When your workers go out into the field, they need various tools and supplies; as an employer, it's your job to provide them with tool kits that will stand up to daily use and give them everything necessary to do their jobs properly. The key to finding the best deal possible is to look at the contents of each kit and figure out how much each piece is used in your line of business. Then add up the cost for the tools if purchased separately to make sure you're getting a good bargain.

To make your job a little easier, suppliers usually set up tool kits for sale based on a certain job or function. All you have to do is find several of the right type of kit, and then compare the prices and content of each one. You may need one or more of the following types of tool kits in your work:

1. Auto tool kit

2. Home tool kits

3. Power tool kits

4. Hand tool kits

5. Computer tool kits

6. A tool pouch containing a smaller version of a larger kit

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Know the differences among tool kits for various jobs

The difference between a biomedical tool kit and a computer repair tool kit is huge, so it's important to get the right tool kit for your industry. Look at the different tools in each kit, and evaluate whether they'd see daily use in your company. If you don't personally go out into the field working on projects, ask someone who does to help make sure that you get exactly what your employees need.

I recommend: Buy a kit that works for your industry. If you're looking for computer repair tool kits, for example, try TigerDirect and Keysan. They both sell tool kits that are created just for computer repair.

Assess the quality and durability of the tools in the tool kits

Finding the right tools for the job is only half the battle. You need to make sure that the tool kit contains high-quality tools, so you can feel secure that you're getting the best value for your money. The tools you buy should come with a guarantee and offer you a way to do a trade-in in case a screwdriver or pair of pliers breaks during normal use.

I recommend: Stick with a name you can trust. Northern Tool and Supply is known for its wide assortment of tools, so you know that a tool kit you buy there is filled with quality tools that won't break in the field. Tecra Tools is another company that offers high-quality tool kits.

Get the best bargain by buying tool kits in bulk

If you're buying more than one tool kit at a time, you should be able to get a price break. By choosing vendors that specialize in nothing but tool kits, you may also be able to get a significant savings over a company that offers many other things.

I recommend: Check out the prices at the Tool Kit Superstore and Just Tool Kits, for starters, and ask what sort of deals they can give you. Shop around for the best deal and don't be afraid to call each company directly and ask for a deal.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When you purchase tool kits, ask about the warranty or replacement policy. Many companies cover replacement tools should something malfunction or become lost.