Socket set advice

haribol_2

I am looking to invest in a socket set so that I can Service my car. Just to do basic things like change the plugs, filters etc.

Can anyone suggest any brands that are good quality. It's the 3/8th set I am thinking of purchasing. I've had a look on ebay but prices vary tremendously and am not sure of quality.

Your help very much appreciated.

Haribol

polybear

My first choice would probably be Britool. Stanley are reasonable too, and cheaper. I think they do some called "Metrinch", where every socket fits both metric and imperial nuts/bolts. To do this the socket grips on the flats, and not the corners. This means less chance of rounding off a nut; they will also grip a nut that is already damaged.
Though I've never tried them, some of the Halfords stuff seems ok - might be worth a look - they may also have their own version of Metrinch.
If you are dead rich then Snap-On is the one to go for - though one of their socket sets would pay for a very good Holiday.....

One last thought, I'd go for 1/2" drive personally - far better for car maintenance work.

polybear.

ps My socket set was purchased in 1981 and has done more car and motorcycle work than i can remember. And it's made by "Toolstar" - i.e. China/Jap stuff that no-one has ever heard of. Guess I was lucky...

molerat

polybear wrote:

ps My socket set was purchased in 1981 and has done more car and motorcycle work than i can remember. And it's made by "Toolstar" - i.e. China/Jap stuff that no-one has ever heard of. Guess I was lucky...

Pah !! .... 1981 ..... new stuff My set was purchased in about 1972 when I got my first car. It certainly saw some action in the days when my cars spent more time at the side of the road than on it It is a Gedore one in a tin box. The only reason that some of the items have been replaced is because they were stolen.

Halfords stuff is very good. The black sets have a lifetime gaurantee. The grey sets with the "boxer" ratchet handles are also excellent quality. Go for 1/2 inch drive. 3/8 is useless if you are working on suspension or other heavy parts.

paul_h

I agree with the other posters, go for a 1/2" set.

Britool, or a good cheaper set is Teng - also have a lifetime warranty.

If you're on a tight budget, buy a cheap 1/2" set, then throw the ratchet in the dustbin and replace it with a Britool... or your knuckles will pay...;)

haribol_2

Many thanks to all for some good suggestions.

Appreciate it.

Haribol

uncle_buck_3

Sorry but I have to disagree about a 1/2" set….I would advise you to go for a 3/8" set as this will be fine for everyday use.
Sure 1/2" sets are a lot stronger for bigger sizes but for everyday use 3/8" will do fine & a lot of times you can’t get a 1/2" socket into a space that a 3/8" will fit!

I have a Sealey 3/8" set that I have had for years & it has handled everything I have thrown at it.
It’s exactly the same as this one (& No it’s not me selling them!) http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/SC-SEALEY-Socket-Set-45pc-3-8-Sq-Drive-Metric-Imperial_W0QQitemZ150033865339QQihZ005QQcategoryZ30917QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I also have some Bergen sockets which I have also found to be excellent.

Have a look around at your local car boot sales / markets etc there is nearly always a used tool stall that will sell individual sockets for a few bob each! I would just build up a set of 1/2" stuff from these places. I wouldn’t be bothered about what make of ½ inch sockets you get …. because of the physical dimensions they are a lot harder to damage than 3/8th sockets!

HTH.

paul_h

The problem with a 3/8" set is that, in general, you are limiting yourself to a 22mm socket - any sockets larger than this with 3/8" drive are non-standard.

Depending upon the work you may carry out on a car, you may require larger sockets than this - for example, hub nuts are rarely less than 30mm if you want to change a modern angular-contact wheel bearing.

uncle_buck_3

Yeah I agree you do need ½” stuff…but most of the time for working on “normal” service items such as brakes/engine parts/etc. you will be using 3/8”stuff.
For someone who is starting to build up a tool kit I personally think a set of 3/8”drive sockets takes priority over a ½” set.

I would personally build a ½” set by buying the sockets individually as most of the time you will only require larger size sockets to be ½” drive. If you can pick the sockets up at boot sales or markets you will have a set of the sizes you need for a few quid….you may even come across a complete set at a bargain price.

haribol_2

Great Stuff!!

Got lots of good ideas now. Never thought of Car Boot sales !!

The set will only be used for very general car servicing. Might tackle brake pads when I have enough courage!!

Thank you all so much !!

Haribol