Quality socket sets/tools

Rizo-UK · 9 Jun 2012 at 10:34

Im looking to buy a new quality socket set, just a basic 8-22mm plus a few deep ones in 3/8th drive and buy etorx, torx, hex and spline separately in cases.

Teng or Britool is my choice, I've had a few Teng tools before like a breaker bar and a few odd sockets and they have been faultless.

Suggestions please?

Glaucus · 9 Jun 2012 at 10:40

Halfords proffesional stuff with the life time, no quibble warranty and exchange.
You can't argue with that and unlike other tool companies there's always a halfords close by, that will just replace it on the spot.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

* Should a Halfords Advanced Professional Hand Tool fail whilst being used for the purpose and in the manner for which it was designed, it will be inspected and replaced. Simply return the product to your nearest Halfords store with proof of purchase and we will arrange a replacement for you.

Proof of purchase is required to validate the Lifetime Guarantee.
Misuse of the product will immediately invalidate the Lifetime Guarantee.
Moving parts are not covered for wear and tear under this guarantee.
Discontinued items will be replaced with an equivalent product in terms of use and quality.
This guarantee does not affect your statutory rights.

pepsilol · 9 Jun 2012 at 10:45

I love my Crescent tool kit from Costco.

200 pcs and it cost like £49..

Traffic_Warden · 9 Jun 2012 at 10:49

There's only one type of socket sets I use - Bahco . Extremely good quality tools and come in a very nice hard case. The 3/8th set does from 10mm to 22mm . The 1/4 set does 4mm to 13mm .

The quality of the bahco tools is on par with my snap on tools.

andy_mk3 · 9 Jun 2012 at 11:17

I have the Halfords professional 200pc set, I've had it 4 years now and as a mechanic they get daily use and abuse. Never had any issues with anything, broken a couple of torx bits but that's to be expected really. To think a set of 10 sockets from snap-on can cost you upwards of £100!

RJC · 9 Jun 2012 at 11:19

I use a Bahco & Halfords for my tools and never had any issues

Rizo-UK · 9 Jun 2012 at 11:21

Bahco seem cheaper then Teng? Even if they are better quality?

gosshawk · 9 Jun 2012 at 11:28

I've got some Teng wrenches, and the quality is amazing on them!
Would definately buy stuff by them again! (Don't have a car at moment)

daelo · 9 Jun 2012 at 11:41

Dont forget that Halfords guarantee only covers non moving parts, so only the sockets/bits themselves, spanners screw drivers etc... which you would expect not to break anyway!

So don't go abusing those ratchet spanners/wrenches just in case!

Frozennova · 9 Jun 2012 at 11:50

Halfords professional for me, if you can manage to blag yourself a trade card then pretty much all of it is half price too.

SexyGreyFox · 9 Jun 2012 at 11:56

Halfords Pro for me too and I've had them for years.

Glaucus · 9 Jun 2012 at 11:57

daelo said:
, so only the sockets/bits themselves, spanners screw drivers etc... which you would expect not to break anyway!

!

I would expect them to break I've sheared, opened up several sockets, screwdriver edges are rounded off/lost over time.

SoSolid · 9 Jun 2012 at 12:09

I use Facom. Very good quality, had it for years.

The Halk · 9 Jun 2012 at 13:32

I bought a Tesco 34 Piece Ratchet Screwdriver & Socket Set for £3.66.

I built a table and 6 chairs with it, and it literally fell apart. I'd never owned a socket set before and I found it was far easier to tighten things up with that, than it would have been with a screwdriver/allan key. Shame it wasn't built to last long...

I also bought a xx piece (lots, I can't remember what) Bosch set of drill bits, screwdriver bits etc. I'm convinced they made them out of cheese. They really haven't lasted.

So I think I need to get a socket set, and a drill bit set. So I'm jumping in with a spec me in the thread

PhillyDee · 9 Jun 2012 at 13:46

Drill bits I would recommend the Bosch Multipurpose sets.
http://www.screwfix.com/p/bosch-multipurpose-drill-bit-set-4pcs/95958

£10.19 for 4 drill bits might seem pricey, but I have used my set for about 5-6 years now and drilled through everything from Stainless Steel (On my pillar drill) to concrete and tiles/glass. Just never use the hammer setting on your drill.

As for sockets, I also recommend the Halfords advanced range, (renamed the pro range iirc) look out for offers, they are usually half price 4-6 times per year.

The Halk · 9 Jun 2012 at 13:59

Hmm, I'd steer clear of Bosch after the set I bought turned out to be not so good - 50 Piece X-Line Accessory.

The Halfords guarantee reads that it wouldn't cover drill bits for wear and tear - I wouldn't expect it to. However that doesn't mean it's a bad deal. I'll keep an eye out for that stuff being half price.

PhillyDee · 9 Jun 2012 at 14:22

Thats just it, most Bosch gear is excellent, I use their sanders, IXO drivers and others (I have a CEL LI-ION for drilling and jigsaw etc) , but I agree, the accessory sets are cheap as hell. I find it much better to buy the bits as you need them as they are far higher quality than an all-in-one set.

Those multi purpose drills are carbide tipped and sharpened, mine are still sharp!

GeX · 9 Jun 2012 at 14:22

I bought that ~8 years ago. Halfords Pro range. Cost me £90. Only thing to break was one of the 'e' sockets - and it was replaced with no quibble. It's had plenty of use.

Unicorn · 9 Jun 2012 at 14:24

Snap-On, Although i hear Halfords Pro range is highly recommended. Used some Draper stuff also and have found it ok

Entropy · 9 Jun 2012 at 14:27

That 50 piece pack are cheap low end consumer bosch so bound to not last the test of time. The set PhillyDee recommended are trade quality bosch and are top notch bits.