Kobalt 63-Piece Standard/Metric Mechanics Tool Set - Tool Time

Normally, I never include conventional tools in this section; things like socket sets and ratchets are as common as houseflies, so you don’t need me to tell you of their existence. Unless, of course, there is something special about them.

Well, Kobalt’s 63-Piece Standard/Metric Mechanics Tool Set (part #338513) has three “something specials”: quantity, quality and price. In addition to a 3∕8-inch-drive ratchet, the set includes 18 SAE sockets (8 3∕8-in.-drive ranging from 5∕16- to 3/4-in., plus 10 1/4-in.-drive from 5∕32- to 1/2-in.); 18 metric sockets (9 3∕8-in.-drive from 10 to 18mm and 9 1/4-in.-drive from 4 to 11mm, including a 5.5mm socket); a 5∕8-in. sparkplug socket; a 3-inch-long, 3∕8-in.-drive extension; and a 3∕8-to-1/4-in.-drive converter. There’s also a soft-handled nut driver in the set, along with five metric and seven SAE driver sockets, plus three Phillips, three straight-blade, two Torx and two square-drive bits. And it all comes in a molded plastic case that keeps everything securely snapped in place.

That’s the quantity part. The quality is evident in the lustrous chrome finish on the ratchet, extension and sockets. The ratchet has a solid, substantial feel and an exceptionally smooth, 72-tooth gear mechanism that allows it to re-engage after only a 5-degree swing of the handle—great for working in tight spaces. A locking device prevents sockets and extensions from detaching until a release button on the backside of the ratchet is pushed. The sockets also are nicely made and fit properly on their designated fasteners. For quick and easy identification, the SAE sockets have a red stripe around their circumference and the metrics are marked with blue, and they all have their sizes laser-etched on the sides in large letters and/or numbers.

Which brings us to price. Kobalt is the house tool brand for Lowe’s, which lists this set for $49.95 on its website.That’s an excellent price for 62 good-quality tools in a matching case—about 79 cents per piece. But I have seen and heard of these sets being sold in some Lowe’s stores for much less, even as little as $29.95, and that’s a screaming deal by any standards.

Pro bike techs and experienced home mechanics are not likely to have any interest in this set; they no doubt already own a much wider variety of hand tools. But for anyone who wants a starter set that’s both affordable and of good quality, this one is hard to beat.