All-in-one tool kit for son
Discussion
Whilst I have a comprehensive set of tools (being a powerfully built PH Director type 
for general DIY and spannering I find the most useful bit of kit a set I bought from Halfords, that came in an aluminium briefcase. I think it's based on their 'Professional' series, so has proved to be reliable and strong. Has everything in it, from a Hammer and spirit level, to a comprehensive set of 1/2" and 1/4" sockets, spanners, pliers, you name it.
It appears that they no longer sell such a thing, so turned to the usual suspects (Amazon, Screwfix, Toolstation etc.) for a similar bit of kit as a gift for my son so he can work on his car and do other general stuff.
This sort of thing, but my old Halfords one is way more comprehensive:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/TECH-CRAFT-Tool-Pieces-Wo...
Any recommendations without going mad on the price and for tools that aren't made of chocolate?
Ta
for general DIY and spannering I find the most useful bit of kit a set I bought from Halfords, that came in an aluminium briefcase. I think it's based on their 'Professional' series, so has proved to be reliable and strong. Has everything in it, from a Hammer and spirit level, to a comprehensive set of 1/2" and 1/4" sockets, spanners, pliers, you name it.It appears that they no longer sell such a thing, so turned to the usual suspects (Amazon, Screwfix, Toolstation etc.) for a similar bit of kit as a gift for my son so he can work on his car and do other general stuff.
This sort of thing, but my old Halfords one is way more comprehensive:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/TECH-CRAFT-Tool-Pieces-Wo...
Any recommendations without going mad on the price and for tools that aren't made of chocolate?
Ta
Have you considered splitting your budget and buying separately?
I have a general tool bag but keep my car tools in another box. In fact I have kits for different types of jobs too but to get your son started two different bags may be more appropriate.
My thinking is that you would not usually use a spirit level on your car and a socket set would be of limited use in the house for example.
I have a general tool bag but keep my car tools in another box. In fact I have kits for different types of jobs too but to get your son started two different bags may be more appropriate.
My thinking is that you would not usually use a spirit level on your car and a socket set would be of limited use in the house for example.
Baldchap said:
Sets are often unused crap IME.
This. Also, the requirements for home/DIY stuff is very, very different to car stuff. Start small and buy the tools you need.For cars/mechanical stuff, start with a 3/8 drive socket set, and a set of combination ring/crescent spanners, a comprehensive set of screw drivers, Allen key set, Torx Key set, and a multimeter.
4x axles stands, and a good hydraulic jack. Away you go.
20 years later you will either have given up or you will have a few thousands pounds worth of kit in a large roll cab clogging up your garage with racks of specialist stuff such as stupid 7mm hexs or triple squares used only on VAG rear brake calipers...
33q said:
Have you considered splitting your budget and buying separately?
I have a general tool bag but keep my car tools in another box. In fact I have kits for different types of jobs too but to get your son started two different bags may be more appropriate.
My thinking is that you would not usually use a spirit level on your car and a socket set would be of limited use in the house for example.
I'm thinking similar. Halfords do smaller sets that fit nicely into a proper tool box. Three of the sets will fit neatly into the large plastic carry case that the general 200-piece advanced kits come in. I have a tool box with 6 drawers full of the smaller sets and can take what I need in the case (I actually have two of them now), it suits me much better if I have a vague idea of what I need for the job. I have a general tool bag but keep my car tools in another box. In fact I have kits for different types of jobs too but to get your son started two different bags may be more appropriate.
My thinking is that you would not usually use a spirit level on your car and a socket set would be of limited use in the house for example.
Halfords Advanced Modular Tray Storage Case
Halfords Advanced 7 Piece T-Handle Torx Set Modular Tray
Halfords Advanced 4 Piece Plier Set Modular Tray
Halfords Advanced 8 Piece Hammer, Punch and Chisel Set
Plus, you can slowly chip away and build a full set when it comes to birthdays and special occasions by getting him additional sets and you'll know it's pretty solid gear with a lifetime warranty.
I think tools fall into different groups:
1) Small tools for household jobs
2) Bigger tools for woodwork
3) Specialised tools for cars etc.
A toolkit makes a nice gift because it's all in one box, but in reality some bits will get use a lot, others not at all.
Perhaps a good compromise is to get a decent toolbox, then put specific tools in it. That way it can evolve with as your son's interests.
1) Small tools for household jobs
2) Bigger tools for woodwork
3) Specialised tools for cars etc.
A toolkit makes a nice gift because it's all in one box, but in reality some bits will get use a lot, others not at all.
Perhaps a good compromise is to get a decent toolbox, then put specific tools in it. That way it can evolve with as your son's interests.
Thanks for the replies all and I take your points and would normally advocate having seperate tool sets for different tasks, as I have.
However, you simply cannot compete with the convenience of having them 'all in one' as a decent set. I speak from experience with 4 full size (and full) tool chests at home, having scratch built cars etc.
Take working on my motorbike for example. I know, with confidence, that I can almost always take the 'case' and it will have what I need in it (bar a torque wrench).
Beta and Hilka do some good sets, but they're £400+. Yes, inflation etc. but I recall only paying about £120 for my Halford set and its been used and abused for years and still going strong.
Looks like my search continues - if I find a diamond in the rough I'll let you know
However, you simply cannot compete with the convenience of having them 'all in one' as a decent set. I speak from experience with 4 full size (and full) tool chests at home, having scratch built cars etc.
Take working on my motorbike for example. I know, with confidence, that I can almost always take the 'case' and it will have what I need in it (bar a torque wrench).
Beta and Hilka do some good sets, but they're £400+. Yes, inflation etc. but I recall only paying about £120 for my Halford set and its been used and abused for years and still going strong.
Looks like my search continues - if I find a diamond in the rough I'll let you know
Still good value, and odds n sods can be added.
https://www.halfords.com/tools/hand-tools/socket-s...
https://www.halfords.com/tools/hand-tools/socket-s...
Stig said:
Whilst I have a comprehensive set of tools (being a powerfully built PH Director type for general DIY and spannering I find the most useful bit of kit a set I bought from Halfords, that came in an aluminium briefcase. I think it's based on their 'Professional' series, so has proved to be reliable and strong. Has everything in it, from a Hammer and spirit level, to a comprehensive set of 1/2" and 1/4" sockets, spanners, pliers, you name it.
It appears that they no longer sell such a thing,
I know the exact one you mean, I've got one myself as a general portable toolkit, and it's great. Pity they stopped selling it. for general DIY and spannering I find the most useful bit of kit a set I bought from Halfords, that came in an aluminium briefcase. I think it's based on their 'Professional' series, so has proved to be reliable and strong. Has everything in it, from a Hammer and spirit level, to a comprehensive set of 1/2" and 1/4" sockets, spanners, pliers, you name it.It appears that they no longer sell such a thing,
Gassing Station | Homes, Gardens and DIY | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff