RE: Metrinch?

["Enis, Robert O" <roenis@tva.gov>]

Jim Griffin asked:
Just curious... has anyone seen and/or tried these Metrinch tools?
http://www.metrinch.com

My input:
I first came across Metrinch tools many years ago when they were sold at
Kmart under their BenchTop brand.  Kmart hasn't carried them for some time.
I think my experiences with the sockets are applicable to the current
Metrinch tools, which are now being sold at Sears, BTW.  I purchased a set
of 3/8" sockets with extension and rachet.  The set has been used
extensively on 5 VWs, 4 Audis, 3 Mazdas, and 1 Nissan.  The sockets, IME, do
exactly what they claim.  They are the best sockets I've ever seen for
damaged nuts!  They also slip on and off a nut easier than many conventional
sockets, so using them can be quicker.  The barrel of the socket is slightly
larger that a regular socket, so there might be an occassional problem with
very tight locations.  I've used the sockets in one instance to break loose
a nut that broke a high-quality regular socket.  

>From an engineering viewpoint the idea of applying force behind the corner
instead of at the corner is sound.  If I was starting over in the 'tool
collection' business, I would purchase Metrich because one set can be
interchangeable with SAE and Metric.  I would have eventully bought
additional wrenches years ago; but Kmart stopped selling them and, for
years, I was unable to find Metrinch.  I assumed they had gone out of
business.  

That's my experience......other's may have a different opinion. 

Bob Enis
Knoxville, TN
'89 200tq
'90 100