Hand Tools
Hand tools for the small fixes that come up every week, from tightening a tap to changing a tyre. Buy hand tools online by type below, from a single wrench to a full tool kit and somewhere to store it.
Which hand tools do you need?
| Type | Best for | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Wrenches & spanners | Taps, plumbing and loose nuts around the house | Size range, jaw opening, grip |
| Sockets & ratchets | Car, 4×4 and machinery work | Drive size, metric sizes, ratchet action |
| Tool kits & sets | Setting up a first toolbox | Pieces included, case quality |
| Tool boxes & storage | Keeping tools sorted in the shed or ute | Drawer runners, lock, weight rating |
Hand tools for the house, car and shed
Choose hand tools by where you use them most. Around the house, an adjustable wrench, a set of screwdrivers and long allen keys cover taps, flat-pack furniture and loose fittings. Under the sink, a basin wrench reaches the nuts behind the tap that a standard spanner cannot.
In the car or on the 4×4, sockets and wrenches handle wheel nuts, battery terminals and oil filters, and a telescoping lug wrench gives extra leverage on tight nuts. In the shed, a tool kit for home jobs keeps the basics in one place, so you are not hunting for the right size when something breaks.
Hand tools by type
Not sure where to start? To buy a wrench online for one job, choose from adjustable and open-end sets to basin and lug wrenches. For mechanical work, sockets and ratchets let you swap socket wrench sockets in seconds; ratchets drive the socket without lifting it off the nut.
Setting up from scratch? Tool kits and sets group the common sizes in one case and often cost less than buying each piece. Once the collection grows, a tools box set, tools trolley or drawer tool storage keeps everything sorted and easy to carry.
Metric or imperial, chrome vanadium or carbon steel?
Most Australian homes and cars use metric sizes, so start with a metric socket and spanner set and add imperial sizes only if you work on older or imported gear. Chrome vanadium steel is harder and resists rust better than plain carbon steel, which matters for tools kept in a damp shed or ute. A mirror-polished finish wipes clean easily.
Buying hand tools online
Affordable hand tools last longer when the steel, the size range and the grip suit the job, so check those before the price. Comparing tools and tool boxes for sale? Tool kits and tool sets for sale often include a case, which saves buying separate tools storage later. Every product page lists sizes, materials and what is included, so you can buy hand tools online with confidence. Need help choosing? Call our team on 0451 925 468.
Hand tools FAQ
What hand tools should every home have?
An adjustable wrench, a screwdriver set, a hammer, a tape measure and a set of allen keys cover most small jobs.
What is the difference between a spanner and a socket wrench?
A spanner grips the nut from the side. A socket wrench fits over the nut and uses a ratchet, so it is faster in tight spots.
Do I need a tool organizer?
Once you own more than a handful of tools, yes. A tool organizer or drawer cabinet stops parts going missing and protects the edges.
Are basin wrenches worth buying?
Yes, if you fix taps yourself. A basin wrench reaches the nuts behind a sink that a standard spanner cannot.