Move Over, Kobalt: Craftsman Has An Affordable Wrench Set On Amazon With Rave Reviews

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Kobalt and Craftsman are close competitors. Both rank among the ten best power tool brands, and they also offer extensive ranges of hand tools. At times it can be difficult to choose between them. However, while Kobalt has several collections for home and garage use, we couldn't find anything quite as compact or budget-friendly as the Craftsman 20-Piece Ratcheting Wrench Set. It is currently available from Amazon for just $22.98. Is it time for Kobalt to move over? Let's take a closer look.

The Craftsman set is based around a T-handle that offers ¼-inch hexagonal sockets in two different positions. The handle is steel inside for strength and durability, with a rubberized casing that allows for a firm, comfortable grip. Craftsman claims it can generate up to 500 inch-pounds of torque, and it can get into much tighter spaces than would be possible with the long handle of an ordinary wrench or socket. The ratcheting action also means you only need to turn it short distances, which you can do with your wrist rather than needing to put your whole arm into it.

The Craftsman ratcheting wrench set includes a variety of sockets, screwdriver bits, and extension bars, and there are literally dozens of other accessories available thanks to the universal ¼-inch fittings in the handle. These smaller parts can wear quite quickly and are often regarded as disposable. So fortunately, replacing them is easy and affordable.

A good wrench set is among the tools every homeowner should have, and this one from Craftsman certainly seems popular. Customers give it an average rating of 4.7 stars, with the majority finding it capable of a variety of tasks, well-made, and good value for money. Hand comfort and ease of use are also mentioned, as is the ability to apply good torque. There are very few complaints. One or two reviewers say the sockets included are not actually made by Craftsman, although faults aren't mentioned.

While the torque figure claimed might seem impressive, it will to a large extent depend on the strength of the user. It's also obvious from the size of the components included that this is a light-duty set. There are plenty of jobs it can accomplish, and it could be a useful addition to your DIY armory, but if you're a home auto enthusiast, for example, it won't replace your usual socket wrench set. If you are a fan of the brand and are in the market for a more comprehensive solution, reviewers are loving Craftsman's 298-piece tool set. That, or a similar collection from Kobalt, is more likely to fulfil your needs, but it will of course cost considerably more.