Buying guide · updated 24 Oct 2026

Hand tools every tradie needs

The basics that live on your belt or in the ute. These are trusted brands at current prices.

Quick list

  1. Stanley FatMax 8m Tape Measure (33-732) $32
  2. Milwaukee STUD 8m Tape Measure $52
  3. Milwaukee 19oz Smooth Face Poly Handle Hammer $60
  4. Milwaukee FASTBACK Folding Utility Knife $33
  5. Milwaukee Torque Lock Locking Pliers 2-Pack $60
  6. Milwaukee 8-in-1 Ratcheting Multi-Bit Screwdriver $31

What to look for

  • Buy a spare tape and knife, because they go missing.
  • Smooth-face hammers won't mark finished timber, while milled faces grip nails better.
  • A ratcheting multi-bit driver replaces half a drawer of screwdrivers.
🔨Hand tools

Stanley FatMax 8m Tape Measure (33-732)

Best for: Every tradie's belt

A metric 8m FatMax tape, a site favourite for decades.

Pros

  • Cheap and tough
  • Wide blade with good stand-out
  • Easy to replace if lost

Cons

  • Not magnetic
  • Belt clip wears over time
$31.75at Tool Up · checked 24 Oct 2026
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🔨Hand tools

Milwaukee STUD 8m Tape Measure

Best for: Builders who want a tougher tape

An 8m tape with Milwaukee's coated STUD blade for extra life.

Pros

  • Coated blade made for wear
  • Reinforced hook
  • Solid case

Cons

  • Costs more than a basic tape
  • Heavier than compact tapes
$51.75at Tool Up · checked 24 Oct 2026
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🔨Hand tools

Milwaukee 19oz Smooth Face Poly Handle Hammer

Best for: Framers and general builders

A 19oz framing hammer with a poly handle.

Pros

  • Good weight for framing
  • Smooth face won't mark finished timber
  • Poly handle handles the weather

Cons

  • Smooth face can slip on nails compared with milled
  • Heavier than a finishing hammer
$60.34at Tool Up · checked 24 Oct 2026
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🔨Hand tools

Milwaukee FASTBACK Folding Utility Knife

Best for: Every trade

A one-handed flip-open folding utility knife.

Pros

  • Opens one-handed
  • Folds safely into a pocket
  • Cheap and easy blade changes

Cons

  • No blade storage on this model
  • Blade is fixed, not retractable
$33.11at Tool Up · checked 24 Oct 2026
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🔨Hand tools

Milwaukee Torque Lock Locking Pliers 2-Pack

Best for: Mechanics, welders and fabricators

Two locking pliers (254mm and 152mm) with Milwaukee's Torque Lock screw.

Pros

  • Two useful sizes
  • Easy-turn locking screw
  • Good value as a pair

Cons

  • No cushioned grip on this pack
  • Not insulated
$59.52at Tool Up · checked 24 Oct 2026
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🔨Hand tools

Milwaukee 8-in-1 Ratcheting Multi-Bit Screwdriver

Best for: Apprentices and service techs

A compact ratcheting screwdriver with bits stored in the handle.

Pros

  • Replaces several drivers
  • Ratchet speeds up the work
  • Cheap

Cons

  • Bits can go missing
  • Not insulated for live work
$30.73at Tool Up · checked 24 Oct 2026
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For tradies, from Bizzoo

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FAQ

Are expensive tapes worth it?

A coated blade like Milwaukee STUD lasts longer on rough sites, but a FatMax is cheap and does the job.

Prices checked on 24 Oct 2026 at the retailer shown and may have changed. TradieKit AU may earn a commission from links on this page. Disclosure.