Buying Tools

The_Dark_Side · 1 Jun 2007 at 01:17

Mohinder said:
Because it's broken.

The guarantee on Halfords Pro tools is pretty much that simple

i think you'll find, mr smartypants, that the lifetime guarantee covers tools that break while being used for the purpose they were designed for.

last time i checked, hitting a ratchet with a lump hammer isn't what you could call a recommended practise, nor is it designed to be used as such.

The_Dark_Side · 1 Jun 2007 at 01:18

Berger said:
Broke the pin which holds the socket on the end of the extension on the halfords pro set (when hitting it with a hammer) took it back and got a new one no questions asked, got the type without a pin too as they are just a pain.

i also know people who had tools they'd broken ( by using them in an incorrect way ) replaced no questions asked.
but they are within their rights to refuse to do so.

Berger · 1 Jun 2007 at 01:19

The breaker bars do say on them, dont hammer or use extension tubes.

Have hammered the 10" bars before (when couldnt use a larger one working under the car) and had no problems.

Ratchets are the only really expensive thing which id be a bit annoyed at if i broke, but dont tend to abuse them!

AthlonTom · 1 Jun 2007 at 02:10

The SnapOn man comes round my Uncles garage from time to time - anything looks suspect he just swaps it on the spot - as long as its not ben hammered or fitted to some powertool or other if it wasn't meant to

6thElement · 1 Jun 2007 at 03:09

I've got a mixture, but some of it is Snap-on.

Gribs · 1 Jun 2007 at 08:26

The_Dark_Side said:
i think you'll find, mr smartypants, that the lifetime guarantee covers tools that break while being used for the purpose they were designed for.

last time i checked, hitting a ratchet with a lump hammer isn't what you could call a recommended practise, nor is it designed to be used as such.

I'd tend to agree but friends have had sockets replaced that broke after being used with impact drivers. I wouldn't normally beat the ratchet but I was replacing my front bottom ball joint and access was limited. I couldn't get my impact driver on or my breaker bar in. It's also not completely broken either, it still tightens up but won't work in the opposite direction.

DampCat · 1 Jun 2007 at 08:31

If you want some Imperial tools, it might be worth popping over to a couple of boot sales on a sunday morning. There's nothing really wrong with second hand tools and you can pick up some proper bargains! Obviously be aware of anything that looks like it's had a *lot* of love, especially anything with moving parts, but otherwise, generally the items i've picked up i've cleaned up a bit and you'd think they were new.

Banny · 1 Jun 2007 at 10:40

I have had my Halfords set for about 10 years now, still work fine, I do look after them though, clean them after use and that.
other useful things to buy are
Ball joint cracker
Oil filter tool.
Good 3 tonne jack.
Axle stands
Torque wrench
a big long bar for tough bolts
A caliper winding tool for rear brakes, a must have
Set of star alum keys and normal ones, with the rounded ends.
small oil can to squirt oil from.
lump hammer

those things will get you going.

numnutz · 1 Jun 2007 at 19:15

Wow! thanks for all the posts, ive noticd the halfords 150 piece set is currently £100 so i might take the plunge for that one as it seems pretty good value.

Hopefully give the volvo a good service and clean this weekend, and we can expect a thread with photos, although none of this detailing rubbish it takes to long!

Cheers

Ross