Real Tools Sets for Kids

There are a number of tool sets for kids.  They all differ in what items they have and the quality of those items.  I tend to buy single tools at a time that are adult tools but approachable by kids.  I find they are often made a little more solidly and they are designed more for work than for play, so when put to use, they just function better.

However, I also have limited time for tool selecting, so I certainly understand the need to just buy a set of kid sized tools and go from their.

Kid Tool Set Safety

The sets come with a variety of tools, however, I encourage you to introduce one tool at a time , like one every few days.  It is easier to address function and tool safety.  It is also the time to address the specific rules of the tool. Such as

• Keep both hands on the saw
• Only saw on wood in the vise or in the miterbox
• No sawing on furniture.

It may be that some tools in the set need to be withheld for months or even years until you feel the tool is appropriate for the child’s age, skill and behavior.

Here are some sets of real tools [I covered toy tool sets here]

• Grip 9 piece childrens tool set
• Tool set.  I like that this one comes with clamps (a real safety aid)
• This tool set by Kaplan seems to be the most complete and look the most like real tools without all the fancy colors and diminutive sizes.
• 10Pc Tool Kit is another full set with clamps.  Interesting that they packaged it with a fret saw (a really deep coping saw)

When choosing tools, I look for the ones that look the most like mine.  It sometimes indicates quality, but most importantly my son wants to use THE tool I am using, so if his looks like mine, that helps a lot.