Kobalt 20-Piece Standard (SAE) and Metric Polished Chrome Mechanics Tool Set with Hard Case
$32.98
- This 1/4-inch drive set contains 18 commonly used 6-point sockets, one ratchet and a 3-inch extension
- 6-Point design helps to reduce risk of slippage and rounding
- 90-Tooth ratcheting design provides 4 degrees of arc swing
- This 1/4-inch drive set contains 18 commonly used 6-point sockets, one ratchet and a 3-inch extension
- 6-Point design helps to reduce risk of slippage and rounding
- 90-Tooth ratcheting design provides 4 degrees of arc swing
- Quick-release button on ratchets allows for rapid socket and/or accessory change
- SAE socket sizes include 5/32, 3/16, 7/32, 1/4, 5/16, 11/32, 3/8, 7/16 and 1/2-inch
- Metric socket sizes include 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,11 and 12mm
- Organized in a blow-molded case for convenient storage and easy transportation which measures 6-in x 8-in x 3-in and weighs 1.76 pounds
- Meets or exceeds ANSI specifications
- Tools are covered by our hassle-free lifetime guarantee
| Weight | 1.76 kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 3.0 × 8.0 × 6.0 cm |
| Brand | Kobalt |
Anonymous –
Product is packaged in a nice sturdy plastic box. Not too big so not difficult to carry but a small handle would have been really nice to have. Easy to open and close. Everything is very clearly marked inside on the plastic and is spaced out enough to make access easy. Plenty of room but some are a little snug and hard to pull out but of course if you dropped box then they wont fall all out. The ratchet is small but solid, it also has a push button lock for the extender which is nice.
Easy to operate and smooth. Tried it out around my house today by tightening up some bolts, worked perfectly. I feel like this is a handy set to have in the home as its easy to use and store. I would recommend this too as a great starter set and a perfect christmas gift. This would also come in real handy to keep in vehicle.
Anonymous –
I didnt like it one bit once i got.my order.i was.missing a socket out.of it thanks for that.
Anonymous –
Work great out of the box, convenient box, good size
Anonymous –
I bought this set for doing oil changes for work. I am a forklift mechanic and I have been looking for a small compact set to be able to be able to grab quickly and do oil changes. The only thing I wish they would have done is start with an 8mm socket instead of a 9mm as the 9 is pretty much useless. It was an easy fix though, I bought a loose 8mm for $3 and just switched it out with the 9. The ratchet feels great though, very sturdy feeling and operates smoothly!
Anonymous –
First off, I’m not a very handy person when it comes to tools. This Kobalt set has really proven to be helpful in the times I’ve used it. It has a nice sturdy box in order to keep the sockets all arranged neatly and nicely so they don’t get loose and fall all over. The ratchet itself is really nice. It’s a compact and easy to hold size, but has a nice weighted feel to it. I’ve used this for various jobs in the house and it’s proven to be useful. The SAE and Metric sockets are a great snug fit on the various bolts I’ve used them on and have proven to be quite useful. The small compact size of the case is handy for me to keep in the car so that I can do quick jobs while on the go if needed. If I’m at a friend/family members house, I can easily run to my trunk and get this little but useful set. I had an issue at work with my desk and light assembly. Fortunately I had this in my car and was able to utilize it and fix my situation at my office desk. I recommend this set and think it would be useful for beginners or advanced individuals due to it’s compact, but useful size and form.
Anonymous –
Seams to be built well have not used the set yet looks to be a heavy duty rachet set would be nice if it included a spinner handle
Anonymous –
The case held sockets a bit tight, hard to get a socket out. Sockets were color coded so could easily tell metric from standard.
Anonymous –
Just the right size set.
Anonymous –
Overall it felt slightly less durable than I’d like but it did the trick. I wonder how long they would last with normal wear and tear but I don’t need them often so works good for me.
Anonymous –
I have many sockets and sockets sets in the garage. I however wanted a smaller set I could keep in the house without going through all the sets in the garage and assembling with a ratchet and extension etc. This set looked like it would be filling that need. The issues isn’t with the tools themselves which I found to be decent. It was that the box they are kept in holds the sockets so tight that I have get a screwdriver to put inside the socket a pry them out. (Look at the pics of the box interior. They don’t sit upright in slot, they are pressed into the plastic from the sides). It was nearly impossible to conveniently remove them bare handed, especially the smaller sockets. After all no one like a fingernail bent backwards. When I returned the kit asked if there was an issue. I said try to remove them and the returns counter couldn’t either with just their hands. With all that said if you are going to put these tools in a tool box or add to another kit without this holding power on the stock case I think you’ll find the quality of the tools acceptable especially with the sale price. At this time the press fit style of the box just won’t work well for me.
Anonymous –
The Kobalt mechanic ratchet set is a very simple set ideal for anyone’s tool set. The well-made case contains (and displays) 9 metric socket fittings, 9 inch socket fittings, a drive extension, and the ratchet itself. The case, like the ratchet, is meant to take a beating.
The fittings hold their grip with no give and the bearing release is reliable. The chrome finish on the ratchet and sockets disguise the sturdy metal construction of all the pieces, which are meant for continual wear and tear.
The quick-release mechanism and thumb switch both require breaking in before continual use. The quick-release isn’t so quick for the first few uses, but eventually the bearing ball kicks in – as with the thumb switch. Regardless of the minor quirk, the Kobalt socket set is a good basic tool set ideal for anybody’s collection.
Anonymous –
I’m a huge fan of Kobalt mechanics tools. They have all been very high quality from the case to the smallest socket. Made in Taiwan, and I know what you’re thinking. I’m a made in USA guy too, but if it is not made in USA, Taiwan has almost the same quality standards.
This set is a 1/4 ratchet, which Kobalt recently upgraded to 90 teeth, and contains both metric and inch sockets. However, if you need anything above 1/2 or 10mm, look for a bigger piece set with a 3/8 ratchet and larger sizes. This is perfect for tasks where you need a smaller ratchet and smaller sizes in a compact easy to carry set up. Also comes with a 3” extension which is handy! When Kobalt upgraded to the 90 tooth ratchet, the switch changed directions to a more traditional right side loosens and left side tightens. I like that, but if you have other Kobalt stuff it is the opposite. Not a big deal, in my opinion, because the 18 extra teeth are worth it!!
My favorite part of the set is the case(with the 11/32 socket a close second!) . Even though the tools are super durable, the case keeps them organized and neat. Nothing worse than not being able to find a tool you know you own. This set is kept in my truck along with a larger briefcase Kobalt set and a 24 pc 3/8 set. The 3/8 set has been with me since I purchased my first home. It has been beaten, abused, and misused. I even used a socket with an impact with some 4” lags and the 12 point did not round out. This is the same set in a 1/4 ratchet size. They could make it a little smaller for this set, but it will still fit under the seat of any car.
Lifetime warranty. I have never had to use it though. But it’s really good to know it’s there. Here is the best way to describe this set and Kobalt mechanics tools as a whole: quality, easy to use, and intuitive. Polished ratchets and sockets. So when you use them hard they are easy to wipe off before storing. Color coded metric and inch. Metric is blue and inch is red. And it won’t wear off either! Laser etched sizes so you can easily look at it and tell what you have in your hand(or in the case). These are all features that hardcore mechanics want because it makes the tool better to use.
Last thing, although I mentioned how passionate I am about Kobalts mechanic tools, I was loyal to another brand. You know, the red brand :). 3rd generation all I used as a kid loyal. So when I had both side-by-side, and after having to really use them as a homeowner and weekend warrior mechanic, there was no comparison. If you have not tried Kobalt mechanics tools, I encourage you to give them a shot. I am
very confident you will feel the same way!
Anonymous –
The sockets and extensions are fine, I’ve used the ratchet for a few years in a professional setting alongside ratchets of various quality, some better, not many worse. My biggest gripe is the switch. It’s always been too easy to manipulate but as I’ve used it the switch has gotten more and more loose, almost always moving itself while I’m using it. It’s obvious that this isn’t a nice ratchet, especially because it’s not a model you can buy separately. If you plan on using this tool with any regularity I’d get something else.
Anonymous –
This is a really handy tool set to add to my tool collection. The set includes a variety of 6-point sockets, from 5/32 inches to 10 mm-12mm, which easily fit on small to medium sized bolts. The compact ratchet makes this much more convenient to carry around especially with the nice and sturdy hard covered case that it comes with. Fits nicely in my tool bag and doesn’t take up too much room. The double closure lock on the case (snaps closed at the top and bottom) gives me confidence that it won’t accidentally open and spill the sockets all over the place.
Note that the set doesn’t come with any directions, which is why I gave it 4 stars instead of 5. I guess the maker presumes everyone who buys this just knows how to use it. They could’ve merely put a folded illustration of some sort on how to use it in the dead space at the top of the case. In case you don’t know, there are plenty of how-to guides online.
Nonetheless, this new shiny tool and the ease of its operation made me want to take care of a bunch of long neglected projects. So far, I’ve used this set to undo the bolts on my son’s car door to change a sideview mirror, assemble furniture that came with nuts & bolts but no tools, and tighten the bolts on my bikes, furniture, and exercise equipment that have loosened over time. That click, click, click sound is just so satisfying.
Bottom line: I would recommend this. It’s handy and compact with a very useful case.
Anonymous –
I found the quality of the Kobalt 20 piece ¼-inch drive set outstanding. They have the look and solid weight of quality tools. The 6-point sockets grip well. I had no problems using any of the items in the set. The ratchet has a smooth action. The individual sockets are all labeled clearly and color coded for SAE/Metric. The only issue I found with the set is the large case. The case is 8”x6”x3” which may not seem like a large case but if you see in the attached pictures, the metric sockets are extremely far apart on the top of the case. The sockets all snap in and the case is tough, but I feel like the case could have been smaller.
Pros:
Solid feel
Quality action
6-point grip
Clear labels
Color coded
Tough case
Cons:
I consider the case a little big for this set.
Overall, I think this is a great set.
Anonymous –
I would have liked to find a set like this for a little less money, but I couldn’t, so I guess I can’t really complain about the price. It’s a complete set like I was looking for and I really like the case. Anything cheaper either doesn’t contain a case or is incomplete.
Anonymous –
This could be an awesome product, but it’s been crippled by not having some socket sizes (one SAE in particular) and some useful socket drive accessories. The worst of it is a massive blow molded box with enormous wasted space that doesn’t allow completing this set with additional sockets and drive accessories. What on Earth were those that designed this thinking?
1. Most glaring is the SAE side missing a 9/32″ socket. Has 7/32″ and 11/32″ but they couldn’t toss in another pocket somewhere with a 9/32″ socket in all that wasted space?
2. Most other brand sets also have 1/4″, 5/16″ and 3/8″ 8-point sockets for common SQUARE nuts and bolt and screw heads. Did those who put this together NEVER assemble any furniture or metal racks, or use any carriage bolts or lag screws? Not as glaring as the missing 9/32″ but nearly so. Buy those and there’s NO place to put them in all the wasted space inside the massive box.
3. Would be much better if it also had 4.5mm and 5.5mm sockets on the metric side. Not quite as bad as the missing SAE size, but no place for these to fit in the box either.
3. A 3″ extension is OK but where is a 6″ extension? Most sets from other brands have a 2″ or 3″ AND a 6″ extension. If you buy one, there’s NO place to put it in the box! Thought there might be room under the ratchet, but nope, none to be had.
4. A 1/4″ to 1/4″ universal adapter is also a staple item in 1/4″ drive sets, but not this one. Like the 6″ extension, if you buy one, there’s no place to put it.
5. A breaker bar can be extremely handy to work with nuts and bolt heads that have too little clearance around them for the ratchet head, and can be useful to work on stubborn fasteners. In addition, with the head in line with the handle, it can be used to spin the fastener. Good ones have a hole through the handle, not for hanging on a peg, but for using a steel rod to make a T-handle out of it (a strong shank Phillips driver can be used for this). Like the 6″ extension, clearly no place for this in the box either.
6. A driver handle, also called a “spinner”, is a common item in many 1/4″ drive sets allowing the sockets to be used with it as a nut driver. Replaces having separate nut driver set. As with everything else one might want to add, there’s no place to put one in the box. The Kobalt one is too bulbous and bulky as well. It also lacks a 1/4″ drive socket in the handle which allows the ratchet to be used with it for additional torque. Not all have it, but many do.
7. The last item would be a 1/4″ drive to 3/8″ drive socket adapter. Not as important as the rest, but can be useful to allow a bit larger 3/8″ drive socket to be used with a driver handle in particular, as a larger nut driver. As with all of the above, no place for it either.
Understandably, the boxes in the are sealed with cable ties to prevent theft of their contents. I’ve posted a photo with this review for all to see how the box is over well over twice the size it needs to be with enormous space wasted inside that cannot be used for anything. Buy a different socket set, not this one, or be prepared to spend at least 1-1/2 as much more as the cost of this set to add missing socket sizes and common accessories, including buying a different tool box to store it all in as NOTHING can be added to this set and stored inside the box. The photos compare this monstrous waste of tool chest and work bench drawer space with a much more complete 1/4″ drive socket set in very heavy gauge metal box from the 1970’s. It’s about 40 years old. Has a driver handle (aka spinner), 6″ extension, breaker bar, universal joint and a 3/8″ drive adapter that allows using these drivers with 3/8″ drive sockets if desired that the Kobalt doesn’t have. Has a complete SAE set including 9/32″ and a complete 4mm – 14mm metric, plus a 5.5mm (but not a 4.5mm). Also has the trio of 8-pt sockets for common size square head lag screws, nuts and bolts. Much, much more in about 1/3rd the volume. Some of those drive accessories, and the metric sockets didn’t come with the original set. I added them over the years. Having to fabricate my own metal box now to replace the abomination the Kobalt set came in, so I can pack in the missing and desired accessories, missing socket sizes, and store it in less than 1/3rd the space. and Kobalt need to take a serious lesson from this so that someone doesn’t have to cobble together a proper socket set from a partial one.
Anonymous –
At 8″ X 5 1/2″ the plastic case is durable with a metal hinge pin and positive locking latch. Although compact, the case (3″ deep) is perhaps twice what it needs to be – still, a nice size which fits nicely in my tool chest.
The 6-point sockets are labeled on each one for ease of identification and organization. Additionally, the colored stripe (red = standard (SAE); blue = metric) is an added benefit.
The 90-tooth ratchet which provides 4* of arc swing is great in tight places. As was mentioned in another review, I too believe the ratchet handle could have been an inch longer (and still fit in the slot in the case). The knurling on the extension bar provides a grip surface for initial tightening of screws.
Overall, a very handy, useful socket set.
Anonymous –
The Case:
Pros: The Plastic Case is very attractive and appealing to the eye. It appears to be very durable, hinge system utilizes metal in addition to the plastic, I would expect the hinge system to last much longer than other plastic cases that only utilize plastic as the hinge.
Con: The case seems to be deeper that it needs to be and would take up less space if thinner.
The Sockets:
Pros: The color coding stripe is excellent to determine the difference between the MM and standard Sockets. Sizes provided are the most commonly used sizes for the DIY’er.
The Ratchet and Extension Bar:
The knurling on the shaft of the extension bar is useful while holding the extension and doing any initial tightening of the nut or bolt. The size of the ratchet is nice and compact but, it would have been more comfortable to me if it had been about one inch longer, The size of the packaging would have allowed for the longer length.
Overall this is an excellent product and I feel that it will be very useful.
Anonymous –
I received this set yesterday. The finish was excellent, heavily chromed and the ratchet is 90 toothed and very smooth operating. The sockets are beautifully finished as well. I immediately compared it to my Kobalt 115 piece set I bought two years ago. The difference is daylight and dark. I have not liked my original 115 piece set from the beginning. The ratchets are 72 toothed, are rough ratcheting, lock up if you put too much pressure on them, and gum up easily and have to be cleaned with penetrating oil. I have often had to take a tool to reverse the lever. I have returned them once but the replacements are just as bad. In addition, the sockets and wrenches have a rough finish that rusts easily. This new set renewed my faith in the Kobalt tool brand. I also think the finish will be much more rust resistant. I look forward to getting some miles on the set to see if it continues to perform as well as my first impression. And I have every expectation that the will.