Compact Impact Wrench with Hog Ring Anvil

The new compact impact wrench has a 5.7″ length and is fairly lightweight at 3.4 lbs. It’s designed to offer increased speed and extended durability in a compact and comfortable profile. The 3/8″ impact wrench is rated at 1560 in-lbs of torque and can deliver 2700 impacts per minute.

It also features a frameless motor, magnesium gear case, all-metal transmission, and heavy-duty impact mechanism. Three LEDs are arranged around the front of the tool for shadow-less illumination, and a 20-second delay keeps the light on after trigger release.

The release is scheduled for April 2012, and MSRP is $269 for the kit, which includes two 20V Max 3.0Ah batteries with fuel gauges, a fast charger, and kit box. The bare-tool add-on (DCF883B) will be priced at $129.

Premium Impact Wrenches with Pin Detent and Hog Ring Anvils

These premium 1/2″ drive models deliver 300 ft-lbs of torque, meeting the challenge of a wide range of heavy-duty fastening applications. Both wrenches feature a variable speed trigger with electric brakes, 1650 RPM and 2600 IPM motor, LED work light, magnesium gear case, and all-metal transmission.

Users who prefer easier impact socket changes will usually benefit most from the hog ring anvil, and users looking for a more secure socket grip will benefit most from the detent pin anvil.

The kits will be available in June 2012 through industrial distributors, and will include two 20V Max lithium ion batteries with fuel gauge, a fast charger, and kit box, for $329. Bare tools, DCF889B and DCF889HB, will be available separately for $169.

A couple of years ago Craftsman reintroduced the dog bone wrench. Late last year they introduced the universal dog bone wrench. And then there was the ratcheting rotary wrench. Now, Craftsman is introducing the Figure Eight Wrench.

The Craftsman Figure Eight Wrench is available in two versions – metric and inch, with each tool having four box-end sockets. Each end of the tool has two sockets, with each socket covering two sizes via a stepped-box end wrench design. The sockets fold in and swivel out for use.

These box end wrenches feature a universal tooth design, making them compatible with 6pt, 12pt, partially rounded, external Torx, square and spline fasteners.

(UPDATE!) Inch sizes include 5/16, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16, 3/4-in, and metric sizes include 8mm, 9mm, 10mm, 11mm, 13mm, 15mm, 17mm, 18mm.

MSRP is $25, model numbers are 32761 (inch) and 32762 (metric), and ETA is Q2 2012.

To be honest, I am not particularly fond of all-in-one wrench designs. But, some homeowners and DIYers seem to like them, and I believe that even some pros like using them for oil changes. To each their own.

While you could just buy one of those all-in-one home tool sets, you get better variety and usefulness if you customize and piece together your own kit. This also allows you to spend more on tools you plan to use frequently and to cheapen out on tools you don’t plan to use as often.

By no means is this an all-encompassing list, but I’ve narrowed it down to the 12 basic and essential tools homeowners and aspiring DIYers should have readily available. Think of it more as the first 12 tools (or tool types) a homeowner should buy. I could have easily expanded the list, but had to draw the line somewhere.

0. Safety Gear – Goggles, Hearing Protection, Gloves

PPE, or personal protective equipment is so essential that it’s number 0 on our list. At the bare minimum you’ll need safety glasses, but goggles offer added protection against chemical splashes. Pick up a box of latex or nitrile gloves to protect against potentially harmful or gross substances. Rugged work gloves are an inexpensive addition to consider, and ear muffs or earplugs protect your hearing when using power tools or noisier kitchen appliances.

Safety goggle recommendations; Hearing protection: Peltor ear muffs

Also worth picking up – a pack of disposable or semi-reusable respirators. Make sure they’re rated N95 or N100, or P95 or P100 for added protection against oil-based aerosols. You only have one pair of lungs!

1. Utility Knife

Utility knives are handy for a wide variety of cutting tasks, and are far better for opening boxes and clamshell packages than cheap paper-cutting scissors. There are plenty of brands and styles available, with basic models priced at $4-7. Tip: be sure to always keep a few replacement blades on-hand.

ToolGuyd Favorites: Stanley QuickSlide (~$12 via Amazon) and Dewalt Folding Utility Knife

2. Tape Measure

Tape measures are especially important for new homeowners and will be heavily utilized when planning out empty rooms. There are many brands, sizes, shapes, and styles available, and it’s okay to start off with a basic model. I recommend starting out with a 25-foot model for home use, and perhaps a small 10 or 12-foot pocketable model to carry when shopping for furniture or room accessories.

Inexpensive 25ft: Stanley PowerLock (~$11 via Amazon); Super-compact: Komelon 10′ ($7 via Amazon)

3. Multi-Bit Screwdrivers

Everyone’s screwdriver needs will be different, but a multi-bit screwdriver is usually a safe bet and can handle most basic tasks. Budget-permitting, a screwdriver set is also a solid investment and usually offers better ergonomics and comfort. There’s also the slightly above bare-minimum combo option: a multi-bit driver plus a quality #2 Phillips screwdriver.

$: Picquic multi-bit ($11 via Amazon); $$: Channellock ratcheting screwdriver; $$$: Wiha 12pc screwdriver set ($55 via Amazon)

Remember, one can never have too many screwdrivers!

3.5 Precision Screwdrivers

Most people neglect to buy precision/jewelers/mini screwdrivers until they really need them, at which point they run out and buy the cheap low-quality sets many retailers insist on pushing. For infrequent use, a 5 or 6-piece set for $5-10 set should suffice.

Trusted brands: Xcelite, Craftsman, Wiha, Wera, Felo, General Tools, Stanley (sometimes), PB Swiss, Moody.

4. Hex Key Set

Two words – IKEA furniture. Sure, a teeny tiny double-ended hex key is included with products that require it, but having full-size hex keys can make ready-to-assemble and knock-down furniture MUCH easier and quicker to assemble. It’s even better if you have T-handle drivers.

If you’re going all-out, ball hex drivers are better for accessing fasteners in tight spots, but straight-hex drivers can handle more torque. Consider buying an all-in-one hex key set for general purpose use and full-size 4mm, 5mm, and 6mm drivers for IKEA assembly and bicycle maintenance needs.

ToolGuyd Favorite: Bondhus ball hex (via Amazon), made in USA.

Tip: You’ll need both inch and metric sizes. Sometimes both sets are sold bundled together.

5. 16oz Claw Hammer + Dead Blow Hammer or Mallet

A 16oz claw hammer is great for driving in smaller nails here and there, and a dead blow hammer is useful for general pounding tasks. And yes, you’ll need both. For the claw hammer, there’s no need for anything fancy – a simple hickory-handled hammer should fit the bill. For the dead blow hammer, a 2 or 3lb model is a good choice, and at least one non-marring face is preferable.

Dead blow hammers can be expensive. If you’re unsure about needing one, consider a non-marring or rubber mallet instead.

Claw hammer: Vaughan or Craftsman; Non-marring: 24oz Vaughan ($20 via Amazon); Dead Blow: Nupla Power Drive ($37 via Amazon)

6. LED Flashlight

Think about a few of the times you may need a flashlight – when the lights go out unexpectedly, when an object rolls under a heavy piece of furniture, or when you hear a ruckus in your yard in the middle of the night. Do you really want to risk your flashlight failing during any of those times? For home use, a 2D or 3D Maglite is harder to lose.

Inexpensive and Trustworthy Favorite: Maglite LEDs ($15+ via Amazon)

7. Adjustable Wrench, Combination Wrenches, Ratchet and Socket Set

At the very least, you’ll need two adjustable wrenches – an 8-inch long model and maybe a 6-inch or 10-inch. Maybe even a 12-inch, but at that point you may be better off with a heavier duty pipe wrench. You can get away from needing longer versions by buying an extra-wide-capacity 8-inch or 10-inch wrench.

Two adjustable wrenches can accomplish a lot – one can hold a hex nut fixed while the other is used to tighten or loosen a hex-head bolt. Beyond adjustable wrenches, consider a adding combination wrenches, which offer greater versatility and improved clearance. A 9-piece metric and 9-piece inch/standard/SAE set should suffice until your needs grow more advanced.

You may not need one right away, but a ratchet and socket set offers even more accessibility options and a speed advantage. Prices range from $20 to $200+, and it’s okay to wait for a good sale to maximize the bang per buck.

Recommendations: Favorite adjustable wrenches; Combination wrenches: Craftsman; Inexpensive ratchet & socket set: Craftsman or Kobalt

8. Pliers and Cutters

This is another big category. To start off with, you’ll need long-nose pliers and either slip-joint pliers or combination pliers. Channellock or tongue-and-groove style pliers are also good to have. If pliers you choose feature built-in cutters, you won’t need a pair of diagonal cutters right away.

Mini bolt or heavy duty utility cutters and a wire stripper or general-purpose electrical multi-tool are also good choices if your budget allows for it.

Recommended brands: Stanley, Channellock and Klein

9. Saw – Hand, Hack, Corded or Cordless

At one point or another, you’re going to need to cut things. There are many, many tools that can handle the job, with new designs coming out every year. If you don’t know what you’ll need to cut, consider a jab saw that accepts reciprocating saw blades, and bundle it with a few general purpose metal, plastic and wood-cutting blades.

Eventually you’ll probably want to pick up a hand saw and hack saw, and possibly even a corded or 12V cordless mini reciprocating saw, like the Bosch pS60. Most basic projects, such as cutting shelves down to size, are best accomplished with a circular saw.

You can hold off on buying a circular saw if you ask the home center or lumber yard to cut your boards down to size before you pay. Most places offer 1-2 free cuts per board, with a marginal fee for additional cuts.

Recommendations: Hand saw: Stanley; Hack saw: Dewalt or Bahco

10. Tool Box

You will need a tool box to help keep everything together. Otherwise, some of your tools will end up in a junk drawer, others will be in the basement, and the rest will be scattered elsewhere. A tool box, even an inexpensive $15 plastic one, will help keep everything in one place. As your tool collection grows, so should the size of your tool box. Alternatively, tool bags often feature a number of pockets and compartments that can help with organization.

Recommendations: Stanley, Keter, Craftsman

11. Cordless Drill Driver + Drill and Screwdriver Bit Set

Cordless drill drivers can be pricey, so it’s okay to wait until you need one to go shopping. Selecting the right cordless drill driver for your needs is a whole discussion in itself, so all I’ll say for now is to stick to reputable brands. Stay away from NiCd if you can help it – you can often find a very good 12V Lithium ion model for the same price as a just-okay 18V NiCd model.

As for drill bits, screwdriver bits and accessories, you get what you pay for. Beware of cheap drill bit sets, especially those by unfamiliar brand names.

General recommendations: Bosch, Dewalt, Kobalt, Makita, Ridgid, Milwaukee, Hitachi, Craftsman Nextec.

12. Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum

This is one of those things that you might not think you need until you NEED it. Shop vacuums are great for heavier messes, and when vacuuming up materials that household  vacs simply aren’t designed to handle.

Even an inexpensive shop vacuum will likely last for many years, stretching out its $50-$150 initial investment. As with most things, the more you spend the more you get. Higher-priced vacs come with larger capacity tanks, additional features (e.g. a built-in blower and water drainage valve), larger capacity and longer hoses, more attachments, and longer power cords.

Recommended brands: Shop Vac, Ridgid, Craftsman

PLUS

There are several other tools that, while not as absolutely essential as those listed above, can greatly improve project results or make certain tasks easier to accomplish. At the minimum, I would suggest the following layout tools: 12″ or 16″ combination square with detachable straightedge, 9″ torpedo level, 24″ level and a Speed Square (<$4 via Amazon). And if you’re going to be mounting anything to your walls, you’re going to need a stud finder.

I was going to make these layout tools #11 on the list, but technically you can get around not having them. But how are you going to drill anchor holes for new window shades without a drill?

I Disagree, I Disagree!

I don’t expect everyone to agree with my recommendations and welcome you to share your own opinions in a comment. If you’re a regular ToolGuyd reader, maybe you already have a fully-loaded toolbox. Or maybe it’s half-filled and you’re still building it up piece by piece. Think back – which were the first 12 or so tools that you purchased?

(Remember, our Craftsman Max Axess socket set giveaway ends this Friday. So if you haven’t entered yet, get on over there and do so!)

We’ve been casually testing one of Craftsman Max Axess pass-thru socket sets for a couple of weeks now, and have really grown to like it.

What’s HOT:

• High quality ratchets
• Great build quality all around, perfect finish
• All-in-one system fits in a low-profile carry/storage case that we actually want to keep!
• Ratchets come with adapters for regular 1/4″, 3/8″, 1/2″ sockets
• Pass-thru sockets can take the place of deep sockets, wrenches, or specialty sockets in many cases
• Low-profile ratchet + shallow sockets = great for limited clearance applications
• Compatible with Gearwrench pass-thru sockets, screwdriver bits, and accessories (at least all the ones we tried)

What can be improved:

• What about a 11/32″ socket? (Yes, we’ve got unusual needs)
• Fit of spinner handle could be a little better
• How about a screwdriver bit adapter?

In all, there’s not much to complain about. As you can see, most of our criticisms are trivial. What we would really like to see come out is a smaller kit that includes the 1/4″ ratchet, a bit adapter, a few screwdriver bits and a storage case as nice as the one this set came with. The regular price of $70 is a little steep, but we feel that sale prices of $55-60 make this a great buy.

Buy Now(via Sears)

The Max Axess set is featured on page 5 of Sears’ 2011 Holiday Catalog.

Don’t forget to use coupon code SEARS2011.

Thank you to Craftsman for providing the sample for this review unconditionally. Review samples are typically returned, donated, or in some cases retained for further testing or benchmark and comparison purposes.

Sears has dropped the price of this Craftsman 118pc dual-marked mechanics tool set to $70 from its regular price of $100. Today’s online-only 15%-off discount takes another $9.75 off the price. Follow-up with a SEARS2011 coupon code, and another $5 drops off the price. Final price is then $55.24 if you select in-store pickup.

Buy Now(via Sears)

This set was a $50 DoorBuster on Black Friday at Sears, and is still an incredible deal at $55. You get 10 metric ratcheting wrenches (6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18mm), and 10 inch sizes (1/4, 5/16, 11/32, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16 and 3/4 in.)

These are not available for shipping, but if they’re still in stock in your area, you can opt for free in-store pickup.

Use coupon SEARS5OFF50 or SEARS2011 to drop the price from $60 to $55.

Buy Now(via Sears)

Sears has offered to give away a Craftsman MAX AXESS socket set to one lucky ToolGuyd reader! To enter, all you have to do is leave a comment below. Your comment can be about what you would use it for, who you would give it to, or about your favorite hand tools.

To double your chance to win, peek into this year’s Sears holiday tool catalog, browse around, and tell us in a comment about any tool or tools that catch your interest.

You may combine your two entries into a single comment, or comment right away to submit your first entry and come back later to comment again after you browse through the catalog.

A winner will be selected at random on Dec. 9th. 2011. Only those with contiguous USA addresses will be eligible to win.

Thank you to Sears for sponsoring the giveaway! Here’s a summarized recap about how things went down:

Sears: Hey ToolGuyd, did you check out our holiday tool catalog?
ToolGuyd: Yea, it’s totally awesome! We told all our readers about it when it first came out!
Sears: Oh, cool! What did you like most?
ToolGuyd: Definitely the new Craftsman hand tools and Nextec 12V cordless tools, as well as a couple of the other brands’ new products.
Sears: Glad to hear it! We love your readers and really want to show it. How about a giveaway?!
ToolGuyd: Sounds good! We think that the Craftsman MAXX AXESS set would be a hit with our readers!

Tool/prize info via Sears

Kobalt’s new Crossform wrenches are ergonomic “twisted” style wrenches that bear a strong resemblance to Gearwrench’s X-Beam and Craftsman’s CrossForce designs. Compared to standard wrenches, these types offer wider, more comfortable areas to apply pressure with your palms.

The downside is that these wrenches tend to be a little larger and bulkier than conventional wrenches. Still, we can overlook a little extra bulk means an easier time tightening and breaking loose fasteners.

The SAE set includes 5/16″, 3/8″, 7/16″, 1/2″, 9/16″, 5/8″, 11/16″, and 3/4″ wrench sizes, and the metric set includes 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 13mm, 14mm, 15mm, 17mm, and 18mm wrench sizes. Both 8-wrench sets are now priced at $25 each, but they were previously priced at $80.

Buy Now(SAE via Lowes)
Buy Now(Metric via Lowes)

First, there’s a new 309 piece mechanics’s tool set that includes 201 sockets and 16 full-polish ratcheting wrenches. The regular price is $400, but the set is currently on sale for $200. The list of full contents shows that there is a mix of 6pt and 12pt sockets.

There’s also a 10-drawer ball-bearing storage combo that is on sale for $280. Or you could just pick up either the top chest or rolling cabinet, both are separately discounted.

We double-checked, and the two small socket sets we mentioned the other day are still on sale for 50%-off as well:

Craftsman 10pc standard 3/8″ socket set
Craftsman 10pc metric 3/8″ socket set

Craftsman’s Max Axess pass-thru socket set came out a few months ago, and looks to have become fairly popular with homeowners and DIYers, and as a second or portable set for advanced users. Targeting users looking for more of an all-in-one type of socket system, Craftsman has introduced a second set into the Max Axess lineup, which features a fine-tooth ratchet and 18 universal sockets.

The Craftsman Max Axess 19pc socket set includes a 72-tooth pass-thru ratchet, 9 inch sockets – 3/8″, 7/16″, 1/2″, 9/16″, 5/8″, 11/16″, 3/4″, 13/16″ and 7/8″, and 9 metric sockets – 10 mm, 11 mm, 12 mm, 13 mm, 14 mm, 15 mm, 17 mm, 18 mm and 19 mm. The entire kit is packaged in a reusable storage rack that sports removable socket rails.

Craftsman’s Max Axess universal sockets are designed to fit the following fastener types: 6pt hex, 4pt square, 12pt, spline, external Torx, and partially-rounded hex.

Learn more or purchase via Sears

Normal pricing for this set is $45.

Kobalt Impact Wrench

We will be looking at many of the new tools in detail, reviewing some of them as well, but for the time being here’s a lightly detailed preview to keep you up to date.

Kobalt Power Tools

If you recall from our Kobalt cordless power tools preview, Lowes is introducing several new cordless tool packages as well as two corded saws.

Kobalt Li-Ion Drill Driver

Cordless NiCad or Li-ion, Your Choice

Both NiCad and Li-ion kits will be available, with the tools differing slightly. The NiCad tools sacrifice advanced features in order to achieve a lower price point, but build quality and performance was still nice. The tools in the Li-ion kit have more features, better specs, more complex components, and a dual-chemistry charger.

Kobalt NiCad Combo Kit

If you’re thinking that the NiCad batteries look grossly oversized, you’re right – they’re huge. BUT they don’t weigh as much as it looks like they do, and the tools are surprisingly well balanced.

A separate premium-looking Li-ion drill/driver is also available, and looks to to be a competitive mid-to-high-end option. An add-on impact wrench is also out now, and I’m told that an impact driver is on the way.

Kobalt Li-Ion Combo Kit

When asked about whether the cordless tools from the kits will be available for purchase separately as bare tools, I was told that plans to do so aren’t on the table, but it has not been ruled out.

Corded Saws

There were quite a few things I liked about these saws. The 12-amp reciprocating saw features a tool-free blade change, 360° quick-change rotating head, 1-1/8″ stroke length, 12-foot cord with live wire indicator on the tool itself, orbital action, and tool-free shoe adjustment. The recip. saw is available now and is priced at $94.

Kobalt Corded Recip Saw

The 15-amp circular saw features a magnesium shoe and blade guard, 12-foot cord with live wire indicator on the tool itself as with the recip. saw, 2-3/8″ 90° cutting depth, 1-13/16″ 45° cutting depth, and on-board blade tool change. The circular saw is also available for $94.

Kobalt Corded Circular Saw

Kobalt Hand Tools

Mechanics’ Tools

As we briefly discussed, Kobalt recently overhauled their entire mechanics’ tool line. The new wrenches, ratchets, sockets, and other mechanics tools are already in stores nationwide. We’ve been using and passing around a few of these new tools that we purchased a few months back, and… they’re actually pretty nice.

DIYer Tools

Lowes also introduced the new Kobalt Double Drive screwdriver at the event. The Double Drive is not meant for heavy duty professional use, but it seems to hold up well and is actually a lot of fun to use. We liked it so much that were already set up a Double Drive or Lowes gift card giveaway!

The Kobalt Multi-Drive wrench was also showcased at the event, but I’m not too fond of it. When I discussed my displeasure with the tool’s design, it was explained that the tool is more intended for homeowners or DIYers that don’t already have full wrench and socket sets. The question that still hangs in my mind is: how many DIYers regularly come across 12pt, e-Torx, or spine fasteners?!

Kobalt Multi Drive Wrench

There’s also a new Kobalt tool box with built-in Zerust corrosion inhibitors. I’m more a fan of sealed tool cases or drop-in desiccator cartridges, but the Kobalt tool box looked like a nice portable kit box. The Zerust might sweeten the deal for some, and anyone not interested can just ignore that feature.

Conclusion

Lowes and Kobalt describe the new power tools as providing professional-grade power and as the next generation of tough tools. Although initially skeptical, I have a new understanding of what they’re going for, and for the most part I really liked what I saw.

Disclosure: Lowes set us up with a hotel room for the night and sent us home with a bag, screwdriver, and flashlight.

Just a minor FYI – the Craftsman premium ratchets that we reviewed a few months ago are now available as a complete 3-ratchet set. Previously the 1/4″, 3/8″, and 1/2″ ratchets were only available separately. If you want all three sizes, the set saves you about $30.

After the review, we also did a size comparison, comparing the 3/8″ premium ratchet to the Craftsman Professional thin-profile ratchet. The test showed that the premium ratchet was actually a hair thinner.

Craftsman Premium Grade Ratchets via Sears:

Complete Set | 1/4″ Drive | 3/8″ Drive | 1/2″ Drive

We received a Triangle Tools Nano-Ratchet and a few accessories to test out, and have used them interchangeably with our other drive tools for a couple of weeks. Then, we passed them along to a few colleagues for some rough and tough evaluation.

Triangle Tools is a Taiwan-based tool manufacturer that is trying to push into the US market. Their main products are their Uni-Grip socket system, which also includes a number of accessories, and Nano-Ratchet drive tools.

Triangle Tools Nano-Ratchet

We tested the 3/8″ ratchet Nano-Ratchet, which is also available in 1/4″ and 1/2″ sizes. These ratchets feature a minimal 2.5° swing, and exceed ANSI and DIN standards. A new Nano-Ratchet Plus, which features an “adjustable torque grip” is also available.

After using the ratchet a couple of times, one thing quickly became clear – the handle is spectacularly comfortably!

Nano-Ratchet Handle

Although Triangle Tools focuses on the fine-tooth gearing of the Nano-Ratchet, what we all liked most was its handle. The handle has a smooth satin finish all the way around, and a gradual bulge at the bottom, for a more comfortable grip. Not everyone will like the shape or lack of texture of the handle.

Personally I would have preferred a slightly thicker handle, but never found the ratchet’s size to be an issue. In the end, I learned to appreciate the handle’s size, also remembering that less metal means less weight.

Nano-Ratchet Head

The direction selector switch is rotated easily and with reliable consistency. The gearing is as fine-toothed as Triangle claims, and we found it to be quite strong. I wouldn’t risk using a long cheater bar on the ratchet, but it’s plenty strong enough for most everyday use.

Although not the thinnest or smallest ratchet we’ve seen, the Nano-Ratchet head is fairly small in size, and should be able to access most easily-reached fasteners with ease.

Nano-Ratchet Quick-Release

The entire back of the ratchet head serves as a push-button quick release. But press it too hard, and the ball detent locks up, preventing socket insertion or removal. It does not take long to train oneself to only gently press the quick release, but those not in-the-know will likely be frustrated by this initially.

Uni-Grip Sockets

Uni-Grip sockets are available in metric sizes and 1/4″, 3/8″, and 1/2″ drive sizes. Groups of ribs on the sides of the sockets help provide a secure finger-grip, and prevent the sockets from rolling. The number of ribs in each grouping can also be used to quickly identify a socket’s drive size.

The sockets have the same satin finish as the Nano-Ratchet, and are described as flank drive, which helps promote perfect torque transmission. Each socket is marked with both its drive size, and corresponding fastener size.

Overall, we were all quite pleased with the quality and performance of these sockets. We only had two to test – 8mm and 10mm, but what we’ve seen should apply to the other sockets in the line.

At first, the benefits of the Uni-Grip ridges were lost on us, but with time we grew to appreciate them, wishing all our sockets had this feature. Wera’s sockets have a more uniform knurling at their base, which I personally prefer more, but it’s hard to find fault with Triangle’s Uni-Grip design.

Uni-Grip Extension

Triangle offers several extension lengths in 1/4″, 3/8″, and 1/2″ drive sizes. We tested the 6″-long 3/8″ extension. Triangle laser-etched a measurement scale along the extension handle. While I thought this was handy, I never really got around to using it, probably because the markings are only in metric.

The extensions feature flat parallel sizes so that you can use an 11mm wrench to apply more torque. Unfortunately, I (surprisingly) don’t have any 11mm wrenches around, but I was still able to use an adjustable wrench to the same effect. While I never took advantage of this feature in practice, I like knowing that I can use an adjustable wrench to create a T-handle-like high-torque configuration if or when necessary.

Superman U-Joint

Triangle’s U-joint is built with dual internal springs that helps avoid what they describe as traditional floppy behavior. Does it work better than ordinary universals? Absolutely! I have a set of Craftsman universal adapters, and Triangle’s proved to be more comfortable and effective to use.

I hope that Triangle Tools got DC-Comics to approve their use of Superman when naming these universals!

Conclusion

It’s hard to say whether these tools will stand up to day to day use, but we didn’t see anything that suggests they cannot. Overall, the build quality, finish quality, and size tolerance of the tools met our stringent standards. Everyone we passed the tools along to liked the Nano-Ratchet and all of the Uni-Grip products as well.

The only complaint I had was about the quick-release mechanism, but as mentioned, that frustration disappeared once I developed the habit of pressing the release button gently.

What stands these tools apart from others in their class and price range are the Uni-Grip ridge/rib pattern (which really do make it much easier to finger-spin sockets!), exceptionally clear socket size markings, and the smoothest most streamlined ratchet handle I’ve ever used.

We definitely do recommend these tools, and their pricepoint will make them attractive to a wide audience.

19pc 1/4″ drive, and 24pc 3/8″ drive sets are available via Sears. Additional ratchet, socket, and accessory sets are also available.

You can also purchase these tools via Triangle Tools directly.

Thank you to Triangle for providing the samples for this review unconditionally. Review samples are typically returned, donated, or in some cases retained for further testing or benchmark and comparison purposes.

A couple of months ago, a strange thing happened at my local Lowes – most of their Kobalt mechanics hand tools were on clearance. What was happening at every Lowes in my area was in fact happening all around the country. Lowes had discontinued their current line of Kobalt mechanics hand tools.

I started seeing new wrenches and socket sets pop up sometime in late May, early June. Whereas the previous line was USA-made for Kobalt by Danaher, the new tools are imported from an unnamed OEM.

It is worth noting that, although I cannot comment much from person experience, I have heard quite a few user complaints about the previous Danaher-made Kobalt wrenches and sockets.

During a routine visit to the local Lowes (here’s why I do so), I noticed that the pegs were finally restocked with a near-complete tool lineup.

Sometime last month I purchased a new Kobalt socket set and wrench set for review, but I haven’t actually gotten around to using them yet. Compared to my personally-owned wrenches and sockets, I’m not a fan of the Kobalts’ brighter chrome. It’s hard to put my finger on why, but the tools’ bright chrome just gives off a sense of chintziness.

To be fair, who cares what the tools look like, as long as they function properly, are of high tolerance, and are strong enough for the job. I’ll be putting them to the test later this month to see if my prejudice is substantiated or not.

There appears to be one or two Danaher-made tools still on the pegs, such as this palm-ratchet set. The Kobalt Multi Drive Wrench that I really, really did not like, is there as well.

That’s right, Kobalt’s Multi Drive Wrench is back in stock at Lowes. I found this display set up at an endcap over by the power tool aisles, but it will likely be moved towards the front of the store as Father’s Day nears.

The try-me display that appeared during the winter holiday shopping rush were quite a bit larger, suggesting that Lowes might not be promoting the wrenches as heavily this time around.

We did a quick Multi Drive Wrench fastener-fit review and then a full hands on review back when the wrench first came out. In the end, I was not impressed with the tool at all. Yes, it is compatible with a wide range of fastener styles, but most DIYers will use it most on SAE and metric hex fasteners, which the tool’s sockets fit around rather poorly.

Kobalt Multi-Drive Wrench Winter 2010 Display

There are quite a few alternative “all-in-one” type tools that offer a better fastener fit, such as Black and Decker’s Ratcheting ReadyWrench and the HK1 Hydrokinetic Wrench. Ultimately, however, a good adjustable wrench or separate wrench or socket sets will offer far better performance.