Any feedback on Kincrome tools?

[spudboy]

I went looking for a torque wrench yesterday at my local GasWeld shop and they gave me a brochure on Kinchrome spanners et al.

Quite a bit cheaper than Sidchrome, which is what the rest of my toolbox is.

A 1/2" Sidchrome torque wrench is around $300. The equivalent Kincrome is $169.

Anyone had problems with Kincrome? I hate buying "bargain" tools that turn out to be rubbish.

[Phoenix]

I have a faint recollection that kincrome tools are ok. I've got an allen key set of their that is ok so far, but that is no good indication. I think that their torque wrench is ok from memory, or at least so those said when I asked about torque wrenches last.

[spudboy]

Well it doesn't have to be military strength because it will only get used a few days per year, but I would rather spend $300 on something that's going to last 25 years, than around half for a "GMC" style item.

Off on a slight tangent - I cannot believe how cheap some of this GMC stuff is. I asked a salesman about it and he said people will buy 'disposable' tools just to get 1 job done, and then chuck it out.

[Grimace]

I use em and I like em... so far...

Speaking of which I need to get my torquey back off wazza!

[landymad]

Kincrome are good gear if you arn't going to be using them every day, esp something like a torque wrench where you can pay big bucks for them and get little use! I've got a 1/2" kincrome socket set that's been used and abused on a farm for 4 years as a toolset for keeping in the ute and there's been no problems with it. From memory my set has a lifetime warrenty as well. If the torque wrench has a lifetime warrenty too then that's all you need to know, eh?

I've got a mate who bought a GMC generator 6 years ago and every 8 months he returns it under warrenty... the only good thing about GMC is that they don't question the warrenty when you come back to throw the item back at them! LOL!

[gromit]

Kinchrome seem to be good quality (can be a bit exxy) and also have lesser quality tools marketed under other names (Chrome Tech & Super Tool)
Welcome to the Kincrome Group Website (http://www.kincrome.com.au/web/index.php)

If you're Melbourne based and can get to Scoresby on a Friday Kinchrome dispose of old/damaged stock direct from their warehouse.
The selection changes from week to week but there are always damaged tool boxes (that can be straightened), socket sets in damaged boxes, discontinued stock plus lots of other odds & ends. Always end up buying something I didn't know I needed....

They can be found on Lakeview Drive on the Industrial site behind Caribbean Gardens.

Happy Shopping........Colin

[Disco_owner]

spudboy;

Every bit of tool I own is Kingchrome , Screw Driver Set , 1/2" Socket Set , Spaner Set , Alan key set , They are cheap and reasonably good quality , haven't damaged or broken anything yet , and I do a lot of work on my vehicle. I'm also about to purchase a Kinchrome Torques wrench , not sure about lifetime warranty thing thou but I'll let you know tomorrow when I pick it up.

[njz]

I bought a Kinchrome torque wrench about 2 years ago and have been very happy with it. It seems well made and hasn't given me any problems.

[spudboy]

OK - That's all pretty positive stuff. Reckon I'll go and get one this arvo then.

This is SUCH a good forum :D

Thanks for the advice.

[spudboy]

If you're Melbourne based and can get to Scoresby on a Friday Kinchrome dispose of old/damaged stock direct from their warehouse.
The selection changes from week to week but there are always damaged tool boxes (that can be straightened), socket sets in damaged boxes, discontinued stock plus lots of other odds & ends. Always end up buying something I didn't know I needed....

.....Colin

That sounds like a dangerous place for me to visit. I am a sucker for a bargain tool offer. Luckily I live in Adelaide.

[Utemad]

I have a 1/2in Kincrome torque wrench but it only cost me $100. I have the one with the twist handle and the vernier type scale. I think you are talking about the twist handle and little window to see the number. They were more expensive than mine.

Mine has held up fine. I keep it in its case and it gets little use. So long as it is close and consistent then I'm happy.

[Lucas]

Hi,
We have moved from Sidcrome to Kincrome tools, I would be very wary about the torque wrenches.
We do up thousands of fasteners every day (20 - 40 Nm range), we generally use Norbar torque wrenches.
We have a job that requires 240Nm for this we bought 2 Kincrome units.

To meet ISO requirements our tools are calibrated 6 monthly.
We had the calibration bloke come in and test the 2 brand new units and they were found to be up to 30Nm inaccurate.

[dmdigital]

Kincrome torque wrenches are rather ordinary. Spend that kind of money on something better like a Norbar.

Some Kincrome stuff is very good, some is average and some is downright cheap and nasty.

[aston]

The only spanners and sockets that I have broken have been sidchrome :o :o
By the way they are produced in India

Cheers Aston

[PAT303]

I wouldn't trust a cheap torque wrench on a cylinder head or big ends,mains etc.I have a Norbar TW that I know is right.Don't skimp on tools that do very important work. Pat

[Tank]

I went looking for a torque wrench yesterday at my local GasWeld shop and they gave me a brochure on Kinchrome spanners et al.

Quite a bit cheaper than Sidchrome, which is what the rest of my toolbox is.

A 1/2" Sidchrome torque wrench is around $300. The equivalent Kincrome is $169.

Anyone had problems with Kincrome? I hate buying "bargain" tools that turn out to be rubbish.
Sidchrome are a superior tool to Kincrome, and about the same price, I had a 20 pc. 1/2" drive socket (only) Kincrome and some maggot knocked them off, because kincrome no longer have this set 8mm to 32MM I replaced them with Sidchrome and at $108 they were $12 cheaper than Kincrome.
As far as Torque wrenches go, Warren & Brown is the go, outlast you and can be recalibrated, Regards Frank.

[muddy69]

Can'tfault Kincrome. I have socket, spanner and screwdriver sets a well as 1/2" torque wrench which is used for general maintenance/repair.
Value for money imho.
Muddy

[djam1]

I have had 3 Kingchrome tension wrenches the first broke (well I was abusing it).
The second broke some bolts off on the block of my V8 when I was retensioning them. I returned it and it was replaced as a warranty job
The third sits in my toolbox I wouldnt hesitate to use it but will be wary of things when the tension seems higher then it should be.

[Blknight.aus]

I have no problems with kingchrome gear but I have good gear for the important stuff and access to all kinds of cal gear to keep them all in shape.

for your average home greaser whose not doing main transmission engine or pump rebuilds they will do nicely.

as already mentioned they are not always cheaper and do not cover the same ranges as some of the other kits from snap on and sidchrome.

[DRS]

I have kinchrome and I have had not had any troubles with them. Recent purchases have been through Transquip link Tools, Clearance, Bargain tools, Australia wide delivery | Transquip Direct (http://www.transquip.com.au/productlist.aspx?ID=236).

I recently purchased set of Kinchrome ratchet spanners. I recommend these for those special nuts and bolts that you need an extra special arm with mulitple knuckles.

Screw drivers are good. I have not broken any tips off and sockets seem to be holding up. I liked the fact that the sockets were single hex.

I have quick a few ools and my favourite would be stahwille. Once you have used these it is hard go back.

I have not used kinchrome tension wrenches. Since I have been out of the trade for a while I can not comment on the tension wrench. It may be worth contacting a certified calibration tech to check on what is currently good.

Regards,

Dave

[MacMan]

Screw drivers are good. I have not broken any tips off and sockets seem to be holding up.

Can't say the same here. I broke a couple of tips off the smaller flat blades (no I was not misusing them) but took them back to the shop for immediate exchange. Seemed like a bad batch in the boxed sets, and the replacements have been OK.