Buy specific sizes or the full set - sockets

[barker22]

Hi all

Just wondering what everyone here generally does
I have a few halfords kits with everything in.....well not quite everything or I wouldn't have started this topic
I find that it lacks certain socket and hex bit sizes - 7mm hex and 1/2 -18mm socket for instance, which are needed for certain brake caliper job and the rear shock bolts on my renault clio - not much fun having to put a pole over a 3/8 ratchet and socket for extra leverage

I have started looking at socket rail sets but just wondering, I generally have 90% of the sizes I need. Do you guys buy individual sockets or would you be inclined to get the whole matching socket rail....especially if going for another brand of tool - think teng socket when I already have halfords own

For instance an individual socket would be £5-6 whereas a set of 9/10 might be £30-£35

[barker22]

Does anyone know of any other oddball sizes or tools that are required for modern car related jobs.

The sort of thing you would expect to be in your toolkit but for some reason has been omitted

[barker22]

I have sometimes found that you need more than one option regarding sockets. Like I mentioned in my OP I found that I had all the sockets, but lacked the size in the preferable 1/2 size as the 3/8 ratchet size wasn't meant for that kind of torque.
On the other hand I found that sometimes the 1/2 doesn't fit in a certain gap whereas a 3/8 will. Joys of motoring my dad used to say!

[barker22]

steveo3002 said:

best say what car you have , theres 1000s of specilaist tools over all models /makes

if youre just diy youre own stuff youtube the repair before going at it , they often list whats needed so you can go out and buy it

Absolutely agree with the youtube etc I had everything for my job - just not the ideal version of it. 3/8 vs 1/2

And I was thinking more like I never see a 23mm socket for instance in general sets, but someone must know that it is needed for certain car related jobs. Never say never and all that