Socket Sets....

inky · Post by **inky** » Mon Nov 27, 2006 12:41 am

Well it looks like I've got a fair bit of work to do to my newly aquired vitesse coupe so I thought I'd lighten the wallet even more by getting myself some new tool - specifically some sockets.

What should I be looking for in a decent set of sockets? Hex or bihex or some other fancy pattern? I have a set of standard bihex ones but these were cheap and have a tendancy to slip now and then. I also have some deep hex sockets which seem to grip better, especially on slightly knackered fixings - is that generally the case?

I don't mind spending whatever is necessary as I know a decent set should last me forever but at the moment I'm stuck to see what the benefits are of spending serious amounts of cash. Anyone know of any decent deals around at the moment?

Cheers,

Tom

Scott · Post by **Scott** » Mon Nov 27, 2006 12:45 am

halfords, 100 or 150quid set will do you proud...

then simply supliment with a set of ring spanners, and a cheapy screwdriver set, and you have all you need! well, almost!

HOPPY · Post by **HOPPY** » Mon Nov 27, 2006 1:13 am

Have a look here mate dead cheap cant be beat in my eyes

http://www.ccw-tools.com/

C2K · Post by **C2K** » Mon Nov 27, 2006 1:20 am

Scott wrote:halfords, 100 or 150quid set will do you proud...

I love my Halfords Tools, but that kind of price would be best left until the XMAS sale. I.e. the 150 is on offer for 100 at the minute.

Failing that they can be picked up nice and cheap on the fleabay. Though lifetime warranty is difficult enough without a receipt, as I found when I had to return one from a set my parents gave me.

Scott · Post by **Scott** » Mon Nov 27, 2006 1:53 am

also, dont leave it in your metro GTi, or itll get nicked, and then youll be very annoyed and have to buy another one!

rover220 · Post by **rover220** » Mon Nov 27, 2006 8:34 am

get a set of the black impact sockets from halfords aswell.

walshy.walsh · Post by **walshy.walsh** » Mon Nov 27, 2006 8:39 am

they can be had for a lot less than this! i paid Â£60 about six years ago on my set, they get used at least every week, and bar the obvious scratches and dings where i've used the ratchet as a hammer

they are in as new working order and i've never damaged a socket! they are six sided sockets, as i find that they dont round nuts off as easy! dont bother with brand names, as you pay a unneccesary premium for that privelege, just make sure that they are sturdy, and made from chrome-vanadium!

216si · Post by **216si** » Mon Nov 27, 2006 8:39 am

www.cromwell.co.uk

i use them quite often as there is a place arround the corner from me, i have a large kennedy socket set and find it VERY decent quality, not as good as my snapon gear but does nicely for scrappy runs etc

burty · Post by **burty** » Mon Nov 27, 2006 12:33 pm

I have had a Halfords socket set for years, i have had scaffold bars on the ratchets and they are indestructable.....well most of the time.

Good thing is though they have lifetime gaurantee so if you bust one just take it back and get a brand spankin new one

Try this on matey comes with 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 drives

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... ryrn_33931#

inky · Post by **inky** » Mon Nov 27, 2006 2:03 pm

Cheers for the advice

That Halfords set looks pretty good then. But the only thing is it's got a few bits in I really don't need - like all the imperial sockets.

The lifetime warrenty does sound pretty handy to have - and the fact there are loads of Halfords about should make returning things easy. Should or when I break some of it are they pretty good at replacing said broken part?

walshy.walsh · Post by **walshy.walsh** » Mon Nov 27, 2006 2:09 pm

inky wrote:Cheers for the advice

That Halfords set looks pretty good then. But the only thing is it's got a few bits in I really don't need - like all the imperial sockets.

The lifetime warrenty does sound pretty handy to have - and the fact there are loads of Halfords about should make returning things easy. Should or when I break some of it are they pretty good at replacing said broken part?

imperial sockets always come in handy for worn/corroded nuts/bolts!

JamesCoupe · Post by **JamesCoupe** » Mon Nov 27, 2006 2:13 pm

My only critisism of the Halfords 150 piece is a lack of 6 sided sockets. Saying that they are generally for fitments to the small ratchets so its not such a problem as they done need to be quite so strong. Never broken a halfords socket mind

Get a set of the black impact sockets 14mm - 22mm i think to get a fuller range of 6 sided super strong sockets and a breaker bar

r44flyer · Post by **r44flyer** » Mon Nov 27, 2006 2:48 pm

There's an advert in Practical Classics this month from (I think) Sealey tools for metal tool chests, top boxes and roller units which come with free tools. iirc there was one for under Â£100 that came with over Â£100 woth of free tools, not sure was included but I'm sure it included a socket set etc.

There are more expensive boxes with a greater value of free tools as well... worth checking out.

HOPPY · Post by **HOPPY** » Mon Nov 27, 2006 3:30 pm

r44flyer wrote:There's an advert in Practical Classics this month from (I think) Sealey tools for metal tool chests, top boxes and roller units which come with free tools. iirc there was one for under Â£100 that came with over Â£100 woth of free tools, not sure was included but I'm sure it included a socket set etc.

There are more expensive boxes with a greater value of free tools as well... worth checking out.

saw that advert ,
for sealey stuff see my above post

inky · Post by **inky** » Mon Nov 27, 2006 3:54 pm

Mmmmm interesting - there are some good looking christmas deals from Sealey. This one here that looks pretty good for Â£180 odd quid...

Post by **IrishRover** » Mon Nov 27, 2006 4:11 pm

Sorry guys, but Halfords tools are not quality, even the ultra professional range with the 72 teeth ratchet. The lifetime warranty isn't worth jack as well because it doesn't cover the ratchet mechanism, which is the only thing that's going to go in the ratchet, and they have gone in Halfords ratchets I've bought. Even if they don't go, the direction switching mechanism is low quality too, and sometimes reverses or goes into neutral all on its own.

I have 6 sided and bi-hex Halfords sockets and have have both split. You can tell the Teng sockets are made of a different material too, something stronger than the alloy the Halfords ones are made out of (I know it says chrome vanadium).

They also don't seem to be made to the same degree of accuracy, as I've had occasions where one Halfords socket was too small, yet the next one up too big. However, a Teng socket of the size of the smaller one will fit on. many times I've been in a frustrating experience where the Halfords socket will not get a bolt off but the Teng just gets it off no fuss. You can see the Halfords one turns on the bolt a bit and then gets wedged on. Again this demonstrates that there are not as accurately made to size.

If you want quality socket sets, look at proper quality brands like Teng.

C2K · Post by **C2K** » Mon Nov 27, 2006 4:52 pm

Then i'd like to know exactly what you've been doing with them as i've abused my Halfords gear something rotten. I've used a 5lb lump hammer and a 3 foot scaffold pipe on my ratchets and the pawl's have never given up.

And mine never fall into neutral either. Only thing that ever broke for me was an extension, and you could see a material defect mark inside the shank at the break.

And yes, imperial ones are used for hammering onto useless nuts that have rounded off. Nor have I ever had sockets that don't fit the sizes.

I have access to my dad's King D*ck sets anyway if something goes pear shaped, they're well sturdy.

walshy.walsh · Post by **walshy.walsh** » Mon Nov 27, 2006 4:56 pm

C2K wrote:I have access to my dad's King D*ck its well sturdy.

HOPPY · Post by **HOPPY** » Mon Nov 27, 2006 4:56 pm

that deal for Â£187.94 inc del @ ccwtools

Scott · Post by **Scott** » Mon Nov 27, 2006 5:01 pm

needless to say, even if the halfords isnt quality quality, one of the 150piece pro toolsets is more than enough to do most of the jobs needed on the rover.

obviously some of the large suspension bolts might need a breaker bar etc, but the set as a whole is very useful (even if the spark plug socket keeps getting stuck onto the plug and you cant remove it lol).

burty · Post by **burty** » Mon Nov 27, 2006 5:04 pm

C2K wrote:Then i'd like to know exactly what you've been doing with them as i've abused my Halfords gear something rotten. I've used a 5lb lump hammer and a 3 foot scaffold pipe on my ratchets and the pawl's have never given up. And mine never fall into neutral either. Only thing that ever broke for me was an extension, and you could see a material defect mark inside the shank at the break.

And yes, imperial ones are used for hammering onto useless nuts that have rounded off. Nor have I ever had sockets that don't fit the sizes.

I have access to my dad's King D*ck sets anyway if something goes pear shaped, they're well sturdy.

I totally agree with you about the ratchets they are very strong but i have broken my 1/4 and 1/2" ratchets and both times Halfords have replaced them with no questions asked.

C2K · Post by **C2K** » Mon Nov 27, 2006 5:05 pm

Preston were a bit funny with me about the extension as it was an XMAS pressie and he said they needed a receipt to show i hadn't bought it on the fleabay. However, Coventry one replaced it no quibble.

600_Nutta · Post by **600_Nutta** » Mon Nov 27, 2006 5:07 pm

I've just bought the Tool chest from halfords

It was half price at Â£60, who cares if the quality isn't great it'll get me by, plus its got everything you need TBH

Post by **Punx0r** » Mon Nov 27, 2006 6:23 pm

No point messing with bi-hex IMO, they create so many disastrous DIY situations where a hex socket wouldn't.

I was given an unbranded set of 1/2" hex sockets (10mm to 30mm), plus a T-bar, racket, couple of extension bars and a sparkplug socket. RS Components sell a very similar set and used to sell and identical one (branded RS). All the kit has a matt finish rather than chrome plating.

It's excellent, I haven't managed to break anything yet. I have sheared plenty of bolts though using a breaker bar, including 17mm and 19mm ones. No rounded bolt heads and no broken scokets.

Sheaf · Post by **Sheaf** » Mon Nov 27, 2006 7:55 pm

Halfords are pretty dam good IMO for socket sets.

Its a decent quality set for a decent price. Yes, it's not going to be the best, but you're also not paying stupid prices. It should be more than capable for most things.

My only complaint is the lack of 1/2" drive stuff. Lots of things these days seems to be 3/8 or even worse 1/4. We have a yamoto set at work and that's all 1/2", tis very nice.

As for hex vs bi-hex... bihex is better for ease of use in everyday situations, but if a bolt is stiff dont even think about using one. Go get a proper hex before you round the bastid. There are a few impact sockets in the Halfords set, but it's missing a 15mm hex impact one. I had to go to my local motorfactors and they ordered me in one. Lots of stuff on the rovers is 15mm and it's definately well worth getting a proper socket.

I use my Halfords set for most stuff, if I do have problem I call upon my dads tools too... god knows what they are, but they're older than me and uber strong. 1" drive ratchet

Andy1971 · Post by **Andy1971** » Mon Nov 27, 2006 8:01 pm

I have a load of tools for sale, look in the lounge

216si · Post by **216si** » Mon Nov 27, 2006 9:00 pm

sent you a PM ref them tools andy

Jynx · Post by **Jynx** » Mon Nov 27, 2006 10:57 pm

Stanley socket set I bought has been awsome, mostly 6 sided sockets too which I was happy about.

Post by **Punx0r** » Mon Nov 27, 2006 11:31 pm

Draper and Laser seem to make good quality budget tools. I've not had much to complain about with their kit. Except for the valve spring compressor that kept unspringing itself

We do have single snap-on tool at home - a 13mm ring spanner, which is very good, but did cost the best part of 10 quid

When I was looking for a socket set I found it quite hard to find a hex set

useless 1/4" drive stuff was often hex, same story for 1/2" drive deep reach sets, but not plain old 1/2" drive normal length sockets. Bizzare.

Last christmas I bought my dad a 3/4" drive socket set from ebay cheap. The quality is a bit suspect, but coupled with a 3.5ft long 3/4" drive breaker bar there's FA it won't undo

The price of 1" drive stuff is just mental!

MGJohn · Post by **MGJohn** » Tue Nov 28, 2006 1:14 am

IrishRover wrote:Sorry guys, but Halfords tools are not quality, even the ultra professional range with the 72 teeth ratchet. The lifetime warranty isn't worth jack as well because it doesn't cover the ratchet mechanism, which is the only thing that's going to go in the ratchet, and they have gone in Halfords ratchets I've bought. Even if they don't go, the direction switching mechanism is low quality too, and sometimes reverses or goes into neutral all on its own.

I have 6 sided and bi-hex Halfords sockets and have have both split. You can tell the Teng sockets are made of a different material too, something stronger than the alloy the Halfords ones are made out of (I know it says chrome vanadium).

They also don't seem to be made to the same degree of accuracy, as I've had occasions where one Halfords socket was too small, yet the next one up too big. However, a Teng socket of the size of the smaller one will fit on. many times I've been in a frustrating experience where the Halfords socket will not get a bolt off but the Teng just gets it off no fuss. You can see the Halfords one turns on the bolt a bit and then gets wedged on. Again this demonstrates that there are not as accurately made to size.

If you want quality socket sets, look at proper quality brands like Teng.

I have found similar experiences with the few Halford's "Professional" stuff. They did replace a nearly new socket drive where the locking/release button device which holds the sockets fell out whilst I was working on a car in a scrap yard. I never found it or the socket ~ I saw it fall off but ...I do not abuse or use my tools carelessly. Some of my tools I bought in the 1950-60s and they still give good service. One word of advice my father once gave me is so true. ALWAYS buy the best tools available. If you can't afford the best, buy the best you can afford.

For thirty quid or so you can get a quality nucleus of tools you'll most frequently use.

Above all get a set of 10, 12, 13, 15, 17 and 19mm hex-sockets (six sided) of the best quality you can afford. Buy them individuallly or in a set but, get the best 1/2 inch and 3/8 drivers and sockets if you can afford them. Whilst working on Rovers and MGs, these sizes are the ones I most frequently use.

Then, rather than lash out on an expensive set which may not be of the best quality which will include some stuff you'll never use, add further top quality individual items as and when you need them. Over time, you will build up a tool set tailored to your needs.

P.S.

I have occasionally picked up the odd "Snap-on" hex-socket or spanner in scrap yards which may have been lost and laying around in the mud for years. Despite this, a quick clean up and yes, a more accurate 'fit' on a nut or bolts than with many new sockets of lesser quality. I've also picked up and discarded numerous split sockets or broken spanners in the yards .... this illustrates indifferent quality as some broken items are still relatively shiny and new.. they looked OK though ... but obviously were not.

My favourite tool purchased recently (new off off ebay) was a 3/4" Drive Breaker bar = 18 quid. Coupled with three 3/4" drive hex sockets of 36, 30 and 32 mm, I've yet to find a large Rover or MG driveshaft nut which cannot be undone. The breaker bar is BERGEN which is reasonable quality. Those 620ti driveshaft nuts can be very tight.

216si · Post by **216si** » Tue Nov 28, 2006 1:22 am

i totally agree with the not buying cheep tools bit as imo you WILL spend time having to get the rounded 13mm nut off that you just squashed with the 13mm socket

as for halfords pro stuff i agree they seem to be a little hitty missy at times but i am yet to have any problems with them...

personally i would rarther spend Â£5 on a second hand snapon 10mm spanner than a brand new draper one

Steve220 · Post by **Steve220** » Tue Nov 28, 2006 2:01 am

I've got a Halfords set. Bloody brilliant kit!! so pleased with it, i've bought more of their range. They're true to their word as well with the guarantee, i've had parts replaced left right and centre if/when they break. And i've only had the screwdriver attachments break so far, the sockets just take utter abuse!!

victor3 · Post by **victor3** » Tue Nov 28, 2006 3:37 pm

I have Halfords stuff mostly, OK for just a couple of cars but working day-in and day-out on various cars, may need something a bit better.

Post by **Fordimus Prime** » Tue Nov 28, 2006 4:58 pm

I agree with everyone- a good set of 6 sided impact sockets are essential when working with an older car that might have rusted or worn bolt heads.

As Sheaf said, most places dont have a 15mm siz sided impact socket, which is crazy, as its the one i used the most!

Theres a great website ive ordered tools off before, cant remeber it, but ot'll come to me later

TonedefBRM · Post by **TonedefBRM** » Tue Nov 28, 2006 11:36 pm

I use the Halford Prof 150 piece and the only prob I had was the lack of hex 15mm, sorted by buying the impact set.

only ever broke a socket type allen key from it, swapped at stockport no probs.

Does most jobbies and the fit seems fine.