What tools to buy?

[Liam]

Looking for some advice from the DIY mechanics on here, I am doing more and more jobs myself on the Cinq and have decided to get proper tools to aid me since my current selection is either crap (just rounds nuts instead of removing them) or old.

So for a budget of around £100, do I get this

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10151&storeId=10001&productId=173083&categoryId=33931&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=33931&crumb=33958-31562&varient=&CarSelectorCatalogId=&CarSelectorGroupId=

or these?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8051861520&ru=http%3A%2F%2Fsearch.ebay.co.uk%3A80%2Fsearch%2Fsearch.dll%3Ffrom%3DR40%26satitle%3D8051861520%26fvi%3D1

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10151&storeId=10001&productId=184259&categoryId=31427&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=31427&crumb=33958-31562&varient=&CarSelectorCatalogId=&CarSelectorGroupId=#

I am more drawn to the second option because the sockets are six sided and not multi like the majority of the Halfords set in the first option but the Hlafrods set offers more stuff then the other two options.

I am Ok for hammers, pliers etc

Liam

EDIT: I meant to convey that I am looking at the first link and both the other links as options.

 

[custard]

the third one is good as its in the pro range so lifetime warrenty.i would lean to that fro that reason. persoanlly i got a £30 ish halfords set and just buy/upgrade as i need them after my tools got nicked

 

[Hellcat]

The problem with the socket sets included in the Halfords kit is they are 12 sided sockets i.e. tighten on the corners. You really want 6 sided ones which tighten on the flats - especially for working on old rusty car bolts.

I'd buy the bits you need separate. Machinemart stock a good selection of bits. 10-21mm 1/2 inch sockets, a set of torx and hex sockets and a set of spandellas should see you through most jobs. Will cost a damn sight less than £100 too!

 

[MATT 68]

Say what you like about halfrauds but their sockets and spanners are great tools even their cheaper versions very rarely let you down

 

[arseofbox]

I agree with Matt on the quality of Halfrauds tools, they certainly surprised me with a 19mm spanner that I just can't snap!

But yeah, Rob is right, if youre gonna be shifting rusted stuff, use a 6 sided socket (the 12 siders just make mincemeat of them)...or an angle grinder

 

[Hellcat]

Halfords Pro spanners are great.

Machine mart also do impact socket sets which are cheaper since they are just blackened and not chromed... But they are a better fit and stronger and 6 sided.

 

[custard]

yeah i use the impact sockets too

 

[Hellcat]

Did I ever post a pic of my special hub nut removal tool?

 

[Jai]

Did I ever post a pic of my special hub nut removal tool?

is this it?

 

[Hellcat]

It's actually a bit more agressive than that!

 

[Jai]

It's actually a bit more agressive than that!

ahhhhhhhhhhhh

 

[Liam]

I've had a gander at machinemart (Thanks Rob) and found I can afford a few luxuries too, is this clarke stuff any good?

Liam

 

[Hellcat]

I've got spring compressors, jack, spanners, sockets, ball joint splitters, torx and hex bits.

No issued with them.

 

[arseofbox]

Ditto...Ive managed to snap a Clarke 19mm ring spanner (the ring was far too small IMO), but Ive had no problems with anything else I bought from them!

 

[christopher watson]

I have a set of these ratchet spanners, and they are fantastic
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/...nt=&CarSelectorCatalogId=&CarSelectorGroupId=

and my local halfords have this set for £29.99

edit - a good set of sockets are made by a company called Kasama.

 

[Hellcat]

Ditto...Ive managed to snap a Clarke 19mm ring spanner (the ring was far too small IMO), but Ive had no problems with anything else I bought from them!

Yeah agree the spanners don't look the best but then Halfords professional are so damn cheap...

 

[christopher watson]

The good thing about Halfords professional range, is that they have a lifetime warranty (make sure you put the receipt in a safe place).

 

[Jai]

whatever you do, don't get this tool:

 

[arc]

Machine mart also do impact socket sets which are cheaper since they are just blackened and not chromed... But they are a better fit and stronger and 6 sided.

the 150pc halfords pro kit has 17, 19, 21 and 23mm impact sockets. blackened and 6 sided too!

 

[christopher watson]

I would recommend getting a smaller halfords toolkit (the chances of using all 150 pieces is slim), and also get the ratchet spanners (perfect for working in tight spaces).