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I am stuck trying to make a decision on which socket set to buy. I already have a beefy 1/2" Metric/AF set for garage use. I now have a nice compact 1/2" metric set 8mm-20mm for car use. I have bucketloads of screwdrivers bits for Torx, etc. I have a couple of cheap, but efficient screwdrivers for holding these bits. I want a 1/4" set for the smaller nuts/bolts and torx and the like. I have 4 choices for about the same money: 1) Halfords Professional 36 piece 1/4" Socket Set  http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_177537_langId_-1_categoryId_255215#dtab Pros: Proper screwdriver, wide range of sockets, lifetime guarantee Cons: 1 extension bar, loose screwdriver bits 2) Silverline 633493 38 Piece 1/4 Inch Drive Metric Socket Wrench Set  http://www.amazon.co.uk/Silverline-...d=3QWMBP60XB6ED Pros: Proper Torx sockets Cons: no screwdriver 3) Draper Expert 33611 Metric Chrome Vanadium Socket Set (20pc 1/4" Drive)  http://www.amazon.co.uk/Draper-Expe...d=3QWMBP60XB6ED Pros: good range of bars, etc Cons: no bits, big box 4) Kamasa 55708 31-Piece Socket Set 1/4-Inch D  http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kamasa-5570...d=3QWMBP60XB6ED Pros: Good bars, range of sockets, proper torx sockets, lifetime guarantee Cons: No screwdriver I honestly cannot decide: at the moment my favourites are the Kamasa and the Silverline. Any thoughts?
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Oct 31, 2011 16:25
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Uthor posted:Why don't you buy #2 or #4 and add this for a couple of bucks (quid?)? I've got a pair of ratchet screwdriver sets that would do the job (a bit like the following, but fairly strong)  So, Kamasa or Silverline? Kamasa has the deep sockets and lifetime guarantee, but is £5 more expensive. Silverline has a more complete range of sockets in the 4-10mm range (including 4.5, 5.5mm) I don't know either of their reputations for quality - I'd want the better one.
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Oct 31, 2011 17:21
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meltie posted:If you're worrying about quality, I started out with the bigger set (the briefcase-sized one) and honestly they've been brilliant. I couldn't be happier with them. Surprising, for Halfords I've heard this from other people too: the Halfords Pro stuff seems to get a good rep and the lifetime guarantee actually works. (If you break it, just take it back to the shop and they instantly exchange it) I'm slightly against this particular set as it has the little torx bits and I always find them a bit fiddly, whereas the others have the socket type torx bits. (Plus, my local branch is out of stock for 10 days) Jaxx posted:If the Kamasa are still made in Japan then they would be my pick, I have a 1/2" set that my Granddad bought new in god knows when and they still feel like luxury to use. Your recommendation may just swing it for me. quote:Just to complicate things further, have you looked at Teng's range of composite 1/4 sets? Teng has a very nice reputation and I am tempted: however, they are quite a bit pricier and I don't really need top quality for the small-sized socket set. The new 1/2" Draper set seems good enough quality for 8mm+ and the Hilka 1/2" set in my garage have proven itself over the years to be unbreakable.
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Oct 31, 2011 21:48
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spog posted:4) Kamasa 55708 31-Piece Socket Set 1/4-Inch D I bought this one. It feels very nice and the case is lovely and strong. However, I've just realised something stupid: the 25mm screwdriver bits are all fixed to 1/4" sockets. Lovely and strong - but it means I cannot use any other bits with this kit - such as the specialist 5-point Torx bit I just bought. Being a metric-only kit, it doesn't have a 1/4" hex socket to use with them. D'oh! EDIT: Haha! The 5point security bit set I bought on ebay already includes a 1/4" drive adaptor bit! Yay for not bothering to read the item descriptions! spog fucked around with this message at 16:57 on Nov 7, 2011 |
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Nov 7, 2011 16:48
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revmoo posted:We're getting off toolchat pretty far, but manufacturers could encode the VIN on some ROM inside the radio and probably stop OEM theft overnight. I don't think OEM radios are stolen very often though... I'd give it less than 3 months before you can get the chip bypassed at your local flea market.
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Dec 16, 2011 21:32
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Ball-end allen keys? Good idea or not? I have some airbox bolts that would require the long end of an allen key to reach and my concern is that the ball-end will not give a good grip when undoing them. a fair worry or not?
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Jan 31, 2012 14:47
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InitialDave posted:Fair worry. More likely to round something off, and I've snapped the balls off before, too. Ta for the warning. I shall buy some plain-jane straight ones with no balls.
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Jan 31, 2012 15:08
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Raluek posted:This is the best way. Snap-on dual 80 ratchet, whatever sockets. I use 3/8 sockets more than anything though, so I have the 3/8 dual 80. Gear wrench wrenches, with assorted mostly craftsman misc combo wrenches to fill in the gaps. That'll cover 90% of everything. Is 3/8 more popular than 1/4? I bought a nice 1/4 set, but whenever I look for new sockets on Amazon/ebay, they tend to be in 3/8. Or is just that the lovely end of the market has picked 3/8? (I guess there's no harm in buying an adaptor set, anyway)
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Aug 30, 2012 09:49
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I've got a very chunky full set of 1/2 that could deconstruct the Eiffel Tower. (Inherited tools are the best) I backed it up with a small set of 1/2 to keep in the car. Both have the smallest sizes as 10 / 12 /14mm and I seemed to encounter a lot of 6/8/9/13mm bolts, so I invested in a complimentary set of 1/4 for everything under 14mm Now I need a T50 Torx to undo my seat runners. I don't know whether to get the cheap single bit (8mm hex)£3  The fancy set in 1/2 £6.80 http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/15pc-Star-Torx-Male-E-Bit-Socket-Set-Storage-Case-T20-T25-T30-T40-T45-T50-T55-/280756008987  Or maybe an adaptor to 3/8 and get the socket variations: £8 + 1/4-3/8-1/2 adaptors http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TORX-STAR-SOCKET-SET-10-T15-T20-T25-T30-T40-T45-T50-T55-/180635630698  Hopefully, it is a job I only need to do once, so spending less makes sense. On the other hand, buying better makes sense in the long run
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Aug 30, 2012 13:47
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Okay, you've got me suitable concerned as I damned sure don't want the bit breaking while I am trying to unbolt the driver's seat. Do you recommend something like this impact screwdriver bit: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Draper-66...=item415815bfcd Or this impact socket (which would require me to get a set of adaptors to 3/8 to use it -though I suppose that buying a 3/8 ratchet wouldn't be much more expensive): http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/IMPACT-STAR-TORX-BIT-3-8-DRIVE-T50-/160680594036?pt=UK_Hand_Tools_Equipment&hash=item25694f4a74
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Aug 30, 2012 18:34
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PBCrunch posted:Lots of seat and seat belt bolts are actually T47. T45 or maybe T50 might fit, but the T47 is a superior fit. Thanks for putting doubt in my mind.....as it turns out that it's not actually a T50, but a ribes bolt. T50 fits, but it is a little loose. I'd rather not have a 'near enough' for a bolt that's supposed to be a sod to get out and is also rather important for preservation of life.
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Aug 30, 2012 21:29
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I've just got my hands on a bunch of cheapish Ni-Cd cordless tools that don't have chargers (ex-display stock, not stolen!). They have quite a range of battery types - 12v, 14v, 18v and the ones with the same voltage, don't have the same dimensions. I have a feeling that buying a complete set of chargers is going to be bad value for money - is there such a thing as a 'universal charger'? Something with croc clips or the like to connect to the battery packs?
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Dec 6, 2012 17:28
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Sir Cornelius posted:Extra length is called water pipe where I live. In the UK, it's called 'scaffolding'
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Dec 16, 2012 17:08
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Crustashio posted:I can't speak for UK stuff, but I have This Impact (rated 240ft-lbs) and it'll pop off lugnuts all day. The only thing I couldn't get loose with were some M12 suspension bolts that had 12 years of salt on them. Those were so bad they recut their threads on the way out though. Is there a difference between impact drivers and wrenches? e.g. this is only rated at 150Nm, compared to the 450Nm of the cabled one previously mentioned http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/dewalt-18-volt-nano-phosphate-impact-driver-b Is that enough to undo wheel nuts, etc?
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Dec 31, 2012 16:57
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Cakefool posted:I got £50 of B&Q vouchers for Christmas so I spent it all on some flex head ratchet wrenches. Pulling the rear wiper motor off my wife's Peugeot wagon & the 9mm end prolapses all over the place. I take it back & the cheeky poo poo on customer service desk shrugs & tells me not to worry, 9mm "isn't common, you probably won't miss it" It's almost worth the initial hassle to enjoy a righteous, cathartic rant. I assume that a grown-up helped you get a replacement.
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Dec 31, 2012 21:52
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Crustashio posted:Yes, impact drivers have far less torque and sometimes apply a downward force in addition to a rotational one. I've always understood that they're meant for installing screws and such in a quick manner. .... Ta for the explanation: so an 'impact driver' is more of a screwdriver on steroids, than a less-powerful impact gun. Cakefool posted:Yeah, no problem once I spoke to an adult. The warranties on B&Q stuff is pretty good. You choose your price and know that you will get a tool that will last for at least that set period - even if you have to exchange it many times. The cheaper brands (Black and Decker) have shorter warranties than the more expensive (DeWalt) ones. Friend and I worked out that Halfords Professional Tools are a better buy than Snap-on for even pros: both have life-time warranty, but Halfords are everywhere, you can afford to buy a duplicate set of your entire toolset and every 3? years you can write them off for tax purposes and buy a new one.
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Jan 1, 2013 11:31
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InitialDave posted:Make sure you keep your receipt, they never used to ask, now they do. Or at least my local one does. I think they added that requirement fairly recently. Of course, the whammy here is that the till receipt will fade after 3 months and photocopies aren't accepted. quote:* Should a Halfords Advanced Professional Hand Tool fail whilst being used for the purpose and in the manner for which it was designed, it will be inspected and replaced. Simply return the product to your nearest Halfords store with proof of purchase and we will arrange a replacement for you. Also, I think that they don't cover the ratchet handle itself now - but it's still worth it.
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Jan 1, 2013 11:47
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Tomarse posted:Do they cover ratchet spanners? The 10mm one I have broke the first time I used it last week I dunno, but you'd still be covered by the Sale of Goods Act for at least the first year. quote:Every time i get a halfords tool reciept now i staple it to a bit of A4 on which I write in marker what it is for so i can easily read it later. Stops them getting lost so easily too. I scan/copy them with a laser printer and staple the receipt to the printout.
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Jan 1, 2013 20:04
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I wasnt even abusing it - it broke as soon as I put any force on it and it wasnt even a tight nut.
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Cakefool posted:I've had halfords replace broken tools years after I bought them, they're like Harbor freight or craftsman sorta. I believe Halfords insist that you have the original receipt now. That's the thermally printed receipt with a lifespan of 2-5 years before it fades - so don't forget to photocopy it. Their Pro stuff is pretty drat good - which is odd as their cheap stuff is really lovely.
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Oct 14, 2013 22:08
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mod sassinator posted:You could throw them out and get a cheap set with a nice molded case: I find it's often the situation that it's easier to buy something cheap, thrown away the actual product and use the nice case/box with the expensive item that didn't come with a case at all.
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Dec 17, 2013 10:49
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Powershift posted:It took the better part of a day to find the 5 point security torx bit to swap out the maf on my 540. One set in one store had it. Seriously, gently caress that wacky poo poo. Oh god, that bloody bit. I couldn't find one in any shop or online store. I eventually got lucky with some guy selling a used one on eBay. Most places weren't even aware that it existed. I've got it in my toolbox and it will probably stay there, unused, until I die.
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Dec 19, 2013 08:47
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jammyozzy posted:If I didn't already own basically the entire set in piecemeal form I'd take that off you in a heartbeat. As it is I'm eyeing up their £200 tool chest offer again, I could probably convince myself I deserve it. Me too. It's a shame that by the time you think you can almost justify buying a really nice set of tools, you've already got most of them in 'pretty good' quality (unless you are professional spanner-jockey).
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Dec 24, 2013 00:22
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Cancelbot posted:For UK goons someone mentioned the halfords advanced professional sets earlier on in the thread. Well they're now better than half price; Oh man, that is such a nice set for such little money. I really hate that I cannot justify it.
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Jan 6, 2014 15:13
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jammyozzy posted:*E* Too slow. I got some sticker removal liquid from the Pound Shop* that works pretty well (Actually, the 'Yippee, it's 99p!' shop)
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Jan 7, 2014 00:04
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metallicaeg posted:This is what working part time at Harbor Freight will do to you: I get how you got the allen keys (pockets), but how did you steal the long ratchets? Stick them down a pant leg and claim to be very happy at the end of the day?
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Jan 7, 2014 20:59
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Due to a logistics cock-up. I had no metal drill bits when I needed to put up a metal cabinet. I bought a £1 pack of wood bits thinking that even if I destroyed the bit I was using, it was the easier/cheaper option. And as it was only 1mm mild steel and I only needed to make one screwhole, I thought I'd get through it eventually. Nope... A lot of dust and I didn't actually manage to bore a hole through something I could have punched a hole with my penknife in.
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Jan 17, 2014 00:13
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KozmoNaut posted:This is just pure tool porn. Holy poo poo. I cold not stop watching, slack-jawed. Comparing a 3D printer to this is like comparing a go-cart to a fighter jet. 1 min 18 seconds - my brain can't understand how they are finishing a hole off-axis like that.
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Jun 8, 2014 12:35
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oxbrain posted:It's shifting the Y axis to stay on centerline. Not much trickier than single point threading, but it's a neat party trick. Almost nobody does it on machines that small because it's more of a pain in the rear end than milling the hole. Nope, still can't get my head around 1:18m. The material is still spinning about the centreline, yet the tool is making an off-centre hole. I am either stupid, missing something or in desperate need of an animated gif to explain it.
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Jun 8, 2014 22:20
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Galler posted:Watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Li8UlyU8AUM&t=237s. The CTX video is essentially the same except instead of having the work offset the tool is. Okay, I think I get it now, thanks. I guess they did that way in the CTX video to show off (rightly so).
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Jun 8, 2014 22:45
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InitialDave posted:Halfords have their 114-piece toolkit on offer: Thanks for the tip-off. Halfords sets always look very tempting - but I can never justify buying a whole new kits when I have 95% of the stuff already, in a crappy box. Mind you, this:  Seems pretty good for £25 Worth buying to leave in the car. (once you add a 10mm spanner - who the hell forgets that?)
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Jul 11, 2014 19:14
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InitialDave posted:I have one of those as well, got it for £15 in a store's clear out. Quality stuff? you'd recommend it? quote:The point for me of the boxes kits is that they're unitary, and can be kept self contained - as for the garage stuff, I like to double up on hand tools, makes life a lot easier for some jobs (and you can rope a mate in to work in parallel with you). That's part of the appeal for me, too. It seems whenever I do something, I either have to carry a big, heavy box filled with stuff I won't use - or split it and stick stuff in a carrier bag.
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Jul 11, 2014 19:42
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Uthor posted:Followup question, do you feel like James Bond when you pull out that case? I just bought it. It's less James Bond and more My First Make-up Case. It's like the contents of my trousers: everything is there and works just fine, it's just that it is half the normal size.
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Jul 12, 2014 19:42
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Krakkles posted:Basically, my last breaker bar just stayed under the rear seat of the 4x4, and was therefore exposed to huge amounts of dust. Are you worried about the dust damaging it?
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Jul 14, 2014 09:51
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Krakkles posted:That seems a bit much. And it wouldn't help it fit in said 4x4. But thanks, anyway. Serious talk: get a thick plastic bag and you can seal it with a bit of tape or a rubber band. Not only does it keep dust off, it keeps moisture out. Plus, it is easy to wipe clean. Things like mops may come in suitable bags. And my Wii came with a good bag around the power cable. Or if you really want to splash the cash: http://www.amazon.com/ZCORR-Corrosion-Velcro-Shotgun-Rifle/dp/B00A2SMVAC
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Jul 14, 2014 12:53
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if you guys don't get why I'm taking better care of a tool that I plan on keeping. If you think dust in a greasable tool won't affect it, you're fooling yourself.
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UK special offer from Halfords: Original price is £160, currently £80 - £60 is a bloody good price.
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Aug 10, 2014 18:53
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ShittyPostmakerPro posted:I keep clicking on the banner on their site which says £60 but it's showing up at £80 in the checkout You're a day too early.
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Aug 11, 2014 07:12
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ShittyPostmakerPro posted:It was after midnight in my time zone! Probably activated close to the UK opening hours. Good bargain that. I can't justify it myself.
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Aug 11, 2014 08:41
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Tomarse posted:That is a good deal. I keep looking at it, but I know that I can't justify the purchase to myself: I already have more than enough decent socket sets - if I am honest, I probably own more sockets than I have nuts to fasten. Mind you, I am feeling smug anyway: I just bought their own brand oil at less half price, without realising that it was a super-special deal with limited stock. If I hadn't reserved it online, I wouldn't have been able to buy it in the store as they sold out within a matter of hours. I only reserved it so that I didn't have to waste time looking for it on the shelves. EDit: my father just bought the toolset. Now I don't feel guilty about taking his old (but awesome) socket set. spog fucked around with this message at 13:08 on Aug 11, 2014 |
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Aug 11, 2014 09:55
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I bought a set,ShittyPostmakerPro, Tomarsespog posted:UK special offer from Halfords: Despite the fact that I already own a complete, pro-quality 1/2" set and a 1/2" mini set And a complete 3/8" set And a complete 1/4" set In fact, I think that there's probably about 4 sockets in the new set that I don't already own (and hence, don't need) But a) it's a bargain and who can resist a bargain? b) it's shiny. Ooh shiny! and c) I just spent £65 to fill my car with diesel. This is less than a tankful of diesel, so counts as fun money Now please share your stories of buying stuff that you know you don't need.
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Aug 15, 2014 10:23
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^^^^ ORInitialDave posted:Somewhat annoying, just got myself a nice new Swiss army knife (Victorinox Workchamp), and barely have I opened the box, my MD points out to me that it's illegal to actually carry because the blade locks and is 4" long. I have a literal box of penknives that I can't carry because they lock and the law changed. It's bloody ridiculous - I have to carry a 3" blade that is going to shut on my fingers in use. One of them is even an Official World Scout swiss army knife and it is illegal.
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Aug 19, 2014 16:00
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