Building up a tool kit
Discussion
For those that like a bit of self servicing.
Do you buy each individual tool you need for the job you are doing, or do you buy a large tool kit even if most of the tools are redundant?
Halfords are doing a good deal on their 150 piece tool kit for £100, so half price. Nice, but I'll never use 148 of the pieces ha.
Do you buy each individual tool you need for the job you are doing, or do you buy a large tool kit even if most of the tools are redundant?
Halfords are doing a good deal on their 150 piece tool kit for £100, so half price. Nice, but I'll never use 148 of the pieces ha.
The 150 piece kit may be a little excessive if you're just starting out down the self-servicing boulevard, but is probably very good value if it's the 'Professional' range of tools that they do. I got the 60 piece kit (oh the shame!) for about £50 and I've used a good proportion of the tools in the set and they appear to be of excellent quality. Bare (or is it bear?) in mind that most of the 60 (or 150 in your case) are individual sockets, rather than different specialist tools.
I have actually got bit carried away and have bought additional Hex and Torx 1/2in socket sets, a spring compressor, brake calliper rewind tool, spanner set, multimeter, mole grips, oil filter pliers and a sump nut key. I think I might have a problem come to think about it...
Mmm, tools
Edited to change 'Advanced' to 'Professional'.
I have actually got bit carried away and have bought additional Hex and Torx 1/2in socket sets, a spring compressor, brake calliper rewind tool, spanner set, multimeter, mole grips, oil filter pliers and a sump nut key. I think I might have a problem come to think about it...
Mmm, tools
Edited to change 'Advanced' to 'Professional'.
Edited by the_smalls on Thursday 22 April 10:30
Halfords Professional toolkits are the one to have. Always have a good set of screwdrivers and a cheap set because you WILL use the flat blade as a chisel, lever and scraper and you WILL use the Posi as a poker, lever and punch.
I have a large set of 1/2" drive sockets and a small set of 1/4" drive sockets but if you're doing smaller stuff, a good 3/8" drive set is a good compromise though for suspension you'll need the 1/2". They also do a set of spanners with open and ring ends which are good. Sod's Law does dictate, however, that the size you most need is the size you don't get - like a 15mm socket. You should also buy some extension bars if they are not included.
I have a large set of 1/2" drive sockets and a small set of 1/4" drive sockets but if you're doing smaller stuff, a good 3/8" drive set is a good compromise though for suspension you'll need the 1/2". They also do a set of spanners with open and ring ends which are good. Sod's Law does dictate, however, that the size you most need is the size you don't get - like a 15mm socket. You should also buy some extension bars if they are not included.
steve_bmw said:
all the driveway mechanic needs is a decent socket set, some spanners,trolley jack, pliers and a big hammer.
if its going to take more than that to do the job, its better taking it to a garage, some jobs require special tools that cost alot and you may only use it once.
And a Torch. Or a garage light. I use a lightweight rechargable LED one.if its going to take more than that to do the job, its better taking it to a garage, some jobs require special tools that cost alot and you may only use it once.
And a wireless router. That way, you can buy an old laptop and take this into the garage to read "how to" guides from the relevent forums!
I've probably always had tools even as a young lad I had a screw driver or two, soldering irons that sort of thing. But getting into cars was a great excuse to expand the tool kit.
I started by borrowing some of my dads tools, before discovering that all the really useful sizes of sockets and spanners were worn out or broken, therefore I ended up buying my own.
God only knows how many 10mm, 13mm and 15mm sockets I've lost and found over the years! Also I still have some Imperial sockets from working on my minis and MG.
Best thing I ever bought for working on cars was actually a box of those disposable latex gloves. They keep your hands clean-ish and even contain blood if you cut your self!
I started by borrowing some of my dads tools, before discovering that all the really useful sizes of sockets and spanners were worn out or broken, therefore I ended up buying my own.
God only knows how many 10mm, 13mm and 15mm sockets I've lost and found over the years! Also I still have some Imperial sockets from working on my minis and MG.
Best thing I ever bought for working on cars was actually a box of those disposable latex gloves. They keep your hands clean-ish and even contain blood if you cut your self!
I've been lucky enough to inherit a Snap-On tool box and tools from my Dad. There is most of the tools I need in there and some other obscure stuff which always come in handy. I also bought a 211pc Crescent tool kit from Costco as it was on offer for £60 I think. Fantastic quality and value and between the two sets i have all the tools I need for home mechanicing.
BigMonk said:
For those that like a bit of self servicing.
Do you buy each individual tool you need for the job you are doing, or do you buy a large tool kit even if most of the tools are redundant?
Halfords are doing a good deal on their 150 piece tool kit for £100, so half price. Nice, but I'll never use 148 of the pieces ha.
I got one if these, it's brilliant.Do you buy each individual tool you need for the job you are doing, or do you buy a large tool kit even if most of the tools are redundant?
Halfords are doing a good deal on their 150 piece tool kit for £100, so half price. Nice, but I'll never use 148 of the pieces ha.
Although I must admit the imperial sockets don't see much use!
The rest of it is great though.
And I am sure I can find an excuse to buy another set!shalmaneser said:
BigMonk said:
For those that like a bit of self servicing.
Do you buy each individual tool you need for the job you are doing, or do you buy a large tool kit even if most of the tools are redundant?
Halfords are doing a good deal on their 150 piece tool kit for £100, so half price. Nice, but I'll never use 148 of the pieces ha.
I got one if these, it's brilliant.Do you buy each individual tool you need for the job you are doing, or do you buy a large tool kit even if most of the tools are redundant?
Halfords are doing a good deal on their 150 piece tool kit for £100, so half price. Nice, but I'll never use 148 of the pieces ha.
Although I must admit the imperial sockets don't see much use!
The rest of it is great though.
Mr AJ said:
5 USA said:
steve_bmw said:
all the driveway mechanic needs is a decent socket set, some spanners,trolley jack, pliers and a big hammer an American screwdriver WD40 & Duct tape.
http://www.diytools.co.uk/diy/Main/sp-2-4698-68579...
This is my fav BTW.
Edited by Vic Cooper on Thursday 22 April 02:41
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