Mechanics tool set
Discussion
You won't go wrong with one of the sets from halfords.
There will be a half price sale on soon. https://www.halfords.com/tools/hand-tools/socket-s...
There will be a half price sale on soon. https://www.halfords.com/tools/hand-tools/socket-s...
Halfords advanced is perfect - Has everything you'll need for the vast majority of jobs.
Only other tools I've picked up are a couple of torque wrenches (One medium and one large) - Both fairly cheap on amazon, and a couple of "specialist" bits like a brake windback tool set.
And for other future ideas, these have proven pretty useful for weekend warrior work: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sealey-CP1202KIT-Ratchet-... (This and the matching impact wrench)
Only other tools I've picked up are a couple of torque wrenches (One medium and one large) - Both fairly cheap on amazon, and a couple of "specialist" bits like a brake windback tool set.
And for other future ideas, these have proven pretty useful for weekend warrior work: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sealey-CP1202KIT-Ratchet-... (This and the matching impact wrench)
Halfords Advanced set here as well. I think 120 pc or 150 pc. Good quality and it was on offer at the time (they seem/seemed to do a lot of offers on these).
From https://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/how-to/g2657...
Trolley Jack, axle stands, torque wrench, multimeter and wire cutters/pliers etc...
Can of WD40 as well and cable ties, maybe some latex gloves or swarfega hand cleaner. Blue roll as well...
He might want to mark some of the tools to stop them being borrowed permanently - especially if working with others!! Especially if a lot of money has been spent on them.
From https://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/how-to/g2657...
Trolley Jack, axle stands, torque wrench, multimeter and wire cutters/pliers etc...
Can of WD40 as well and cable ties, maybe some latex gloves or swarfega hand cleaner. Blue roll as well...
He might want to mark some of the tools to stop them being borrowed permanently - especially if working with others!! Especially if a lot of money has been spent on them.
tapkaJohnD said:
At my college, we had a visit from a Halfords rep, handing out Halfords Trade Cards. If he doesn't get one, then suggest he contacts Halfords to ask for a visit!
AND to ask for a Trade card. He'll use it in his career. I saved £12 on a £36 item just yesterday by using my Card!
John
Good shout - I've just applied for one - I think you can go through it all online.AND to ask for a Trade card. He'll use it in his career. I saved £12 on a £36 item just yesterday by using my Card!
John
I'm looking for a new set as well as my old Halfords one is pretty beat up with the case broken and parts damaged / missing
I was hoping to go for Teng or Facom but can't find anything with as good selection as the Halfords professional ones, so might end up with another. Hopefully the newer style latches are stronger than the old ones
I was hoping to go for Teng or Facom but can't find anything with as good selection as the Halfords professional ones, so might end up with another. Hopefully the newer style latches are stronger than the old ones
AceOfHearts said:
I'm looking for a new set as well as my old Halfords one is pretty beat up with the case broken and parts damaged / missing
I was hoping to go for Teng or Facom but can't find anything with as good selection as the Halfords professional ones, so might end up with another. Hopefully the newer style latches are stronger than the old ones
Perhaps a proper toolchest as well whilst you're there? :PI was hoping to go for Teng or Facom but can't find anything with as good selection as the Halfords professional ones, so might end up with another. Hopefully the newer style latches are stronger than the old ones
The new ones (mine at least) has the two side plastic latches, and proper metal ones on the front. Case is pretty robust for normal use.
As well as a socket set you might want to consider adding the following:
Torque wrench
Breaker bar
Pliers
Files
Lump hammer
Multimeter
OBII fault code reader
Brake/Clutch bleed kit
Trim removal tools
T-handle hex keys
Inspection lamp/torch
Oil drip tray
Trolley Jack
Axle stands
Disposable gloves
Blue roll
Torque wrench
Breaker bar
Pliers
Files
Lump hammer
Multimeter
OBII fault code reader
Brake/Clutch bleed kit
Trim removal tools
T-handle hex keys
Inspection lamp/torch
Oil drip tray
Trolley Jack
Axle stands
Disposable gloves
Blue roll
Haltamer said:
AceOfHearts said:
I'm looking for a new set as well as my old Halfords one is pretty beat up with the case broken and parts damaged / missing
I was hoping to go for Teng or Facom but can't find anything with as good selection as the Halfords professional ones, so might end up with another. Hopefully the newer style latches are stronger than the old ones
Perhaps a proper toolchest as well whilst you're there? :PI was hoping to go for Teng or Facom but can't find anything with as good selection as the Halfords professional ones, so might end up with another. Hopefully the newer style latches are stronger than the old ones
The new ones (mine at least) has the two side plastic latches, and proper metal ones on the front. Case is pretty robust for normal use.

Triumph Man said:
As above, Halfords stuff is very good. Says a lot when you can be heaving off a 1/4 drive socket with a 4 ft scaffold bar and it doesn’t break!
I've got Halfords Advanced kit, and their Industrial tool boxes too. But if you can't break 1/4" stuff with a 4ft scaffold bar, you must be a 7st weakling. It's good, but not that friggin good.As may others have said, Halfords Advanced.
I often use a trade card and a topcashback account to maximise savings when they have a sale on. As well as one of the big socket sets, you can buy an additional blank case which will carry three trays from their "Modular Tray" range. As he gets older and progresses to having his own tool chest he will also be able to buy inserts for it to transfer the tools into, like so:

I have a notification set for "Halfords Advanced" on HotUKDeals and have bagged a few discounts over the last couple of years for friends and family, well worth keeping an eye out.

I often use a trade card and a topcashback account to maximise savings when they have a sale on. As well as one of the big socket sets, you can buy an additional blank case which will carry three trays from their "Modular Tray" range. As he gets older and progresses to having his own tool chest he will also be able to buy inserts for it to transfer the tools into, like so:

I have a notification set for "Halfords Advanced" on HotUKDeals and have bagged a few discounts over the last couple of years for friends and family, well worth keeping an eye out.

Obsolete Driver said:
Hi all.
My 16 year old son, who does not live with me, is a bit of a petrolhead and is starting a mechanics course at college in the autumn.
I would like to buy him a half decent tool set. Any recommendations please?
Most colleges have a snap on educational deal for a starter set. From Memory it’s about £900 worth of snap on tools for £300.My 16 year old son, who does not live with me, is a bit of a petrolhead and is starting a mechanics course at college in the autumn.
I would like to buy him a half decent tool set. Any recommendations please?
Gassing Station | Home Mechanics | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff



