Table of contents:
- Tool case in the test: The following criteria were evaluated
- The test procedure in detail
- An overview of the winners
- More test results
- Buying advice: which tool case is the right one?
- What is part of the basic equipment of a tool case?
Video: Tool case in the test
With a well-stocked tool case, repairs and work in the apartment, in the house or in the garden can be carried out in no time at all. Read here how current models perform in the test and which tool case is the right one for your purposes.
Table of contents Table of contents Tool case in test: Ready for any repair?
- Tool case in the test: The following criteria were evaluated
- The test procedure in detail
- An overview of the winners
- More test results
- Buying advice: which tool case is the right one?
- What is part of the basic equipment of a tool case?
Table of contents Table of contents Tool case in test: Ready for any repair?
- Tool case in the test: The following criteria were evaluated
- The test procedure in detail
- An overview of the winners
- More test results
- Buying advice: which tool case is the right one?
- What is part of the basic equipment of a tool case?
The range of tool cases on the market is huge. We have tested ten popular models from different manufacturers and price ranges (from 100 to 250 euros). The sets were tested, among other things, for the composition, quality and processing of the tools as well as their suitability for in-house use.
Tool case in the test: The following criteria were evaluated
In the test, the ten tool cases were evaluated by an expert, the carpenter and architect Gunnar Brand, in the following categories:
Compilation: What tools is the tool case equipped with? Are they suitable for everyday household use? Are there any unusable or superfluous tools in the case?
Large practical test: The carpenter and architect Gunnar Brand tested ten tool cases in the following categories: composition, quality, processing and sorting.
Photo: GuteWahl.de
- Ergonomics: Are the tools in general and the tool handles in particular processed in a user-friendly manner, so that no bubbles form during longer work and the force used can be optimally used?
- Processing: The tools in the case should be free of sharp edges. This is the only way to limit the risk of injury. At the same time, the material and workmanship should be of high quality so that the practical helpers can be used for many years.
- Sorting: Are the tools in the case safely and within easy reach?
The test procedure in detail
First step in the test procedure: visual inspection of the ten tool cases. What tools are available? Are they stowed neatly and sensibly in the case? Then five standard jobs were carried out and evaluated with the tool: Gunnar Brand turned screws into a piece of wood with a screwdriver and tested the ergonomics and accuracy of the wrenches and sockets with a lock screw. He also inspected the side cutters, the combination pliers and the hammer. Another criterion in the test: How could the tool be removed from the case and sorted again?
An overview of the winners
The tool case from Meister made it to first place in the large tool case test: The plastic-aluminum case (46 x 32 x 14 centimeters) is very clear, the individual tools can be solved in no time at all and thanks to the practical labeling in the Suitcases are quickly sorted again after the work is done. The tools themselves are processed well and precisely and lie comfortably in the hand. The connections to the socket wrench and the bits do not wobble. According to experts, their number of 121 parts is ideal for every hobby handyman: all the tools that are part of the basic equipment are available.
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6 Show all Meister tool case
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Photo: GuteWahl.de
Photo: GuteWahl.de
Photo: GuteWahl.de
Photo: GuteWahl.de
Photo: GuteWahl.de
Plus point: The case contains a key for venting the heating - very useful! The only minus point is the too small spirit level. But Meister has packed an LED light in the case for illuminating dark work surfaces. For around 139 euros, casual craftsmen can get a great work set with the Meister tool case!
Our price-performance winner is the tool case from Brüder Mannesmann for around 100 euros. It convinced with an excellent choice of tools, it contains a total of 108 parts in a compact and clear case (34 x 45 x 13 centimeters). There is also space for other tools such as screws, nails and dowels.
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7 Show all Brüder Mannesmann tool case
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Photo: GuteWahl.de
Photo: GuteWahl.de
The tools impressed with their workmanship and quality. Only with the pliers caution is advised: their edges are somewhat sharp. The professional also discovered two small weak points: the tools were not so easy to remove from the loops or Velcro fasteners, and since the case is light in weight, it quickly falls over when the sorting aid is folded down. Reason: There are no heavy devices on the floor as a counterweight. Conclusion: The Brüder Mannesmann product is a well-assorted tool set for casual craftsmen at an unbeatable price.
The universal tool case from Projahn was clearly ahead in terms of quality in the test. Its content is of very high quality: the tools lie perfectly in the hand, the fit of the socket wrench and bits couldn't be better. All of them can be easily removed from the case.
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7 Show all Projahn tool case
Photo: GuteWahl.de
Photo: GuteWahl.de
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Photo: GuteWahl.de
Photo: GuteWahl.de
Photo: GuteWahl.de
But not only the quality, the versatility impressed Gunnar Brand in the test. The list of additional tools is long: slide gauge, small set of chisels, large saw for metal and wood saw blades, pliers, spatula, arrows, flashlight, chisel and cable tie. You will also find a large and a small ratchet for many nuts and hexagon screws in the tool case, as well as a comprehensive selection of nuts from 4 to 32 millimeters and extensions and joints. The wrenches are available as combination wrenches from 8 to 22 millimeters. The only drawback: a six-millimeter key is missing! For many repairs, do-it-yourselfers need exactly this tool size, especially for work on the bike.
More test results
Very good workmanship, but defects in the equipment: The high-quality tools earned the Gedore red tool case many points in the test. A practical addition is the socket wrench set.
Gedore tool case 3 pictures
Photo: GuteWahl.de Photo gallery start Gedore tool case
Photo: GuteWahl.de
Photo: GuteWahl.de
Photo: GuteWahl.de
But the set also has weak points: The specialist lacked many basic tools: although needle nose pliers and side cutters are available in the case, the combination pliers are missing. You won't find any cutters, phase testers or a tape measure. In addition, the quality of the bit screwdriver leaves something to be desired - the connection wobbles strongly in practice.
The Proxxon brand is popular among do-it-yourselfers and stands for top quality at a good price. The tested tool case impresses with its proper sorting and can be stacked with other cases from the brand.
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4 Show all Proxxon tool case
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Photo: GuteWahl.de
Photo: GuteWahl.de
Photo: GuteWahl.de
The individual tools are of high quality and neatly processed. However, the price for the narrow compilation is relatively high (around 237 euros, as of July 2019). Our tip: If you already have a measuring tape, cutter and bits, but would like to purchase additional quality tools, then you can use the Proxxon case with a clear conscience.
The Connex tool case comes from the same manufacturer as the case from Meister, the differences are in the content: While Meister supplies needle-nose pliers (plus five other useful tools), Connex has a fork wrench. The selection is neat and the quality is okay.
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7 Show all Connex tool case
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Photo: GuteWahl.de
A shortcoming is how the tools are housed: The removal and sorting of the parts is quite cumbersome. In summary: The tool is in order for the price of around 145 euros (as of July 2019). The tool case from Connex is suitable for those who only want to repair something from time to time.
The biggest advantage of the kwb tool case is its sensible assortment: The compact and robust case contains very good wrenches - manufactured as combination wrenches. In general, however, the processing of the individual parts is average. Three pliers even have sharp edges.
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8 Show all KWB tool case
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Photo: GuteWahl.de
Workpro tool case, 119 pieces
With the tool case from Workpro, you can easily do small jobs in-house at an affordable price (around 109 euros, as of July 2019). The equipment is fine for casual craftsmen. The tool itself is mediocre processed, but lies well in the hand. But: Whoever grabs this case can look forward to a long search for the socket wrench set, because the individual attachments are not labeled. In addition, the Velcro straps for attaching the devices in the case are a bit too short - sorting them in the test turned out to be rather tedious.
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7 Show all Workpro tool case
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Photo: GuteWahl.de
Kraftwerk professional aluminum tool case, 129 pieces
The stable Kraftwerk professional aluminum tool case is compact and contains high-quality wrenches, which only start at a size of eight millimeters. The assortment is ok, but there is only a small ratchet and the corresponding socket wrench stops at the 14mm nut. For the high price of around 225 euros (as of July 2019), the pliers have uncomfortably sharp edges and the cutter is hardly suitable for serious work. Plus point: The mallet has useful protection on the shaft. There is also a flashlight.
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Famex offers its tool set in two suitcases: The sockets are stored in one case, the other screwdriver, pliers, wrench, hammer, arrows and spirit level. The wrenches and sockets are very good, there are also extensions and joints. It is unfavorable that there are no schematic sketches on the inside of the case. As a result, reallocation is very cumbersome. Conclusion: For a price of around 164 euros (as of July 2019), the tool unfortunately only performs on average.
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Photo: GuteWahl.de
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Photo: GuteWahl.de
Buying advice: which tool case is the right one?
The most important questions when buying a tool case: Who is it for and what work should be done with it? Is your heart beating for DIY? Are you passionate about preparing antique furniture? For your free time, can you imagine anything better than DIY? And don't you even shy away from major projects such as laying tiles? Then you need a professional case with many high-quality tools. "Real" hobby craftsmen know the prices for quality and are willing to invest money for it. Or do you have two left hands and are just looking for an emergency case for small, occasional jobs in the house, apartment or garden? In this case, it is best to get a tool case with solid basic equipment.
Whether you are a hobbyist or a layperson: When buying a tool case, pay attention to the ergonomics of the devices! The tool must be comfortable to hold so that you can work without blisters or abrasions for long periods. There must be no sharp plastic residues or burrs on the tools.
The processing must also be correct. Every tool, no matter how much it costs, must meet certain safety standards. Two examples: When working with a wrench or screwdriver that requires more effort, the steel must not change its shape. Plastic handles must not slip out of your hand, even if your hands are sweaty. In addition, the tool must be a perfect fit: if this is not the case, you damage equipment, screws, etc. when working. If tools have to be inserted or assembled, these processes should be quick and easy to carry out. The bit tip or socket wrench must not wobble - otherwise the risk of slipping is very high.
What is part of the basic equipment of a tool case?
A tool case should meet all the needs of a casual craftsman. The following tools must be included in each case:
- hammer
- cutter
- Tape measure
- Screwdriver (cross and slot), at least two in the common sizes (PZ 1 and PZ 2)
- Combination pliers
- Pipe wrench
- Long Allen keys (Allen keys) with ball heads on one side
Side cutters and long nose pliers do not necessarily have to be included in the scope of a tool case, but they are helpful. The diameter of the wrench and socket wrench should be well graded: 6 to 21 millimeters are sufficient for home use.
For your information: The test was carried out by the editors of DAS HAUS on behalf of our test portal GuteWahl.de. Here you will find the detailed test table and a video on the tool case test.
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