Finally! A Look At Sonic Tools USA & Their Sample Tool Kit!

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[@joeindustry]

The packaging of the tools in the “storage unit ready” format is fantastic. If only more American manufacturers would do this.

[@Mitsu3kGT]

Milwaukee does this a bit but not with foam. Their plastic trays come out and can be laid in a tool chest

[@eoghanfla6343]

Sonic tools are big in Europe and compete with toptul and teng tool. Taiwan made if my memory serves me right, good quality and usual lifetime warranty. Shipped out of the Netherlands I have vowed for years if I can justify a fulled filled cart it’ll be a sonic kit. Their roll cabs are very well made and heavy duty. A full cart with 250-300 tools is about 2.5k euro.

[@eagleeyephoto8715]

To be honest they are mediocre tools , but also cheaper then Hazet,Facom,Gedore,Unior or Stahlwille. All last named are better tools.

[@Modelo646]

@@eagleeyephoto8715 Well yeah so expensive tools are better. But for the price they are pretty good.

[@dragonlord2451]

sonic has been doing a lot of work to enter into the US' aviation industry. The shadowing and inventory control is required by most aerospace companies and sonic's shadowing is very aerospace-centric.

[@Mitsu3kGT]

Yeah I saw an ad with a bunch of airplane mechanics with wheelie carts by them

[@Swampyankeehomestead]

They have no clue, I've seen the aviation boxes. Aircraft techs need 12point sae not 6 point Metric.

[@kirkhilderbrand3729]

@@Swampyankeehomestead just got their 263 piece aviation set, it’s all 12 point SAE👍🏼

[@TheFlick175]

PSA is crazy about that and then there is Skywest who does not care if your box is shadowed or not

[@ryanquintal238]

You should do a review of some tekton tools if you haven’t already.

[@lejoshmont2093]

Yea I like their stuff alot. I work on my stuff and some of my friends. I really like how they do complete sets it eases my anxiety.

[@zachyurkus]

As soon as you picked up that combo wrench I literally said “oh hell no” out loud.

[@Juarally]

The main problem is the price in the US, in europe are way cheaper, 35 % cheaper than US with taxes and shipping, but the prices in the US, they are out of their minds.... you can buy Ko-Ken sockets, Facom wrenches, Wera screwdrivers, Knipex pliers and your choice for hammers then go to toolbed and make your own foam, cheaper and way better quaility.

[@LaimisBMW]

Good point! I am keeping an eye on the S12 XD 714pcs. box for quite some time. Which in EU would cost me about 4,000 EUR and free local shipping (with some discount and VAT excl.). In the States the same set sells for $13,620 USD... Anyway, now i am buying a KS Tools Racing Line 598pcs. set for 1,250 EUR and will get back to Sonic later haha.

[@205chooser]

I've had Sonic at work, a colleague still one. Theirs tools are okay and hold up quite well and warranty was really good so far. A small review of their tools: Pliers are okay I'd say, but they are hard and crack easy, my adjustable pipe pliers started cracking on the corners and the teeth. Linesmen pliers are nice and on the big opening they have directional teeth for extra biting grip. Sockets are good and hold up quite well. I have cracked one on a very rusted alignment bolt. Ratchets aren't the best. They're big, clunky, not fine teeth (flex head ones have 72t), but they do hold up to the abuse. Wrenches are fine to use, never had a problem rounding fasteners, but they do feel cheap. For the warranty one time my friend used knipex cobra 400mm one to press on side cutter to cut a wire, but instead he cracked his side cutters, either way they were replaced under warranty. Good tools for the money though. The tools carts are nice, only negative is paint is not the strongest and drawer slides aren't like the tool truck ones.

[@TassieLorenzo]

Wait a minute, 400mm Cobra pliers to press on a side cutter and the side cutter broke... Good of them to warranty that! 😆

[@interceptor7905]

Tools are rebranded.Pliers made by NWS and ratchet looks like Facom ratchet.

[@thegangster3786]

No chris fix "this is the greatest thing since sliced bread" bs here!

[@MrSubaru1387]

No helmet wearing, playing mechanics in the driveway, soapy water, bs. 😉 😁 😂

[@Matthew413MQB]

Professional auto tech here. I bought a 3/8 and 1/4 in foam set from them about three years ago. I think your review of these tools is very accurate. The ratchets really aren’t very good with the low tooth count. Within weeks the hinge on my flex head 3/8 ratchet became loose and floppy. As a professional, these ratchets are pretty much useless. The sockets are very well made and designed. I use them as frequently as my snap on chrome sockets. They are absolutely Sonic’s best product. The torx, hex, and triple squares are not able to stand much torque as these are the only tools from my set that I’ve had to warranty out. However, their warranty system is really easy and I get my replacement tool quickly. The foam is very durable and I’ve not had any issues with ripping or stretching.

[@scottisha69]

Reach out to scott at Sonic.... See if he'll get you their "next" version ratchet which is a big improvement over the previous generation ratchet.

[@802Garage]

I will say I much prefer sharp flats on a wrench than rounded. Might be a little harder to get on the fastener, but much less likely to round it off IMO. I like the matte chrome and knurling on the sockets as well. The hex flats on the extension are nice for doing Subaru plugs too, as you mentioned. I'd def buy it over Matco. Thanks for the overview!

[@802Garage]

@@eliezerramosjr1017 Matco ratchets are just a rebrand of something else. I'd buy Ko-Ken, Gearwrench, Teng, something else first. 😁

[@magincap70]

Blow the extra money on a snap-on if you're going with ratchets. Not everything made by snapon is superior but, their ratchets definitely are.

[@802Garage]

@@magincap70 I'd go with Ko-ken first personally. 😁

[@magincap70]

Never used a ko-ken. I'll have to check them out. I tend to go with stuff other than snapon when it comes to 1/2" but, 3/8 and 1/4" stuff snap on has always been my preference.

[@andrestnt]

Sonic boxes and foam are awesome. The tools are a mix bag of small amounts of German, and a majority of Taiwan/China tools. They have some good dedicated car manufacturer boxes. But overall it's overpriced for what you get.

[@crnkin2]

They look shit. But, every manufacturer has it’s place I suppose. There’s only a couple of oems in Taiwan that produce tools to the desired specs. Just pick your colour really. I have Taiwanese bahco. Really well made and good value for the home gamer.

[@TassieLorenzo]

Unfortunately Taiwanese Bahco is disappearing now, with most of those mid-range Bahco socket sets now made in China. I think it's just the ratcheting wrenches that are still made by Bobby Hu's company Hi-Five and are still top quality (as are any other ratcheting wrenches made by Hi-Five). Ratcheting wrenches from the other Taiwanese manufacturer Infar (who make ICON and others) are much less consistent, they seem to randomly have tight or loose mechanisms as the tolerances aren't as good.

[@frankblack1481]

That wrench looks like a ‘Walter’ re-brand. But, yeah, other than the pliers the tools don’t look great and I suspect offshore made? The lack of ‘Made In Germany’ bit notable. I’m not a fan of these brands that try to leverage the image of a German brand but when it matters go to offshore. Gedore getting super-annoying with that. I bought a wrench from KC listed as made in Germany but when I got it the marking was made in South Africa. Brand is dead to me now and I say that as a Dowidat collector.

[@bryanyazzie3552]

The wrench looks cheap an ugly lol also the ratchet head looks cheap as well needs an update hellno not worth 60 bucks

[@niclikescakes]

Worked with these on a race team, theyre acceptable, but I didnt like their ratchets. The complete box with foam inserts is astounding though

[@kevindavis6042]

I see a very nice starter set there Also an excellent choice for the DIYer at home as a professional you know where I'm coming from

[@kennethstephens8046]

Tool kits in 2016 and newer Camaros are all sonic tools if you get the optional tool kits. Idk about other gm models

[@kirkhilderbrand3729]

Just got sonic’s 263 piece aviation toolset, they’ve definitely improved their wrenches, but I’m not a huge fan of their ratchets, all good though I have snap-on ratchets

[@charlespayne1909]

?? Should your tools origin match the dealership you work at? Subaru=ko-ken Dodge=snap-on , audi/bmw= kc tools

[@MrSubaru1387]

I mean, makes it a lot cooler. 😎

[@mountainbikerdave]

Yeah "organization" is overall better then "individual tool performance" For example: If you break a 3/8 ratchet because you just use it that much. Then replace just that ONE tool with a higher-end version. (And warranty the one you broke so you'll have a spare whenever you need it) There's some tools you use every day, and other little tools you only use once in a while. Keeping all those other little bits and bobs organized. That's what really matters. Otherwise you're going to lose something in your toolbox and then buy another one and then find it a week later. And now you got two identical tools that you rarely use.

[@badbiker666]

I like the look of the sonic foam system. That is something I wish I had back when I was turning wrenches in the shops. I have always been a fan of organization systems, but the best I could do were racks for the wrenches and rails for the sockets. I did the best I could at the time, but back then, few tool manufacturer sold their tools in organizational forms. Not the bigger sets, that is. I could buy small sets of Craftsman sockets in trays or S-K tools in those little green boxes with the plastic inserts, but that was about it. It was toward the end of my wrenching career that companies like Snap-On started selling sets in plastic trays to keep the tools organized. I have a 1/4" drive Snap-On set in such a tray and it has held up all these years, but I hardly ever used it in a professional shop.

[@ericrussell4334]

I’ve owned a Sonic S12 VW full box for almost 3 years now. Sonic as you noted is a real mixed bag. ½ of what you get is near pro quality, the other ½ is discount level tools that is borderline not suitable for a shade tree mechanic. Ratchets they sell are junk. Not safe to use at all. The wrenches are similar low grade. I’m indifferent to their screwdrivers. They are reasonably good, and the handle is inoffensive. I wouldn’t buy them again or recommend them but they work fine. The Sonic sockets and extensions are their best tools along with the trim tool and pick they sell are all excellent

[@sandy_knight]

I've always wanted a Sonic Screwdriver! (sorry, couldn't help myself)

[@TassieLorenzo]

😄

[@charlespayne1909]

Im still going with ko-ken titanium socket set, for oil changes. Then buying all ko-ken z-series for all other repairs. Honda civic driver but Subaru lover.

[@harveysmith100]

@@dummkompf Do you really make any money doing oil changes? How much are those tools? There is your answer

[@ohiofleetmechanic6147]

@@dummkompf typical civic guy 🤣🤣fucking titanium sockets on a Honda is hilariously ironic,the sockets Cost more than the vehicle

[@eagleeyephoto8715]

Sonic are mediocre tools with a higher price tag for what they actually are.They trying to get in to market with brand but to be honest Hazet,Gedore,Unior,Facom and Stahlwille are better tools.

[@EdAtoZ]

Mr. Subaru, Another seen very little in the USA, would be "Teng". I do own a few items of Teng and the wrenches between Teng and your sample Sonic wrench. I think Sonic and Teng seems aimed at DIY people. Have you looked a Teng or Beta ?

[@NDC1115]

I just bought a Teng 1/4" drive metric socket set. I'm not real impressed with the finish on the tools. They box and tray are cheap and flimsy. I have yet to use it so I'll see how it holds up

[@EdAtoZ]

@@NDC1115 The plastic box is soft and thin not good. and the wrenches do not look cheap but checking the fit to hex allen key seems good to very good. solar I have only used the smaller sizes so no real test yet.

[@rowebil00]

Do you want to work on my 214,000 mile 2012 subaru wrx? It only has a misfire.

[@unwired1281]

New Years resolution was stop reading comments. Forgive me u-tube for I have sinned.

[@vwr32jeep]

I like the pliers. Edit: after finishing the video, I’m convinced you’re getting $60 pliers and the rest is hot garbage.

[@coryshook9634]

I have Sonic at work. Not a fan of the pliers. The sockets and ratchets seem pretty good. Screwdrivers seems ok. Overall I like them well enough, however I don't think they are worth what they cost. I would put them on a Craftsman level, not on a Snap-on level. I'm still new to the tools so my opinion could change.

[@m.mooverssr9211]

The biggest problem is warranty I've been wrenching for over 4o years have seen tool company s come and go I know snap on will be at my shop every week and anytime in between if I call him harbor freight is on par with these tools

[@tm199100]

I bought a set of both short and deep socket around a year ago. I find them to be pretty good, honestly. Are they the best? No. Do they present a great value for money? To me, absolutely yes. I don’t know any better sockets for the price range. Great review as always. If you have access to, try to review a few Toptul tools. I find them to be in the same category as Sonic and perhaps better value in some tools

[@Blackhawk2653]

Would you recommend sonic to a non professional just a person who likes to work on their own vehicles?

[@pynhead2552]

Im looking into buying an older used subaru and i cant seem to find a buying guide for older subarus and their reliability. Please help!

[@jeffcuevas5728]

you and CP see things differently but I appreciate your views.

[@georgeferlazzo7936]

Hello again Mr. Subaru Thank you for another Great Video. I agree with you about the overall quality of Sonic Tools. Again thank you

[@FixitFred]

I think you are absolutely right they are good bang for the buck. The nws and osca hammers are top of the line. The ratchet does not look great it does look like it could be made by bahco. I like the wrench flats on the extension and the knurling on the sockets is great

[@robertnicholson771]

I ordered that set a couple years ago. I didn't get the catalog. Good review.

[@edwinbickel]

Nice review, you talked about a complete set for VW. How much are they charging for that?

[@MrSubaru1387]

The 295 piece VW set is $3,970-$8,960 depending on options. The 400 piece VW set is $5,615-$10,650 depending on options. sonictoolsusa.com/volkswagen/

[@edwinbickel]

@@MrSubaru1387 That's nice for guys just starting out. The organization efficiency and ease of tool replacement will make a difference in the long run. Thanks for sharing!

[@ericrussell4334]

@@MrSubaru1387 too bad that ½ the tools in the kit won’t survive a year in daily shop use. Throw out the Sonic ratchets, hammers, flashlight, snap ring tools and wrenches right away. It’s just not a good system for a new tech because so much is just too low of quality for the $5000+ you spend

[@KXKKX]

@LegitStreetCars sockets getting etched at 9:19

[@evanshipley900]

Kinda funny they sent 10 mm sockets

[@interceptor7905]

Would buy tool storage not the tools

[@joaopereira1695]

You should make a tool brand tier list video

[@mmholling87]

I personally think Sonic isn't worth the money. I got almost 17k worth of tools for 7k in the Snap-On SEP program.

[@kdao1007]

Sonic Tool is including a BOX with the tools, not tools only. I have 3 Sonic Tool boxes (Intermediate and 1 Benz, 1 BMW box). All are awesome. Not sure the complaints and I have a buddy master tech I bought him a Mercedes Sonic Box with tools. He said he likes them a lot. Engine work is mostly his forte and he has no complaints. It was not that expensive. He has yet to lose one tool. His other tool box he keeps losing tools in cars. I mean for sure not everything is perfect perfect if you are a ratchet aficionados. I have 5 Snap On tool boxes and Im okay with them. They are heavy and sit in one location. Sonic Tool box is really functional and easy to push around; that's their motto. Anyway, I got at least a hundred grand in Snap On, Matco, Mac Tools and lot of German and Japanese tools similar to Mr Subaru's. Bc I collect them too for fun and have several locations to use them when I need them. You can always get deals on tools buying from mechanics retiring. The Snap On Box is way expensive new. The cost of one roller you can buy 3 Sonic Tool boxes and have a set at work, home and mobile. It all depends on money end of day. But I like my Sonic Tool Box and it organizational setup and tools including impacts are great. I have been using them for 4yrs and yet have lost one socket I dont use the Sonic ratchet as I use Matco and Mac, Gear Wrench or Snap on. Just bc they are easy to reach as extra sets.

[@vinichi3014]

So 5 items lol

[@Abucody]

Beautiful and free information from Mr. Subaru

[@gutisislife7563]

You gotta do a review on Teng tools pls

[@BT59]

Coming up on 50 years a wrench and I never heard of them before.

[@TassieLorenzo]

They don't make tools, it's just another company rebadging tools from various suppliers.

[@shepherdsfleetservicesllc8147]

I think whole set looks cheap on person did few cuts with pliers and blade indentured afterwards

[@sirkdopsah1081]

The gimmick of foam organizations and carts are not enough for me. Great idea but to expensive for what matters most, the tools which are Meh at best.

[@strangetar2833]

Sonic is a terrible company have you heard what they did to Chris fix

[@MrSubaru1387]

What'd they do?! 😂

[@strangetar2833]

@@MrSubaru1387 he had a brand deal with them where they would send him tools he would use them and they would send him more tools after he did the videos he asked for the tools and they didn’t send them and it took him a long time to get the tools and he was done with sonic

[@robertnicholson771]

@@strangetar2833 didn't know that. I saw his video where he showed the Sonic tool box set. That was the first time I had heard of Sonic.

[@fumanpoo4725]

Is the hedgehog still with them?

[@harveysmith100]

he died of covid, Sorry

[@fumanpoo4725]

@@harveysmith100 RIP, my furry friend.

[@Muadddibb]

Their foam is sloppy.

[@kevinbeck6419]

That's the truth you always lose your 10 mm socket always have a bunch just in case

[@andrewscott8892]

I was trying to order the sample kit a few weeks ago but there was no add to cart button on the page

[@MrSubaru1387]

Might have been out of stock. Got this one back in November.

[@SONICTools1]

Should be good to order now!

[@SONICTools1]

Should be good to order now!

[@josephmcculey1060]

When I was in A&P school this was the company that sponsored the school and set up a tool program with students. They took over for snap on and it was the worst mistake. The boxes were nice and held up well, but the tools themselves were cheap and couldn’t hold up to the abuse of students, the problems only compounded as the tool truck couldn’t get certain replacements in time. This was about 3 years ago and my first time hearing the name.

[@quinns3414]

all of these foam tool tray set companies like sonic and Teng just scream so0me quality rebrands mixed with chinese bul stock.

[@Carlos.Rivera]

Buy cheap 1st, if breaks replace it with high end?

[@vhrocks81]

Thanks for the review, I’ve wondered about these for a while.

[@qzetu]

Sell the pliers and cut your loses.

[@Wolfcone]

Best investment ive ever made for sure.

[@damienboyd5196]

Will you please tell me the difference between engine top cleaner and fuel injector cleaner? I am wondering what the difference may be because if I put the engine top cleaner into the plastic bottle after using the fuel injector cleaner can I use the plastic bottle for the engine top cleaner.

[@MrSubaru1387]

Engine top cleaner is siphoned into the engine under vacuum. Fuel injector cleaner is a fuel additive.

[@damienboyd5196]

@@MrSubaru1387 would it be a bad idea to reuse the fuel injector cleaner bottle with the siphon tool made for plastic bottles. If I buy the kit with the metal can but I don’t own the siphon tool for the metal can.

[@bobit8742]

just buy snapon and forget the rest. you only need to buy once.

[@mmholling87]

@@BVR5280 then you warranty them on the truck but you still aren't buying them twice.

[@mmholling87]

@@BVR5280 I think you struggle with reading comprehension. He never said Snap-On was the only tool brand with a lifetime warranty.

[@TassieLorenzo]

There are plenty of other good US or Canada tools (Wright, SK, Grays etc), let alone German or Japanese tools, no? 🤔

[@bobit8742]

@@TassieLorenzo yup matco, mac… just get pretty much anything can get the job done. At the end of the day, you still need to put in work. Expensive tools not going fix it for you

[@theprodigalson1077]

I’ve got a turn key tool box from sonic for working on motorcycles. The foam system is nice and the quality is decent. Not super high quality but it gets the job done

[@jdguzman881]

sonic tools the best

[@antonioradulescu1724]

Are Sonic tool from China ?

[@kdao1007]

Netherlands. They sell tool boxes and tools. Mostly as combination. They are great tools box and tools in foam. I have yet to lose one tool. I owned 3boxes of them along with Snap On's too. The full set are a bit different from the test sample he got.

[@buckshot5896]

I had to turn video off and give a thumbs down because of way you try to pronunciate Volkswagen. Come on dude what are you trying to do, too effin funny

[@thirdrockjul2224]

👍

[@antonioradulescu1724]

Are Sonic tool from China ?

[@MrSubaru1387]

Seems mostly Taiwan.

[@antonioradulescu1724]

@@MrSubaru1387 soo same as china

[@TassieLorenzo]

@@antonioradulescu1724 🙄 It's not cool to say that (politics etc, etc). Anyhow, the Taiwanese tool industry has much more of a focus on quality than the Chinese tool industry.

[@jeromeogivenz4470]

You’re pronouncing sonic wrong Its It’s pronounce So neek😂

[@whyarentumadbro]

"Volkswagen" Mr Subaru: VOLTS WAGEN "Hazet" Mr Subaru: HOT ZET

[@MrSubaru1387]

Folksvagen Hazet German pronunciations. Since, you know, German brands...

[@davidowens7782]

They probably the same as sk tools and expensive

[@MrSubaru1387]

No. SK is still manufactured in the USA. For now. These are not.

[@jonstefanko7854]

great review but lame looking trash garbage tools. so many other choices i hope they gave you those for free

[@B1GDaddyFatStax]

Very informative, and I might agree the sample wrench does look somewhat cheap. If I had one more gripe, it would be the lack of a wrench grip on the screwdriver shaft. And I'd also agree an embossed or printed identifier on the butt of the handle should be standard. Those sockets and extensions with wrench grips and knurling is definitely a good selling point. Having the catalog is nice, but I really like how they include that inventory guide. It's good for customer retention. It gives them piece of mind that the buyer will be able to replace missing components and even help with warranty claims. Definitely worth checking out.