Does anyone own any Metrinch sockets and if so, how do you like them? A friend of mine brought them up and I had never heard of them before. They seem like a great idea, but how is the execution? With their pattern, they look suspiciously similar to the new Craftsman universal socket set.
Metrinch
- Thread starter Techniker
- Start date
tonydanzah
Well-known member
its been written about several times on here but the search function is pretty bad.
Google Advanced Search is your friend.
http://www.google.com/search?q=METR...OM&hl=en&num=10&lr=&ft=i&cr=&safe=images&tbs=
http://www.google.com/search?q=METR...OM&hl=en&num=10&lr=&ft=i&cr=&safe=images&tbs=
Jbullfrog
ALLIANCE MEMBER
They were a gimmic as seen on tv tool 10 or 15 years ago. They went away entirely for a while and then popped back up a year ago.
bas157
Well-known member
I've got one of their larger sets that comes in handy at the salvage yard. Less tools to carry (but I still seem to take way more tools then I need). I think between the sets my brother and I have, we've only broken one of them. Occasionally a nut will get stuck in a socket and I'll have to beat it out with a punch or something.
I don't use them everyday, mostly since if one broke, other brands are easier to get a warranty replacement.
I don't use them everyday, mostly since if one broke, other brands are easier to get a warranty replacement.
Looked through the Google search- I don't really see much of a real discussion about them. Just the standard juvenile "_____ sux" mentality which doesn't contribute anything.
I've heard others that actually think they make a great addition to a tool set for dealing with stubborn bolts, particularly corroded ones. I was hoping to hear more discussion about this.
The more I look at them, the more they do look just like regular 12 point sockets or even the new Craftsman universal sockets to me.
-Techniker
I've heard others that actually think they make a great addition to a tool set for dealing with stubborn bolts, particularly corroded ones. I was hoping to hear more discussion about this.
The more I look at them, the more they do look just like regular 12 point sockets or even the new Craftsman universal sockets to me.
-Techniker
laz
Active member
There are 2 kinds of sockets branded Metrinch. There's the combination of inch and metric "12 point" socket:
and there's the 6 point wavy socket type that were on the informercial:
the 62 piece set was the infomercial one AFAIK. There's some insane pricing at http://www.metrinch.tv/
I've got a set from the infomercial that's sentimental to me. My dad, a sucker for infomercials, bought 2 sets when I was a teenager. I weaseled my way into one, and not being the most responsible kid in the world, I lost some pieces. I'm just now starting to try to complete the set again.
and there's the 6 point wavy socket type that were on the informercial:
the 62 piece set was the infomercial one AFAIK. There's some insane pricing at http://www.metrinch.tv/
I've got a set from the infomercial that's sentimental to me. My dad, a sucker for infomercials, bought 2 sets when I was a teenager. I weaseled my way into one, and not being the most responsible kid in the world, I lost some pieces. I'm just now starting to try to complete the set again.
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DavidB
Well-known member
They make two styles of sockets. One is a lobed design and the other looks like a 12 pt design. As was mentioned above the 12 pt design alternates metric and SAE. This means that you could put more pressure on the edges of the smaller of the two fastener sizes listed on the socket than with a regular socket. I probably wouldn't use them to work on my stuff but for someone who only uses tools once a year to tighten the mailbox down they'd probably be fine. The lobed design might be useful on rounded fasteners though.
I compared the Metrinch designs to other sockets in some previous posts: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=73245 and http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=75917
I compared the Metrinch designs to other sockets in some previous posts: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=73245 and http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=75917
I still frequently grab my Metrinch combo wrenches.. especially if I'm not sure if the fastener is SAE or metric.
I've got Craftsman 6-point and Gearwrench ratcheting combos as well, but the Metrinch ones still see quite a bit of use.
I've got Craftsman 6-point and Gearwrench ratcheting combos as well, but the Metrinch ones still see quite a bit of use.
mrholeshot
MEMBER EMERITUS
- Joined
- Jun 22, 2010
- Messages
- 8,043
Someone did a socket demo here and showed the points of contact of a group of differant brand sockets. Now while I still consider them a gimmick the contact points were in a better spot than most anything else. I was quite impressed how well they worked. If I found a complete set at a Flea market I'd buy them if the price was right and it was one of the early USA made sets.
My dad got a set years ago, over 15 years, and he never used anything else. He did his own work on truck and all of our cars. The reason Craftsman has a similar set is they are selling them now. My son, also a mechanic, wants a set of his own. The set has been used so much the case is falling apart. It has been taped together but it is all there. They also have replacements if you are missing a piece or if something breaks. It is at www.metrinch.com. Great product. NOT just for keeping in the kitchen drawer.
Exceller8
Well-known member
I know this thread is 4 years old but the picture in post #8 says that they're made in the US. What about now?
wvrailroader
Well-known member
Our small volunteer fire dept. carries a set on some of the trucks. They seem to do a pretty good job. I haven't heard any complaints, but they don't get a lot of heavy use.
Malczewski
Banned
Here's the ultimate.Yes. It's also flank, shank, grip, trip and ASD ! 
Metric, STD, Whitworth and tarded Aborigine rated.
Metric, STD, Whitworth and tarded Aborigine rated.
neophyte
Well-known member
If you check Ebay it's possible to find "new old stock" Metrinch sets in the twelve point pattern that were USA made.
My understanding is that all the new Metrinch tools are being produced in Taiwan by one of the top Taiwanese OEM manufacturers.
sam.coll
Well-known member
We use the Metrinch 1/2 drive impact sockets all day everyday at work on our battery and hydraulic impact guns, doing power line construction and maintenance. I think the are great never had a problem with them and they work well on rounded fastners and coach bolts that are slightly rounded/mashed from having been hit with a hammer. Ours are all the wavey style
astroracer
Well-known member
I have been using the wavy Metrinch sets (I have two) for years. They have been my "go to" wrenches and ratchets for as long as I have had them. I have pretty much worn out one of the ratchets but have never broken a wrench or a socket and they get used hard most of the time... They do come in handy at the junk yard...
Mark
Mark
justme-
Well-known member
My ol Man has a set of the combo wrenches and loves them. We used to carry them in the truck when heading out on road trips and into the woods. Never slipped or rounded a fastener. I'd take another set if they were the same lobed style made in the US.
mrborohachi
Well-known member
I have a 14mm and a 17mm combo wrench that have served me well. I don't have a clue how I got them but they stay in my on the road toolbox
I was looking for something in my storage unit this evening and came across the Metrinch set my gf gave me back in the mid/late '90's. I cleaned and lubed the ratchet and it works great, it was the only set I had when I was younger and did a lot of motorcycle/auto wrenching with it. Good times...
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Shredwagon
Active member
1/4" drive socket set in my mini tool kit has never let me down. Which it went to 14, instead of 13 though.
Exceller8
Well-known member
I have a few questions regarding Metrinch tools.
1) When did they switch from the old style to the newer version?
2) Was the old style US and the newer version Taiwan or did they make the newer verion in the US too?
3) Why no love for the old style? I picked up a 10 pc 3/8" socket set (US made) NOS for $20 shipped off eBay.
I mainly bought that set for my toolbox inside the house so I don't have to have as many sockets as I usually just assemble items around the house with them.
Anyone have any side by side pictures of the US and Taiwan wrenches?
Any other information would be greatly appreciated.
1) When did they switch from the old style to the newer version?
2) Was the old style US and the newer version Taiwan or did they make the newer verion in the US too?
3) Why no love for the old style? I picked up a 10 pc 3/8" socket set (US made) NOS for $20 shipped off eBay.
I mainly bought that set for my toolbox inside the house so I don't have to have as many sockets as I usually just assemble items around the house with them.
Anyone have any side by side pictures of the US and Taiwan wrenches?
Any other information would be greatly appreciated.
Ign
Well-known member
I have a question too....was very briefly using my dad's set....I coulda sworn he has the wavy style but they were combo metric and fractional in one socket.
They seemed to have a lot of rotational slop before engaging, is that normal? It always felt like we were using a size too big. Or WERE we just using a size too big??
They seemed to have a lot of rotational slop before engaging, is that normal? It always felt like we were using a size too big. Or WERE we just using a size too big??
Exceller8
Well-known member
I've put together almost a full set of wrenches and I can't tell which ones are import and which ones are USA. 
The ones I have look like they're stamped differently but everything else looks the same. The quality seems about same to which is average at best.
The ones I have look like they're stamped differently but everything else looks the same. The quality seems about same to which is average at best.cm_osu
Well-known member
Got these today for my birthday.
Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk
Exceller8
Well-known member
Exceller8
Well-known member
On the wrenches, is there anyway to tell which ones are US made and which ones are Taiwan? I have what I think is both versions but neither one are marked? They look exactly the same??
Does anyone know how to rebuild the ratchet, the one I have is not the knurled handle.
Their website says send $15 S&H but I am not sure if they will give me the same one.
Yes I used the kit so much the ratchet worn out. I bought my set 15 years ago, I always start with the metrinch first, I never stripped any bolts or think about SAE or metric.
Their website says send $15 S&H but I am not sure if they will give me the same one.
Yes I used the kit so much the ratchet worn out. I bought my set 15 years ago, I always start with the metrinch first, I never stripped any bolts or think about SAE or metric.
Arbybe
Well-known member
If you have trouble rounding off a nut or cap screw head with a pair of
Slip joint pliers or a 12 point socket.....
you will really love Metrench.
Slip joint pliers or a 12 point socket.....
you will really love Metrench.
I wanted to revive this thread instead of start my own. I got the original 48 piece set from the early 90s that was purchased from a TV infomercial. The Metrinch tools are my favorite and i dont use anything else. No more fiddling with trying to guess metric and standard bolt sizes. Ive put 600ft lb impacts on the sockets and none have ever broken. I havent bought another 3/8 socket since. In the 25 years of having these great tools the only thing ive broken is the blow molded case and the ratchet. The ratchet was my fault though since i put a 3ft cheater pipe on it. Hahaha. Great tools! Highly recommended!
bob15
Well-known member
I was given a set of the older, large lobe sockets and wrenches and years ago. They got the rusted exhausted manifold bolts off my old truck that neither the SAE or metric 6 pt sockets would work on. Have no complaints about them.