Halfords Advanced 200 piece socket set - tool tray / chest

[chris-s3]

Hi all,
I see that the Halfords 200 piece socket generally gets positive reviews on here and is currently £200. I'm looking to get my son started with his first toolkit as a present to go with the old BMW tourer I have for his first car, something he will hopefully keep for years as he is quite technically minded.

I think the blown plastic case looks like a bit of a nightmare so wondering about getting a 3 draw chest and moving the parts over to foam inserts or 3d printed trays. It is likely he will want to put the chest in the boot to take with him to work on cars with his mates. Just wondering what anyone else has found as the best route?

I am also still pondering if the Halfords is the best idea versus some Sealey modular trays that seem very nicely organised compared to the Halfords case.

Any thoughts very welcome! Thanks

Edited by chris-s3 on Thursday 30th October 21:06

[ssray]

The Halfords stuff is guaranteed for life.
Shadow foam or if you're cheap like me a couple of yoga mats stuck together and cut out apatures for the tools

[trickywoo]

It’s a good option.

Portability is always an issue when you start to build up a collection of tools. Any cabinet will get too heavy to lift in and out of a boot.

[ChocolateFrog]

I still use mine regularly, definitely over 20 years old now. The plastic hinges on the case even still work.

Anything breaks it goes back and I get a new one.

I do think the quality isn't quite as good as the 25yo stuff but when it's replaced ad infinitum I don't mind.

I've never actually replaced a ratched and bits I have replaced have been due to abuse, using screw driver bits as a chisel etc etc.

I wouldn't use anything else.

[Silenoz]

Given it's an early Black Friday deal, if you're thinking of it I wouldn't leave it too long as these tend to sell out quite quickly. Looks really good for the discounted price.

[E-bmw]

Just a word of warning from the wise.

If he does keep it in his car, tell him to find a way of securing it well in place so that it doesn't slide around if cornering sharply.

A 10 - 20kg full tool box can carry a LOT of momentum if is starts to slide across the boot under cornering & can definitely upset the balance of a car.

Ask me how I know?

ETA.
My track day tool kit was in something like this.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/BGS-3318-Metal-Tools-Draw...

Edited by E-bmw on Friday 31st October 09:15

[CSR Performance]

ChocolateFrog said:

I still use mine regularly, definitely over 20 years old now. The plastic hinges on the case even still work.

Anything breaks it goes back and I get a new one.

I do think the quality isn't quite as good as the 25yo stuff but when it's replaced ad infinitum I don't mind.

I've never actually replaced a ratched and bits I have replaced have been due to abuse, using screw driver bits as a chisel etc etc.

I wouldn't use anything else.

This pretty much mirrors my experience. I've never had reason to even consider shopping elsewhere.

As said above, if it's in the car, strap it down.

[bennno]

ssray said:

The Halfords stuff is guaranteed for life.
Shadow foam or if you're cheap like me a couple of yoga mats stuck together and cut out apatures for the tools

Only Halfords advanced (formerly professional) is guaranteed for life.

[LuS1fer]

Mine are about 30 years old and still going strong. I did replace the 1/4" drive ratchet but sometimes used it as a light hammer! In any event, I lost it before it gave up the ghost.

[C5_Steve]

I'm an amateur at best but I've got loads of Halfords Professional/Advanced stuff and it's very good, compares really well to other sets I've found when I've picked them up on offer.

[Joe M]

Mine is 20+ years old, well used.
The blown plastic case was fine until the hinges failed a few years back, the 2 halves slotted straight into drawers in my tool chest so still in use.
I think I've replaced a screwdriver socket, Allan socket and a universal joint over the years, all under the lifetime warranty.

[Tony1963]

ChocolateFrog said:

I've never actually replaced a ratched

You must be nursing it


Perhaps an adjusdable would be better

Edited by Tony1963 on Friday 31st October 12:33

[Jakg]

If your keen on foam, Halfords sell the sets separately as modular trays for their boxes - https://www.halfords.com/tools/hand-tools/modular-...

But personally I'm not a fan - the second you buy another tool (e.g. in the above set, 16/18mm deep are missing which come in handy for BMW suspension bolts) you have nowhere to put it.

[snotrag]

Joe M said:

Mine is 20+ years old, well used.
The blown plastic case was fine until the hinges failed a few years back, the 2 halves slotted straight into drawers in my tool chest so still in use.
I think I've replaced a screwdriver socket, Allan socket and a universal joint over the years, all under the lifetime warranty.

Exactly this, Mine is circa 2005 vintage, and formed the basis of a now very comprehensive large rollcab full of kit.

The few breakages I've had have been replaced no questions asked. The plastic case hinges broke years ago but as above, they slot perfectly into the slim drawers in my cabinet.

[TomTheTyke]

Nothing new to add other than a +1 recommendation for that Halfords kit.

I’ve been using mine this morning as both mine and the wife’s car were due an oil change.

I’ve had it at least 15 years, they’ve taken loads of use and abuse.

Think I’ve only had to have the spark plug socket replaced under warranty as the rubber inner always seems to detach on them. As others have said, was changed no questions asked.