Festool has come out with a new “limited edition” mechanics tool set – a ratchet and socket set – that’s fitted in a blue Systainer.
Thank you to everyone who wrote in about this!
Festool is not known for their hand tools, but they tend to release things like this on occasion.
The Festool limited edition socket set, model 577135, appears to be in stock at every Festool online retailer and dealer that I checked. But, as it’s a limited edition, the set isn’t a regularly carried product and won’t be around forever.
Festool describes this as a comprehensive set consisting of ratchets, sockets, and bits in different sizes.
The tool set comes with both SAE and metric sockets, with 1/4″ and 1/2″ drive tools. Sorry, there’s no 3/8″.
But, you do get a full range of socket sizes, and so there’s some truth to Festool’s claims of the set being comprehensive.
Here’s what you get:
- 1/4″ and 1/2″ ratchets (72T for 5° swing arc)
- Metric sockets 5 to 22mm
- 1/4″ – 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 mm
- 1/2″ – 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22 mm
- SAE sockets 5/32″ to 1″
- 1/4″ – 5/32, 3/16, 7/32, 1/4, 9/32, 5/16, 11/32, 3/8, 13/32, 1/2 inch
- 1/2″ – 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16, 3/4, 13/16, 7/8, 15/16, 1 inch
- 1/4″ 75 and 150mm extensions
- 1/2″ 100 and 250mm extensions
- 1/2″ universal wobble joint
- 1/4″ reversible bit ratchet
- 1/4″ adapter for sockets
- Stubby screwdriver with bit holder
- (20) 1-inch 1/4″ hex insert screwdriver bits
- PH 1, PH 2, PH 3, PZ 1, PZ 2, PZ 3, TX 10, TX 15, TX 20, TX 25, TX 30, TX 40, SQ 1, SQ 2, SQ 3, HEX 4 mm, HEX 5 mm, HEX 6 mm, Slot 0.8 mm, Slot 1.2 mm
- Custom foam insert
- Blue Systainer3 tool case
Hmm, it looks like the set’s not as comprehensive as it could be. You get 13/32″, but no 7/16″, which is a standard wrench and socket size for 1/4″-threaded nuts and bolts.
Looking at closeup images of the set contents, it really does seem to be lacking 7/16″.
You get all 6pt sockets, and the drive tools look reasonable. The ratchets have screwdriver-style handles, and the sockets and extensions all have knurling for easier hand-turning.
When you take into account everything that you get, and the neatly organized Systainer tool box, the set seems to be a decent value.
I’d be more inclined to go with something different, such as Wera’s excellent drive size-specific inch or metric socket sets, but I do see some appeal in this Festool offering.
If you’re on the fence, take some time to think about it. This is a limited edition product, which usually take a bit of time for Festool to sell through, but there’s no way to tell how long it will be available for.
If you bought a set, what do you think about it?
Price: $249
