Hi
I'm after a good, cheap (sub-£50) metric socket set that comes in a box, though a rachet isn't required.
Halfords would be a good choice as I've heard good things about them on here, though they don't so any sets without imperial sockets which is just as waste as we've already got some and probably won't use the ones we've got! I've had my eye on Draper www.tooled-up.com/Product.asp?PID=15026 though I can't be sure of the quality without seeing them close up instead of on screen.
I'd appreciate your comments and suggestions.
Thanks
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Mike Farrow
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"Good" and "cheap" don't necessarily go well together! Think Lada and Yugo! I am sure you are best off seeing before you buy. Draper is a good name, but so is Sony, and they come from China!
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Can't speak for Draper sockets, but never had a problem with any of their other tools. My wife bought me a sub £50 Halfords socket set (see link below) years ago and it has NEVER let me down. Good luck.
www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product...=
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I'm after a good, cheap (sub-£50) metric socket set that comes in a box, though a rachet isn't required.
Something like below? A cheaper but less comprehensive set than the Draper.
A few less sockets and lacking three spark plug sockets.
www.machinemart.co.uk/product.asp?p=040211549
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I'm with Old git on this one - i've been very impressed with the quality of the Halfords kit i've got.
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i've been very impressed with the quality of the Halfords kit i've got.
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I too am impressed with the Halfords kit I have. It was a present.
However the vast number of sockets in it have never been touched. Yet I have added to it with other items.
A set of extention bars so I have more options on getting the right length.
The other item I have but rarely seen is a ratchet device that is in effect just the round head of the familiar ratchet but with a knurled outside. Useful for speeding nuts in some awkward places.
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You could go to Halfords, or Midland Car Parts, and buy sockets individually. I have seen racks of sockets in the stores, then you can buy whichever ones you want.
I don't know how this compares in cost with buying a set.
I bought an Elora socket set in 1971, it is very good and I have still go all the pieces.
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Halfords - brilliant for the money. But I predominantly use 3/8 stuff, with a Gedore 3/8-1/2 converter if it's really stuck on, all of which has taken serious scaffolding pole abuse in its time. A Halfords 3/8 ratchet also fits nicely on the end of a VW 17mm wheel brace for extra leverage.
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I have had a Kamasa set for many years,lifetime guarantee,but it was £120.If you go for Draper try and get the Expert grade,the ordinary Draper has dropped off in quality IMO.I have heard good reports of the Clarke brand fromm Machine Mart.
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When it comes to tools, "buy cheap and you buy twice" is especially true. I have a cheap Halfords set, but it does have the tendency to round off heads, when undoing really tight or corroded studs. (A big problem on the old Toyota car I used to own...the bolts seemed very prone to this).
It's worth paying a bit extra for a decent set.
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My collection of tools bought from machinemart seems to increase weekly, not too long ago I bought a set of impact sockets - www.machinemart.co.uk/product.asp?p=040220035&r=20...3 . I wanted these to get me through a cam belt and tensioner change on my 405. The quality seems OK and they don't round off heads. Price is good too.
Steve.
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I've got a set of Tengtools sockets. Had em for 17 years and they are excellent. Don't know if you can still get them.
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I've had a tengtools socket set for 11 years with no problems so far. They are good quailty and if you shop around good value for money, try ebay.
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If you see "Metrinch" anywhere,get them- not cheap but best sockets I've ever used.
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Metrinch are a good quality manufacturer. The sockets, in my opinion, have one failing. If you are removing or replacing a nut/bolt you cannot rely on the socket to hold the nut/bolt when it is free. It will fall out. A normal 6/12 point socket grips better.
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Metrinch do also sell conventional 6-point(impact) and 6/12 point sockets as well as their patented shoulder drive.
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1971? This could turn into a competition. I'm still using the 3/8" drive Britool set I got in 1967. Certainly worked hard for its living, but nothing's ever broken. Only thing I've noticed is a bit of wear in the ratchet. Certainly bears out the advice not to buy cheap tools. Seemed expensive then, but cheap in retrospect.
Have to say though, the Halfords items I've bought more recently have been fine.
JS
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SEALEY TOOLS have a huge range of sockets. I still use (professionally)a STANLEY Pro range which I have had since 1990.
Whatever you decide, make sure the sockets are wall drive types that don't cause rounding off. Also avoid unknown branded tools from car boot sales and/or markets. A decent set will have a good finish (not just shiny) and on close scrutiny will be accurately machined. I have seen some socket sets that are so bad they look like they were carved out by hand!!
The old adage buy cheap, buy twice is so true in many things. Cheap sockets will snap or crack under load or cause rounding of the bolt head. A friend of mine had a cheap set which snapped causing his hand to slip onto a sharp bracket. Incidentally, always try to pull towards body as opposed to push away as if bolt or tool lets go then there is less risk of hurting yourself.
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Yes, if you like your nuts the shape they are now, do not buy a cheap set...
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Yes, nothing worse than having something in bits, and then the tool breaks and then the rain starts. Ones of markets are rubbish, i think machine Mart ones are a good price/quality ratio.
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John S,your'e a Johnny-come-lately(no offence);I use a 1/2in.drive Britool set bought in 1957 and have also inherited an even older Churchill set.Whatever happened to King Dick?
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jc
I thought that would stir something up! King Dick? Yes, seems to have disapeared a good few years back. A brand that was always popular in industry. I think I may have one or two spanners about somewhere.
Now, can I mention my Elliot Lucas pliers marked with the MOD broad arrow, dated 1943........bought by my Dad, I hasten to add!
JS
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.>> jcI thought that would stir something up! King Dick? Yes, seems to have disapeared a good few years back. A brand that was always popular in industry. I think I may have one or two spanners about somewhere. Now, can I mention my Elliot Lucas pliers marked with the MOD broad arrow, dated 1943........bought by my Dad, I hasten to add! JS
King Dick were a first class set of spanners. My only regret was that I had to retool when I bought my first metric car. Then it was over to Bedford and Gordon spanners. All 3 makes were British, first class, and very reasonable from Halfords. How things change
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Now, can I mention my Elliot Lucas pliers marked with the MOD broad arrow, dated 1943........bought by my Dad, I hasten to add!
We had Elliot Lucas wirecutters when I worked for Post Office Telephones in the early 70's,however,when going to the exchange tool store we would try and get the superior Lindstroms.
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For cheap sockets,sealey are good.As working mechanic,i use Snap on.They are the only tools that have lasted(25 years so far)
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Draper socket sets are ok so long as you buy the pro range as their DIY grade of tools are suitable only for light use. I have seen Draper average grade sockets distort in use. Halfords Pro range came out good in a 'Car Mechanics' and 'Practical Classics' product test some time ago. As well as a Stanley Pro range, I have also got a Halfords Pro range of ratchet spanners and socket wall drivers. After years of use they still do the job.
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Hi
Thanks to all for your replies.
It was planned as a joint Christmas present for Dad, but in the end I was overuled by the other parties involved (the SWMBOs of the household!).
I have to say the Draper set still looks like a good choice, but I'll have a good look at the others. Spanner, do you mean the Expert range like sierraman suggested? They're the type in my original link www.tooled-up.com/Product.asp?PID=15026 .
Thanks again
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Mike Farrow
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For 1/2" i'd go with the halfords pro.
For 3/8" i'd go with Teng or gedore, (Facom if i was feeling flush), the quality is more important with smaller sizes as there's less contact area.
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For 1/2" i'd go with the halfords pro.
Concur with that for the price Halfords Pro seem to be pretty good. Never bought a complete set, just the sizes i'll need and add to as required.
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Hi
Well, I took the plunge and bought them anyway before they went up in price again, thanks for everyone's advice.
... but not from tooled-up, as their price had gone up. Goto www.lawson-his.co.uk/scripts/details.php?product=1...0 and they are only £30+VAT. Cheap enough for me, especially if the RRP is £80!
Thanks PhilW for that group test link. I've now just got to wait to August to give them to him!
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Mike Farrow
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Nice one - less than a mile from me, wouldn't have known they existed.
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