Halfords professional socket set

[xcentric]

..... are currently on special offer, and from all accounts (on here) are very good value. But does anyone have any advice on which size set to get: 150, 170, 200?

I know the larger sets have more tools in (:-)); I just wondered whether the additional ones are useful or not. Want enough for decent car mechanicery and home DIY.....

Essentially, would hate to buy the 150 set and then find I needed half a dozen other things - but equally if the others are so esoteric, then I'll happily save a bit.....

experiences and advice useful.....

[Lanby]

The 150 piece set shown here always seems to be on offer at £100.
I've had it for a couple of years and it seems to be good quality and has everything I've needed for general spannering

[soad]

200, just in case. You can never have too many bits.

[ezi]

Don't think the 150 comes with ratchet spanners does it? If not then I'd go for the cheapest one which does, ratcher spanners are awesome to have.

[Riff Raff]

They are good value at 50% off. It isn't clear what the differences between the 150, 170 and 200 sets are, but it looks like the sets with more bits in have more 6 point sockets - both deep and impact. That has to be a good thing, as you'd want to use a 6 point in preference to a 12 point (given the choice).

FWIW, I use Teng sockets out of choice, but I use the Halfords ratchets in preference to others I have. And the ratchet spanners are pretty good to. I'll pick one of those up before the Facom non-ratchet spanners I have........

[xcentric]

thanks - lowest size does have ratchet spanners but not many - and with quidco 3% and extra 10% off at the mo, looks like the 200 is the way to go.....

[Tc24]

I have (I think) the 150 piece set, but from memory, mine is sans ratchet spanners (though have a separate set of Halfords advanced ones).

Socket wise, I'm rarely left wanting for more, but if you don't already have the ratchet spanners, get a set with those in as they're bloody good

[robinessex]

Although guilty of having far to many men toys, I suppose the sensible way to go is a good basic tool set that covers about 70% of the bolts, nuts and screws you'll come across, and then cherry pick what else needed as the situation arises. Typically, I've got one huge socket, about 50mm I think. Had to get it to remove a nut holding a rear hub on. Only used 4 times though, 2 nuts off, and then back on. The one thing that can happen if you work on cars over a wide age range, you could end up needing Imperial, A/F, Metric, Torx, BA, and those funny anti-tamper bits as well. Then add on all the none nut and bolt things you'll need. I've even ended up with a compressor and an impact set.

[Jimmy No Hands]

Mine is the 150 and has a few ratchet spanners, I got it about 18 months ago when it popped up on offer. Really good quality, life time warantee (keep hold of the receipt) and so far so good. Apart from ape like chap mis-using one of my torx and breaking it.

[Nigel Worc's]

Be careful !

I bought one a few years back as the rachet on my top of the range draper set was getting a little tired.

I had to take it back the next day, as I couldn't get the sockets onto the rachet................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. they showed me this little button you have to press

[Milli94]

I have the 200 and I see it a a 'complete kit' if I need to take it somewhere to help/rescue someone as it's useful rather than the 'ONE' you keep at home for normal maintainence etc. Maybe I'm being a little hard on it but I have a large Beta toolchest with trays in the drawers for the 'home' stuff. I've never broken one thou and it was handy whilst building up my toolchest.

[T0MMY]

I just recently bought the 200 piece one and felt a similar excitement to what I experienced as a 10 year old on christmas day. I have pretty much every tool in there but was getting sick of having to lug 5 different tool kits out to the car or to trackdays rather than having one pretty much comprehensive kit.

I'd go for the 200 piece as individual sockets are far far more expensive separately and it would be annoying to not have the one you need, plus it then wouldn't have a neat space in the box! I needed a 32mm which I think was only found in the 200 piece anyway.

[schuey]

I have the big set with ratchet spanners,had it about 12 years and it's great,had a couple of bits replaced on the warranty although they will try and mug you if you break a ratchet like I did,they claim the warranty doesnt cover moving parts,I pointed out it says lifetime guarantee so they need to get a grip,which they did. Decent gear,I have added a couple of bits to it and it's been the best money I have ever spent on tools.