Lowes has come out with a new ratchet that works with their Xtreme Access sockets and accessories. The new ratchet has a knurled aluminum handle and hollow inner compartment that can fit up to 4 Kobalt Xtreme Access sockets.
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This is one of the most creative portable socket sets we’ve seen to date. According to the spec sheet, the ratchet has an overall length of 11.89 inches.
The 5pc set is priced at $20.
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First Thoughts
I like the idea of this ratchet as a sort of minimalist portable socket set. There’s going to be a limit as to the size of socket you can load into the ratchet, but Xtreme Access sockets smaller than those included in the set should fit without issue.
I am not too convinced that this is going to be a particularly strong ratchet, since it has an aluminum handle and hollow interior, but it should work for casual here-and-there applications when better tools aren’t available.
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Pete
Pretty cool, I’m kind of wanting one… Not sure why but it would be cool to have.
Phil
For “gimmick” tools, this seems to be rather desirable, especially for small tool kits or emergency use. Storing the sockets in the handle is a cool idea. Limited, yes. but still good for a minimalist tool set like a bicycle kit.
Noah
Honestly, its one of their better ideas in a while.
Jim
So this has the functionality of two ratcheting box end wrenches (or one, see below). Except, if I need additional sizes, then what? With the Kobalt Ratchet, I am stuck. The handle limits the number and sizes of sockets that can be stored. With box end ratchets, I just buy another wrench. I’ll pass.
Additional Note: Some creative ratcheting box end designs allow two different sizes per end. Like the Gearwrench Quad Box, which you have access to all four sizes at once, no changeover time:
http://www.amazon.com/GearWrench-85201-QuadBox-Wrench-16-Inch/dp/B0014ZVTYQ/
firefly
Hey I didn’t know about that gearwrench one. I like it. Simple idea in a proven design. Thanks for the info Jim.
Jerry
Channellock makes something along those lines, and it is USA made.
Mark
Jim,
You have a point about using ratcheting box-end wrenches instead of these nifty-looking sockets, BUT…
I bought a set of ratcheting wrenches which I’d drooled over for years & swapped-out the standard combo wrenches in my toolbox.
First job, I found the ratchets made the wrench “heads” too fat to fit in the space available. They now reside in my home toolkit, and the old wrenches are back in the traveling toolbox. (Which is too heavy & crowded to hold both sets.)
They are great where they do work though.
It looks like this socket set would have the same problem, and you can’t use an extension with it unless Kobalt makes a special one.
Also, I can’t find anyplace they say what frigging SIZE the sockets are…
VWRacer42
I have one of these. It looks flimsy, but it really is not. It actually has 5 sizes (SAE) as the largest is the ratchet opening at 3/4″. I regularly use this to goodntight “torque” engine bolts to above 54ft/lbs, with no handle deflection whatsoever. I expect you could probably get it to about 80ft/lbs, and it would start to deform shortly thereafter, but that would cover most older foreign car lug nuts. I believe that one of the other brands makes a 4″ extension for this type of wrench, but they really aren’t made for doing that kind of work.
Bobby thorburn
I bought 1 from harbor freight for bout 20.00 bucks, it came with 10 metric and 8 sa e sockets a 3 ” extension and rachet. I’ve had it for 2.5 yrs. Torqued over 100. Several times, no problem.
Ter
I’ve had this for 15 years and it is great for all around general purpose use. Light to Medium duty. Its compact and goes to work, home, truck , friends /family and is the best in a pinch. everyone envys it. I cant find anymore of this model anywhere. Its a shame if it is out of production. Bring it back! Stocking Stuffers