Discussion
When I first started as an apprentice my dad got me a Halfords Professional socket set. It had 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 drive sockets and ratchets in both metric and imperial sizes. Im still using some of the sockets today. Decent quality and if I remeber correctly the set only cost around £90. I would say that would be a good starting point and then add to it as and when you need a tool.
Edited by roscozs on Friday 24th September 21:02
As mentioned Halfords pro is well worth the money.
Something like this is great value IMHO
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/...
Also if you know someone with a trade card (motor trade basicly, all you need is a payslip to register) you can get some good savings on items not reduced.
Something like this is great value IMHO
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/...
Also if you know someone with a trade card (motor trade basicly, all you need is a payslip to register) you can get some good savings on items not reduced.
My advice would be:
- Don't go mad. Just buy a decent "set" of the basics..screwdrivers, socket set, spanners, allen keys etc.
- Don't worry about not spending too much on these sets, but when you start needing to replace certain tools, only then upgrade to a v.decent version. This way, you have decent quality versions of the tools you use most, but you haven't shelled out hundreds of pounds for loads of tools you never use.
- Halfords professional range is actually pretty good quality! (Try to get/borrow a Halfords trade card before buying though)
- For everything else, just build up a stash of tools only as you need them. I've been working on my cars for about 5 years and slowly but steadily built up what is now a reasonable selection.
Finally, if you already know what you're after then somewhere like www.tooled-up.com has a decent broad range.
Edited to add: Some tools have many uses. Why buy a oil filter wrench, when a 50p screwdriver is easier!
- Don't go mad. Just buy a decent "set" of the basics..screwdrivers, socket set, spanners, allen keys etc.
- Don't worry about not spending too much on these sets, but when you start needing to replace certain tools, only then upgrade to a v.decent version. This way, you have decent quality versions of the tools you use most, but you haven't shelled out hundreds of pounds for loads of tools you never use.
- Halfords professional range is actually pretty good quality! (Try to get/borrow a Halfords trade card before buying though)
- For everything else, just build up a stash of tools only as you need them. I've been working on my cars for about 5 years and slowly but steadily built up what is now a reasonable selection.
Finally, if you already know what you're after then somewhere like www.tooled-up.com has a decent broad range.
Edited to add: Some tools have many uses. Why buy a oil filter wrench, when a 50p screwdriver is easier!
Edited by MrChips on Friday 24th September 21:24
I got a reasonably comprehensive toolkit from Costco; about £70.
ETA: Costco's 3t trolley jack is awesome; proper big jobbie with 5' handle. c.£70 again.
Halfords for torque wrench. Check the feedback, their own brand wrenches get great support and are good value.
ETA: Costco's 3t trolley jack is awesome; proper big jobbie with 5' handle. c.£70 again.
Halfords for torque wrench. Check the feedback, their own brand wrenches get great support and are good value.
Edited by V8mate on Friday 24th September 21:38
_Deano said:
V8mate said:
I got a reasonably comprehensive toolkit from Costco; about £70.
which tool kit was that? As i am going to the Croydon one tomorrow, to buy oil.
Definitely a torque wrench is a good thing to have. Probably one of the few things that's worth getting a decent one from the start.
I do rate the Haynes manuals, although sometimes they can leave a bit too much info out. I've normally found that they cover 80% of the kind of stuff you might do at home, and you can normally find anything else out via an owners forum or similar.
I do rate the Haynes manuals, although sometimes they can leave a bit too much info out. I've normally found that they cover 80% of the kind of stuff you might do at home, and you can normally find anything else out via an owners forum or similar.
bazking69 said:
_Deano said:
Is a torque wrench a must have?
I think I've used mine twice on about 8 years...Essential for engine jobs yes, but give me a breaker bar and my own decision based on feel anyday.
bazking69 said:
_Deano said:
Is a torque wrench a must have?
I think I've used mine twice on about 8 years...Essential for engine jobs yes, but give me a breaker bar and my own decision based on feel anyday.
There's two problems with the Halford sets. 1, They say Halfords all over them & 2, They always include multi point sockets. Multi point are not ideal because it is far easier to round bolts or nuts off with them, especially if they are corroded. An average good set of six point sockets are far better.
I personally would avoid the kits & buy an empty tool box then fill it with separately bought tools. This way you can avoid all the stuff that comes in the sets that you'll never use, you can buy six point sockets instead of multi point & you can add tools as & when you need them.
Sealey & Draper tools are very good & reasonably priced.
I personally would avoid the kits & buy an empty tool box then fill it with separately bought tools. This way you can avoid all the stuff that comes in the sets that you'll never use, you can buy six point sockets instead of multi point & you can add tools as & when you need them.
Sealey & Draper tools are very good & reasonably priced.
Larry Dickman said:
There's two problems with the Halford sets. 1, They say Halfords all over them & 2, They always include multi point sockets. Multi point are not ideal because it is far easier to round bolts or nuts off with them, especially if they are corroded. An average good set of six point sockets are far better.
I personally would avoid the kits & buy an empty tool box then fill it with separately bought tools. This way you can avoid all the stuff that comes in the sets that you'll never use, you can buy six point sockets instead of multi point & you can add tools as & when you need them.
Sealey & Draper tools are very good & reasonably priced.
Will give you point 1, but the lifetime warranty and low cost makes up for that. Point 2, right tool for the right job and plenty of WD40 or a bit of heat usually means no rounded off bolt heads. The double hex sockets are dead handy for smaller fastners in awkward places.I personally would avoid the kits & buy an empty tool box then fill it with separately bought tools. This way you can avoid all the stuff that comes in the sets that you'll never use, you can buy six point sockets instead of multi point & you can add tools as & when you need them.
Sealey & Draper tools are very good & reasonably priced.
At the time I bought my pro kit I needed an inexpensive set that covered most of the bases and could be carted around in the car, it's paid for itself many times over. It was less than 80 quid and hasn't left me stuck yet.
Anyway, you can never have too many tools
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