I have been keep getting tools for working on the Panda. Latest arrival is 6 tonne axle stands from Amazon and spring compressor from ebay.

They are cheap and look very solid tools.

Please recommend good tools that work well or are thought to be must for DIY work for Panda cars or in general motor cars in this thread.

Discussions on tool box, tool chest and work areas and work benches are all welcome. Thanks.

I have a low cost six point socket set bought on a whim for £50. It has 1/2" and 1/4" sockets and handles. I wasnt expecting much, but the actual sockets have been surprisingly good though the ratchet handles failed pretty quickly. Easily replaced though. A set from Halfords on a discount day might be a better option - BUT they always include ordinary spanners which I already have plenty of.

The 600mm breaker bar was £15 and has been with me for years and I wouldn't be without it. The last time I tried too hard to shift a stubborn bolt with a shorter handle, I cracked the socket because I wasn't using it square to the bolt head.

None of these are professional spec but they do the job for DIY stuff.

Years and years ago, I think it must be late 1990s, I bought a set of adjustable spanners from Halfords, and they are still in my tool box.

I thought I would never have chance to use them, when I bought them, but I used them when I was installing outside tap last winter. They worked treat.

I have a 75 cm long breaker bar by Sealey, and it was 15 quid delivered. Still haven't used it yet, but it will come handy when I take off the wheels. Haynes manual talks about swapping rear and front tyres for even wear on the threads. I dont know if many people do it. I never thought about it before, but maybe I will swap them this time.

It also talks about taking all the wheels off time to time, inspecting them for any dirts or damages and cleaning them. This means the breaker bar is one of the essential tools, but I thought it as something extra when I was getting it.

I got another pair of spring compressore, because they were so cheap, but solid feeling tools. This one was a tenner delivered, and it is even heavier longer and more heavy duty. Recommended if you doing suspension spring work.

I won't be without a Trolley Jack.

A good hunting ground for tools are boot sales and flea markets.


BTW, those spring compressors make me wince.
I used an identical set once when I did my Alfa Spider springs, still have a scar on my cheek from when they slipped off.
After that I bought a set of Sealeys with safety hooks.

Good idea boot sales. We have really large boot sales held nearby every Sunday. Will need to pay visits to there regularly now. Never thought of that before. Thanks for the idea.

I tried my Masterlift trolley jack yeasterday, and it worked great. It lifts up to 53cm.

And the spring compressors, yes, thats why I got another pair. I would use minimum 3 of them per a spring, 4 if space allows.

Using just 2 of the compressors can go unexpected ways I suppose.

Theleman said:

Please recommend good tools that work well or are thought to be must for DIY work for Panda cars or in general motor cars in this thread.

Discussions on tool box, tool chest and work areas and work benches are all welcome. Thanks.

Click to expand...

I was thinking about this as I was gardening this morning - lovely mild day up here, shirt sleeve order! - Things going through my mind were, like you Dave, my power bars, single hex impact sockets, ball joint splitter, 1/2", 3/8" and 1/4" drive socket sets, plenty of screwdrivers of all types (slot, phillips, pozidrive, etc) Caliper wind back tool, Oh hang on, I'm starting to just list all my tools.

The trouble is I bought all my tools for a purpose and because I needed them for specific tasks. So I started thinking about the more unusual ones, dug them out, lined them up on the back step and took a photo:





At the front of the step are the spring compressors I made sometime in the '70's. Quite like yours? There is one thing you need to be very careful about when using them. Neither yours nor mine have any way of locking them to the spring coils. If something catastrophic happened, like the spring fully compressed, fell off your bench onto the floor, (other scenarios are possible) then a compressor tool might come loose. Coil springs are humongously powerful and a compressing tool which gets loose could easily main or even kill you. I really have no idea of how many springs I've worked with and these home made compressors have themselves done a fair few. Just make sure they are on either side of the spring and then tighten a few turns on each side in turn so the spring goes up evenly. Watch all the time what shape it's taking on - if it starts to go "banana" shaped the compressors are highly likely to slip and you should unwind, reposition and start again.

Referring back to the first picture, to the left of centre are my brake pipe bending tools:



In the workshop speed was king. I don't know if it still works that way but every job had a "book" time which was in a little box on the worksheet. You were credited with that time regardless whether you did the job faster or slower. The faster you got a job turned round the more money you made. I hated it because it encouraged a "that'll do" approach to the job. Anyway you soon learned to form bends in brake pipes around your screwdriver (or other implement) handle because it was quick but often the pipe ended up rather flattened and lacking a smoothly profiled curvature. It worked and was safe enough but it troubled my "perfectionist's" eye. So I made these tools during my lunch hours from odds and ends I found lying about. The first one I made was the one with handles and it's ok for most bends but won't do really tight ones so I made the smaller one. (I found you don't really need the handles, you can hold it fine with your hands or in the vice, so the second (tighter) one doesn't have them). I see there are quite a number of variations available commercially so probably, if you want one, I'd just buy it!

Underneath these are a couple of "split ring" tube nut spanners. Very helpful for tightening brake pipe nuts (buy the single hex type) but not great for really rusted fixings - you're better to cut off the pipe and "attack" the nut with a single hex socket (assuming you haven't already rounded it off with an open ender!). To their right is a tool I've previously mentioned somewhere. Made by Stanley (which are pretty "middling quality" tools in my experience) but these - in a set of 3 sizes - are pretty good because they grip on three flats 120 degrees apart so don't collapse the nut like a Stilson, Mole or Footprint type tool will, and the harder you lean on the handle the harder it grips the hexagon.

Top left, above the bending tools are two thread files:



I needed the metric one for a particular job I was doing and the imperial one was half price as long as you bought them together - I couldn't resist. Thought they'd be one of those "nice to have but seldom used" tools. However not so, I actually use them quite a bit, been a good useful buy. Being very "hard" metal the teeth are very brittle and would probably be easily broken off if knocked hard by something. So to protect against this I slip the bits of plastic pipe over them when they're in my toolbox

The red thing at the top is a "BOA" - grips just about anything from canister type oil filters, exhaust pipes (when aligning) to the lids on marmalade jars! came in a set of three.

Just below it is an extending magnet - the blue "screwdriver looking" thing - for retrieving things that are "hiding" in awkward corners. Fished a nut out of a bell housing last time I used it!

Under that is my home made tool for pressurizing cooling systems when hunting for leaks. Below that is a cree led (so very bright) inspection light. It is powered by AA batteries (I specifically bought it because I am fed up with rechargeable things which are either flat or won't hold a charge) I just keep a packet of Ikea's super, and cheap, AA batteries.

On the right is a 2/3 legged puller - indispensable! no more to say about it.

At the very bottom are my "listening diagnostics" A length of tube and an automotive stethoscope. (you can use a long screwdriver to nearly as good effect as the stethoscope, but it was on special offer on the day I was wandering around the market in Salisbury quite a few years ago). To use the tube just stick one end in your ear and move the other end around the thing you want to listen to. Inlet leaks, noisey fan belts, etc etc. The stethoscope is used similarly but you rest it's probe on the suspect component. So maybe you're hearing a bearing "zizz" and you aren't sure if it's water pump, alternator, cam belt tensioner etc. Just move the probe from component to component and it's usually quickly obvious where the problem is. You can do this just as well with a long screwdriver but to stick the handle in your ear you have to turn your head so you loose sight of what you are doing and it doesn't take much to stick it in a belt drive!! Much easier with the stethoscope.

Finally. Workbenches. I got my hands on an old metal office cupboard and really substantial office table top. (back in the days when you could buy things from "the tip" for the price of a few beers and some fags. I cut the top to size and fixed it to the metal top of the cupboard then rawl bolted the cupboard to the back wall of my garage:



I set the vice at 45 degrees so I could accommodate longer workpieces. Being bolted to the wall it is as solid as a rock. This is very important if you are to do accurate hand fitting. It's a nightmare trying to file something to a good finish if the bench your vice is bolted to keeps moving.

I also unearthed a few tools and devices I'd made which definitely didn't work! I think they can just rest peacefully where they are.

Theleman said:

And the spring compressors, yes, thats why I got another pair. I would use minimum 3 of them per a spring, 4 if space allows.

Using just 2 of the compressors can go unexpected ways I suppose.

Click to expand...

Two work just fine if you're careful about position. I've done it for years and never run into trouble but you do need to be observant and don't do one side up too far before "catching up" with the other. I've seen it done with 3 but don't think 4 would work as there would be always one slack? Also using 3 if it has to be done on the vehicle (many with wishbone suspension are like this) would probably be difficult and maybe impossible? My ones are intentionally made with the hooks on the "nut" ends further "out" than the hooks on the other end, the result is that when in use they are "splayed" a little at the driving nut end which makes it easier when a bottom wishbone is in the way.

The other thing worth mentioning is that if you are removing the old springs to fit new ones be very sure that the tension is entirely off the spring before trying to remove the compressor tool. I mention this because I ran into this with my old Renault 20. The amount to which the spring extended when "free" was astonishing. It just seemed to go on getting longer and longer! In the end I ran out of thread on the tools and used ratchet straps to go the last inch or so! Even when almost fully extended there is still a lot of energy bound up in the spring.

Yes, it could be quite dangerous working on the springs with the compressor.
I could see these guys on youtube getting quite nervous when compressing the springs of the Panda.



Yes, I think you are right. Using 4 of the compressors on a spring would be impossible due to space limitations.

I have never worked on the springs myself, but having watched the videos, I had some vague idea what are involved. But your instructions on it is excellent and crystal clear. Thanks.

I think these spring compressors could be used for wood work vise as well with a little modification. I do some wood work and wood carvings, and these compressors can be use to hold wood blocks to work bench while carvings are done.

And your car tools are great especially DIYed ones. The handmade spring compressors look a lot more sturdier than mine which arrived from eBay for 7£ and 10£.

I think I could try to use 3 of them for a spring getting more stable operation. I will be working on the Panda's suspension sometime this year, as there were some advisory on last MOT.

Your workbench looks quite sturdy too. I just have a wooden work bench made in the shed by previous owner of the house. And I do have a couple of plastic workbenches from Screwfix, which folds and unfolds in a few seconds.

What I mainly use these days is a metal tool trolley that also came from Amazon for about 25£, and it was self assembly thing. It has wheels and 3 shelves in the metal trolley, and it works great. I just pile all the tools I need in the trolley, and wheel the trolley to the car, and as work on the car, I can pick up the tools, and throw them back in it. It is quite handy for driveway DIYing

I don't think I need more expensive tool chest, because most of my tools are cheapest ones such as Silverline and nameless makes from eBay and Amazon.

My tools will just be live in the tool trolley, and some will live in the plastic tool boxes cheap and cheerful for now.

Maybe later on, when I get another car, I will get more tools and tool chest as well. I am thinking of getting a project car now.

I normally buy tools on a as needed bases.

if I am then going to use it often I buy quality

if its a one off. Then cheap and cheerful is good enough.

Three spring compressors are ideal as they will all be carrying some load. But they are always sold in pairs so just be careful to keep them evenly loaded. They are one tool to not skimp on.

I still have my first set of spanners and sockets bought in (19 - dont ask). It's a Japanese Kamasa which back then was a good brand. I bought some six points some years later and they've been great. But I've since learned that while the originals were top stuff the later ones were cheaply made with just the name.

My cheap Chinese sockets bought about 5 years ago have done well. I recently broke the 16mm short by not getting properly aligned. Not great but I should not have attempted to do the job the way I did. Had the socket not cracked it would probably have slipped anyway.

*Tip*
Always think what will happen WHEN the spanner slips or the bolt shears off. Position yourself so that you wont get injured and that's where impact sockets, extensions and breaker bars come in handy.

I would always recommend getting good tools for stuff regularly used. Like my original Japanese Kamasa set, you probably wont ever need to replace the sockets and spanners. The ratchet handles will wear but can be replaced.

Yes, I saw that brand Kamasa still being sold on Amazon. They were just cheap tools.

I got funny feeling that tools will keep being made flimsier in the future, so I am trying to get them while I can. And I feel the price will gradually go up from now. So I have been trying to get them when I can if I think I might need them in the future.

My Craftsman socket set is also 6 point thing, and they are truly quality made stuff. I am glad that I got it for 70 about 5-6 year ago from costco. Now it would cost a lot more. I saw the same set on sale for about 300£. I would never pay that kind of money for a socket set, when there are plenty for sale for about 50, and I could get what I need. But the quality is not comparable.

For the spring compressor, yes, I got the 2nd pair to use either 3 or 4 of them together as a set. Looking at the first set, it might be possible to use 4 due to the widthe of the hook its not spread out to the side but more spread to downward. So it will not take lot of space sideways on the coil. But if not possible, even 3 of them will be great. I saw Sealey make selling 3 of them for a set, but was quite more expensive.

Using more compressor for a spring will mean spreading out the energy even to other compressors making less stressful to each? As long as the hooks are firmly on the coil, and toghtening is evenly done, should be fine, I feel.

Theleman said:

My Craftsman socket set is also 6 point thing, and they are truly quality made stuff. I am glad that I got it for 70 about 5-6 year ago from costco. Now it would cost a lot more. I saw the same set on sale for about 300£. I would never pay that kind of money for a socket set, when there are plenty for sale for about 50, and I could get what I need. But the quality is not comparable.

For the spring compressor, yes, I got the 2nd pair to use either 3 or 4 of them together as a set. Looking at the first set, it might be possible to use 4 due to the widthe of the hook its not spread out to the side but more spread to downward. So it will not take lot of space sideways on the coil. But if not possible, even 3 of them will be great. I saw Sealey make selling 3 of them for a set, but was quite more expensive.

Using more compressor for a spring will mean spreading out the energy even to other compressors making less stressful to each? As long as the hooks are firmly on the coil, and toghtening is evenly done, should be fine, I feel.

Click to expand...

When you wander round the big tool/DIY stores in America, Sears, Home Depot, Lowes, etc (I've close relatives living in the east) Craftsman and Gearwrench tools are very much in evidence. They've come up in conversation when speaking with my friend - he of Corvette fame - and as near as I can make out Craftsman (which I think actually belongs to Sears) is roughly equivalent to Draper/Laser/etc over here. Gearwrench seems to be held in higher regard. (they are usually more pricey) However I have, I think, found out something interesting. A few years ago I bought a set of "go thru" sockets. Halfords Advance Vortex. You can see how they can work in situations where you need access to the centre line of the socket or on very long studs:



They have been very good and I've been wondering who makes them - obviously not Halfords themselves. Then I found Draper offering almost exactly the same tools branded Draper. But still no clue who makes them. Last time we were in Maryland I was tool browsing whilst the women folk went round the rest of the mall and guess what? a display of Gearwrench "Pass-Thru" ratchet handles. Then further along a massive display of "Pass-thru" socket sets and individual add ons like hex bits, extension bars, star torx bits, etc, etc. a vastly bigger range than what is on offer through the Draper and Halfords branded items. I overheard the fellow behind the service desk giving advice on lawnmowers to another customer and he seemed very knowledgeable so I mentioned about the limited range we had in the UK and the brand names they were being sold under. He wasn't surprised and said because they all buy them through Apex Tools. I looked them (Apex) up and they are a very large maker of tools producing in, yes you guessed, China. Amazing what's made in China these days isn't it. Go-through (or "pass-thru") sockets are very good for doing drop links and strut top mounts where you need to use an Allen key to hold the bolt from turning. That was what I bought mine for but, unexpectedly they have another advantage, the ratchet head with socket is only about two thirds as deep as a conventional socket/ratchet combo:



As you can see here when compared with my normal ratchet/socket. Great for getting down between the engine and inner wing or anywhere that's "tight" for access:

All this talk of using spring compressors has given me something meaningful to ponder over when the likes of Eastenders is on the TV. Last night I found myself doing just that and I think that actually you are safer using just two tools placed exactly opposite each other and watching the spring to make sure it isn't doing a "banana" on you as you tighten it. Four is just not going to work because i don't think you will be able to keep tension on them all so there's always going to be one loose one. Three? yes you will be able to share the load but, if you think about using just two, that is one on either side. As you tighten one it will compress the spring and curve it towards that compressor but that is not going to affect the hook's grip or encourage the opposite one to slip . So you go three or four turns of the screw and then start on the other one. Turning the same number of turns will straighten the spring and then same number of turns again will bend it towards the second tool. Then back to the first tool and repeat. As long as you do it in gradual stages an don't tighten one tool by too much, then all will be well. Now think about using three tools. As you tighten one tool the other two tools are going to be acting on the spring at an angle - you are creating a "slope" for them to slip down - now and as you work your way round, the spring force will get greater until, if you are unlucky, it is sufficient to cause one, or both, of the other tools to slide "downhill" towards the tightest tool. This can't happen with just two tools as they are acting on opposite sides of the spring so, as long as you don't let it "banana" neither tool will have a slope to slide down. I'm just sticking to two! Unless I can find a good enough excuse to buy one of the "super dooper" all in one versions which have a top and bottom retainer which engages with almost a whole turn of the spring. I'll never be able to justify that though.

Hers a posh one. One thread and two forks to apply the pressure. Not low cost though
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-Universal-Coil-Spring-Compressor-Kit-Macpherson-Car-Auto-Struts-Suspension/152631073145?epid=10027210986&hash=item2389855979:g:RPcAAMXQuTNTOl3Y

Mine are a pair with right and and left hand double start threads and forged hooks. They compress quite fast. I use a ratchet ring spanner on one side and ratchet socket on the other side and always oil the threads.

These look nice complete with keeper pins.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/vidaXL-M...=1236555608485c38eab53d514ba58f9b31ce06203898

Pugglt Auld Jock said:

When you wander round the big tool/DIY stores in America, Sears, Home Depot, Lowes, etc (I've close relatives living in the east) Craftsman and Gearwrench tools are very much in evidence. They've come up in conversation when speaking with my friend - he of Corvette fame - and as near as I can make out Craftsman (which I think actually belongs to Sears) is roughly equivalent to Draper/Laser/etc over here. Gearwrench seems to be held in higher regard. (they are usually more pricey) However I have, I think, found out something interesting. A few years ago I bought a set of "go thru" sockets. Halfords Advance Vortex. You can see how they can work in situations where you need access to the centre line of the socket or on very long studs:

View attachment 198936

They have been very good and I've been wondering who makes them - obviously not Halfords themselves. Then I found Draper offering almost exactly the same tools branded Draper. But still no clue who makes them. Last time we were in Maryland I was tool browsing whilst the women folk went round the rest of the mall and guess what? a display of Gearwrench "Pass-Thru" ratchet handles. Then further along a massive display of "Pass-thru" socket sets and individual add ons like hex bits, extension bars, star torx bits, etc, etc. a vastly bigger range than what is on offer through the Draper and Halfords branded items. I overheard the fellow behind the service desk giving advice on lawnmowers to another customer and he seemed very knowledgeable so I mentioned about the limited range we had in the UK and the brand names they were being sold under. He wasn't surprised and said because they all buy them through Apex Tools. I looked them (Apex) up and they are a very large maker of tools producing in, yes you guessed, China. Amazing what's made in China these days isn't it. Go-through (or "pass-thru") sockets are very good for doing drop links and strut top mounts where you need to use an Allen key to hold the bolt from turning. That was what I bought mine for but, unexpectedly they have another advantage, the ratchet head with socket is only about two thirds as deep as a conventional socket/ratchet combo:

View attachment 198937

As you can see here when compared with my normal ratchet/socket. Great for getting down between the engine and inner wing or anywhere that's "tight" for access:

All this talk of using spring compressors has given me something meaningful to ponder over when the likes of Eastenders is on the TV. Last night I found myself doing just that and I think that actually you are safer using just two tools placed exactly opposite each other and watching the spring to make sure it isn't doing a "banana" on you as you tighten it. Four is just not going to work because i don't think you will be able to keep tension on them all so there's always going to be one loose one. Three? yes you will be able to share the load but, if you think about using just two, that is one on either side. As you tighten one it will compress the spring and curve it towards that compressor but that is not going to affect the hook's grip or encourage the opposite one to slip . So you go three or four turns of the screw and then start on the other one. Turning the same number of turns will straighten the spring and then same number of turns again will bend it towards the second tool. Then back to the first tool and repeat. As long as you do it in gradual stages an don't tighten one tool by too much, then all will be well. Now think about using three tools. As you tighten one tool the other two tools are going to be acting on the spring at an angle - you are creating a "slope" for them to slip down - now and as you work your way round, the spring force will get greater until, if you are unlucky, it is sufficient to cause one, or both, of the other tools to slide "downhill" towards the tightest tool. This can't happen with just two tools as they are acting on opposite sides of the spring so, as long as you don't let it "banana" neither tool will have a slope to slide down. I'm just sticking to two! Unless I can find a good enough excuse to buy one of the "super dooper" all in one versions which have a top and bottom retainer which engages with almost a whole turn of the spring. I'll never be able to justify that though.

Click to expand...

Great point Jock. I do see your point using two and balancing them well when tightening with 2 wrenches.

Will keep it in mind, and see what works better compared with using 3. I was thinking if they are well proportionally spaced and ensured for good hook up with the spring, it will go OK. But just guessing. But something to be very watchful while the work is being done.

Last time when I was in US was 2001, so it is quite while ago. My parents were living in Florida, so used to go there every year. I remember browsing through Walmarts and Sears dept stores, but at the time I was into guitars, so I was not interested in tools or anything DIY stuff.

But these days, almost everything seem made in China, and as you say, the most products are in decent quality. Gone are the days, when Made in China products were just downright cheap and nasty. It was maybe like that in 1990s but from early 2000s, I recall their musical amps were real high quality, and easily comparable with Made in Japan ones. Now Made in China goods are very usable and good quality combined with good price too.

My Craftsman Socket set is Made in USA stamped on every bits, and is good quality stuff. But I never knew there were Socket sets for Go-Thru stuff. I know what you mean by that. I saw it in youtube, and they were all using allen key to hold the centre bit while racheting the bolts.

I think there are now Halfords sale for these Socket sets for half price, so they seem good deal.

I may take a walk across to town this weekend by pop into Halfords to see the good deal tools cheers.

Jay

DaveMcT said:

Hers a posh one. One thread and two forks to apply the pressure. Not low cost though
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-Universal-Coil-Spring-Compressor-Kit-Macpherson-Car-Auto-Struts-Suspension/152631073145?epid=10027210986&hash=item2389855979:g:RPcAAMXQuTNTOl3Y

Mine are a pair with right and and left hand double start threads and forged hooks. They compress quite fast. I use a ratchet ring spanner on one side and ratchet socket on the other side and always oil the threads.

These look nice complete with keeper pins.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/vidaXL-M...=1236555608485c38eab53d514ba58f9b31ce06203898

Click to expand...

Exactly the type I was thinking of Dave. There are even "posher" ones which are hydraulically actuated and floor standing - you need a second mortgage to buy though! We had a couple of sets in the workshop, One Sykes Pickavant the other a "mongrel" The "mongral" had the double thread setup you describe. They were always the first choice as they were so much quicker and easier to use.

Again I agree with oiling the threads - same goes for the forcing screw on my brake pipe flaring tools, pullers, etc makes them last a lot longer.

Theleman said:

Great point Jock. I do see your point using two and balancing them well when tightening with 2 wrenches.

I may take a walk across to town this weekend by pop into Halfords to see the good deal tools cheers.

Jay

Click to expand...

Two spring compressors but you can use just the one wrench to tighten them of course, swapping from one to the other.

I'm always up for an excuse to visit a tool shop. Doesn't matter if it's big or small there's often something I haven't seen before!

Know what you mean about guitars. My oldest boy was in a "metal" band (Sons of Slaughter) for quite a while - founder member. He has so many guitars he has a special corner of the bedroom just for them and their stands. I'm not really into Metal but just love it when he gets into "Slowhand type" blues.

Pugglt Auld Jock said:

Two spring compressors but you can use just the one wrench to tighten them of course, swapping from one to the other.

I'm always up for an excuse to visit a tool shop. Doesn't matter if it's big or small there's often something I haven't seen before!

Know what you mean about guitars. My oldest boy was in a "metal" band (Sons of Slaughter) for quite a while - founder member. He has so many guitars he has a special corner of the bedroom just for them and their stands. I'm not really into Metal but just love it when he gets into "Slowhand type" blues.

Click to expand...

Yes, I am the same recently. I always drop by at tools shops when I am out to see if there might be something I might be using in the future, and in good price too

Oh guitars. When I was young I was into guitars. I use to have many guitars and most of my money went into buying guitars. Now I sold most of them, but still have a few to sell. One or two for sale are high value ones, Vintage Fender Stratocaster made in USA one - kinda difficult to sell high end guitars recently, but mid price ones seem sell well.

I am not into Metals either. I like folk and pop songs, and some classic rocks, but the Blues was my favorites. Nowadays gone off music, just play acoustics occasionally. Now just concentrating on DIY stuff, wood carving, gardening, some plastering to do in the kitchen larder, electric installation for lights, alarms and various appliances, plumbing and DIY car servicing of course

Pugglt Auld Jock said:

I'm not really into Metal but just love it when he gets into "Slowhand type" blues.

Click to expand...

https://www.fiatforum.com/leisure-lounge/472458-dont-like-metal.html?p=4472382

I took advantage of 50% sale on Go-Thru sockets from Halfords, and placed order.

They will arrive end of next week to my local Halfords branch.

https://www.halfords.com/workshop-t...ced-30-piece-metric-vortex-socket-set-1-4-3-8


https://www.halfords.com/workshop-t...fords-advanced-19-piece-vortex-socket-set-1-2

Theleman said:

I took advantage of 50% sale on Go-Thru sockets from Halfords, and placed order.

They will arrive end of next week to my local Halfords branch.

https://www.halfords.com/workshop-t...ced-30-piece-metric-vortex-socket-set-1-4-3-8


https://www.halfords.com/workshop-t...fords-advanced-19-piece-vortex-socket-set-1-2

Click to expand...

Exactly the sets I bought. At the time I thought they were a wee luxury which I would only use when conditions demanded it - that I would still do most of the "heavy lifting" with my traditional sets. To quite an extent that is true but I use them more than I'd thought because of the slimline nature of them and the fine ratchet action. It's a pity they don't have a "t" handle/power bar as I have had to "lean" on the ratchet quite hard once or twice. So far though, the ratchet has stood up to it. I'm going to see if Gearwrench do one and if they do I'll get my sister to buy one and bring it over with her this summer (their year to come over to us!) - that might give the security guys at the airport something new to look at on their screens!