Thread: Spanners & sockets: Sidchrome v Kincrome v Stanley v Superworks etc

So, I take it because you made an error the tool is to blame?

Get real, the only spanner that slips is an incorrectly placed one, happened to me heaps of times, using both cheap and expensive tools, never the tools fault though.

Used Metrinch in Automotive industry for 5 years, air impact sockets and the ring open/enders, flogged, used and abused every day, and they kept on keeping on until workshop was broken into and they were stolen.

When you get rounded off bolts from people using incorrectly fitted spanners or shifters(adjustable wrench for our Seppo cousins) not one of the other tools in this thread could undo them, Metrinch can.

Originally Posted by Ironwood

I have worked the last 26 years as a Diesel Fitter using a mixed variety of Stahwille, Proto, Snap-on & a few older type Sidchrome tools, all good quality professional tools, but in my opinion too expensive for home/occasional use.
A couple of years ago I bought a range of JBS tools for home use, from Blackwoods (JBS= John Blackwood & sons) these would probably be in the same price range as Kinchrome etc. I have found them to be very good value for money. I also know of a few tradesmen who are using these as their main work tools , and they are happy with them.

It all comes down to how much you are prepared to spend, if you have an unlimited budget, buy Snap-on, you will be up for $10,000 for what I would call your basic set of tools. Or buy JBS and get tools that will do the same job (argueably) and spend about $2000.

Hope that helps.

The JBS range of tools comprises of many types of handtools and machinery. However, their sockets and spanners are made and re-badged by Sidchrome.

I used to be an auto-elec, and had JBS spanners and sockets - after using them, other guys in the workshop bought their own sets. The spanners feel very solid. They are slightly longer than other brands, but I found that very handy to get more leverage when working on trucks and other large machinery. The socket set took a hiding too.


JBS tools also have a lifetime warranty. I was in a Blackwoods storefront once when a guy walked in with a ratchet that had broken somehow - he was given a new replacement with no receipt shown or questions asked.

P.S. I guess I do have an interest in this thread... back in the days of being an auto-elec, I never knew I'd end up working for Blackwoods on a totally different career path - talk about going around in circles! Still, even before I worked for them, I always recommended JBS tools to people.

Originally Posted by Cruzi

So, I take it because you made an error the tool is to blame?

My biggest error, was buying the Metrinch spanner in the first place.

As far as Metrinch being the only one that can undo a mistreated/rounded nut or bolt, thats rubbish. The "flank drive" sockets and spanners made by Snap-on, (and also bought out by a few other brands) will do a better job at undoing them than a "one size fits all" spanner thats got a loose fit on the bolt or nut.
Go to a Snapon-on dealer and ask for a demo, if you dont believe me.(take your Metrinch spanner with for a comparison)

Aussie made Sidchrome. In open,ring and sockets.

I've got the odd Snap-on and Proto tool and they can't be beaten, but also had good mileage out of Minimax and KC Tools. I've got ring-open enders from 6mm-30mm in Minimax and they did excellently in the field when I was diesel fitting, even with butcherous extensions swinging off the end!

Cheers,

Some interesting opinions here, great stuff.

So thanks to the comments in this thread, this forum and the internet at large, I had kind of narrowed my options to either Metrinch or the value proposition of the SWG/JBS/Repco tools. FWIW, apparently the SWG gear is supplied to Supercheap by Stanley, so there's every chance it is basically Sidchrome gear - although I notice the Sidchrome spanners have a groove in the biting faces (presumably to reduce slippage) which the SWG ones don't. I guess it's possible though that the SWG tools are simply made with superceded Sidchrome tooling - maybe someone who has held both could shed some light there?

The more I read about Metrinch the more I like it - Ironwood's opinion aside (which is perfectly valid but seems to be based on a single bad day), and after spending quite some time googling the subject, it seems that the vast majority of users are very happy with both the design and quality of the tools.

However the Metrinch stuff isn't exactly cheap here in Aust, it isn't promoted much and generally seems to be a special-order line. As such the only prices I can get are RRP, and at RRP they aren't much of a bargain. Apparently in the states these things are sold by late night infomercial, and they turn up in places like K-Mart at silly prices. Another problem with them is that if you do an analysis of what comes in each kit, you'll find that every Metrinch set has holes in it - missing pieces which are curiously available in other sets (trust me, I've got the Excel spreadsheet to prove it!) - and tool sets with missing sizes is a pet hate of mine. Apparently sockets and spanners are available individually though, which is a good thing as you would otherwise need to buy about 4 different sets to put together a full fleet of Metrinch sockets and spanners.

All of which leads me to thank Batpig for his heads-up regarding the SWG stuff being 30% off at the moment. That was the kick in the pants I probably needed, so I'm now the proud owner of a swag of SWG tools - every metric and imperial combination spanner up to 1", and full kits of ¼", ⅜" and ½" drive sockets. Normal prices would have been something like $685 but I got it all for $480. It's still way more than I've ever spent in one go on hand tools but I feel confident that I'm now pretty well set up.

I may still get some Metrinch though, as I have a feeling they would make a better travelling kit for the Rangie - but I'll have to keep an eye out for them and grab them if and when I see a price I like. There's certainly no rush now...

So thanks again everyone, and if you have anything negative to say about SuperWorks Gold you've left it too late and I don't want to hear it!

Originally Posted by Dusty Dave

All of which leads me to thank Batpig for his heads-up regarding the SWG stuff being 30% off at the moment.

You're welcome Dusty. I can't seem to do anything right for myself at the moment, so it's consoling to know that I made a little difference for someone else at least.

Best Wishes,
Batpig.

I am very happy with a set of 1/2 inch drive Sidchrome sockets that i have had for a few years. I bought them new and as far as I could tell the box and the plastic wrap were intact BUT one of the sockets is etched with the Stanley brand. It is the correct size as part of the ser and I've always wondered why it was in there. Made me wonder if they come from the same factory.....

Dear Fred,

Now that you mention it, that does seem to ring a bell - ie. I do seem to recall hearing some time back that Stanley now owns Sidchrome. It is possible, though, even without ownership being involved, that both companies could be getting some of their Socket Sets knocked-up by the same Taiwanese factory.

Cheers,
Batpig.

About five years ago I was in the market (quite literally actually) for some in-expensive tools for working on cars. The local market had a complete set of Force Australia metric/AF 1/2" drive sockets for $140. I didn't know any better and wasn't prepared to spend up on Snap-On, so I bought them. I also picked up a set of metric/AF ring spanners for $60 by Pro-tech Australia.

I've rebuilt three engines, wrecked one complete car and done countless repairs with these and none of them has so much as flinched at the abuse I've dished out. Bashing the end of a spanner with a mallet to loosen a bolt... no problem, 1500Nm of torque to undo a ceased 32mm drive shaft nut... pfst! These and a $30 Gregory's manual are the best investment I've ever made, bar none.

For anyone interested in Minimax you can buy direct from
minimax direct
www.minimaxtools.com
27 Rodney Rd
Nth Geelong Ph 03 52221234

Originally Posted by kman-oz

About five years ago I was in the market (quite literally actually) for some in-expensive tools for working on cars. The local market had a complete set of Force Australia metric/AF 1/2" drive sockets for $140. I didn't know any better and wasn't prepared to spend up on Snap-On, so I bought them. I also picked up a set of metric/AF ring spanners for $60 by Pro-tech Australia.

I've rebuilt three engines, wrecked one complete car and done countless repairs with these and none of them has so much as flinched at the abuse I've dished out. Bashing the end of a spanner with a mallet to loosen a bolt... no problem, 1500Nm of torque to undo a ceased 32mm drive shaft nut... pfst! These and a $30 Gregory's manual are the best investment I've ever made, bar none.

Hey K-Man,

I've got a set of 1/2" drive Force as well. They are definitely the least expensive lifetime-guaranteed face-drive type socket set (as in 6-sided, as opposed to 12-sided corner drive) that you will find in 1/2". I think they're made by KC, but I think that the face-drive version of the set is exclusive to Force (which are sold by Trade-Tools), here in Australia. I've found them to be excellent so far, too.

Best Wishes,
Batpig.

Batpig, the set I have are corner drive not face drive, I was always under the impression that face drive were almost exclusively cheap *&^%. Either way, the sentiment is the same; damn cheap and down right indestructable.

Dusty Dave,

Having spent the past few decades using most common hand tools as a local owner/mechanic, I am concerned with some comments made public here on some common Australia owned brands. Kincrome is one who I have come accustom to in my workshop. My apprentices are able to purchase high quality tool accessories, given lifetime replacement guarantee and can rest assured knowing this company is 100% Australian owned.

Not only do the common Kincrome toolsets come at an attractive price tag, I can always rely on their 12Month Insurance/Protection plan. I haven’t had to use this as yet, but have been assured by the local Kincrome representative that if these tools “go missing” over the 1st 12 months, they will be replaced free of charge, how good is that I ask!

Now back to the quality levels of some nonsense brands such as Superworx, what a joke… Kincrome offer a high level CR-V steel that has been advertised as a level above the newer type Sidchrome offerings. Most mechanics should know that Cr-V tools come in various quality levels, over time you begin to pick up the duds from the professional tools. I have never broken a Kincrome socket and only ever broken one spanner. Getting a replacement was no issue and within 24hrs.

I can no longer afford the likes of Snap On, simply to expensive! But it is no bother for me when I can buy, over the counter, the same day, a Kincrome hand tool at a great price, why would I look elsewhere. I was privileged to watch a foxtel documentary recently on Taiwanese tools and how Taiwan has become the world leader of high quality mechanics hand tools. I notice most Kincrome items are Taiwanese, rarely the cheaper Chinese product that the likes of Superworx and Repco sell.

In closing, I only offer from my thoughts from my own personal experiences, but Kincrome for me is probably the best value for money, quality professional hand tools available in Australia.

Good luck to all and their tools.

Old Man Daz!