The best cocktail kits give you the right core tools without turning your counter into a cluttered bar cart. I’d put the Bare Barrel 14-Piece Boston Shaker Set in the top spot because it balances tool quality, gift appeal, and recipe support better than the rest of this lineup. The Home Hero 22-Piece Set is the better pick for buyers who want the most gear, while the KITESSENSU 24oz Shaker Set makes more sense for beginners who want fewer pieces and less fuss. The main tradeoffs are shaker style, stand design, tool count, storage footprint, and whether extra accessories add real usefulness or just bulk. Keep reading for the full breakdown by buyer type.
Key Takeaways
- The Bare Barrel 14-Piece Boston Shaker Set earns the best overall spot because it has a stronger balance of serious mixing tools, recipe support, and gift-ready presentation than the larger but bulkier sets.
- More pieces did not always mean a better cocktail kit; the Home Hero 22-Piece and 23-Piece Acrylic Stand sets offer breadth, but simpler kits are easier for new home bartenders to learn and store.
- The two KITESSENSU picks stand out for beginner-friendly layouts, with the 24oz set favoring simplicity and the 15-piece stand version adding a more complete bar setup.
- Bamboo and wooden stands look warmer on a counter, while acrylic and metal-style stands feel more modern but can make clutter more visible.
- The biggest split in this roundup is Boston shaker versus Cobbler shaker: Boston-style kits suit buyers who want room to grow, while Cobbler-style kits feel more familiar for casual mixing.
| cocktail kit | Material | Included Tool | Recipe Support | Stand |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bare Barrel 16-Piece Cocktail | Premium stainless steel | — | 35 recipe cards | — |
| Bare Barrel 14-Piece Mixology | Premium grade stainless steel | — | 35 recipe cards | — |
| Mixology Bartender Kit with St | Brushed stainless steel | Cocktail shaker | — | Dark wood display stand |
| 10-Piece 18/8 Stainless Steel | 18/8 (304) stainless steel | — | — | Reinforced bamboo stand |
| KITESSENSU 24oz Cocktail Shake | 18/8 stainless steel | Cocktail shaker | Recipe guide | — |
| Home Hero 22-Piece Cocktail Sh | Stainless steel | — | Recipe book included | Wooden stand |
| BARE BARREL® Mixology Bartende | Premium stainless steel | — | 35 recipe cards | Bamboo organizer stand |
| Cocktail Shaker Set | 304 stainless steel | — | Cocktail recipes booklet | Acrylic stand |
| KITESSENSU Cocktail Shaker Set | 18/8 stainless steel | — | — | — |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Bare Barrel 16-Piece Cocktail Shaker Set with 24oz Cobbler Shaker
I rank the Bare Barrel 16-Piece Cocktail Shaker Set highest because it balances tool count, storage, recipes, cleanup, and warranty better than the others here. Compared with the Bare Barrel 14-Piece Boston Shaker Kit, this one is more approachable for casual home mixing because the 24oz cobbler shaker has an integrated cap-and-strainer style rather than a two-tin setup. The 35 recipe cards make it easier to move past basic drinks, and the bamboo holder keeps the kit giftable without feeling scattered. The tradeoff is that buyers who want a faster, bar-style shaking rhythm may prefer the Boston shaker version, and serious hobbyists may outgrow the tool mix. Still, for most home bars, this is the most complete middle ground.
Pros:- Strong 16-piece tool count for a home cocktail setup
- 35 recipe cards help beginners expand beyond basic drinks
- Dishwasher-safe stainless steel lowers cleanup friction
- 3-year warranty adds more confidence than most basic kits
Cons:- Cobbler shaker is less flexible than a Boston shaker for fast, high-volume mixing
- Silver and black finish limits style choices
- Tool selection may feel basic for advanced cocktail hobbyists
Best for: Home entertainers who want a polished all-in-one kit with recipes, storage, and easy cleanup.
Not ideal for: Aspiring professional bartenders who prefer a Boston shaker workflow and more specialized tools.
- Shaker Capacity:24 oz
- Shaker Style:Cobbler shaker
- Number of Pieces:16
- Material:Premium stainless steel
- Recipe Support:35 recipe cards
- Organizer:Bamboo holder
- Dishwasher Safe:Yes
- Warranty:3 years
- Color:Silver/Black
Our verdict“This is my pick for buyers who want one kit that covers the most home-bar needs with the fewest compromises.”
Bare Barrel 14-Piece Mixology Bartender Kit with 28oz Boston Shaker
The Bare Barrel 14-Piece Bartender Kit earns its place by favoring a 28oz Boston shaker, which makes it better suited to buyers who want a more classic bar-tool feel than the Bare Barrel 16-Piece Cobbler Shaker Set. The larger shaker is handy when making drinks for two, while the 35 recipe cards keep the learning curve friendly. I also like that the bamboo organizer gives the set a tidy countertop presence without adding too many decorative extras. The tradeoff is size: this is less compact than the KITESSENSU 24oz Cocktail Shaker Set, and the minimalist black look may not suit brighter bar carts. It is a smart pick for buyers who care more about shaking style than maximum accessory count.
Pros:- 28oz Boston shaker gives more room for mixing two drinks
- 14-piece set covers core home bartending tasks
- 35 recipe cards make the kit easier for new cocktail makers
- Bamboo organizer keeps the tools visible and orderly
Cons:- Larger shaker and stand need more storage space
- Boston shaker has a slightly steeper learning curve than a cobbler shaker
- Minimalist black finish may feel too plain for some gift buyers
Best for: Beginners who want to learn on a Boston shaker and make multiple drinks without buying a larger bar kit.
Not ideal for: Apartment buyers with tight cabinets or anyone who wants a smaller, simpler shaker-only setup.
- Shaker Capacity:28 oz
- Shaker Style:Boston shaker
- Number of Pieces:14
- Material:Premium grade stainless steel
- Recipe Support:35 recipe cards
- Organizer:Bamboo organizer
- Finish:Jet Black/Black
- Use Case:Cocktails and mocktails
Our verdict“Choose this if the feel of a Boston shaker matters more to you than having the biggest accessory count.”
Mixology Bartender Kit with Stand 15-Piece Bar Tool Set
The Mixology Bartender Kit with Stand is the one I would point toward buyers who want their tools to double as bar-cart decor. Its dark wood stand gives it a warmer display style than the more compact KITESSENSU 24oz Cocktail Shaker Set, and the 15-piece layout covers the usual mixing, measuring, straining, opening, and stirring tasks. Compared with the Bare Barrel 16-Piece Cocktail Shaker Set, though, this option has one fewer piece and offers less detail on warranty or dishwasher-safe care. The recipe booklet is useful, but the kit feels more focused on presentation than long-term upgrade paths. It makes sense for a visible home bar, while tool collectors may want a broader set.
Pros:- Dark wood stand makes the set easy to display
- 15-piece layout covers the main mixing and serving jobs
- Brushed stainless steel has a cleaner look than basic shiny kits
- Recipe booklet helps new users start making drinks quickly
Cons:- Stand may take up more counter space than a small shaker set
- Fewer pieces than the Bare Barrel 16-piece kit
- May lack niche tools that advanced cocktail makers want
Best for: Hosts who keep their cocktail tools on a bar cart or counter and want a coordinated display.
Not ideal for: Buyers with narrow shelves or anyone who wants warranty details and dishwasher-safe claims spelled out.
- Number of Pieces:15
- Material:Brushed stainless steel
- Stand:Dark wood display stand
- Included Tool:Cocktail shaker
- Included Tool:Jigger
- Included Tool:Strainer
- Included Tool:Bar mixer spoon
- Extra Accessories:Tongs, bottle opener, recipe booklet
Our verdict“This is the right pick when presentation on the counter matters almost as much as the tools themselves.”
10-Piece 18/8 Stainless Steel Cocktail Shaker Set with Bamboo Stand
This 10-Piece Cocktail Shaker Set sits between a stripped-down starter kit and a large display set, which is why I see it as the best gift-ready mid-size option. Compared with the Mixology Bartender Kit with Stand, it gives up five pieces but adds a very practical mix: a 24oz shaker, muddler, jigger, corkscrew, ice tongs, and liquor pourers. That makes it more useful for someone who wants to muddle citrus or herbs, not just shake simple sours. The reinforced bamboo stand also looks tidier than loose tools in a drawer. The downside is that bamboo needs more care than metal or acrylic storage, and buyers chasing the broadest set may prefer a 16-piece or 22-piece kit.
Pros:- Balanced 10-piece selection avoids unnecessary clutter
- Includes a muddler and liquor pourers for more drink styles
- 18/8 stainless steel is rust-proof and dishwasher safe
- Reinforced bamboo stand works well as a gift presentation
Cons:- Smaller tool count than 15- and 16-piece kits
- Bamboo stand may need extra care around moisture
- May cost more than basic shaker-only sets
Best for: Gift buyers shopping for a home bartender who wants core tools plus a muddler and pourers.
Not ideal for: Buyers who want the largest tool assortment or a stand that needs almost no care.
- Number of Pieces:10
- Shaker Capacity:24 oz
- Material:18/8 (304) stainless steel
- Stand:Reinforced bamboo stand
- Included Tools:Shaker, strainer, jigger, muddler, spoon
- Extra Tools:Corkscrew, ice tongs, liquor pourers
- Dishwasher Safe:Yes
- Item Weight:2.32 pounds
- UPC:605500325594
Our verdict“Pick this for a polished gift that covers real cocktail tasks without overwhelming a new home bar.”
KITESSENSU 24oz Cocktail Shaker Set with Strainer, Jigger, Bar Spoon, and Recipe Guide
The KITESSENSU 24oz Cocktail Shaker Set is the clearest choice for buyers who want the basics without committing counter space to a full stand. Against the Bare Barrel 14-Piece Bartender Kit or the Mixology 15-Piece Bar Tool Set, it is far simpler: you get the shaker, strainer, jigger, bar spoon, and recipe guide rather than a full tool display. That restraint is the point. The 18/8 stainless steel, 0.8 mm thickness, leak-proof design, and dishwasher-safe build make it practical for first cocktails, dorm-friendly setups, or a small kitchen drawer. The tradeoff is clear: no muddler, tongs, pourers, or stand, and the 24oz capacity is better for small batches than party rounds.
Pros:- Compact tool selection is easier to store than stand-based kits
- 18/8 stainless steel and 0.8 mm thickness support durability
- Leak-proof and dishwasher-safe design keeps use simple
- Recipe guide gives beginners a starting point
Cons:- No stand or organizer for countertop display
- Missing accessories found in larger kits, including a muddler and pourers
- 24oz capacity limits batch size for entertaining
Best for: Small-space buyers who want a durable starter shaker set for occasional cocktails.
Not ideal for: Hosts who make several drink styles at once and need a muddler, pourers, tongs, or a display stand.
- Capacity:24 oz
- Material:18/8 stainless steel
- Thickness:0.8 mm
- Included Tool:Cocktail shaker
- Included Tool:Strainer
- Included Tool:Jigger
- Included Tool:Bar spoon
- Recipe Support:Recipe guide
- Dishwasher Safe:Yes
Our verdict“This is the kit I would choose for a small kitchen, first apartment, or low-clutter bar drawer.”
Home Hero 22-Piece Cocktail Shaker & Bar Tool Set with Wooden Stand
Home Hero’s 22-piece set makes the most sense for buyers who want a cocktail kit that looks giftable the moment it lands on a bar cart. Compared with the KITESSENSU 15-piece set, it offers more pieces and a warmer wooden stand, so it feels more like a full home-bar upgrade than a lean essentials kit. The included recipe book also helps casual hosts start mixing without hunting for measurements. The tradeoff is clarity: Home Hero lists fewer specific tools than Bare Barrel, so detail-focused buyers may prefer that more transparent 16-piece set. I would also be cautious if easy cleanup is a priority, since dishwasher safety is not stated.
Pros:- Large 22-piece assortment gives buyers a fuller home-bar setup
- Wooden stand keeps tools organized and display-ready
- Stainless steel construction suits regular home cocktail making
- Recipe book adds guidance for casual mixers
Cons:- Dishwasher safety is not stated, which may mean more hand washing
- Specific tool list is less detailed than Bare Barrel’s 16-piece kit
- Price is not provided, making value harder to judge
Best for: Gift shoppers and home hosts who want a fuller bar-tool display with a decorative wooden stand.
Not ideal for: Detail-oriented buyers who want every tool named before purchasing, or anyone who needs confirmed dishwasher-safe parts.
- Brand:Home Hero
- ASIN:B0BKH14N5N
- Piece Count:22 pieces
- Included Components:Cocktail shaker and bar tool set
- Material:Stainless steel
- Stand:Wooden stand
- Recipe Support:Recipe book included
Our verdict“Pick this if presentation and gift appeal matter as much as the number of bar tools included.”
BARE BARREL® Mixology Bartender Kit Bar Set | 16-Piece Cocktail Shaker Set with Recipe Cards
BARE BARREL’s 16-piece kit earns the strongest all-around slot because it balances tool quality, clear component details, and drink guidance better than the larger sets here. Unlike the Home Hero 22-piece set, this one names the working tools buyers are likely to care about, including a 28oz Boston shaker, Japanese jigger, Hawthorne strainer, fine mesh strainer, muddler, zester, pourers, and ice scoop. The 35 recipe cards give it a sharper learning angle than the KITESSENSU kit, while the bamboo stand keeps the setup tidy. The main tradeoff is size: it may feel bulky in a small apartment bar, and the Jet Black finish gives buyers less flexibility than silver kits.
Pros:- Detailed tool list makes it easier to know what you are buying
- 28oz Boston shaker is better suited to larger shaken drinks than smaller shakers
- 35 recipe cards give beginners a clearer starting point
- Bamboo organizer keeps the set presentable and easy to access
Cons:- Bamboo stand and full tool loadout may take up too much counter space
- Limited color choice compared with simpler silver kits
- More involved than buyers need for occasional two-ingredient drinks
Best for: Beginners and style-conscious home bartenders who want a well-explained, recipe-supported kit with real mixing range.
Not ideal for: Small-space buyers who need the lowest-profile kit, or shoppers who want multiple color choices.
- Brand:Bare Barrel
- ASIN:B0DFK2ZYLY
- Piece Count:16 pieces
- Shaker:28oz Boston shaker
- Material:Premium stainless steel
- Color:Jet Black
- Stand:Bamboo organizer stand
- Recipe Support:35 recipe cards
- Model Number:HKK
Our verdict“Choose this as the most balanced cocktail kit if you want strong tool coverage, recipe help, and a polished display.”
Cocktail Shaker Set, 23-Piece Stainless Steel Bartender Kit with Acrylic Stand & Recipe Booklet
This 23-piece bartender kit is the pick I would point to for hosts who want maximum variety from one purchase. It goes beyond the BARE BARREL 16-piece kit by adding extras such as whiskey stones, which makes it better for parties where guests may want spirit-forward drinks as well as shaken cocktails. The 304 stainless steel construction is a strong practical detail because rust resistance matters when tools are rinsed often. Still, more is not always better. Compared with the KITESSENSU 15-piece set, this kit is likely less compact, and the acrylic stand may not feel as durable as bamboo or wood. Some tools may also need hand washing, which adds cleanup after larger gatherings.
Pros:- 23-piece kit covers more drink scenarios than smaller essentials sets
- 304 stainless steel helps resist rust from repeated rinsing
- Acrylic stand creates an organized display for home bars
- Whiskey stones add value for neat pours and spirit-focused serving
Cons:- May cost more than simpler starter kits
- Some pieces may require hand washing
- Acrylic stand can be more fragile than bamboo or wood if mishandled
Best for: Frequent entertainers who want a broad cocktail-and-whiskey setup with tools displayed in one place.
Not ideal for: Minimalists, small-apartment buyers, or anyone who wants the most durable stand material.
- ASIN:B097SS6K9S
- Piece Count:23 pieces
- Shaker Capacity:25 oz
- Material:304 stainless steel
- Stand:Acrylic stand
- Recipe Support:Cocktail recipes booklet
- Extras:Whiskey stones
- Finish:Stainless steel
Our verdict“This is the best fit for hosts who value a wide tool selection and party-ready extras over compact storage.”
KITESSENSU Cocktail Shaker Set Bartender Kit with Stand, 15 Pieces
KITESSENSU’s 15-piece set is the cleanest fit for buyers who want the main cocktail tools without the heavier footprint of larger kits. Compared with the 23-piece acrylic-stand kit, it trims the extras and focuses on practical basics: a 25oz martini shaker, jigger, Hawthorne strainer, mixing spoon, and muddler. The biggest advantage is dishwasher-safe 18/8 stainless steel, which matters for anyone mixing drinks often and cleaning up late. It is less showy than Home Hero’s 22-piece wooden-stand set and less instruction-rich than Bare Barrel’s recipe-card kit. It also feels more home-bar than pro-service, and the stand still needs counter space, but the smaller lineup makes daily use simpler.
Pros:- Dishwasher-safe parts make cleanup easier than hand-wash-only kits
- 18/8 stainless steel resists rust and suits repeated use
- 25oz shaker is practical for standard home cocktails
- Includes core tools without the clutter of larger sets
Cons:- Less expansive than 22- and 23-piece kits
- Stand still takes up counter space despite the smaller tool count
- Better suited to home use than high-volume professional service
Best for: Home bartenders who want durable core tools, easier cleanup, and fewer extras to store.
Not ideal for: Buyers building a large display bar or anyone who wants recipe cards and party add-ons included.
- Brand:KITESSENSU
- ASIN:B08BYJ8KSR
- Piece Count:15 pieces
- Shaker:25oz / 750ml martini shaker
- Jigger:Double-sided 1/2oz and 1oz jigger
- Material:18/8 stainless steel
- Color:Silver
- Cleaning:Dishwasher safe
- Model Number:Silver
Our verdict“Buy this if you want a durable, lower-fuss cocktail kit built around the tools most home bartenders reach for first.”
How We Picked
I ranked these kits around real home-bar usefulness, not just piece count. The main criteria were shaker style, tool selection, storage design, material quality, recipe support, gift appeal, and whether each set made mixing easier for its likely buyer. A kit moved up when its extras had a clear purpose, such as a proper jigger, strainer, muddler, bar spoon, or recipe cards. A kit moved down when the set looked large on paper but risked adding duplicate or low-use tools.
The final order favors kits that help buyers make better drinks with less friction. I gave the top spots to options that balance usable tools, counter-friendly organization, and a learning path for common cocktails. Larger sets had to justify their size, while smaller sets had to prove they were not missing basics. That is why a 14-piece kit can outrank a 22-piece kit here: the best cocktail kit is the one with the right tools, not the most tools.
| cocktail kit | Stand | Included Tool |
|---|---|---|
| Bare Barrel 16-Piece Cocktail | — | — |
| Bare Barrel 14-Piece Mixology | — | — |
| Mixology Bartender Kit with St | Dark wood display stand | Cocktail shaker |
| 10-Piece 18/8 Stainless Steel | Reinforced bamboo stand | — |
| KITESSENSU 24oz Cocktail Shake | — | Cocktail shaker |
| Home Hero 22-Piece Cocktail Sh | Wooden stand | — |
| BARE BARREL® Mixology Bartende | Bamboo organizer stand | — |
| Cocktail Shaker Set | Acrylic stand | — |
| KITESSENSU Cocktail Shaker Set | — | — |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Best Cocktail Kits
Choosing among the best cocktail kits comes down to how you plan to mix, store, and learn. I would start with shaker type and tool quality before getting pulled in by big accessory counts.
Choose The Right Shaker Style
Boston shakers are usually better for buyers who want a more bar-like setup, because they hold more volume and work well once the seal-and-strain motion feels natural. Cobbler shakers are easier to understand at first because they include a built-in strainer, but they can get stuck and often feel smaller during batch mixing. In this lineup, the Bare Barrel 14-Piece Boston Shaker Set is better for growth, while the Bare Barrel 16-Piece Cobbler Shaker Set is friendlier for casual use. If you mostly make martinis, margaritas, and sours for two people, either format can work. If you want speed, more shaking room, and a kit that feels closer to pro technique, I would lean Boston.
Do Not Overbuy Pieces You Will Not Use
Large kits look generous, but piece count can hide clutter. A 22-piece or 23-piece set may include pourers, tongs, stoppers, or garnish tools that are useful only if you host often. Smaller kits like the KITESSENSU 24oz Shaker Set can be a better buy when they cover the core jobs: measuring, shaking, stirring, straining, and learning recipes. The common mistake is paying for an impressive stand full of tools while still missing a dependable jigger or comfortable shaker. I would rather buy a tight, well-chosen kit than a larger one that makes every drink feel like setup work.
Match The Stand To Your Space
A stand changes how a cocktail kit lives in your home. Wood and bamboo stands feel warmer and gift-friendly, which helps sets like the Home Hero 22-Piece and the 10-piece bamboo stand kit look more intentional on a counter. Acrylic stands can suit modern kitchens, but they also show fingerprints and visual clutter more readily. If the kit will live inside a cabinet, the stand matters less than compactness and tool nesting. If it will stay out full time, I would treat the stand as part of the purchase, not a bonus.
Prioritize Measuring Tools Over Decorative Extras
The fastest way to make better cocktails is accurate measuring, so the jigger matters more than most novelty accessories. A kit with a clear jigger, usable strainer, and balanced bar spoon will help more than a larger set filled with rarely used pieces. Recipe cards and booklets are helpful when they teach ratios and technique, which is why Bare Barrel’s recipe-card sets rank well for gift buyers and beginners. Garnish tools, pourers, and ice tongs are nice extras, but they should not carry the purchase. I would use them as tie-breakers after the core tools pass the test.
Think About Who Will Use The Kit
A beginner needs a kit that reduces guesswork, while a more confident home bartender may want a Boston shaker, more strainers, and better expansion potential. Gift buyers usually benefit from sets with recipe support, a clean stand, and polished presentation, because the kit needs to feel complete on arrival. Small-apartment buyers should skip oversized stands unless the bar setup is part of the decor. Frequent hosts can justify wider sets like the Home Hero 22-Piece because extra pourers and accessories see more use. The right kit is less about the longest tool list and more about matching the drinker’s habits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is A Larger Cocktail Kit Always Better?
No. A larger set can be useful for hosting, but it is not automatically better for daily drink making. In this roundup, the Home Hero 22-Piece Set gives the most range, yet the Bare Barrel 14-Piece Boston Shaker Set ranks higher because its tools feel more focused. Extra pieces only help if they support drinks you actually make. For most buyers, measuring, shaking, stirring, and straining matter more than accessory count.
Should I Choose A Boston Shaker Or A Cobbler Shaker?
I would choose a Boston shaker if you want a kit that feels closer to bar technique and gives you more room to grow. A Cobbler shaker is easier to understand at first because the strainer is built in, but it can be less flexible over time. The Bare Barrel 14-piece Boston set suits buyers who want a more capable setup, while the Bare Barrel 16-piece Cobbler set fits casual mixing better. Beginners can start with either, but the Boston format has the longer runway.
Which Cocktail Kit Is Best As A Gift?
The Bare Barrel 14-Piece Boston Shaker Set is my strongest gift pick because it combines a polished look, useful tools, and recipe cards without feeling overstuffed. The Home Hero 22-Piece Set also works well for gifting if the recipient has counter space and likes a fuller display. For a smaller gift, the KITESSENSU 24oz Shaker Set is easier to store and less intimidating. I would match the gift to the recipient’s kitchen space as much as their cocktail interest.
What Should Beginners Look For In A Cocktail Kit?
Beginners should look for clear measuring tools, a manageable number of pieces, and some form of recipe guidance. Too many accessories can slow learning because it is harder to know which tool matters for each drink. The KITESSENSU 24oz Shaker Set is appealing for that reason, while the Bare Barrel recipe-card sets add more guided variety. I would avoid buying the biggest kit first unless hosting is already part of the plan.
When Is It Worth Paying More For A Cocktail Kit?
Paying more makes sense when the upgrade brings better organization, sturdier stainless steel, a more capable shaker, or a stand you will actually leave out. It is less compelling when the price increase only adds small accessories you may never touch. Premium-leaning sets like the Bare Barrel 16-Piece options make sense for buyers who care about presentation and recipe support. If you only make one or two drinks occasionally, a simpler KITESSENSU set may be the smarter spend.
Conclusion
For most buyers, I would choose the Bare Barrel 14-Piece Boston Shaker Set as the best overall cocktail kit because it has the strongest mix of capability, presentation, and learning support. The KITESSENSU 24oz Shaker Set is the best value for beginners, while the Home Hero 22-Piece Set is the better choice for hosts who want a fuller bar station. For a more gift-ready premium feel, I would look at the Bare Barrel 16-Piece sets, choosing the Cobbler version for casual users and the other Bare Barrel 16-piece option for buyers who want more range. If space is tight, skip the largest stands and pick a simpler kit that covers the core tools cleanly.
