, and they broaden what you can do without bloating the case.

Value

This kit earns high marks on value because it covers the right jobs, not all jobs. You could assemble a similar selection piece by piece, but you’d spend more and lose the convenience of a fitted case. As a housewarming gift, dorm essential, or “keep it in the drawer so you stop borrowing the garage tools” set, it makes a lot of sense.

Who should buy it

• First-time renters or students who need reliable basics
• Homeowners who want a second set in the kitchen, laundry room, or car
• Anyone who prefers a compact, organized kit over a heavy toolbox for small tasks

Who should pass:
- Pros and serious DIYers tackling heavy projects
- Anyone who needs specialized tools or power drivers for frequent, demanding work

The bottom line

The Cartman 39‑piece kit succeeds by being exactly what most small jobs call for: a tidy, portable set of honest tools that don’t get in your way. It’s easy to store, easy to use, and durable enough for the kind of light-duty work most of us do far more often than we admit.

Recommendation: I recommend this kit for students, first apartments, and as a secondary “household essentials” set. It’s a budget-friendly, organized solution that covers everyday tasks without clutter. If your projects lean heavy or frequent, look elsewhere—but for basic assembly, repairs, and quick fixes, this kit is a smart, dependable choice.