Tools Kincrome vs Sidchome and results.

[Ausmartin1]

Hi All,

I have an old Australian made Sidchrome kit from the 80's and other than the odd peeling bit of chrome it had servered me well.
I wished to upgrade to buy a new tool chest and a matching Wall cabinet kit complete when funds became avaialble...

Here is my experiance on the eternal question / delema as to which affordable resonable quality brand of tool kit to buy:

Tried to contact Sidcrome by e-mail & no responce. Apparently they are overseas owned now and made in Taiwan these days much like
Kincrome which source Taiwan / China and even have some Austrain made leather punches in the kit.

Had a look at both and the Sidchrome Wall Cabinety and heaveir duty tools were better than Kincrome, however
Kincrome Contours 472 Piece Chest was really nicely layed out templated trays.

I decided in the end to purchase the Kincrome 472 Contour chest and the smaller Kincrome 226/7 piece wall set.
Interestingly enough Price wise Sydney was the most expensive, Melbourne second and Perth was the cheapest where I managed to get the best deal at that moment.

So here we are now, just like crazy Americans - Cheaper to purchase and freight Interstate - from Perth (Distributor - kincrome is local to me in Victoria) than to buy in Victoria ~ sigh...

Results:
Contour Chest 472 excellent geared wrenches & socket ratchets (ratchets not as heavy duty as Sid's but way nicer and lighter to use for 99.9% of what I need)
Nice kit. Only missing Items I feel are small and large torque wrenches, needle nose pliers and small vice grip type needle pliers. So pretty good & very happy in general.
Negative: Quality of top lid on tool chest 8 draw P/N K7748. The weld It's a joke - lets call it a tack weld) the first time I opened it I heard a SNAP. This resulted the lid going out of alignment.
What mungrel fabricated this lid with out guset plate in each corner? You have high stress loads from the gas struts, locking hinges and all this was being held by a tack weld? LOL!
As kincrome don't warranty the chests (Even If I got it replaced it would last x days long?) I quickly rivited in some plate cut from sheving arms to fix it once and for all see pic's yes bit bodge I know - even the paint was still wet:





The 226 Kincrome Wall cabinet has cheaper spaners & sockets with Hammer handle being of better "visual" quality the notable differance to chest.
Again the let down is the Chinese sourced cabinet, decietful advertising - unless you seach for the cabinet p/n "it self" where you find friction slid draw = professional my a$$.
Not only that - you have to hook internaly the left door to lock the RH door?
The other gripe is you spend a long time unpacking from all the retail security pakaging vs the Contour Chest set which most of it is already in it's trays - nice touch!


Conculsion:
So if you need tools for heavier machinery go the Sidchrome especially their new anti slip 440 spanner range, but for general Motor Bike /Car better off with Kincrome - so get a get a good deal and allow to spend some time reworking their useless Chinese Tool chest/wall cabinets!
Can't understand why Kincrome can't seem to get their act together on the cabinets and lids etc. as they appeared to have put a real effort into making the Contour set a sucess at least.

PS
If you win a million dollars, then lets go Europeon or Snap-on, but most of these don't seem to sell a large "general" set of tools in a kit.
Appears race teams just choose what they need it appears.


Hope this helps people considering a new tool kit or have I just confused you further in your quest ?

Cheers!

Martin

[macca_779]

I've got mostly kinchrome stuff now with a mix of sidchrome in a 3/8 set and one torque wrench. I find it all very good quality. I use snap on and jbs at work and it's also very good. I do prefer the kinchrome ratchets though. Even my kinchrome ratchet spannes are very good


iPhone 4

[Red Beard]

I'm not a heavy user of tools, but I have managed to break several bits and pieces in some cheaper sets. I have a couple of small Kincrome pieces, they've served me well for a few years without any problems. I'm waiting on a Sidchrome 64 piece socket set at the moment, it came free with a 2 year Wheels subscription. It was supposed to arrive last month, but apparently it was a very popular offer, they had to order another 3000 sets.

On another tool related matter, a guy was showing me his new socket set, with a "silent" ratchet, no clickety click as it went around. Why would you bother, it's no fun without the noise. It's like buying a V8 and not fitting a louder exhaust.

[SSVHM2.5]

I used to work for Kincrome and they are a great Aussie company. I currently work around 100 metres from the head office and warehouse in Scoresby, Vic. They often have a shop open where you can purchase cheap tools. I would take your chest back to them. I am sure they would replace it, simply not good enough....

[macca_779]

I'm not a heavy user of tools, but I have managed to break several bits and pieces in some cheaper sets. I have a couple of small Kincrome pieces, they've served me well for a few years without any problems. I'm waiting on a Sidchrome 64 piece socket set at the moment, it came free with a 2 year Wheels subscription. It was supposed to arrive last month, but apparently it was a very popular offer, they had to order another 3000 sets.

On another tool related matter, a guy was showing me his new socket set, with a "silent" ratchet, no clickety click as it went around. Why would you bother, it's no fun without the noise. It's like buying a V8 and not fitting a louder exhaust.

I use ratchets that don't click. They're called posidrives and only go one way and incriment at a minusquil angle. Very usefull for bolts that offer limited access as is often the case on aircraft


iPhone 4

[PhatAs]

On another tool related matter, a guy was showing me his new socket set, with a "silent" ratchet, no clickety click as it went around. Why would you bother, it's no fun without the noise. It's like buying a V8 and not fitting a louder exhaust.

It clicks because its a shit ratchet! Finer toothed ratchets work a million times better and will still undo a loose bolt where the shit ones will just spin it instead of ratcheting!

Kingchrome is alot better value and i prefer the spanners on a professional level. Not to mention the ratchets. Sidchromes are a pain to use. Especially the ones with the button in the head to change direction which u always seem to hit when undoing bolts!

[VZ_V8]

personally i prefer Snap On and Bluepoint which is what I use at work. However at the car warehouse I have a complete Kincrome setup with roller cab, add on chest and main chest with primarily Kincrome gear filling it. They do make some excellent stuff but also make some stuff which they should be embarrassed to have their name on. I love their ratcheting spanners and have generally had good experiences with their socket sets and screwdrivers etc. However their normal combo spanners leave a bit to be desired and my SP ones are tons better and almost the same price.

[RAWKUS]

A bit off topic, but I bought a set of Crescent tools from Bunnings as a back up to keep in the garage. My main tool set (Teng) stays in the work truck and is a pain to drag out for minor work. The Crescent are a nice set to use for cheapies. Fine ratcheting, good finish and are holding up quite well, not that I use them that often. For a set to keep in the car, I couldn't justify spending more. The other pleasant surprise is a Supatool Premium (cheaper Kincrome version) set that I have in 1/4 and 3/8" drive. Great little set that I use to put on the end of my impact driver when I feel lazy. That's had some abuse too and no sign of sockets failing. The ratchet isn't bad either. My main chest is Kincrome that is about 10 years old. Can be a pain to lock the drawers sometimes as the rods at the back don't always engage when the lid is closed. When parked on a hill and the lid is opened the drawers coming sliding out which can be a hazard. I disconnected the middle rod from the lid so I have to manually pull it up to open the drawers, other than that has been pretty good. My old man always had Sidchrome (Old school) and they're just bulletproof. Times have changed though.

[PhatAs]

personally i prefer Snap On and Bluepoint which is what I use at work. However at the car warehouse I have a complete Kincrome setup with roller cab, add on chest and main chest with primarily Kincrome gear filling it. They do make some excellent stuff but also make some stuff which they should be embarrassed to have their name on. I love their ratcheting spanners and have generally had good experiences with their socket sets and screwdrivers etc. However their normal combo spanners leave a bit to be desired and my SP ones are tons better and almost the same price.

Personally i prefer CAT tools, as they are all snap on tools but with cat stamped on them, usually have the bluepoint finnish to them, and are half the price of snap on!

[VZ_V8]

Personally i prefer CAT tools, as they are all snap on tools but with cat stamped on them, usually have the bluepoint finnish to them, and are half the price of snap on!

If you buy online from the states Snap On is less than half the price it is here anyway. My 8pce screwdriver set was in the "specials" catalogue this month for $252AUD. I had mine landed from the US for $120. I have never looked at the CAT tools. Who stocks them?

[GOT-307]

A bit off topic, but I bought a set of Crescent tools from Bunnings as a back up to keep in the garage. My main tool set (Teng) stays in the work truck and is a pain to drag out for minor work. The Crescent are a nice set to use for cheapies. Fine ratcheting, good finish and are holding up quite well, not that I use them that often. For a set to keep in the car, I couldn't justify spending more. The other pleasant surprise is a Supatool Premium (cheaper Kincrome version) set that I have in 1/4 and 3/8" drive. Great little set that I use to put on the end of my impact driver when I feel lazy. That's had some abuse too and no sign of sockets failing. The ratchet isn't bad either. My main chest is Kincrome that is about 10 years old. Can be a pain to lock the drawers sometimes as the rods at the back don't always engage when the lid is closed. When parked on a hill and the lid is opened the drawers coming sliding out which can be a hazard. I disconnected the middle rod from the lid so I have to manually pull it up to open the drawers, other than that has been pretty good. My old man always had Sidchrome (Old school) and they're just bulletproof. Times have changed though.

I had a set of Crescent screwdrivers and after 1 day of working on my old VS, I had 3 left. The others snapped at the head from the torque (not improperly used)

[PhatAs]

If you buy online from the states Snap On is less than half the price it is here anyway. My 8pce screwdriver set was in the "specials" catalogue this month for $252AUD. I had mine landed from the US for $120. I have never looked at the CAT tools. Who stocks them?

Buddy ive been all over that like white on rice for a while lol! LOVE Ebay for tools haha! Only thing i go into the snap on van for is part numbers/ideas now haha
My best buys have to be a set of snap on stubby spanners for $130 frm 1/2" to 1". The van sells a set frm 7/16 to 3/4 for around 250 and every larger size is $100 ea!!!!
And a 3/4 ingersol rand rattle gun for $500 (rrp over 1k)

Caterpillar stock cat tools (westrac in wa nsw + act, william adams in vic and sa, hastings deering in qld)
They do thick spanners that feel realy good to hold/use and dnt dig into ur hands.

[RAWKUS]

I had a set of Crescent screwdrivers and after 1 day of working on my old VS, I had 3 left. The others snapped at the head from the torque (not improperly used)

Haven't used the screwdrivers, so can't comment on that. My set just has the handle with bits which I hate using anyway. Trusty set of Stanleys live in the garage.
What were you doing on the VS that caused them to break? I always pilot drill or run the thread of the screw though my hair to lube it. Same goes for nails on fine timber mouldings.
To the OP, sorry, but that riveting is just wrong...not showing some skills dude!

[VZ_V8]

Buddy ive been all over that like white on rice for a while lol! LOVE Ebay for tools haha! Only thing i go into the snap on van for is part numbers/ideas now haha
My best buys have to be a set of snap on stubby spanners for $130 frm 1/2" to 1". The van sells a set frm 7/16 to 3/4 for around 250 and every larger size is $100 ea!!!!
And a 3/4 ingersol rand rattle gun for $500 (rrp over 1k)

Caterpillar stock cat tools (westrac in wa nsw + act, william adams in vic and sa, hastings deering in qld)
They do thick spanners that feel realy good to hold/use and dnt dig into ur hands.

I do the exact same thing. Go have a look through the van, take a break from work for a bit. Grab a few part numbers then straight on ebay at lunchtime to see how much less I can get them for! haha

[Ausmartin1]

I do the exact same thing. Go have a look through the van, take a break from work for a bit. Grab a few part numbers then straight on ebay at lunchtime to see how much less I can get them for! haha

I agree, I do this with most items and wonder why we have to be so ripped off $$ here in OZ - until like TV's there is so much competion the prices are nearly normal no - finally.
But take Cars - want somthing euro or exotic - we pay more than people do in the UK - and they were said to be expensive! (meantime our car industry in is not in great shape - look at Ford attempting to stand down 1800 workers due to an unpaid rent - 116K at CMI today.

If you can get a good on shipper/personal shopper service like myus - use the amex as that will get your free membership, free shipping in the states and then DHL or FedEx' in 3 working days so you can get way cheaper cordless tools, shoes, speciality repair tools all for a bargin. Always factor in the Shipping or custom charges in rare case so you don't get burnt (Some time I've waited longer to receive something in stock in the same Australian state I'm in - go figure ?)

* Only thing is with charging and electrical equipment you have source alternatives as the usa has 120V and weird ass 240VAC that uses two live Actives, Nuetral & Earth vs Australia's better std. 1 Active, 1 Nuetral & 1 Earth.

But things like Shavers - I could buy x3 top of the line shavers with international travel charger (just get an adaptor) vs Shaver shop would provide just 1.
Replacement foils and cutters I get from Canada.

Shopping centres should stop charging rip of leases to shop owners and some shop owners should not be getting greeedy by cutting the range of goods down and getting their own cost of goods down where the quality of the item is so terrible thet I have to shop overseas!.
Ie: Business shirts CUSTOM INDIVIDUALY taylored from hongkong cheaper than Myers made in Indonesia in bulk.

Teach them a lesson and shop savy- you get some interesting products as well not available locally.

Cheers !