Socket Set - Recommendations

Post it here, if it doesn't fit any of the above.

Moderators: User administrators, Moderators

davesm
Registered user
Posts: 54
Joined: 30 Jul 2006, 20:45
80-90 Mem No: 13937
Location: Sunny Aberystwyth

Socket Set - Recommendations

Post by davesm »

Hi All,

In the process of removing the interior of my Westy California I've come to the conclusion that I need a socket set of some description. As you can probably tell, I am not DIY minded (although willing to learn) and having a search on the web there are various shapes and sizes of socket sets available. Basically, can anyone recommend a socket set that will do the job for the van and maintenance but will also be useful for general DIY stuff. Don't particularly want to spend a fortune but happy to spend a bit to get something that will last.

Once again, apologies for the numpty question!

User avatar
itchyfeet
Registered user
Posts: 12427
Joined: 23 Jul 2007, 17:24
80-90 Mem No: 12733
Location: South Hampshire

Re: Socket Set - Recommendations

Post by itchyfeet »

I'd go for 3/8" set as a starter set, 1/4 " is a toy set and 1/2" is for serious mechanics

you can add to it so buy something that matches your budget to start with.
1988 DG WBX LPG Tin Top
1989 DJ digijet WBX Holdsworth Villa 3 Pop Top
itchylinks

User avatar
badgerfax
Registered user
Posts: 1017
Joined: 22 Jul 2012, 18:32
80-90 Mem No: 2316
Location: kent near Dungerness

Re: Socket Set - Recommendations

Post by badgerfax »

I've got a Draper set that has done me OK

I have heard good things about halfords professional range and as we are fast approaching Christmas, now could be the time to grab a bargain.

Steer clear of cheapo unbranded Chinese toffee sets
Twist my nipple nuts and send me to Alaska.

User avatar
badgerfax
Registered user
Posts: 1017
Joined: 22 Jul 2012, 18:32
80-90 Mem No: 2316
Location: kent near Dungerness

Re: Socket Set - Recommendations

Post by badgerfax »

I've got a Draper set that has done me OK

I have heard good things about halfords professional range and as we are fast approaching Christmas, now could be the time to grab a bargain.

Steer clear of cheapo unbranded Chinese toffee sets

Check out Machine Mart too
Twist my nipple nuts and send me to Alaska.

User avatar
tobydog
Registered user
Posts: 1378
Joined: 07 Mar 2009, 21:03
80-90 Mem No: 6484
Location: Near Saarfend, Essex

Re: Socket Set - Recommendations

Post by tobydog »

Something like:

http://www.screwfix.com/p/forge-steel-m ... _container" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

or stuff from Ldl / Adli fromt time to time.

The 1/4" stuff is handy in small spaces.

Depends on how much you envisage using it. I've got Britool and Gordon sockets from 40 years ago that I still use and have been well abused. They do cost more though.

Bought a Halfords set discounted earlier this year, it's crap, the sockets don't fit the ratchet drivers. The ball bearing locky thing doesn't have enough travel to allow them to engage. Might be something to do be with being made in the far ........
Knowledge is power
1970 CU

User avatar
clift_d
Registered user
Posts: 3290
Joined: 04 Oct 2012, 23:51
80-90 Mem No: 11695
Location: Hackney innit

Socket Set - Recommendations

Post by clift_d »

Get yourself a decent 3/8" or 1/2" set with deep and shallow sockets and a set of combination spanners. The Halfords Professional range is pretty decent (I think it's now been rebadged as Halfords Advanced), and they have deals from time to time on their website. I personally wouldn't bother with the standard Halfords stuff. Otherwise I'd keep my eye open on eBay for a secondhand 3/8" BluePoint set - they do a nice 100 piece set which comes in a proper case.
Last edited by clift_d on 18 Nov 2016, 22:14, edited 1 time in total.
1988 LHD T25 1.6TD Westfalia Club Joker Hightop syncro

User avatar
Ant-t
Registered user
Posts: 1954
Joined: 05 Jan 2015, 14:17
80-90 Mem No: 14390
Location: West Sussex

Re: Socket Set - Recommendations

Post by Ant-t »

I bought a halfords professional range set about a year ago, can recommend these :ok
1983 DG Kamper 2

davesm
Registered user
Posts: 54
Joined: 30 Jul 2006, 20:45
80-90 Mem No: 13937
Location: Sunny Aberystwyth

Re: Socket Set - Recommendations

Post by davesm »

Jeez, it's a bit of a minefield! Will wander down to screwfix and halfords tomorrow to see what they have. Thanks everyone for the advice - much appreciated.

User avatar
clift_d
Registered user
Posts: 3290
Joined: 04 Oct 2012, 23:51
80-90 Mem No: 11695
Location: Hackney innit

Socket Set - Recommendations

Post by clift_d »

I wouldn't bother looking in Screwfix or Toolstation - I've not heard great things about their socket sets.
1988 LHD T25 1.6TD Westfalia Club Joker Hightop syncro

User avatar
tobydog
Registered user
Posts: 1378
Joined: 07 Mar 2009, 21:03
80-90 Mem No: 6484
Location: Near Saarfend, Essex

Re: Socket Set - Recommendations

Post by tobydog »

Set of ratchet spanners come in handy.

Shallow offset Britool ring spanners, smooooth....... :pimp
Knowledge is power
1970 CU

User avatar
tobydog
Registered user
Posts: 1378
Joined: 07 Mar 2009, 21:03
80-90 Mem No: 6484
Location: Near Saarfend, Essex

Re: Socket Set - Recommendations

Post by tobydog »

davesm wrote:Jeez, it's a bit of a minefield! Will wander down to screwfix and halfords tomorrow to see what they have. Thanks everyone for the advice - much appreciated.
Main thing is to buy something, use it, learn and appreciate.
Knowledge is power
1970 CU

what2do
Registered user
Posts: 2824
Joined: 05 Oct 2012, 08:55
80-90 Mem No: 11974
Location: Salisbury

Re: Socket Set - Recommendations

Post by what2do »

itchyfeet wrote:I'd go for 3/8" set as a starter set, 1/4 " is a toy set and 1/2" is for serious mechanics.


I was at a John Deere deakership in the summer and saw a 36 inch, one inch drive breaker bar that was massively reduced - I just had to have it. Have since seen the price of sockets!!

I do have a 46mm socket for it which will be handy on all those occasions that you just fancy removing the rear hub nut :rofl
Why would the glass be anything other than half full?

'89 panel van, 1.9 DG.

User avatar
Ian and Lins
Registered user
Posts: 1906
Joined: 27 Apr 2007, 13:18
80-90 Mem No: 3532
Location: Rushden, Northants (God's waiting room)
Contact:

Re: Socket Set - Recommendations

Post by Ian and Lins »

tobydog wrote:Set of ratchet spanners come in handy.

Shallow offset Britool ring spanners, smooooth....... :pimp

If your that new to the tools; like Tobydog says look at your basic tool kit first. Decent spanners, screwdrivers, hitting stick, pliers etc. It's so easy to buy real crap that WILL let you down.
Tobydog; yep, I've got a 40 year old Britool 1/2 inch socket set too!
Are we going on anything else?

1985 Petrol 1.9 A/S Hightop

User avatar
DoubleOSeven
Registered user
Posts: 2483
Joined: 25 Jul 2014, 21:10
80-90 Mem No: 14520
Location: Reading, England
Contact:

Re: Socket Set - Recommendations

Post by DoubleOSeven »

You'll need a breaker bar in addition to any set you decide on too...and some plasters for when the socket slips off and you punch the concrete or cold steel with your bare knuckles! ;)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
1990 Volkswagen Transporter 2.1 Manual
2005 Porsche 911 3.6 Manual
2012 Volkswagen Polo 1.4 Automatic

User avatar
itchyfeet
Registered user
Posts: 12427
Joined: 23 Jul 2007, 17:24
80-90 Mem No: 12733
Location: South Hampshire

Re: Socket Set - Recommendations

Post by itchyfeet »

DoubleOSeven wrote:You'll need a breaker bar in addition to any set you decide on too...and some plasters for when the socket slips off and you punch the concrete or cold steel with your bare knuckles! ;)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

A breaker bar for removing a Westy interior :shock:
1988 DG WBX LPG Tin Top
1989 DJ digijet WBX Holdsworth Villa 3 Pop Top
itchylinks

Post Reply