Recommend me a "Forever" Tool Set

[Nico G]

Morning all,

It seems I've lost my trusty Socket set and have no decent set of screw-drivers.

It's time to invest in something decent.

I don't much about this, as there seems to be wild variations in prices.

When I don't lose stuff in house moves etc, I do look after it.

So the question is, what is a good to very good toolset I should look at having forever, where do I buy it.

We use "Hazet" and Snap-On here at RR in workshops, and both seem well regarded.

What should I go for? Basically looking for a set of sockets up to 16mm+ and some quality screw-drivers...

TIA - Nick.

[kambites]

Halfords Pro stuff is very good for DIY use and comes with a lifetime guarantee (which on the odd occasion I've had to use it they've honoured without quibbling). My socket set is over ten years old and still looks and operates like new. I suspect it will outlast me.

[t400ble]

Another vote for Halfords here.

Got a few grands worth of Snap on kit as well, but for the money the Halfords kit is good, but not as good as it was a few years back.

They changed supplier as I recall

[Nico G]

Thanks both - I have some vouchers which are valid there I can put towards it too!

Nick.

[ch427]

I buy Halfords too, some of the deals can be ridiculous. Probably on a par with draper expert stuff so not too bad quality wise, used hard for over 15 years and no breakages.

[blade7]

I've got a set of Halfords Pro screwdrivers, rubber grip on the handles, blade runs right through the handle, and discs that help protect your knuckles when you're hammering loose tight fixings. They were about £15 I think.

[Ynox]

Halfords sockets aren't great in my opinion - all mostly 12 pointers.

Good value to get you started mind.

I've been really impressed by Sealey Premier sockets and ratchets. They're fairly reasonably priced too.

[bearman68]

May I suggest you get a set of 6 point sockets, as well as the 12 point ones - the 6 point have far better torque transfer abilities - but you need the 12 point for some VAG stuff, especially crank pullies

[kambites]

12 points are fine for the 90% of bolts which aren't very tight. I have a set of 6-point (impact) sockets which I use for anything that requires serious force but it's pretty rare that I bother to use it. I've never damaged a bolt, even with 12-point sockets the shaft usually seems to sheer before the head rounds off.

Edited by kambites on Thursday 7th May 08:47

[Ilovejapcrap]

Lots of people have halfords and seem to rate it I got a pro one.

Utter crap.

Teng tools is nice if but at a price

[JoeEcho]

another vote for halfords socket sets, i have the 170 piece and its very good quality, the life time warranty counts for a lot too. The 12 point sockets do tend to round off tight or slightly worn nuts so I invested in the sealey 3/8 and 1/2 socket rail with 6 sides. has been a life saver a few times.

[darreni]

I have a mixture of Teng, snap on & Facom sockets & ratchets, all nice stuff & Facom & wera screwdrivers.

If you use Hazet & snap on at work, why not stick with it, you'll never go wrong with top quality tools IMO.

[BigTom85]

Teng do some nice sets for sure.

[Krikkit]

Budget is key.

For sensible money the Halfords Pro ones can't be beaten imo - the set I have comes with a big bunch of 12-point and most of the usual contenders in 6-point, a couple of extension bars etc and is still in great condition even after 5 years of abuse.

[one eyed mick]

It will never be forever cos you will lose things or lend things out to people who dissapear etc

[Chris H1AVFC]

Have a look at Machine Marts Clarke Profesional range. Good price, quality & alot of it has a lifetime guarantee too. They sell Britool & Facom stuff as well.

HTH

[laters]

Ive had my Halfords pro socket set for over 10-12 years.
Ive had a couple of breakages in that time but in fairness they always exchange the broken socket/tool without question.

My set contains both normal and 8 point impact type sockets. I will admit that there are more normal sockets than 8 but I have always managed to get by with the set I have.
I paid well over the current price for mine but its been great value for money & without doubt its had its fair share of use.

Edited by laters on Monday 11th May 19:18