Kobalt Tool-Check

[Steel_Rain]

Looks like Kobalt is getting into the Wera Tool-Check knockoff's:

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-41-Piece-Metric-Chrome-Mechanics-Tool-Set-with-Hard-Case/5016175061

For $30 bucks, looks interesting.

Youtube review:

I have a new Wera Tool-Check "Modular" Plus on order with KC tool, but I may pick this up anyways.

 

[cody1325]

I just found out about this myself. Lowe's shows having three in stock at my local store, so I'm getting one.

Figure this will be good for a lot of hobby and small engine stuff--as it's got most bits and sockets I actually use on those.

 

[roofdweller49]

https://www.reddit.com/r/Tools/comments/1lh2qhb
Doesn't sound ideal...

 

[cody1325]

https://www.reddit.com/r/Tools/comments/1lh2qhb
Doesn't sound ideal...

Yep. I was pretty disappointed myself also.

Lowe's has two options that are much better--an extensive 1/4 drive socket and bit set for $25 (with a great ratchet), as well as a Wiha bit driver/ratchet combo for $35-ish. Not to mention, the Icon set--given these days most places now have a local Harbor Freight.


It'll do the job, but amongst next month's purchase of 3D printing-related tools will be an actual Toolcheck-- metric plus maybe the Tool Check Mini from the advent calendar for pocket carry (and I really want those Kraftform salt and pepper shakers!).

 

[Steel_Rain]

I was pretty disappointed myself also.

Eh, I must agree. I was just was giving it a few days to confirm. The case lets it down and ratchet *****. The tool quality is very low. I could take it back, but eh, that’s the trouble here, for the money, it’s just, eh.

 

[Steel_Rain]

Speaking of Kobalt mini sets, I picked this up recently:





Interesting little set, very compact. I like the double ended ratcheting wrench and the socket quality is decent. Lots of bits to choose from too.

 

[cody1325]

Just dropped mine and one of the socket holders broke completely off.

Wondering if warranty will cover that, even though a couple sockets are missing.

 

[Steel_Rain]

Just dropped mine and one of the socket holders broke completely off.

Wondering if warranty will cover that, even though a couple sockets are missing.

I think the "Lifetime Warranty" applies to the tools only, not the case/holder.

 

[neophyte]

Looks like Kobalt is getting into the Wera Tool-Check knockoff's:

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-41-Piece-Metric-Chrome-Mechanics-Tool-Set-with-Hard-Case/5016175061

For $30 bucks, looks interesting.

Youtube review:

I have a new Wera Tool-Check "Modular" Plus on order with KC tool, but I may pick this up anyways.

Calling a system like this a “Wera Knock Off” is a bit extreme, since various German tool manufacturers such as Wiha and Wera, have been making tool holders like this since at least the 1990s, and maybe way earlier.
Also, some of the systems from the German manufacturers were a bit under-engineered, and had problems.

 

[rust in the eye]

Why this seemingly endless fascination with a half dozen cleverly(?) packaged 1/4" dr sockets and a handful of hex bits?

 

[duneslider]

Speaking of Kobalt mini sets, I picked this up recently:





Interesting little set, very compact. I like the double ended ratcheting wrench and the socket quality is decent. Lots of bits to choose from too.

I bought one of these years ago and was just going to use the sizes that pertain to bikes. My son ended up swiping it before I could make my little kit and he has been using for all sorts of stuff, it actually seems pretty decent for what it was. I think I only paid 10 bucks for it years ago.

 

[Steel_Rain]

Why this seemingly endless fascination with a half dozen cleverly(?) packaged 1/4" dr sockets and a handful of hex bits?

I think it's mostly because you can fix a wide variety of things in this world with a small amount of cleverly packaged tools. Some of us have access to a big shop with big tools boxes. But others prioritize weight, compact storage and decent tool availability to get into hard to reach areas or away from a lot of infrastructure support.

 

[neophyte]

I think it's mostly because you can fix a wide variety of things in this world with a small amount of cleverly packaged tools. Some of us have access to a big shop with big tools boxes. But others prioritize weight, compact storage and decent tool availability to get into hard to reach areas or away from a lot of infrastructure support.

Personally, I prefer metal clamshell packaging, that can be easily modifiable inside to fit extra stuff when and where needed, and which can still withstand a drop bounce and roll down 10 feet of steps if a drop occurs.
I don’t know if the Wiha GoBox packaging will do that, but there was some German manufacturer of larger tool storage like that, and in my experience it used to hold up well, with the possible exception of the vacuum formed insert that occasionally cracked.
Most “overly designed” tool storage just doesn’t seem versatile enough.

 

[Steel_Rain]

Calling a system like this a “Wera Knock Off” is a bit extreme, since various German tool manufacturers such as Wiha and Wera, have been making tool holders like this since at least the 1990s, and maybe way earlier.
Also, some of the systems from the German manufacturers were a bit under-engineered, and had problems.

I didn't know they went back that far. I wasn't sure what else to call it, but it certainly looks alot like those holders. I ended up taking this back after a few weeks.

 

[neophyte]

I didn't know they went back that far. I wasn't sure what else to call it, but it certainly looks alot like those holders. I ended up taking this back after a few weeks.

I think the Wera Toolcheck is a bit newer, but there have been holders like this going back to the 1990s.

 

[tez929rr]

Why this seemingly endless fascination with a half dozen cleverly(?) packaged 1/4" dr sockets and a handful of hex bits?

For me personally, it’s the small size so that I can toss in my motorcycle tank bag. On a trip last year we had to take off some of the bodywork from a friend’s BMW and it turned out that the Wera set was the only set with a certain bit size (I think it was a Torx) despite everyone carrying some tools.

 

[four.cycle]

Why this seemingly endless fascination with a half dozen cleverly(?) packaged 1/4" dr sockets and a handful of hex bits?

You are not the first member here to ask that exact same question.
The "mini bit kit" has become something of a fad item in the tool world over the course of the last two or three years.
ICON and Wera are two of the lead brands. Everybody wants to jump on the bandwagon.
There was a fairly lengthy discussion about these kits in a previous thread.
While different manufacturers try to come up with the perfect "all-in-one, one-size-fits-all" package, some members have creatively "customized" their kits with additional components.

 

[rust in the eye]

Okay, I'll play.
Assembled exclusively, aside the bit ratchet, from odd sockets and the plethora of hex bits I can't bring myself to toss out. All of it in a discarded plastic chewing gum box which fits nicely in my shirt pocket.
It rattles a bit if shaken but nothing a wad of paper wouldn't fix. It effectively cost me nothing. Pretty? No. Effective?
Sunex bit ratchet
1/4" hex dr. to sq. dr. adapters, 1&2"
1/4, 5/16(8mm), 11/32(for #8 nuts), 3/8, 7/16, 1/2 sockets
10, 12, 13mm sockets
hex bits; #2Phillips, #2 Robertson, 1/4" flat, T10,15,20,25 torx, 4&5mm hex
If pressed I could do quite a lot with these tools, the vast majority of what these gimmick sets are capable of.

 

[tarbellb]

Why this seemingly endless fascination with a half dozen cleverly(?) packaged 1/4" dr sockets and a handful of hex bits?

How else do you expect all these new Alpha males to carry their jewelry edc tools!

These are glorified iend cap isle ****, stocking stuffers. Apparently everybody is constantly on the go AND fixing things the whole time


90% of these will never get used besides losing the #2 Philips bit or 10mm socket

 

[rust in the eye]

How else do you expect all these new Alpha males to carry their jewelry edc tools!

These are glorified iend cap isle ****, stocking stuffers. Apparently everybody is constantly on the go AND fixing things the whole time


90% of these will never get used besides losing the #2 Philips bit or 10mm socket

My gum box full of misfits is more butch.
Not having a fanny pack I'm gonna throw it in the glovebox to see if I ever use it.

 

[four.cycle]

^ They have become ubiquitous - you will find them at auto parts stores, Home Depot, Lowes, and on every online retailer's site you can think of.
I will not be surprised when I find them on an end cap at Safeway or Trader Joes.
They most certainly do have a place - almost any electronic gizmo you can think of requires some odd "bit" to get inside it - in some cases just to change out a battery.
The one I usually grab first and throw in my "go out and fix something" bag is a cheapie made-in-China thing. Cost me a whole $12 bucks on ebay. I set it up on the dashboard of the Ranger one day - opened - with both windows rolled down and the doors unlocked - and went into Safeway grocery shopping for about 30 minutes - and nobody stole it. Can't beat it with a stick!

 

[sk farmer]

to each his own i guess

i have the smaller icon set that i have used many times. i also have the newer larger set with some added parts. i have not used it much. partly as it is on the desk next to me and has not made it to the shop yet. i haven't had it a month yet but i fully assume once the weather gets nicer it will see more use. i have an older, similar gearwrench set that rides in the glove box of my farm pickup. i find it useful enough that it stays there.

of all of the really expensive and dumb things people around here buy, collect and will likely never get used i am not sure why anyone needs to call out users of those sets as alpha male edc jewelry users.

almost every day someone posts up a picture of multiple sets of nearly identical sockets, wrenches and screwdrivers on display, lined up perfectly in a huge toolbox.

in my book, small sets like these can be invaluable assets when kept in one's office, kitchen drawer, glove box or storage shed when a larger, better set of tools is not nearby.

fwiw. i have a side gig as substitute teacher (yea i know who would have thunk) i often carry a similar set with a small adjustable wrench and a pliers in a small pouch. i could not count how many office chairs, shelves, file cabinets, desks, window and other items i have adjusted or fixed in classrooms. none of it rocket science but the teachers students and class aids notice when i have been in their rooms. all done with something i can carry around in one hand.

 

[four.cycle]

^ I think a good deal of the retail sales appeal is the "pocket size" / "on the go" mindset.
The image of the television repairman with the gigantic cantilevered repair boxes is a relic of an ancient past.
I put together a tiny socket set from odd pieces one night. Put it up on ebay with a lowball price, thinking "Nobody is going to buy this silly thing!"
It sold the next day. Go figure.
"Small and Compact" wins the day. It's the hot ticket and everybody wants in on the action.

 

[Etchase]

Christmas gifts for a couple years starting in 2021. Got down to $15. Those were the days. Hinges on the case were not the most durable though. Ratchet was nice.

 

[four.cycle]

. Hinges on the case were not the most durable though.

^ That was one issue that "Kobalt" addressed when they put together their little 50-piece kit. The plastic hinges ride on a steel pin.
Which begs the question: How is the little ICON kit set up? I sent one out as a SS gift, but didn't open it.
The Wiha 74984 35-piece kit looks like they're using a steel pin through the plastic hinges. (The one I have here is still in the plastic clamshell package - it was was supposed to be the "SS" gift, but it wasn't going to arrive in time, so he got the small "ICON" kit.)

 

[Etchase]

^ That was one issue that "Kobalt" addressed when they put together their little 50-piece kit. The plastic hinges ride on a steel pin.
Which begs the question: How is the little ICON kit set up? I sent one out as a SS gift, but didn't open it.
The Wiha 74984 35-piece kit looks like they're using a steel pin through the plastic hinges. (The one I have here is still in the plastic clamshell package - it was was supposed to be the "SS" gift, but it wasn't going to arrive in time, so he got the small "ICON" kit.)

I agree. The case is a really important consideration for these kits, since transportability is one of their big draws. Not sure of the hinges on either the HF or Wiha, but the Kobalt one is metal. Need a tool to pry the tools out of the Kobalt though. Paying a hundred bucks for a few little bits and sockets is a GJ thing to do, but one of the reasons the Facom is my favorite is the case really works well.

 

[four.cycle]

^ And that is the reason I shelled out $100 for that Tekton SKT07901 "Small Engine Kit". The "hinge" most likely will not be an issue - the case will fail before the "hinge" fails. Bits and sockets are super-easy to retrieve.
The Vessel 31-piece Impact Bit Set takes a completely different approach (in repect to "hinge) but the one thing I hate about it is that it requires another tool to remove the drive adapter piece.

 

[sk farmer]

Christmas gifts for a couple years starting in 2021. Got down to $15. Those were the days. Hinges on the case were not the most durable though. Ratchet was nice.

that is the set i have. oddly enough i used it today.

i was moving some fuel around today with one of those vevor transfer tanks. the pump cover hex headed cap screws needed about an 1/8 of a turn with a hex bit. the kit was right there so that is what used.

 

[Steel_Rain]

The Vessel 31-piece Impact Bit Set takes a completely different approach (in repect to "hinge) but the one thing I hate about it is that it requires another tool to remove the drive adapter piece.

@four.cycle, with the Vessel set, the case itself slides up/down and you can press the bit adapter out from the back. This also makes accessing the different bit rows easier.

From the back of the box:



Who knew a bit case would require instructions? I actually discovered this by accident because I never read the back of the box...who would? It's a damn bit case. I hope this helps you, it makes my life easier because this is my go-to for bits this length.

Anyways, it's a great product but a little over-engineered.

 

[four.cycle]

GAH! now you tell me!
That thing has been in a drawer since I bought it because trying to pry that widget out was such a hassle.

 

[Steel_Rain]

GAH! now you tell me!
That thing has been in a drawer since I bought it because trying to pry that widget out was such a hassle.

Well now you know damnit.

 

[four.cycle]

SMH

 

[Etchase]

^ it took me about a month to discover the back row slid up. I guess I need to read the directions even on bits