In this comparison, tool boxes on Amazon.de cost from 29.68 euros for the empty Bosch L-BOXX 136 to 355.99 euros for the Gedore red case with 138 tools. This guide is for anyone kitting out a first flat, a garage or a holiday home, and for anyone looking for a gift, who isn't sure whether a case full of tools or an empty box is better, how many pieces you really need, or what CrV and S2 mean. The best tool boxes of 2027 are the Makita E-11542 as the best kit for the car and workshop (106.00 euros), the Stanley STMT98109-1 as the most complete kit for the home (177.90 euros) and the 52-piece Bosch Advanced as the best basic kit for a flat, with a 10-year warranty (69.99 euros). We compared five kits in a case and two empty boxes with live prices on 2 November 2026.
If you already have tools and just want to organise them, skip to the empty Hazet 190L and Bosch L-BOXX 136 boxes at the end of the list.
Quick overview: the best tool boxes of 2027
All the tool boxes in this comparison are available on Amazon.de. Click a name to see the current price.
| Model | Type | Pieces | Ratchet drive | Case | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Makita E-11542 | kit | 87 | 1/4", 3/8", 1/2" | Makpac 1 | 106.00 € | Car and workshop |
| Stanley STMT98109-1 | kit | 142 | 1/4", 1/2" | aluminium | 177.90 € | Everything at home |
| Gedore red R46007138 | kit | 138 | 1/4", 1/2" | aluminium | 355.99 € | Demanding DIYers |
| Bosch Advanced 52 | kit | 52 | 1/4" | plastic | 69.99 € | First flat |
| Brüder Mannesmann M29085 | kit | 89 | 1/4" | plastic | 52.71 € | Smallest budget |
| Hazet 190L | empty | - | - | metal | 88.63 € | Garage |
| Bosch L-BOXX 136 | empty | - | - | ABS | 29.68 € | Modular system |
The data comes from Makita, Bosch DIY, Bosch Professional and Hazet pages, from retailers Klium (Stanley) and TBS (Gedore), and from Amazon.de descriptions.
How to choose tool boxes
Kit in a case or empty box
Tool boxes fall into two groups: cases with tools and empty boxes for tools you already own. A kit in a case is the cheapest way to get the basics at once, because every tool has its own slot and you can see straight away what's missing. An empty box is better when you buy tools gradually or own tools from different brands. Metal cantilever boxes handle heavy tools in a garage, while modular plastic boxes stack on top of each other and are easier to carry.
What a basic kit needs
For home repairs, the mix matters more than the piece count. T-online lists a sturdy hammer, several screwdrivers, pliers, a tape measure and a set of hex keys as the basics (t-online). The 142-piece Stanley includes 61 bits, and the Gedore counts 40 cable lugs, so the piece count is misleading. Before buying, check the list: does it have a hammer, at least two pairs of pliers, combination spanners and sockets up to at least 19 mm, which is what most wheels and furniture need.
Ratchet drive and sockets
Ratchets come in three drive sizes: 1/4" for small bolts up to about 13 mm, 3/8" for medium ones and 1/2" for bigger ones, such as wheel bolts. The Makita E-11542 is the only one in this comparison with all three drives. The Stanley and Gedore have 1/4" and 1/2" with sockets up to 24 mm and beyond, while the Bosch and Brüder Mannesmann have 1/4" only, which is enough for furniture and appliances but not for a car.
CrV, S2 and standards
CrV means steel alloyed with chromium and vanadium, but the label alone says little about hardness, which depends on heat treatment. A standard is more useful: Gedore makes its sockets from 31CrV3 steel to DIN 3124 and ISO 2725-1 (Toolbrothers), and combination spanners are covered by DIN 3113 and ISO 3318 (Hoffmann Group). Bits are often made of S2, a tough tool steel, and Metabo explicitly labels its bits S2 quality (Metabo).
Warranty
Tool boxes and kits vary a lot in warranty, and the lifetime warranty often mentioned for the US market is mostly not confirmed for the EU. Bosch gives a 10-year warranty on the 52-piece Advanced kit (Bosch DIY), provided you register it online with MyBosch within 4 weeks of purchase, and Brüder Mannesmann also gives 10 years on its Green Line cases. Hazet gives a full guarantee on material and manufacturing defects with no stated time limit, but excludes normal wear and misuse (Hazet). We found no official EU terms for Stanley and Gedore red, so count on the seller's statutory warranty.
Modular systems: L-BOXX and Makpac
Modular tool boxes stack and clip together, so you carry several boxes as one. Bosch L-BOXX is compatible with other L-BOXX boxes, inserts and the Sortimo van racking system (Bosch Professional). Makita Makpac connects with Festool Systainer cases (Makita), while Makita doesn't list L-BOXX compatibility. If you already own cordless tools from one maker, choose its system, because tool boxes from different systems mostly don't connect with each other.
1. Makita E-11542
Photo: Makita, Amazon
The Makita E-11542 is an 87-piece mechanic's kit in a size 1 Makpac case (395 x 295 x 105 mm). It's the only one in this comparison with ratchets for all three drives: a 1/2" ratchet and a dual ratchet for 1/4" and 3/8". Sockets cover 5-13 mm on 1/4" and 8-19 mm on 1/2", plus three spark plug sockets. There are no 3/8" sockets; you use the 3/8" side of the ratchet with the adapter to 1/2".
You also get five combination spanners (10-17 mm), eight hex keys from 1.5 to 8 mm, 40 bits including Torx and tamper-proof Torx, a ratcheting screwdriver, four screwdrivers, an adjustable spanner and combination pliers. The tools are chrome vanadium steel. There's no hammer, tape measure or saw, so it isn't complete for home repairs. The case clips onto other Makpac boxes.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Pieces | 87 |
| Ratchets | 1/2" + dual 1/4" and 3/8" |
| Sockets | 1/4" 5-13 mm, 1/2" 8-19 mm, spark plug 16/18/21 mm |
| Spanners | combination 10-17 mm (5), hex 1.5-8 mm (8) |
| Bits | 40, including tamper-proof Torx |
| Case | Makpac 1, 395 x 295 x 105 mm |
| Price | 106.00 € |
Pros: all three ratchet drives, plenty of sockets, compact Makpac case that stacks into a system.
Cons: no hammer, tape measure or saw, only one pair of pliers, only five combination spanners.
Our opinion: We'd keep the E-11542 in the boot, not in a cupboard. It's excellent for the car and bike, and you probably already own a hammer and tape measure.
2. Stanley STMT98109-1
Photo: Stanley, Amazon
The Stanley STMT98109-1 is the most complete home kit in this comparison: 142 pieces in an aluminium case with four movable trays. It has 1/4" and 1/2" ratchets with 72 teeth, sockets of 5.5-14 mm and 10-19, 21, 22, 24, 27, 30 and 32 mm, twelve combination spanners from 8 to 19 mm and a 250 mm adjustable spanner.
For the home it has what the Makita lacks: a 300 g hammer, a 5 m tape measure, a spirit level, a hacksaw, a utility knife and a torch. You also get four pairs of pliers including water pump pliers, multi-purpose scissors, 61 bits and nine screwdrivers. According to the retailer, the case measures 475 x 375 x 180 mm and weighs about 12.4 kg, so you won't carry it far. There's no 3/8" drive.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Pieces | 142 |
| Ratchets | 1/4" and 1/2", 72 teeth |
| Sockets | 1/4" 5.5-14 mm, 1/2" 10-19, 21, 22, 24, 27, 30, 32 mm |
| Spanners | combination 8-19 mm (12), adjustable 250 mm |
| Pliers | water pump, combination, side cutters, long nose, snips |
| Other | 300 g hammer, 5 m tape, level, hacksaw, torch |
| Case | aluminium, about 12.4 kg (retailer) |
| Price | 177.90 € |
Pros: most complete kit for home and car, sockets up to 32 mm, aluminium case with movable trays.
Cons: heavy at about 12 kg, large case, no 3/8" drive, no official EU specs found.
Our opinion: The STMT98109-1 is for people who want to buy once and stop thinking about it. If you need one case for the flat and the car, it offers the best ratio of contents to price.
3. Gedore red R46007138 Allround
Photo: Gedore, Amazon
The Gedore red R46007138 Allround has the widest range of tools in this comparison: 138 pieces in an aluminium case with metal locks. Besides 1/4" and 1/2" ratchets and sockets of 4-14 mm and 10-24 mm, you get ball-end hex keys from 2 to 10 mm, Torx L-keys from T10 to T50, 29 bits with a bit ratchet and seven screwdrivers, two of them VDE insulated.
It also has things the others don't: five chisels, a file, an LED torch, cable lug crimping pliers with 40 lugs and a kneeling pad. According to the distributor, the case measures 455 x 157 x 355 mm and weighs 13 kg. Gedore red is the more affordable line of the German maker Gedore. At 355.99 euros it's the most expensive in this comparison.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Pieces | 138 |
| Ratchets | 1/4" 150 mm and 1/2" 250 mm |
| Sockets | 1/4" 4-14 mm, 1/2" 10-24 mm |
| Spanners | combination 8-19 mm (8), ball-end hex 2-10 mm, Torx T10-T50 |
| Pliers | combination, side cutters, long nose, water pump, crimping |
| Other | hammer, tape, level, hacksaw, chisels, file, LED torch |
| Case | aluminium, 13 kg |
| Price | 355.99 € |
Pros: widest range of tools, Torx L-keys and chisels, lockable aluminium case.
Cons: most expensive, 13 kg, no 3/8" drive.
Our opinion: The Allround is for DIYers who do electrics, wood and cars. If you'll use half the tools, the Stanley gives a similar base for half the price.
4. Bosch Advanced 52
Photo: Bosch, Amazon
The 52-piece Bosch Advanced (1600A02BY7) is a small kit that covers what you really need in a flat. It has three pairs of pliers (180 mm long nose and combination, plus 250 mm water pump pliers), a 200 mm adjustable spanner, a 300 g hammer, a 25 cm spirit level, a 3 m tape measure, a utility knife and an awl. For screws there's a 1/4" ratchet with ten sockets from 5 to 13 mm, 18 bits and nine hex keys.
Bosch gives a 10-year warranty, as does Brüder Mannesmann on its kit. There are no combination spanners, and the sockets only go to 13 mm, so it isn't for the car. Bosch doesn't state the steel type. The plastic case is light and fits in a cupboard.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Pieces | 52 |
| Ratchet | 1/4", sockets 5-13 mm (10) |
| Bits | 18 (PH, PZ, SL, TX, HEX) |
| Pliers | long nose, combination, water pump |
| Other | 300 g hammer, level, 3 m tape, utility knife, hex 1.5-10 mm |
| Warranty | 10 years (with registration) |
| Price | 69.99 € |
Pros: 10-year warranty, three pairs of pliers and a hammer, light and compact.
Cons: only 1/4" drive up to 13 mm, no combination spanners, steel type not stated.
Our opinion: The Advanced is the kit we'd buy for a first flat. It has everything for assembling furniture and small repairs, and a ten-year warranty is rare at this price.
5. Brüder Mannesmann M29085
Photo: Brüder Mannesmann, Amazon
The Brüder Mannesmann M29085 is the cheapest kit in a case in this comparison: 89 pieces for 52.71 euros. The case folds out into three sections, so all the tools are in view at once. According to the maker, the tools are chrome vanadium steel, and the kit includes a folding 1/4" ratchet with sockets, pliers, an adjustable spanner, a hammer, a saw, a spirit level, screwdrivers and bits.
Brüder Mannesmann gives a 10-year warranty on its Green Line cases. The maker doesn't publish a full list of sizes, so we don't know exactly how far the sockets go. The drive is 1/4" only, and the case is plastic.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Pieces | 89 |
| Ratchet | 1/4", folding |
| Material | chrome vanadium (maker) |
| Contents | pliers, adjustable spanner, hammer, saw, level, screwdrivers, bits |
| Case | plastic, folds out into 3 sections |
| Warranty | 10 years |
| Price | 52.71 € |
Pros: lowest price for a kit, 10-year warranty, all tools in view.
Cons: only 1/4" drive, no full size list, plastic case.
Our opinion: The M29085 is for a holiday home, a cellar or as a spare kit. For about 50 euros don't expect professional tools, but it's enough for occasional repairs.
6. Hazet 190L
Photo: Hazet, Amazon
The Hazet 190L is an empty metal cantilever box: one large bottom compartment and four side trays that open out like steps, so you see all your tools at once. It measures 575 x 210 x 245 mm and weighs 5.2 kg, is painted blue and black, and locks with a padlock that's included.
Metal tool boxes handle heavy tools, oil and a workshop better than plastic. Hazet gives a full guarantee on material and manufacturing defects, with no stated time limit. The box isn't modular and doesn't stack into a system, and it's heavier than plastic. You buy the tools separately.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | empty metal, cantilever |
| Compartments | 1 bottom + 4 fold-out |
| Dimensions | 575 x 210 x 245 mm |
| Weight | 5.2 kg |
| Locking | padlock included |
| Warranty | full guarantee on material and manufacturing defects |
| Price | 88.63 € |
Pros: metal for heavy use, clear fold-out trays, padlock included.
Cons: not modular, empty, heavier than plastic boxes.
Our opinion: The 190L is old school: sheet metal, a padlock and trays that fold out. In a garage it will outlast the tools inside it.
7. Bosch Professional L-BOXX 136
Photo: Bosch, Amazon
The Bosch Professional L-BOXX 136 is the cheapest way into a modular system: an empty ABS box for 29.68 euros. Outside dimensions are 360 x 444 x 151 mm, inside 302 x 386 x 114 mm, and it weighs only 1.9 kg. Bosch rates it for a load of up to 100 kg and a carrying load of 25 kg.
The box clicks onto other L-BOXX sizes, takes L-BOXX inserts and fits the Sortimo van racking system. A front handle lets you carry it close to your body. Bosch doesn't state an IP rating, there are no inserts in the box, and Bosch doesn't list compatibility with Makpac or TSTAK.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | empty modular, ABS |
| Outside | 360 x 444 x 151 mm |
| Inside | 302 x 386 x 114 mm |
| Weight | 1.9 kg |
| Load | load up to 100 kg, carrying load 25 kg |
| Compatibility | L-BOXX, Sortimo |
| Price | 29.68 € |
Pros: lowest price, stacks with L-BOXX and Sortimo, light yet carries 25 kg.
Cons: empty with no inserts, IP rating not stated, no stated compatibility with Makpac or TSTAK.
Our opinion: The L-BOXX 136 is for people with blue Bosch tools or who want to build their own system. For 30 euros it's the cheapest start to a system, and you add boxes as you need them.
Conclusion: which tool boxes to choose?
Tool boxes don't have to be expensive: for a first flat the best choice is the Bosch Advanced at 69.99 euros with a 10-year warranty, for home and car the Stanley STMT98109-1 at 177.90 euros, and for the car and workshop the Makita E-11542 at 106.00 euros. If you already have tools, the Hazet 190L is a metal box for the garage and the Bosch L-BOXX 136 the start of a modular system. As gifts, kits with a hammer, pliers and a tape measure go down best, because the recipient uses them right away.
| If you care most about | Choose | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Car, all three drives | Makita E-11542 | 106.00 € |
| One case for everything at home | Stanley STMT98109-1 | 177.90 € |
| Widest range, DIY pros | Gedore red R46007138 | 355.99 € |
| First flat, warranty | Bosch Advanced 52 | 69.99 € |
| Smallest budget | Brüder Mannesmann M29085 | 52.71 € |
| Metal box for the garage | Hazet 190L | 88.63 € |
| Modular system | Bosch L-BOXX 136 | 29.68 € |
If you're setting up a workshop, see also tool carts, cordless drills and oscillating multi-tools. Before drilling into a wall, use a wall scanner.
Frequently asked questions
Kit with tools or empty box?
If you have no tools, a kit in a case is cheaper than buying tools one by one and gives you the basics right away. If you already have tools or buy them gradually, an empty box is better. A metal cantilever box is for the garage, a modular plastic one for carrying.
What should a basic tool kit include?
A sturdy hammer, several screwdrivers or a bit driver with bits, at least two pairs of pliers, a tape measure, hex keys and an adjustable spanner. For the car, add a 1/2" ratchet with sockets up to at least 19 mm. The mix matters more than the piece count.
How many pieces should a kit have?
For a flat, 50 to 90 pieces is enough; for a house and car, 130 to 150. A high piece count is often bits and small attachments, so compare the tool list, not just the number on the box.
What does CrV on tools mean?
CrV means steel alloyed with chromium and vanadium. The label alone says little about quality, because hardness depends on heat treatment. Standards such as DIN 3124 and ISO 2725 for sockets, and the S2 label for bits, are better signs.
Plastic or metal tool box?
A metal box, like the Hazet 190L, handles heavy tools, oil and knocks, but is heavier. A modular plastic one, like the Bosch L-BOXX, is lighter, stacks into a system and is easier to carry to the car. Metal for the garage, plastic for on the go.
What warranty do makers give?
Bosch gives 10 years on the Advanced kit (with registration) and Brüder Mannesmann 10 years on Green Line cases, while Hazet gives a full guarantee on material and manufacturing defects with no stated time limit. We found no official EU terms for Stanley and Gedore red, so the two-year statutory warranty applies.
How we chose
The tool boxes in this comparison were chosen by kit contents, ratchet drive, socket range, material, case, warranty and price. We looked at 10 models available on Amazon.de and checked every ASIN through the Amazon API. The data comes from Makita, Bosch DIY, Bosch Professional and Hazet pages, retailers Klium and TBS, and Amazon.de descriptions, and the advice on standards, steel and basic tools from Gedore, Hoffmann Group, Metabo and t-online. We left out tool carts, which we compare in a separate article. Prices are live Amazon.de prices on 2 November 2026. We didn't physically test the tools.
Sources and references
- Makita - E-11542
- Klium - Stanley STMT98109-1
- TBS - Gedore red Allround 138
- Bosch DIY - Advanced 52
- Bosch Professional - L-BOXX 136
- Hazet - full guarantee
- Makita - Makpac compatibility
- Toolbrothers - Gedore socket DIN 3124
- Hoffmann Group - DIN 3113 / ISO 3318
- Metabo - S2 bits
- t-online - basic home tools
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