Kobalt 154-Piece Standard (SAE) and Metric Polished Chrome Mechanics Tool Set with Hard Case
$129.00
- Contains 86 commonly used 6-point and 12-point sockets, 3 ratchets, 2 extensions, 4 open end combo wrenches, 28 hex keys and 31 additional tools
- New Improved Precise Pro90 Ratchet 90-tooth gear delivers a 4-degree precision swing that offers improved mobility in tight work spaces
- Includes 1/4-in, 3/8-in and 1/2-in drive sockets, ratchets and other drive accessories
- Contains 86 commonly used 6-point and 12-point sockets, 3 ratchets, 2 extensions, 4 open end combo wrenches, 28 hex keys and 31 additional tools
- New Improved Precise Pro90 Ratchet 90-tooth gear delivers a 4-degree precision swing that offers improved mobility in tight work spaces
- Includes 1/4-in, 3/8-in and 1/2-in drive sockets, ratchets and other drive accessories
- Quick-release button on ratchet allows for rapid socket and/or accessory change
- Ratchets, sockets and accessories as well as wrenches are constructed of chrome vanadium steel for strength and durability
- Professional grade, high-polish finish that helps protect your tools from rust and makes cleaning simple
- Sockets are marked with laser-etched size callouts and wrenches are marked with hard-stamped size callouts, and both have red (SAE) and blue (metric) color stripes for quick identification
- Organized in a blow molded case for easy storage and transportation which measures 14.17-in x 20.87-in x 4.21-in and weighs 8.79 pounds
- Meets or exceeds ANSI specifications and is covered by our hassle-free lifetime guarantee
| Weight | 19.4 kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 4.25 × 20.87 × 14.17 cm |
| Brand | Kobalt |
Anonymous –
Alot of the sae and metric are same size so dont need both. Or maybe just have a metric kit, then also when the socket drive size increases have those sockets be bigger. Why would anyone need a 1/2″ drive 7/16″ socket? Would definatley need a 21mm 22mm or 7/8″ but the kit goes up to 19mm and 3/4″ which by the way are same size.
Anonymous –
After using this set for a couple of weeks, I’m pretty happy with it. For starters, the way it’s put together in a big flat container means that it fits behind the seat in my pickup truck, so I’ve got a pretty impressive set of tools with me all the time.
This thing has just about everything you might need to remove a fastener. It has 1/4″, 3/8″ and 1/2″ ratchets and sockets, standard and metric allen wrenches in little pouches, two sided open-end wrenches, and a bunch of screwdriver, allen and torque bits that are interchangeable. It also has a bunch of deep-well sockets and six-point sockets, which are super useful to keep from rounding the heads off stubborn bolts/nuts. I’ve only had it a couple of weeks but everything feels pretty high quality and I can’t really see anything breaking. The sockets have a color coding on them, but I’m not sure if that would be much help to me without memorizing what was what – but everything is labeled on the socket as well so you don’t have to guess what size it is. One thing I really like is that there’s no “right side up” on this socket set – on my old socket set, if you don’t remember which side is facing up, you open the set upside down and all the sockets come spilling out. This one holds every socket individually in place.
If I had to criticize anything about the set it would be the case latches, which are plastic. My experience has been that cases that don’t have metal latches – preferably the metal loop & latch type – the latches eventually break, and then you’re left trying to figure out how to rig the case to keep it together. One good thing about this case is that the handle isn’t super thick, so if the latch does break a good strong loop of velcro around the handle will hold it together.
Other than that it’s a really nice tool set and definitely worth the money. Everything has a lifetime guarantee, and I expect that should be good for a long time since it comes through .
Anonymous –
I was impressed by selection of ratchet and socket sets, especially when compared to the orange box store. It took me a while to analyze the differences and price points to settle on this one. I think this one is the best balance of price and utility. It has a fairly complete array of 1/4″, 3/8″, and 1/2″ sockets and 90-tooth ratchets for each size. Except for the hex keys, each tool is laser etched with its size and snaps into its own receptacle in the blow molded case. Speaking of which, the hex keys and the four wrenches just seem kind of silly, and only seem to be there to up the tool count for the marketing people. Come on… I’m shopping for a socket set, and couldn’t care less about the hex keys or the wrenches. Anyway, the only other thing that seems strange is the way they put the stickers on the case. The full color picture and description appears to be on the “bottom” half, while the complete listing of the included tools is on the “top” half. I may have to just peel them off before they get scruffy looking, anyway. Good quality tools, nice case design.
Anonymous –
Kobalt 154 Piece Mechanics Tool Kit
This tool kit fits my needs perfectly. Very sturdy case, each tool fits in its molded mounting. This makes it easy to see with one glance the tool I need and when the project is finished what tools I need to look for and not leave behind. The kit includes most of the tools I normally need in one place.
Really liked the way the size of the socket is done, makes it easier to find the correct size socket.
The quality is top notch, the sockets are thin wall allowing them to fit in places some of my older sockets do not fit.
The ratchet wrenches are round and smooth fitting my hands the way I want. Even with oil on my hands they do not slip out of my hand. The ratchets are micro step so you only have to turn the socket a very small amount to reach the next locked position.
I only had 2 surprises with the kit:
– Opening the kit for the first time, I assumed the picture of the tools was the top of the case, it was not. No harm done, tools stayed in place but it would be nice to have the picture of the tools on the top of the case and the bar code on the bottom of the case. If I had looked at the latches I would have seen the Kobalt name was upside down when I first went to open it.
– The 1/2 Ratchet wrench is hard to get out without removing the 1/4″ Magnetic Bit Driver.
These surprises did not diminish my satisfaction with the tool kit, its a kit I will use for a long time, especially with Kobalt being around and being able to replace or add to the kit for a long time.
Anonymous –
This is a nice range of tools for twisting in a convenient package. When standing, the plastic case is about 13 inches high, 20.5 inches wide, and 4 inches deep. Each tool snaps firmly into a specific position in the case as shown in the Tools in Case picture. The labels on the tool positions shown in the Box Labels picture were useful when a helper was putting several sockets back in the box. Each socket also has a band of color to identify the series: a red band is used on SAE (English) sockets, and a blue band is used on Metric sockets.I usually know whether I am working with SAE or Metric, and this helps me to grab a socket visually based on apparent size from the right series. Each socket is marked with its size as shown in the Socket Labels picture. I cannot tell how these labels are applied; they may be printed but they are not engraved, stamped, or otherwise embossed. I cannot predict how the labels will hold up through years of use, but I have not seen any problems with them yet.
While this is not an extensive mechanic’s tool set, it does provide a nice range of tools in a package that can be easily carried. There are three groups of sockets, and each group has its own ratchet drive. The two smaller groups also include their own 3 inch extensions. The drive groups are 1/4 inch, 3/8 inch, and 1/2 inch.
The 1/4 inch group includes 10 SAE 6-point sockets in sizes ranging from 5/32 to 1/2, and 5 SAE deep 6-point sockets ranging from 3/16 to 5/16. The 1/4 inch group also includes 10 Metric 6-point sockets in sizes ranging from 4 to 12, and 5 Metric deep 6-point sockets ranging from 7 to 11. This group further includes 4 torx (or star) bits: 15, 20, 25, and 30. These types of fasteners are showing up in more places because they can handle more torque without slipping. As a fastener needs more torque, the ratchet lever arm becomes more useful.
The 3/8 inch group includes 8 SAE 6-point sockets in sizes ranging from 1/4 to 11/16, and 6 Metric 6-point sockets in sizes ranging from 8 to 14. This group also includes 8 SAE 12-point sockets ranging from 7/16 to 7/8 and 8 Metric 12-point sockets ranging from 12 to 19. Deep 12-point sockets are provided with 7 SAE ranging from 3/8 to 3/4, and 6 Metric ranging from 10 to 17. SAE 13/16 and 5/8 spark plug sockets are included in this group. This group further includes 2 torx bits: 40 and 45. This group also contains the more common hex bit with 7 SAE sizes ranging from 1/8 to 3/8 and 6 Metric sizes ranging from 4 to 10.
The largest 1/2 inch group includes 6 SAE 12-point sockets in sizes ranging from 7/16 to 3/4, and 6 Metric 12-point sockets in sizes ranging from 14 to 19.
All three ratchets are 90-tooth quick-release. I like the button release shown in the Ratchet picture with the number 90. I have an older ratchet that does not have this quick release feature, and I often have difficulty removing a socket from that ratchet when my hands are slippery. Sockets are easily removed from these ratchets by pressing the button. The lever in the picture reverses the direction of the ratchet, and the levers worked smoothly for me.
The number of teeth on a ratchet involves a trade-off. More teeth provide finer ratchet position resolution while fewer teeth support greater ratchet torque. The 90 teeth on these ratchets favor the finer resolution, and this is a good choice for this tool set because these are smaller ratchets used with smaller sockets. The advantage of 90 teeth becomes apparent when working in a tight space where the arc of movement for the ratchet is limited. My older ratchet has fewer teeth and coarser arc resolution, and using it in tight spaces can be frustrating when I run out of ratchet clicks before I run out of swing space.
The set also includes several other convenient tools. The set includes 4 open-end wrenches: two SAE and two Metric. There is also a nice magnetic bit driver with 10 bits: 3 Phillips, 3 slot, 2 square, and 2 torx in different sizes.
Finally there are two plastic pouches containing hex keys. One pouch contains 14 SAE hex keys, and the other pouch contains 14 Metric hex keys. All of these hex keys are in the typical El-shaped form factor.
This brings me to the only minor complaint that I have about this set. When I first opened the box, both of these plastic pouches had what appeared to be separations or cuts so that they do not hold the hex keys well. The Damaged Pouch picture shows one of the pouches with the front and back partially separated and a tear or cut into the clear front material. This definitely should not be a deal breaker. It was just a minor disappointment for an otherwise great product.
Anonymous –
I’m not going to rehash all of the manufacturer’s info like some people do. Rather, here are the down and dirty facts of this set:
For the money, this is a good overall kit. Not great, but good. For most people it will probably suffice fine; however, I tend to like my tools, and go overboard on quality. I’m of the mindset that I’d rather pay more for something up front and keep it forever, than to buy something cheap several times over as it wears out and breaks. That being said, here’s my take on this kit.
First, the ratchets are incredible. They alone may be worth the entire price of the kit. The 90 click resolution is really very helpful, and the action is nice. There isn’t any looseness, wobble, or other cheapness. They feel good in the hand, and give the impression of a high quality tool. These ratchets are by FAR my favorite part of the kit.
Second, the sockets. Well, they suffice. About half the time they did the job, and about half of the time I had to go scrounging out of other kits. While the kit offers some shallow and some deep well, some 6 point and some 12 point, some metric and some SAE, some 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 drive, it doesn’t offer all of these options in all the combinations. You’d think it may not matter, but it ended up mattering to me several times. The 1/2″ sockets are somewhat limited. I was working on the front brakes of our SUV and needed a 15/16″ socket…this kit doesn’t include anything that large. The sockets are chrome vanadium and seem decent quality, but don’t have that high end feel to them. I give the sockets a medium rating. They do the job, but don’t seem up to the same quality of the ratchets (note, the sockets are of the quality I would expect in this kit…it’s just that the ratchets impressed me more than I was expecting!)
Third, other random info. It doesn’t really matter, but the kit seems upside down. Meaning the sticker that seems like it would indicate the top of the case is on the bottom, and vice versus. It doesn’t matter so much, but the first few times opening the case, I had it upside down. The case is very nice, and does seem sturdy. The latches have more heft than I was expecting and seem like they’ll last. The kit doesn’t include any extensions in the 3/8 or 1/2 size. That seems lacking. Also, there are no “universal” or “knuckle joint” or swivel adapters. There are no adapters between the different drive sizes. The end wrenches offer you a few choices but are sparse. I wish they would’ve left the wrenches out, and provided some larger sized sockets personally. The allen wrenches are other torx/screwdriver type sockets are decent quality, but they are made of a metal that rusts very easily. My socket set got sprinkled on lightly with rain, and a week later there was a large amount of rust on the torx sockets. Make sure to spray down your kit with a protective film of oil (WD40, etc) to prevent this.
Well, there you have it. That’s my thoughts. This is a decent basic kit. It will get you through the small/medium sized projects, but is a little lacking on the bigger or more involved jobs. The ratchets will make you feel like this kit was money well spent. The sockets and wrenches will remind you that you got a medium quality kit…which isn’t necessarily bad…but it is what it is. All in all, I was impressed with the kit, and it’s a decent buy for the money.
Happy wrenching!!
Anonymous –
Let me get this out of the way fast, if you do mechanic work for a living, this is not your set, but it will get most jobs done. I used the set recently to install some options on my car, they performed very well, was able to get into some tighter spaces without much difficulty.
The set is trying to cover a lot of possibilities. It contains 3 ratchets 1/4-3/8-1/2 all with 90 tooth gears and not much take-up so they have decent maneuverability for average jobs. The socket selection breaks down as you might expect with the 1/4′ drive taking the smaller sizes in both SAE and Metric, progressing up. The sockets are color coded with a red or blue groove to designate SAE or metric. Looking at the sockets themselves, they chose to supply both 6 point and 12 point, both have advantages, my personal preference would be 6 points. In my opinion having both 6 point and 12 point sockets goes toward covering the most possibilities. Surprising the set includes hex sockets and torx sockets, very nice. They also throw in a screw driver bit set 4 open end wrenches and a hex set in both SAE and Metric. Two spark plug sockets also included.
It is a nice set to have around that covers most of any home/car owner needs, maybe keep a set in the motor home.
Lets talk quality, I would call this a good quality set not professional grade or cost, in my set I can see some blemishes. These are not an issue at all, and perhaps shows me humans were involved at some point. I can see that someone touched a socket before the paint dried. The tools have a chrome finish, which will make cleaning after use easy. Very nice case, hard plastic with solid latches and good tool retention, this case will stay closed. easy storage. I like the set.
Anonymous –
This tool set will replace a 40+ year old set of Craftsman tools that have many lost sockets.
The set comes in a plastic carrying case that looks like it will last many years. The case has real hinges, not just a piece of plastic that will bend and break after a while. Every tool has its place in the box.
The metric sockets are all identified with a blue stripe, while the US sockets have a red stripe. The size seems to be etched, not actually stamped into the metal, so I wonder if it will wear off with use. They are a little hard to read in dim light. The Kobalt name and part numbers are stamped into the metal, so I wonder why the sizes couldn’t be as well.
The ratchets seem to be well made and come in three different drive sizes: ¼, ⅜ and ½. Most of the sockets are standard depth, but there are several deep sockets in ¼ and ⅜ drive. I think the hex and star drive sockets will be handy. US and Metric allen wrenches and a hand driver with several bits completes the set.
The ratchet handles are all round. I think the more rectangular handles in my old Craftsman set are more comfortable, but time will tell.
All in all, this seems to be a complete set and will able to last through several years hard use. A lifetime guarantees they will be useful for many years.
Anonymous –
Great price and good quality for a couple starting out on their own. Has everything they need in the event of a surprise repair.
Anonymous –
It’s great that the sizing is embossed on the side of the sockets. It makes it easy to find and see the size. The sockets have color coded bands to help quickly distinguish red being standard blue is metric.
It has a good variety of sockets for most jobs around the house. Great carrying case to keep them together and handy. Its nice that the plug sockets have a rubber insert to help keep from breaking plugs and to hold the plug for extraction. There are two extensions one for the 1/4 and 3/8 inch ratchets.
The only disappointments are that there is not an extension for the 1/2 inch ratchet. If the bit case had been just a little longer a square head bit could have been added so the screwdriver handle could be used for all the 1/4 inch sockets as a nut driver.
Anonymous –
I have a small chest full of tools I have purchased over the years. Recently, I found myself always needing a specific piece in a tool-set I’ve had for several years. While doing inventory of the set, I realized it was time to replace it due to several missing as well as broken pieces within. Having purchased several minor yet dependable Kolbalt tools in the past few years, I pre-decided to purchase the Kolbalt brand. I also just purchased a nastalgic motorcycle which was in need of some tlc. Several of the bolts and taps where somewhat seized tightly, having set for many years. The tools in this case handled the job like a boss! Sturdy construction, ergonomically designed and the kit is organized to a T! No doubt this kit will serve all my needs for a long time to come! Definitely would recommend Kolbalt tools for any job at hand. If you are looking for quality, the proof is in the pudding!
Anonymous –
It’s a nice solid set not a decent price. it will work for most things I need.
Anonymous –
It has been a great tool set. Kobalt makes solid hand tools, and the case has held up well. I can’t complain about the quality, but the selection could be better. More wrench sizes, and also wrenches should have box-ends. Wrenches without box-ends are frustrating.
Anonymous –
This set of tools has a nice quality feel to them. Overall the set is very nice and has great assortment of sockets, hex drives, star drives, open wrenches, and spark plug sockets.
When I first opened the case there were a few sockets that had come loose from the case and the storage bags for the allen wrenches were torn. The loose sockets could just be a shipping issue and only time will tell if the case loosens up enough to cause issues in the future with sockets ending up all over the place. The storage bags for the allen wrenches could use an overhaul to a more durable material that does not tear as easily. I will probably just remove them from the box or put them in a different bag to make sure they don’t end up all over the place inside the case.
All of the sockets are laser etched, but the etching can be difficult to see depending on the lighting. The sockets are also color coded with red and blue paint for metric and standard, which is a nice touch. I had no issues using the different tools in the set for various tasks around the garage.
The stickers on the outside of the case seem to be backwards from how you would expect them and make you want to open the case upside down. The sticker with the description of the tools is on the top and the full color picture is on the bottom. When I tried to peel them off, the stickers left a sticky residue that required some cleaning with alcohol to remove. It would be nice if these stickers were designed to be easily removable.
Overall these tools are of good quality and I would recommend them to anyone looking for a complete set of sockets and ratchets to keep in the garage.
Anonymous –
Whether you are a DIY’er like me or a professional, this set is a great value for you!
With both Metric and SAE sizes and 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 inch drives included in this set, along with extensions, you have a wide variety available to handle most jobs. With the addition of an extension, torque wrench and breaker bar you are set to do many jobs for the home mechanic. Sockets for both Metric and SAE are color coded for easy recognition.
It also includes metric and SAE Allen wrenches, deep well sockets, spark plug sockets and a set of bits for the handheld screwdriver.
Overall a great set the only minor thing that could be a negative for me is that I do prefer a textured handle vs a smooth one. But that’s just me.
A great value, very easy to say that if you purchase this set, you won’t be sorry.
Anonymous –
First let me say i am a Loop member and got the set for free to review, but here is my unbiased opinion. The set overall is a great little set. The SAE and Metric sockets have easy to identify, different colored bands. It isa complex set for the price charged and the pieces are tough. I have used the set exclusively since i got it for things at home from garage doors to pool work to gate and fence repair. I have also worked on cars from changing out an oil pan to replacing power steering pumps and half shafts. It has held up to some abuse. There are both 6 and 12 point sockets and most of the sizes you need. There are only a few faults with the kit.
Faults: The plastic case will allow the socket wrenches to fall out when the case gets warm. Also the socket wrenches have a single flip switch to pick between on and off and during use that can get bumped in tight quarters. At that point you have to stop and select on or off again, can be annoying.
Overall great bang for the buck and would choose this over craftsman sets now.
Anonymous –
Overall this is an impressive array of standard and metric sockets, drive rachets, and extensions. It also includes hex keys, open end wrenches, and various bits, as well as a spark plug socket.
It’s a hefty collection, weighing slightly over 18 pounds, and comes packed in a hard plastic case.
A few things jumped out at me which you can file under the heading, “Picky, Picky, Picky.”
First, the blue plastic locking latches on the case seem a little flimsy to me, but only time will tell if they hold up with hundreds of opening and closings. I like that the standard and metric sockets are color coded with a red or blue band, but a couple of the blue ones had paint smears on the socket. Lastly, when I opened the case a dozen of the sockets were loose. That was a big complaint of mine with a Sears Craftsmen set of sockets I had. However, I’m willing to give these the benefit of the doubt since they were shipped by UPS, and that’s a lot of extra jostling that normally they probably won’t get.
They look well made and substantial. They come with a lifetime warranty, always a good thing. They’ll probably last longer than I will. Other than a few minor cosmetic issues with the set I got, I think I’m going to enjoy using these.