Starter tool kits?

mccarf

mccarf

mccarf

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22 Mar 2012
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I've always fancied having a go at doing basic jobs on my car, but I have a very limited amount of tools available to me, so it usually goes to a garage. I've seen a couple of these threads and halfords professional is normally mentioned. Would this be good for most basic stuff on a car? - Changing filters, oil, spark plugs, maybe brakes eventually once I learn a little more etc.

http://www.halfords.com/motoring-tr...advanced-professional-36-piece-socket-set-1-4

Alternatively there's a 150 piece toolkit for £100. Will that have lots of bits I'll probably never really use or will it actually be more useful? Any other recommendations?

http://www.halfords.com/motoring-tr...essional-150-piece-socket-ratchet-spanner-set
 
Bought the 200 piece halfords kit myself last week. £150 with 10% instore quidco cashback. Had been using my brother 170 piece set whilst tinkering on my S2000 and liked it.

Just keep the receipt and be warned that some people have had issues getting them to replace the ratchet spanners because "moving parts". I've saved a copy of the web page where at no point does it mention moving parts just in case.
 
Acme said:
Dad just forwarded this to me, unsure if it is of any interest. http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/p/t...ZgGw..AwYyGA.b..l.Bg03.a.VY6QQA.VY6QQA.ajd9TA
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I did see that earlier in an email with another code to give a discount (not sure if it works with this existing offer). Can you/anyone vouch for the quality of the tools they offer? I wouldn't want to splash out on a toolkit only to find they all break easily. It does look very good for the price though.

DBT85 said:
Bought the 200 piece halfords kit myself last week. £150 with 10% instore quidco cashback. Had been using my brother 170 piece set whilst tinkering on my S2000 and liked it.

Just keep the receipt and be warned that some people have had issues getting them to replace the ratchet spanners because "moving parts". I've saved a copy of the web page where at no point does it mention moving parts just in case.
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I don't think I'll go as far as that, £100 is my top budget although I wouldn't mind spending less! I have read in some of the comments that they're fine over the returns but I'll keep the receipt just incase, if I do get one. Cheers :)
 
Have got the Halfords 200 piece set and cannot recommend it enough. I am quite frankly a terrible mechanic, but at no point have I gone to do something (car related or otherwise) and not had the correct tool for the job (bar specialist stuff of course).
 
I think for me the problem with the big tool kits is that you get a load of sockets but 90% of the time you only need 3 sizes until you need one for the hub nut which you have to then go out and buy.
 
Having a decent range of tools really makes doing jobs quite rewarding. I agree with Neil777. Generally speaking you need sockets from 10mm up to 19mm with 13mm (½ inch) being the most common.

Hub Nuts are huge and usually cost from £10 upwards alone.
If your messing about with hubs you probably will need a ball joint separator.

Add some decent Circlip pliers (Internal AND External) to your list.

Personally.. If I was starting again then I'd get a decent workbench and Vice first !
 
Get the Halfords set, you wont regret it. I've had mine 7 years now, and I bought it second hand. I'm a full time mechanic, and although I have a LOT more tools now, the Halfords kit is still the core tools I use and abuse every day. I even bought a second set just to have at home, cannot fault them at all.
 
had the 150 piece one over ten years, done a few engine swaps, suspension, brakes, headgaskets etc and that halfords kit is always first to be grabbed. perfect starter kit!
 
sprite1275 said:
I'd just find yourself a good socket set, then spanner set, screwdriver set etc. I wouldn't buy sets with different things in it.
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This.

Don't forget:

- Torx bit & socket set

- Torque wrench

- Magnetic screw/bolt dish

- One of those flexible grabbers and a magnetic version for when you drop a bolt somewhere your fingers won't reach.

- Circlip pliers
 
Terminal_Boy said:
This.

Don't forget:

- Torx bit & socket set

- Torque wrench

- Magnetic screw/bolt dish

- One of those flexible grabbers and a magnetic version for when you drop a bolt somewhere your fingers won't reach.

- Circlip pliers
Click to expand...

That 100 piece set does have the first 2 things you mention, the next 2 do sound useful so I'll buy those too. What's the advantage of the circlip pliers over regular ones?
 
I spent nigh on four hours trying to get a wheel bearing circlip out because I had the wrong circlip pliers !

It had corroded in so after failing to prise it out (They are big buggers) I dremelled the clip in half and it still wouldn't release. Grind...prise...swear...Grind..prise.... swear !!

Bought the right pliers for the other side and (with some grunt) it came straight off !
 
Buy the tools you need when you need them. If you're looking at halfrauds; they will still have stock when a job you can tackle arises.
 
BigglesPiP said:
Buy the tools you need when you need them. If you're looking at halfrauds; they will still have stock when a job you can tackle arises.
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To late :D

Good news though, I now have the screwdriver attatchment to screw my rubbish door hinge back in which kept banging loudly every time I opened the door. YEAAA FIXING STUFF. Today door hinges, tomorrow putting in a K04 turbo (maybe not).

Seems like a nice kit anyway, although I can see me needing other bits and bobs soonish.
 
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