There’s no shortage of bad tools out there—and some of them are still being sold in 2025.
Whether it’s outdated designs, poor quality, or just better options on the market, these are the tools you’ll want to skip.
I’m breaking down 13 terrible tools I wouldn’t recommend and showing you what I use instead.
If you’re upgrading your setup this year, this list will save you time, money, and a lot of frustration.
THE TOOLS
1. Brushed Power Tools
Milwaukee m12 Fuel impact: https://acmetools.pxf.io/LKR2rV
2. Klein 11-1 Multi-Driver: https://acmetools.pxf.io/GKQD9V
Wera multi driver: https://acmetools.pxf.io/Z6mrWq
Klein 13-1 multi driver: https://acmetools.pxf.io/o4oObo
3. Milwaukee 13-1
Wera ratcheting multi driver: https://acmetools.pxf.io/zx0jdO
4. Klein KNECT Boxes
Klein KNECT complete box: https://acmetools.pxf.io/09nYaM
5. Built-in Screw Holders
Wera screw holders: https://acmetools.pxf.io/VxQ4XA
6. Tongue-and-Groove Pliers
Knipex cobras: https://acmetools.pxf.io/2agKmz
Klein Klaw: https://acmetools.pxf.io/dO5GZW
Channellock: https://acmetools.pxf.io/LK5D6Z
7. Klein Utility Knife
Milwaukee FASTBACK: https://acmetools.pxf.io/YRjdzJ
Fiskars: https://acmetools.pxf.io/vPEVb3
8. Klein Tool Bags: acmetools.pxf.io/7aDbgA
Veto Pro Pac Tech Pac: https://acmetools.pxf.io/LK5Dkj
9. Cheap Hand Tools (Kobalt/Southwire)
Klein pliers set: https://acmetools.pxf.io/e1QRzr
Channellock pliers: https://acmetools.pxf.io/DyqLon
10. Budget Brands (Except HyperTough): Youtube shopping for links
11. Small Nut Drivers: https://acmetools.pxf.io/9L9eky
Wiha nut drivers: https://acmetools.pxf.io/kOkR6N
Klein nut drivers: https://acmetools.pxf.io/APAKZ1
12. Klein Impact-Rated Multi-Stubby: https://acmetools.pxf.io/bOq7Xx
Wera stubby: https://acmetools.pxf.io/6yxGjr
13. No-Research Buys
Knipex diagonal cutters: https://acmetools.pxf.io/3JR7QB
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