Good 'all in' tool kit?
- Thread starter ScarySquirrel
- Start date
As has been mentioned above, its a very slippery slope, you always need something else . .
Just bought myself a brake pipe flaring tool, 30 quid for something I'll probably use every 5 years or so!
Unlike just about everyone else on here I have taken a different approach to buying tools. A week before I start the task, I research what tools I need, then I goto an online auction site and buy the cheapest version available (usually some unheard of Chinese brand). I use them to do the job and if a part fails I nip over to the local Halfords and replace that component only.
Disadvantage is that you have many plastic cases holding things, instead of a single one, but that means I don't have to lug a huge case up and down stairs.
So far a single 17mm socket has failed (Draper value) while trying to get off a caliper bolt with a long breaker bar, so I'll stick with my cheapo kit until I can afford something prettier.
Just bought myself a brake pipe flaring tool, 30 quid for something I'll probably use every 5 years or so!
Unlike just about everyone else on here I have taken a different approach to buying tools. A week before I start the task, I research what tools I need, then I goto an online auction site and buy the cheapest version available (usually some unheard of Chinese brand). I use them to do the job and if a part fails I nip over to the local Halfords and replace that component only.
Disadvantage is that you have many plastic cases holding things, instead of a single one, but that means I don't have to lug a huge case up and down stairs.
So far a single 17mm socket has failed (Draper value) while trying to get off a caliper bolt with a long breaker bar, so I'll stick with my cheapo kit until I can afford something prettier.
It's not the tools breaking that is annoying - the worst thing is when cheap tools round off nuts/bolts/screwheads which can turn into MAJOR agro. Or when they slip off and your knuckles end up hitting something hard and pointy. 
About 15 years ago i bought a Sikes Pickavent (sp?) 1/2" socket set that is still going strong. Also got a halfords 3/8" and 1/4" sets as well for when access is limited. Rest of my kit is a mixture of halfords, ebay cheapies and aldi!
I buy the aldi and ebay cheapy stuff and if it breaks i know i use it so then its a worthwhile investment for a more expensive version.
I buy the aldi and ebay cheapy stuff and if it breaks i know i use it so then its a worthwhile investment for a more expensive version.
It's not the tools breaking that is annoying - the worst thing is when cheap tools round off nuts/bolts/screwheads which can turn into MAJOR agro. Or when they slip off and your knuckles end up hitting something hard and pointy.
oh yes.
for example, this saturday, im arriving on some guys driveway at 9am to change a clutch and replace a flywheel. ill be 40 miles from home, wont know where any decent parts places are etc so the gear i bring along ive got to know its up to the task.
ill be packing three socket sets (need to get one back from a mate ive lent it to!) torque wrenches.
comprehensive and bulletproof bit set
S2 steel, life saver
i also never leave home without the clarke 12v impact doo-dah and breaker bars