Socket Set - Recommendations

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what2do
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Re: Socket Set - Recommendations

Post by what2do »

itchyfeet wrote:
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! ;)


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A breaker bar for removing a Westy interior :shock:


We all know that it won't end with just interior panel. Get a grip Paul, we're talking about T3's :rofl
Why would the glass be anything other than half full?

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windy
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Re: Socket Set - Recommendations

Post by windy »

As has been said already, the Halfords professional sockets sets are very good, and have a lifetime guarantee.
I keep mine in the van all the time, just in case of a breakdown
If you can wait a while they are often on sale at half price :)
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ronsrecord
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Re: Socket Set - Recommendations

Post by ronsrecord »

Big Halfords Pro set here too. Bought 7 years ago. Find it invaluable, not just for van, but use it for all sorts of things - work.......
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Re: Socket Set - Recommendations

Post by tobydog »

Just checked in the garage - Halfords Advanced socket set - rubbish.
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what2do
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Re: Socket Set - Recommendations

Post by what2do »

tobydog wrote:Just checked in the garage - Halfords Advanced socket set - rubbish.


That's bizarre, many many people rave about the sets. I've used them too and can't fault them.
Why would the glass be anything other than half full?

'89 panel van, 1.9 DG.

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R0B
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Re: Socket Set - Recommendations

Post by R0B »

I was suprised by Tobydogs reply,as i have only ever read good things about the halfwits set.
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Re: Socket Set - Recommendations

Post by george2490 »

Have halfords pro ratchet spanner set. Can't beat it. Great quality and still perfect after eight years of hard use.
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itchyfeet
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Re: Socket Set - Recommendations

Post by itchyfeet »

This is like asking a bloke which is the best football team

just buy one in your budget range and get on with it, if you are not very mechanically minded you may never need more.
If you get the T3 ocd disease you may end up with an entire shed full of tools but you will learn what suits your needs by experence.

I have a lot of tools but most are not top end quality.
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tobydog
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Re: Socket Set - Recommendations

Post by tobydog »

The sockets will last forever, the ratchet driver won't engage because the ball thingy can't move enough to engage with them :rofl

Not exactly rocket surgery.

Started grinding the ball down and thought whats the point, waste of time, just use the 40 year old Britool ratchet that's survived 4lb hammers and more.

Rob, don't believe everything you read.....

I don't think it's bizarre what2do, just low priced outsourcing from the far east with minimal quality control I suspect.
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R0B
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Re: Socket Set - Recommendations

Post by R0B »

I dont believe you in that case. :lol:

Rob, don't believe everything you read.....
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tobydog
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Re: Socket Set - Recommendations

Post by tobydog »

R0B wrote:I dont believe you in that case. :lol:

Rob, don't believe everything you read.....
What, every thing you read, or I'm a liar?
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clift_d
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Re: Socket Set - Recommendations

Post by clift_d »

tobydog wrote:The sockets will last forever, the ratchet driver won't engage because the ball thingy can't move enough to engage with them :rofl

Dumb question perhaps. Why didn't you go back and get the ratchet replaced if it was defective? The Halfords Advanced stuff has a lifetime warranty.
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Re: Socket Set - Recommendations

Post by davesm »

Thanks all for the advice. I ended up getting a Draper retro set , 3/8, 40 pieces from a local store that had just opened up and it was at less than half price. To the untrained eye it looks decent quality cos its heavy! I used it in anger on the van for the first time yesterday and it did the job.

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Re: Socket Set - Recommendations

Post by Ian and Lins »

[quote="tobydog"]The sockets will last forever, the ratchet driver won't engage because the ball thingy can't move enough to engage with them :rofl

Not exactly rocket surgery.

Started grinding the ball down and thought whats the point, waste of time, just use the 40 year old Britool ratchet that's survived 4lb hammers and more.

I thought it was just me. A bit ashamed of the state of my Brittool rachet as it has been similarly abused, so glad some one else has hammer marks on it!
Are we going on anything else?

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JonB
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Re: Socket Set - Recommendations

Post by JonB »

Just to add to this thread, I've had a few Clarke socket sets from Machine Mart which have been pretty good (as in haven't fallen to bits on me). Have a large set for the garage and a smaller set for in the van. I've always bought when they have the VAT free offers on though.

I also got one of these https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/laser-4 ... t-handle-/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; from my father-in-law. I initially didn't think I'd rate it but it quickly became the 'go-to' ratchet due to its' compact size and flexibility. I only use the other ratchets if I need the leverage.
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