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The Best Socket Set of All-Time: Metrinch Tool Kit Review

This is the best socket set I have ever owned. I first got this set in 1999 and it has never let me down. Learn more about it here.

Home / DIY Skills / The Best Socket Set of All-Time: Metrinch Tool Kit Review

Last updated: December 7, 2022
By: Hugh Kimura

My Dad gave me this tool set when I graduated from college. I used it for years to work on cars and fix things around my home.

During that time, I never needed another wrench or socket.

This is the best tool set is because each socket and wrench can be used on BOTH metric and standard nuts and bolts. That effectively cuts the number of tools you need in half. 

Sadly, my set was stolen and I wasn't able to find a replacement for some time. Luckily, people have started selling this set on eBay, so I got a replacement.

If you're looking for a new set of tools, let's take a look at this little-known set in more detail.

Where Most Tool Sets Fall Short

My biggest issue with most tool sets is that they have too many parts. For starters, there needs to be a wrench and socket for common nut/bolt sizes, in both metric and standard.

On top of that many manufacturers add unnecessary tools in their kits, just to increase the number of parts in the kit. Bigger numbers are good for marketing.

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Most tools from major manufacturers are going to do a good job. There isn't a huge difference between tools. If something breaks, you just buy another one.

It's not a big deal.

But when a tool set can reduce the number of tools you're lugging around, that's a big improvement over almost everything else out there. 

That's the big advantage that Metrinch has over almost every other tool set out there. 

The Benefits of Metrinch Tools

Metrinch wrench set

Hand ratchet

A hand ratchet seems a weird tool…until you actually use one. It's great for speeding up jobs where the nut/bolt/screw is not super tight.

They also help you get into tight spaces, where the handle of a regular ratchet might be too big.

Work on Stripped Nuts/Bolts

Damaged nuts and bolts
Source: Metrinch YouTube channel

Metrinch tools are built to work with both metric can standard tools, but since they grip the edges of nuts/bolts, they work even if the corners are stripped off.

There are other socket sets out there that will do this, but those sets can damage the nut or bolt. Metrinch tools are built do they don't do further damage.

Screwdriver Works with the Hand Ratchet

You can attach the hand ratchet to the screwdriver to speed up your work. There obviously isn't as much leverage as with a ratchet wrench, but it is handy for situations where you don't have nuts/bolts/screws that aren't stuck.

No Unnecessary Parts

A lot of tool sets have a lot of redundant parts. For example, the Kobalt set in the video has a lot of extra screwdriver heads.

Kobalt tool set

I really don't need that many sizes of screwdriver heads…and 2 handles. They just add extra weight and take up space.

The Kobalt set weights more than double the Metrinch set. An extra 14+ pounds doesn't seem like a lot, but it can make a huge difference if you need to carry that set over long distances.

The Metrinch set has everything I need, without the extra parts. All for less than 10 pounds.

The One Downside

There's only one real downside to this tool set, the ratchet. It's a solid ratchet, it works well and it's durable. But it doesn't have as many teeth as other ratchets out there.

So if you're in a really tight spot, it's harder to get the nut/bolt moving. This has never been an issue for me, but I could see a situation where this could be limiting.

If this concerns you, simply get a ratchet from another manufacturer and your set will be perfect.

Final Thoughts

I love the fact that Metrinch tools don't take up much space.

If I'm going on a long trip, I can easily throw this in the trunk of my car. It's reassuring to know that I can make simple fixes on the road.

This is the perfect set for most people, because it will work for most home or car repair projects.

Every household should have at least one set of quality tools. Having tools means that you can fix things yourself and not have to rely on others.

That may seem obvious now, but if you're stuck in a situation without tools, you'll wish that you had prepared.

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Filed Under: DIY Skills Tagged With: Hand Tools

About Hugh Kimura

Hi, my name is Hugh Kimura and I'm dedicated to helping you gain the skills to become more self-reliant. I share what I know and what I'm currently learning.

Read all of my articles here.

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