A Good/cheap Starter Socket Set

[john-melbourne 6]

Hi Guys,

 

I am starting to do some work on my CTI and my tool collection is pretty much non existent! I was looking at getting a good/cheap socket set to start my collection.

 

I was looking at something like this http://www.halfords.com/motoring/garage-equipment/socket-sets/halfords-advanced-professional-90-piece-socket-set

 

I don't want to spend too much money as my mechanic skills are very limited, although i don't want to snap a socket every time i try and do something.

 

Anyone got any opinions on the socket set above, or can suggest something better for around the same money?

 

Thanks

 

John

 

[welshpug 1,657]

Go for the 150 piece kit, usually discounted from 199.99 to 99.99, then add a breaker bar, a torque wrench and hub nut sockets, and you'll be sorted for most jobs.

[john-melbourne 6]

Does anyone know if you get them cheaper if you know someone with a trade card?

 

Edit: Pointless question, i don't even know anyone with a trade card

Edited July 10, 2014 by john-melbourne

[welshpug 1,657]

Not cheaper than when on offer I believe.

[john-melbourne 6]

Cheers welshpug

[gruffa 7]

I got the £75 set the other week, they come with a free set of screwdrivers (which are always handy to have) and i'm well chuffed with them.

http://www.halfords.com/motoring/garage-equipment/socket-sets/halfords-advanced-professional-120-piece-socket-set

Looks like they've gone back up in price

[Anthony 1,003]

The 150 piece set for £99 (on offer) is brilliant for the money

 

Admittedly it's not quite as good as it used to be as they've removed/changed a few of the bits over the years including some of the oddball sizes used on French cars, but all the main stuff is still there and my set that's nigh on a decade old now is still going strong - hell, I think at least two of the ratchets are still original!

 

As Mei says - buy that kit, add a handful of extra bits, and you've got all you need for most 205 related jobs.

[jeremy 70]

Go for the 150 piece kit, usually discounted from 199.99 to 99.99, then add a breaker bar, a torque wrench and hub nut sockets, and you'll be sorted for most jobs.

Yeah exactlly what he said.

[johnnyboy666 195 1 Cars]

I can vouch for the halfords advanced/professional sets, Ive had one of the small sets for at least 8 years i think, still going strong! Even with me occasionally slipping my jack handle on the end of the ratchet handle to give it a bit more leverage

[harryskid 193]

Good value for what you get!

[eddie bullit 37]

Halfords set is great..another thumbs up!

[Miles 331 1 Cars]

11mm and 16mm spanners and sockets are the extra ones needed mainly, 18mm too

[mrfirepro 127 1 Cars]

I use the professional set as well, excellent value for money, worth every penny

[GLPoomobile 958]

First off, the 90 piece Halfords set posted above is what I bought on offer a few months back, and though I've not used it much since, I'm sure it will stand me in good stead for many a year to come. I bought it becuase it was on offer, NOT because I needed it. My cheap/crap tools have done me fine for years, and still do.

 

I'd say for anyone starting out, don't be tempted, or pushed, to buy more expensive tools than you need. You're far better off spreading whatever your budget is across a range of essential tools, than invest in more expensive tools that limit your spread. And for that reason, I'd say your better of getting the 90 piece Halfords set rather than the 150 piece set, and spending the money you save on (for example) a breaker bar. But it really depends on what your budget is, what your needs are now, and in the future. If you think you'll be wanting to expand to a comprehensive kit over the years and use the tools very regularly for a wide range of jobs, then of course it makes sense to get good kits at decent prices up front, than spend more in the long run.

 

I started off years ago with a cheap Socket set and a cheap spanner set from Argos. The tool snobs will pooh pooh stuff like that, but guess what, I've never snapped a socket and I've never damaged a spanner. They done me fine for years, and I'm still using them now. There's been times when I wished I had a better range of sockets, but I manage. And yes, cheaper stuff can make it more likely you'll round a bolt head etc, so that is one issue, but it might not be a big deal if you are only using them occasionally for light work.

 

Just remember, the people who will tell you that you NEED better (more expensive) tools are usually the ones who are using their tools constantly and really giving them a hard time. Those people often find it hard to see beyond their own circumstances and realise that other people like you (John) and I might not need such beefy tools.

[chipstick 382 1 Cars]

From memory I think I got about 60p off using a trade card when purchasing the set from Halfords when it's on offer (99% of the time).

[stufarri 98 3 Cars]

I am no mechanic as the Lancs lads will confirm but the £99 Halfords' special is exactly what I have needed for a long time, tool-wise. I'd recommend it in an instant.

[unariciflocos 49 1 Cars]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/KS-TOOLS-Tools-Case-179-Pcs-Socket-Wrench-Set-917-0779-/351018427461?pt=UK_Baby_BabyFeedingUtensils_EH&hash=item51ba542445 KS TOOLS Tools Case 179 Pcs. Socket Wrench Set 917.0779

I've put all my strength onto the smallest wrench without issue. These are really indestructible. I have the blue ones, chromed.

[Rich_p 23]

Another user of the 150pc Halfords set, I'm happy with it.

[Pugly 1]

Another user of the 150 piece Halfords kit - trade card price is £96.50 (or at least it was when I bought mine ~2 years ago. In that time I've had a couple of items break (Snapped hex sockets) but they have been replaced no questions asked. Recommended, but as said there are a few gaps that will need to be filled for some jobs and the clasps on the front of the box are pants but the side ones hold it ok if they break (both of mine have).

 

RE:Torque wrench, the Aldi/Lidl ones they have in every so often are worth a look. They are TUV approved which means it is good quality gear and having checked mine (I have 2) at work on calibrated gauges they are more accurate than some much more expensive brands.