very basic car tool set

Bit of a false economy really - the sockets/ratchet handles will be poor quality chinesium and either round nuts or snap, and the screwdriver has so many bits but very few that will be relevant on a car

Bette off with a slightly better quality set e.g.

And pair with a couple of relevant sized spanners or adjustables, a couple of full sized screwdrivers and other useful things like pliers, trim removal tools etc
 
What car is it and what basic issues do you want to be able to fix?

Some of the quality of the cheap toolsets can be variable. It it's a bad one, it won't be worth the money because it won't be nice using the tools, and therefore better to buy from a respected brand.
 
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Armageus said:
Bit of a false economy really - the sockets/ratchet handles will be poor quality chinesium and either round nuts or snap, and the screwdriver has so many bits but very few that will be relevant on a car

Bette off with a slightly better quality set e.g.

And pair with a couple of relevant sized spanners or adjustables, a couple of full sized screwdrivers and other useful things like pliers, trim removal tools etc
Click to expand...
might just go for that one, thanks. its a campervan and its a just incase as im thinking of a 2 months trip
 
The one time you can't afford to be messing about with crap tools is when you depend on them the most, ie. away from home.

Spend more and get decent stuff, doesn't have to be much, you'll be surprised what you actually would need at the roadside.
 
VonHaus are OK for occasional use - fine for something to chuck in the car for an emergency but wouldn't be my choice for regularly working on the car.
 
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Halfords basic can fix a lot of stuff at the roadside.


and for the screwdriver.


Less than £30 all on in.

Only time I ever broke down was due to a split radiator hose. AA man used this.

i keep a roll of this Fiberfix in the boot at all times.

samuelkirk.co.uk

FIBERFIX REPAIR WRAP MEDIUM ROLL (2in x 50in)

FiberFix Repair Wrap 100x Stronger Than Duct Tape<br /> <br /> FiberFix Repair Wrap combines industrial-strength fiber and specialized resin into a wrap that hardens like steel and provides a permanent fix. Simply dip the wrap in water to activate the resin, wrap around what you need to fix, and...
samuelkirk.co.uk samuelkirk.co.uk
 
This is my emergency tool kit, it lives in the little compartment in my boot:

Tyre inflator
Tyre valve removal tool and spare valves
Can of squirty cream
Little box with sticky string and insertion tool
500ml coke bottle of oil
500ml coke bottle of water
A handful of assorted cable ties

That's it. I do car maintenance at home, the tools live in my garage and I have breakdown cover.
 
There's a reason the AA patrols keep this stuff on board..

KRAKEN SELF AMALGAMATING TAPE | Euro Car Parts

KRAKEN SELF AMALGAMATING TAPE at the lowest UK prices from Euro Car Parts UK’s No.1 for Car Accessories, Car Styling & Car Care. Buy today Online, In store or by Phone + Branches Nationwide – Next Day UK Free Delivery.
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Might be pricey, but it will cure (in an emergency) a split brake, clutch or coolant hose.
Awesome stuff.
 
Rather than a full socket set think about what you might actually need and carry just that in a small tool bag.

Socket wise, you'll want a decent wheel brace/breaker bar with an approprate sized socket. Plus probably just a small 1/4" or 3/8" ratchet with a couple of extensions and the various small socket sizes/types that are appropriate to your car (Japanese stuff can be almost entirely dismantled with an 8,10,12,14,17 and 19mm for example, Ford often use a 13/15mm, Volvo use Torx all over the place, some brands use a lot of internal hex). If you need bigger sockets you can use them with the breaker bar if you go that way although if you need the big stuff it's probably not something you are fixing at the side of the road.

As well as that you'll want generally useful stuff for removing trims/brackets and fixing minor issues - Screwdrivers (A universal handle and appropriate bits is a most space/weight/space efficient way to go), pliers, side cutters, tie wraps, hose clamps, spare fuses/bulbs etc.
 
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