Channellock 34212 1/4" Drive Metric Socket set, 21 Piece

Pretty good kit, absolutely cheap for what you get, currently half the price of the similar Gearwrench 80327 set which is my personal favorite. That set lacks in the extension department with only a 6" and 2" extension, and has no swivel extension; this set has a 3" and 6" extension and the swivel that acts much like a 1.5" extension. Both sets have spinner handles that double as an extra extension because of the 1/4 adatapter in the end of the handle which is extremely nice although the spinner handle grip in this kit is probably the cheapest feeling in my hand where as the Gearwrench is the nicest. All the pieces snap together positively so no complaints there as I read some reviews that they fit loose, but my set is fine and the sockets seem true to size.In terms of sockets this set goes up to 13 in both deep and shallow but skips the 12 in both. I noticed some people where shocked that they skipped the 12, but its a size I hardly ever use where as the 13 is used daily. In the Gearwrench set they skipped the 13 shallow but added a 14 deep which seems far more questionable in my mind. My solution for the Gearwrench set is to tuck a 3" extension in the box along with a swivel adapter and a 13mm short socket which I end up fishing out nearly every time I use the set. I can just close the case if I jimmy the contents around just right (because the set was designed for a long ratchet and they only give you the short now). For this set the only thing I am missing is a 12mm and a short will do, I ordered a 12mm short, 14mm short and 15mm short socket and the fit nicely in the finger slots under the ratchet, spinner handle and extension. This is an easy fit and takes this kit to the next level, I wouldn't even have thought of having a 15mm in a 1/4 set except I have both the mid length and swivel sets in my main tool set in the garage from Gearwrench and they come in super handy.The metal case on this set is both good and bad. Its actually pretty small, at least as compared to the 80327 although I can see how it could be smaller. It is pretty sturdy and its clearly marked what goes where which seems over the top. The insert is hard plastic and I think a softer foam would be better as they wouldn't rattle and would be easier to take out. The latch seems like the potential let down on the case, its brand new now and works fine but it seems like this will be the week link, its just not a very positive feel.The only other area where the quality is just a bit below my expectations is the ratchet. Its a push button retention ratchet which isn't my personal preference but that works fine, and holds the pieces positively. It is a 45 tooth design and while its much better than say a Craftsman raised panel "candybar" ratchet its still a bit crispy in the mechanism and the selector switch while solid is a bit difficult to engage in one direction. With the exposed fasteners I will definitely take it apart and clean it and re-fill it with some super lube and see if I can't get those things sorted out, but if not I could swap it out for a Harbor Freight professional ratchet or a parts store 72+ tooth ratchet for a reasonable cost. In comparison the Gearwrench 84 tooth ratchet is my personal hands down favorite ratchet (and I have or have used basically every ratchet there is) but it costs nearly the same as this whole set. There isn't anything wrong with the ratchet in this set, but I could do better and I will probably think that every time I use it, but use it I will.Overall this is way more text than you need on a set like this. You won't beat it for the price and if you are looking for a compact set to stick in the car you could do a whole lot worse and have to spend a lot more to do better. Since I am putting this into an additional car so I can have some tools in there for emergencies I stepped it up to 15mm and this will be the only socket set for this vehicle and I am comfortable with that. Now to find a good deal in acceptable wrenches to round out the set.

Nice set equivalent to "craftsmanship" brand by known store chain, which isn't made in USA inymore.. Steel case with a heavy steel latch. Quality is above average for the price. Little things that aggravate mechanics, are avoided in this set, especially the case. It isn't the snap in blow molded design that make you pry the sockets out with a screwdriver, or fall out. Case holds sockets in order when shaken or closed, even when upside down. The case is big and had openings below for adding the missing 12mm. Really? 12 mm is a 1/2 essentially. So just add an extra, there is room. Radius at hex corner allows thinner wall (better for tight areas) and less rounded off bolts. Ratchet is smooth and thicker pear shape than the other brand. Even though the case is big, im and organizing nut, so im keeping this even missing a 12mm. Good for small engine mechanics or general household without need for breaking out my bigger Mac or Snap on sets reserved for serious car repairs. Case fits nicely in socket drawer with his friends.

I have the 3 cases 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 inch drive . the 1/2 drive set is an Excellent product, I have rebuild a few engine with this tool set, very strong, I had use the breaker bar with a pipe to undo the central bolt of a BMW BMW N52 engine, witch is torque down at 100 N-m = 74 ft-lb plus 360 degrees angular torque, so very strong. the 3/8 had the perfect extension , I only used to compliment the other sets, the 1/4 in drive set is versatile , basically is the only set I use all they long I put adapter I only change to a bigger ratchet when I need to , the ratchet has a quick release, so that the sockets do not fall that easy when you are working in a tight engine bay , I love the metal cases because it helps me keep organized and not waist time looking for miss place socket

As stated these are Made in Taiwan but that's actually where some of the best tools are made including Tekton. It is much, much better than anything Chinese made. The designs of these are modern and it looks like Channelock (American company) probably designed these and just had it outsourced to a good factory in Taiwan. They ratchet movement is precise, they are well polished and fitting and the case is great. There is a lot of heft to this kit and for $38 I cannot imagine you can do better. I would love a Made in USA set but without Craftsmen, there is nothing available below $100. Channelock only makes wrenches in the USA but they at least handle the warranty on these.The steel on these is hard and this is good for high torque applications. The ratchet is quick release via the button which is annoying but the same as German made sets.Overall, I highly recommend these.

I'm very happy with the quality of this 1/2" drive metric socket set. I've used it a fair amount on my car since purchasing it and my only minor complaint is that the case suffered some slight damage in shipping. There is a slight dent in the metal case, and the flimsy polycarbonate / plastic piece inside that holds each part of the set in place is cracked. I can't fault Channellock for the rough shipping, but the interior piece that holds each part of the set in place really should be made of stronger material. If I get sufficiently motivated at some point in the future, I may carve a replacement out of wood. Other than that minor issue, the set seems to be very strong and high quality, extremely so for the price.

I carry the whole set on my cart all around my shop. I am in aerospace and we mainly use fasteners that you can install with 1/4 drive. For the price I am blown away. My coworkers thought the ratchet was broken because it’s so smooth. Would definitely recommend for jobs you don’t have to struggle with otherwise use something you don’t mind messing up. This set is for impressing people.