Klein KNECT Sets

[FMC1959]

Every time I go into a store, products keep going up in price; I have lost perspective on what is a good price.

Lately, I have been wanting to get some of the Klein KNECT sets. In particular, the ones I would like to get are the 33801, 33805, and the 65400KNECT.

I know there are those of you who love Klein, and those who hate them... to each their own. I am looking for opinions on anyone that owns either the mentioned models, or any of the KNECT sets. Even if you don't own any, but have had a chance to use them, what are your thoughts.

I have seen reviews where some find they are overpriced, hence my initial comment. Others find they are decent price for you get.

Last thing, does Klein run specials during the year, somewhat regularly? Independent retailers rarely have Klein specials unless they are getting rid of an old model or overstock.

 

[willf650]

I have this one: KNECT Complete Impact Pass Through and Flip Socket Set, 39-Piece https://www.lowes.com/pd/Klein-Tools-Complete-Klein-KNECT-Set/5015186595

I got it as a Christmas gift as my girlfriend asked me what I wanted. It’s in my work truck and think I’ve used it twice. I kinda wish I got the one you posted instead simply due to it being smaller. I have to tote all my tools to where I work and weight literally plays a significant role in the tools I pick for work. This thing stays in the truck.

That said I picked this set up a few weeks ago and love it.
KNECT Impact Pass Through and Flip Socket Starter Set, 21-Piece https://www.lowes.com/pd/Klein-Tools-Klein-KNECT-Starter-Set/5015186589

I use it for doing electrical work mounting stuff and building racks and all my hardware is 1/4” or 3/8” diameter and it’s great for that.

That being said I wouldn’t buy the Knect stuff as something I would use working in my garage on my motorcycles. The ratchets aren’t anything special and the fact you don’t have a universal joint, wobble extension or long extensions limit their usefulness in working on vehicles.

 

[retDAC]

FWIW the KNECT are probably made by Kabo.

Other brands using Kabo:
J Cornwell Go Thru
J Fobi Through Socket
J Kabo Cross-Ratchet OEM?
J Klein KNECT Pass Through
J Powerbuilt Bolt-Thru
J Titan EXO-Drive

 

[1982fxr]

Why would anyone hate Klein?

 

[FMC1959]

Why would anyone hate Klein?

Why would anyone hate Snap On...there are always haters. Besides, I have heard from many loyal fans of Klein complaining that they do not make their tools with the same quality from a few years ago; I don't know if there is any truth, but people can dislike anything.

 

[FMC1959]

Anyone know about Klein and specials? Yes they do, like once or twice per year, or rarely.

I want to get those KNECT packs, but no hurry so any kind of special would be good.

 

[FMC1959]

Also, anyone find they are super cheap, or really well made...just middle of the road.

I heard they were selling well, so there has to be some that have used them.

Everyone has their reasons on what they would get; for me, the pass-thru ratchet set is a metric/SAE pretty complete set in a very small package; easily fits in a glove compartment.

The screwdriver set is again, very complete screwdriver/impact bit set. The screwdriver extends to almost stubby to about 8 inches, and then comes out completely to go on an impact driver. So just grabbing this set and an impact driver, I am good with any fastener situation.

I like that they are all small footprint but fairly complete

 

[willf650]

Also, anyone find they are super cheap, or really well made...just middle of the road.

I heard they were selling well, so there has to be some that have used them.

Everyone has their reasons on what they would get; for me, the pass-thru ratchet set is a metric/SAE pretty complete set in a very small package; easily fits in a glove compartment.

The screwdriver set is again, very complete screwdriver/impact bit set. The screwdriver extends to almost stubby to about 8 inches, and then comes out completely to go on an impact driver. So just grabbing this set and an impact driver, I am good with any fastener situation.

I like that they are all small footprint but fairly complete

I would say they are middle of the road in quality but my use is limited. I’ve been using the Knect S for a few weeks but it has been setting anchors, mounting stuff on walls and making strut racks. The Knect M you’re looking at I’ve only used on about 5 bolts and have had it since Christmas.

My use is not your typical “garage” stuff. I have been taking advantage of the 1/4” hex impact adapters and nut driver handle.

They are a small foot print if you consider they are both a standard and deep socket.

 

[Steel_Rain]

I wanted to circle back to this topic. Klein doesn't say what field KNECT is actually targeted for. Not sure what everyone else thinks when they hear Klein Tools, but for me, it's Electricians and Tradesmen (Pro's). Maybe I should just assume it's for that.

That said, has anyone found use for these in Automotive? Reading the above, It appears these are mid-level tools and Klein's page is about as bland and basic as it comes:

KNECT™ Driving and Fastening Systems

Klein Tools KNECT™ innovative impact-ready driving and fastening system is the future of interchangeable usage on the jobsite. Klein KNECT™ multi-purpose adapters make the switch between screwdriver handles, impact wrenches and pass-through sockets as easy as KNECT and go. Socket Sets...

www.kleintools.com

"Klein Tools KNECT™ innovative impact-ready driving and fastening system is the future of interchangeable usage on the jobsite. Klein KNECT™ multi-purpose adapters make the switch between screwdriver handles, impact wrenches and pass-through sockets as easy as KNECT and go. Socket Sets, Screwdriver Kits, and Nut Driver Kits all with easy access storage cases featuring a compact, modular system with a clear lid that is compatible with MODbox™ Mobile Workstation and stackable with other KNECT™ cases."

 

[FMC1959]

Of all the portable storage systems like Packout and ToughSystem, in the mini or small storage, I personally find this KNECT system to be among the best and probably has put out more choices than the competitors.

I ended up getting models 33801, 33805, and the 65400KNECT. The 33801 are just bits, which every brand has, 33805 is a screwdriver with extendable shaft plus bits and sockets. 65400KNECT has all the pass through sockets in metric and SAE, plus pass through extension, ratchet and handle.

Another poster said the ratchet isn't anything special. I have been using that set, just have not used the ratchet yet. I have many ratchets and usually grab the best one in my box, just habit, but in reality, personally I am not a ratchet snob. Any ratchet will do in the end (usually the closest). If I was working on cars all day and grabbing a ratchet multiple time per day, I might fell different.

All can be found by many other brands, but it is their compact and neatly organized case that makes them easy to carry all that you need. I like them and will probably get another couple of kits down the road.

 

[terrific]

All can be found by many other brands, but it is their compact and neatly organized case that makes them easy to carry all that you need.

I only have the bit set, and I don't think I'll grab any more unless I specifically need a pass-through ratchet for some reason. I can only reiterate that those cases are fantastic and the clasp is really well designed.

 

[willf650]

I can say at this point I would not recommend the Knect socket set for general use.

The lack of longer extensions and universal joints is more of a hindrance than the pass through is a benefit.

For electrical work they are great, for plumbing/hvac/pipe fitting they aren’t anywhere near large enough In size only going to 3/4”.

I recently needed to use the set for a bolt close to a wall. A normal ratchet with an extension would have enough flex in it to offset the ratchet away from the wall. The Knect set even with the extension has no give so it is unable to be used in this scenario. I can see needing to offset the ratchet away from a fastener or far away from it way more than needing the pass through.

 

[Steel_Rain]

I can say at this point I would not recommend the Knect socket set for general use.

Thanks for this feedback. I can't really expect Klein to produce something specialized for Automotive, that's not really the past/current direction they have ever taken. Sounds like even in general use these might be to specialized. I'm not an electrician, but I have done my own electrical work, but not enough to really warrant investing into 3-4 sets of these.

 

[Steel_Rain]

Speaking of Klein Knect sets, these are on sale:

Lowes deals/sales/clearance

Bora saw horses on clearance at my local Lowes

www.garagejournal.com