sidchrome vs kincrome | The Garage Journal

Recently got a Kincrome 182 piece tool set. I like Kincrome boxes as I’ve used one for quite a number of years and it has been tossed around a bit and still operates like new. I particularly like the retracting drawers. Therefore I had no issues buying again. Needed to get some tools too, and buying empty an empty chest and trolley versus a decently equipped chest and trolley was only $700 extra so I took the plunge.

While I don’t regret doing so, I was bitterly disappointed with the standard of the spanners (wrenches). I’ve had a few Kincrome spanners in the past, but having mainly used Sidchrome spanners which I’ve been VERY happy with. The few Kincromes I had were mainly AF sizes I rarely use (mainly for plumbing fittings) and I purchased them over Sidchromes purely because I wanted shorter spanners given I don’t use them for high torque items.

Anyway I guess I kind of forgot that and when I unpacked the tools I was immediately upset with the spanners. The finishes seemed unfinished with rough edges, and the spanners were so short. I barely gave them a single use before buying Sidchrome spanners again – the Facom inspired 440 series. I guess I was also happy to get a pair of metrics spanners, to avoid using sockets when only needed to hold the opposite bolt/nut.

What a difference in quality. The length is heaps better and they are a joy to hold. Not a huge fan with how the box ends makes it a little hard to use on the flatter side, but that’s my only quibble.

Thought I’d share some pictures showing the differences.
Length:

Box end:

Open end, with Sidchrome’s trademark anti-slip grooves which aren’t in the Facom originals:

Reviving oldish thread.Recently got a Kincrome 182 piece tool set. I like Kincrome boxes as I’ve used one for quite a number of years and it has been tossed around a bit and still operates like new. I particularly like the retracting drawers. Therefore I had no issues buying again. Needed to get some tools too, and buying empty an empty chest and trolley versus a decently equipped chest and trolley was only $700 extra so I took the plunge.While I don’t regret doing so, I was bitterly disappointed with the standard of the spanners (wrenches). I’ve had a few Kincrome spanners in the past, but having mainly used Sidchrome spanners which I’ve been VERY happy with. The few Kincromes I had were mainly AF sizes I rarely use (mainly for plumbing fittings) and I purchased them over Sidchromes purely because I wanted shorter spanners given I don’t use them for high torque items.Anyway I guess I kind of forgot that and when I unpacked the tools I was immediately upset with the spanners. The finishes seemed unfinished with rough edges, and the spanners were so short. I barely gave them a single use before buying Sidchrome spanners again – the Facom inspired 440 series. I guess I was also happy to get a pair of metrics spanners, to avoid using sockets when only needed to hold the opposite bolt/nut.What a difference in quality. The length is heaps better and they are a joy to hold. Not a huge fan with how the box ends makes it a little hard to use on the flatter side, but that’s my only quibble.Thought I’d share some pictures showing the differences.Length:Box end:Open end, with Sidchrome’s trademark anti-slip grooves which aren’t in the Facom originals: