The 10 Best Hand Tools to Buy at Lowes
Updated: Sep. 29, 2022We sorted through Lowe's entire lineup of hand tools and came up with what think are their 10 best. How'd we do?
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Ratcheting Multi-Bit Screwdriver
The Kobalt 13-Piece Multi-bit Screwdriver features a proprietary double-drive gearing mechanism that turns the screwdriver bit two revolutions for each turn of the handle. That makes it the perfect tool for repair work all around the house. Whether you’re replacing a light switch or outlet or disassembling a small appliance, this screwdriver really speeds up the job.
The tool comes with 12 chrome vanadium steel bits and a magnetic extension that fit into a holder and store in the handle of the screwdriver. Just remove the end cap, slide out the holder and swap in the bit you need. To use, simply slide the ratchet collar forward to drive screws or pull it back towards the handle to remove screws. Turn the handle to ratchet the screws at a 1:1 ratio or hold the wide ring while turning the handle to put the screwdriver into double-drive mode.
12-Point Standard and Metric Ratchet Wrench Set
This 20-piece standard and metric ratchet wrench set is perfect for all home, auto and small engine repairs. Each wrench includes a ratcheting box end and a corresponding open-end wrench. The 90-tooth ratchet requires only four degrees of arc swing, so you can get a new bite on a nut or bolt in very tight spots. The wrenches are built with chrome vanadium steel that’s heat-treated for maximum strength and durability. Each wrench has a high-polish finish and color markings to indicate metric (blue) or SAE (red) sizing. The wrench size is clearly stamped into the shaft for easy identification. The set meets or exceeds ASME specifications and carries a lifetime guarantee
64-Piece Standard and Metric Mechanics Tool Set
The Kobalt 64-Piece Standard (SAE) and Metric Polished Chrome Mechanic’s Tool Set includes just about every socket you’ll ever need for home, auto and small engine repairs. The sockets are professional-grade quality with a high-polish finish and easy-to-read size markings and color coding strips for metric (blue) and SAE (red) sizes.
4-Piece Pick Set
You don’t need a small pick set very often, but when you do, this one gets the job done. It’s perfect for removing and installing O-rings, separating bundled wires, removing small engine and automotive vacuum hoses and prying off small gaskets. The kit includes a 3-in. scratch awl, 3-in. hook, 3-in. complex hook and a 3-in. curved hook. The cushion-grip handles are comfortable and allow you to twist with greater torque. Store the picks in your tool box or hang on pegboard.
1-Piece 3/8-in Drive Socket Extension
Most 3/8-in.-drive socket sets include a 3-in. extension bar. They work great when you’ve got lots of room to maneuver, but they’re often too long to work in tight spaces. If a standard depth socket won’t reach the nut or bolt and a deep socket is too long, this 1-1/2-in. can usually get you out of the jam. Just snap it onto your ratchet and attach the socket.
3/8-in. Quick-Release Ratchet
This 3/8-in. Drive Quick-Release Ratchet is the perfect tool for your car, boat, snow machine or ATV when you need to carry tools but don’t have a lot of space. The quick-release mechanism makes socket swaps faster and easier — that’s an especially important feature when you’re making repairs out on the trail in wet or frigid conditions. The 90-tooth ratchet requires just a 4-degree swing arc so you can grab a bite on the fastener even in tight places.
Locking Pliers Set
When sockets and wrenches don’t work on stripped and gnarled fasteners, you need locking/clamping pliers with lots of gripping power. Locking pliers have been around for a long time. But those old designs can’t clamp as tightly or release as easily as these. This set includes a 10-in. curved-jaw and a 6-1/2-in. long-nose plier. The patented release design opens the plier without the kind of hand-damaging kickback found in many older designs. To unclamp the pliers, simply push and squeeze the handles.
Serrated Molded Grip Heavy Duty Scissors
These heavy-duty serrated scissors are designed for all types of tough cutting jobs. The serrated drop forged steel blades cut through shingles, carpet, hose, wood, sheet metal (up to 0.8mm thick), steel banding, fabric, canvas, rubber and leather. There’s not much else to say. It’s a workhorse pair of scissors that cuts things a normal scissors can’t.
10-in. Pry Bar
The “cat’s paw” nail puller has been around for decades. It’s a simple device that removes embedded nails easily. To use, angle the sharp edge of the paw towards the wood and strike the tool with a hammer. The paw will dig into the wood and capture the nail head. The short fulcrum and long lever makes nail removal a snap. This 10-in. steel pry bar from Estwing is drop-forged and tempered tool steel for durability.
Multi-Blade Utility Knife
Standard utility knives work great for slicing through thin material. But the blade isn’t good for sawing or carving through thicker materials. That’s where the Kobalt 4.5-in Utility Knife comes in handy. It holds a standard utility knife blade and has a quick-change mechanism for easy blade replacement. But, it also has a serrated and fine blade for sawing and carving through wider thicker materials. All three blades collapse into a non-slip aluminum handle that fits in your pocket or tool pouch.
