decent metric socket set ...small sizes

[RogerS]

Over the years I've accumulated various socket sets which over said time have lost bits , sockets have opened out due to poor quality etc and so I'm looking to invest once and for all in a decent set.

I'm looking for sizes in the range 3 to 18mm I guess. Some deep sockets would be useful. I'd prefer that the money went towards a dedicated socket set rather then those that have every conceivable add-on as, for the life of me, I can't see how anyone would want to use a ratchet and a screwdriver bit....which seems to be included in many sets I've seen.

 

[Colin C]

From what I have read ( have not used them myself) in some of the mechinic ( ? ) mags, Machine mart do some good sets that also come with a Lifetime guarantee for a good price also .

 

[BrianD]

If you really want to buy top tools - socket/spanners then I would recommend eith Snap-on or Stahlwille. I have tools/sockets/spanners from both.

Thay are really top class - mine are now approx 25 years old and no probs. Snap-on is used heavily on the motor car industry/factories.

Both are really quality. The standard range set is up to 32mm - well mine is, maybe not anymore.

BTW you want up to at least 19mm (3/4").


These tools are more expensive I guess but you get what you pay for maxim applies as usual. For light duty this may be to much of an outlay.


Cheers.

 

[Scrit]

Oddly enough Halfords own stuff has proven both reasonable accurate and reliable, too, over the last 6 or 7 years. 3mm would be a bit small unless you go for 1/4in (edited!) square drive, but from 5 mm upwards you can get 3/8in square drive stuff. I'd suggest having a 19mm and a 22mm as well in your kit. The Halfords spanners aren't so bad, either. I used to have a full set of Belzer at one time (German brand and well up to Snap-On/Proto quality) but after they got nicked I looked seriously at my requirements. I also have some Abingdon King **** and Britool stuff as some of my machines have BSW and BSF sizes. They're good if a bit large and clunky (and mostly 1/2in and some 3/4in square drive)

Scrit

 

[Scott]

Most of my stuff is Britool and very long lasting but like Scrit says the Halfords own ones seem very good. I've had some for years.

Facom used to be what the F1 teams used (allegedly!) Not sure if that's true or stil the case but their stuff looks OK. I don't own any spanners but I have a set of very good Facom screwdrivers.

I also have a set of CK sockets that I bought cheap and that have had years of use on cars and are still in good nick

 

[George_N]

For the size range you are looking for, a set with 3/8" and 1/4" square drive. The 3/8" for 19 mm down to 12 mm and the 1/4" for 11 mm to probably 2 mm. As Scrit says a set from Halfords will do everything you want it to do, especially if you are not using it to earn your living. Snap-On etc. are very expensive for occasional use...then again how many Lie-Nielsen planes are in the hands of hobbyists and how many are used by pros? By the way, rachets are incredibly useful as are things like universal joints that allow you to work on nuts in otherwise inaccessible places.

 

[Adam]

Oddly enough Halfords own stuff has proven both reasonable accurate and reliable, too, over the last 6 or 7 years.

I've got some Halfords sockets, and spanners, which I bought in the most common sizes only (13mm etc etc) in both metric and imperial (I know they are "almost" the same, but not always!) I also, can give them a recommendation - good quality - nicely finished, well machined.

Adam

 

[RogerS]

Thanks guys..some good brand names recommended which is exactly what I needed. Think a trip to Halfords is called for :wink:

 

[Scott]

Halfords used to sell Sykes-Pickavant stuff and round about the time their own range took off in a big way the two looked remarkably similar in some cases so perhaps a same factory job? S-P seem to be a staple of the motor trade.

You won't go far wrong with Halfords kit

Cheers

 

[Scrit]

Sykes-Pickavant were in Lytham St.Annes of all places, but were taken over by Facom I believe and then shut down

Scrit

 

[RPM]

Hi Roger,

In the past I think I have used most of the sockets available.
Snap-On (as mentioned) are no doubt the best.
They used to have a policy of "if it break's in everyday use they will re-place it". I have used that service only once, Fine tools, but at a price.

The other make that springs to mind Is Teng-tools (google it).
I have a few of their sockets and spanners and they are good quality at a good price.

Hope this helps.

RPM

 

[Colin C]

I think you can get Teng-tools from Screwfix but I am not sure :roll:

 

[NeilO]

Roger,
save on having a mass of sockets, try looking (googling) for 4WD sockets
( thats 4 wall drive, 4 wheeldrive) i have a 7 piece spanner set, which is the equivalent of those 22 pc spanner rolls...
because they are designed to grip the walls, not the "corners" of the nut, 1 spanner/socket covers both metric/imperial/and all those old weird kinds like whitworth, and the like....
I keep meaning to get the socket set myself, cant recall the name at the mo, but i will have a look tomorrow.

And, semi rounded nuts/bolts cease to be a problem..

 

[Hitch]

All the branded stuff, Teng, Draper Expert, Britool, Facom, Sykes, Elora are all as good as each other IMO. Then there is the next level, where quality is outstanding, but also are the prices, SnapOn and Mac. You can feel the difference, but unless your a full time pro user its ver hard to justify the outlay!

My own sockets are virtually all Draper expert, right through from about 5mm to 50mm, in shallow, deep, impact.... you name it. /great value gear and a pleasure to use.

 

[mailee]

I am in the motor trade and we always use Britool. Good quality at the right price. I used to have a set of Snap on sockets/spanners but they are so sought after they go missing. I think they are overpriced for what they are but they are quality as has been mentioned. I have had my Britool sockets for around 15 years now without a problem.

 

[ike]

I've heard Halfords 'Professional'tools are excellent as are Machine Mart 'pro-range' tools.

Ike

 

[RogerS]

Just seen that my BP garage has a 39 piece socket set from Draper for £4.99. Is this good value ? :wink:

mmm..on second thoughts perhaps not

 

[PowerTool]

I've heard Halfords 'Professional'tools are excellent as are Machine Mart 'pro-range' tools.

Ike

I've got some of the Machine Mart Pro (lifetime guarantee) sockets,and yes,they are good quality
My old AF sockets and spanners were mainly Britool,which I would also recommend,but decided to get the MM ones when I finally conceded to going metric :wink:

Andrew