Looking for tools whats best?

[waynedance]

Looked at the halfords pro range but the sockets are 12 point and some say 6 point are better. Also you get alot of stuff I would not use like the imperial sockets.

The Britool stuff looks good I have seen a metric 3/4 & 1/4 inch 98pc set for £110.

I know nothing about tools but want something that will last and will be for home use on the car and push bikes.

Comments and recommendations welcome.

[addo]

I've bought from UKTools and Tradesmans Choice. Draper from the former, Stahlwille the latter.

Better grades of tools have slightly better finished edges on the forgings, are lighter (better strength/purity of alloy) and usually more accurately machined.

Your first but should be a set of combination spanners, the next a modest sized 3/8 drive socket set.

[citronut]

Britool are usually good quality

[waynedance]

Britool is at the top of the list so far.Just gother to find out about there warranty.

[wheeler]

If you want the best then go for Snap-On, Lifetime guarantee on most things, only problem is It's big £££ & not really worth it unless your using them to make a living.
Apart from that I find Sealey & Beta really good value for money.

[addo]

Only trouble is, Snap-On tell you that you have to service some things like ratchets. So if it goes bung they might say you'd neglected essential service.

I think the "all in one box" tool kits are a bit like the "handy big box" of assorted screws/nuts/washers you can buy in hardware shops. There's going to be an awful lot of practical redundancies. If you buy deepwall six point impact sockets in 3/8" drive, they will generally endure abuse above their station with a ½" × 2' breaker bar and impact grade adaptor.

[C5Alan]

When I first got into tinkering on my car I bought a cheapish set of sockets and spanners with the plan of replace if or when they break after 10 years with my argos socket set I have replaced only the 17mm socket I was using to remove my wheels as it cracked same thing with the ratchet it has been replaced as I hit it with a hammer as I couldnt find my breaker bar I have tools from Halfords, b&q and the pound store as well and not had a prob with most but they get replaced with a better one as soon as they break plus you can afford to have 2 or 3 of the same spanner very handy especially a 10mm spanner for some reason

With most things in life buy the best you can afford or need

[addo]

The Britool set lacks wobble extensions, something I find indispensable in my 3/8" kit.

[wheeler]

Only trouble is, Snap-On tell you that you have to service some things like ratchets. So if it goes bung they might say you'd neglected essential service.

I must say i've never once had Snap-On quibble about replacing or repairing anything. I cant think off hand either anything that has broken & it wasn't my fault due to using it in some way it wasn't quite intended i.e. using them in conjuction with hammers, scaffold poles, hydraulic presses etc. Obviously these things aint admitted to the snap-on guy.

[HDI]

Britool are now owned by the Stanley group, and have become just another brand. My preference, determined through over 20 years experience is, Snap-On, Facom, Stahlwille, Beta and US Pro Tool. Avoid Teng like the plague, they are the only tools I've ever broken in normal use.

[waynedance]

Was looking at a pro us tool box.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/160845964801? ... 399wt_1851" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Did see a PRO US socket set but can not see any information on the web about them.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/US-PRO-155-Pi ... 6052wt_964" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[CitroJim]

Britool are now owned by the Stanley group, and have become just another brand. My preference, determined through over 20 years experience is, Snap-On, Facom, Stahlwille, Beta and US Pro Tool. Avoid Teng like the plague, they are the only tools I've ever broken in normal use.

Agreed...

Halfrauds Pro stuff seems very good, even though I've busted one of their breaker bars it was replaced without quibble...

Also, in addition to Stanley, avoid Draper. Even their so-called Expert stuff is s**t but then we all know what an expert is: an ex something we are glad to be rid of and a spurt is a drip under pressure... For instance, their Expert range of Torx bits fall to bits under quite moderate abuse.

I still have many Spanish Acesa tools that I bought over 30 years ago now. They've seen some incredibly hard use and are still going strong...

[reblack68]

I have a Halfords Pro 3/8 & 1/4 drive socket set, which has always seemed up to the job. My only slight complaint is that I'd like the 3/8 drive sockets to go smaller than 14mm, sometimes I want to put a bit more grunt into a 13mm socket. I've read that they are made by a big name, possibly Facom.

[Deanxm]

Loads of good recomendations from everyone, just thought i would say Halfords pro is very good, not had a problem with my torque wrench or ratchet spanners and the later gets serious heavy use and still as good as new.
My sockets etc are sealey, lifetime guarantee (provided you have the original sales reciept) and again had them for donkeys years and they are perfect.

I actualy started out with a £70 chest of tools from Argos when i was 13, i still have the chest, some screwdrivers, pliers, sockets and 3/8 ratchet i just did what others have said and replaced the tools with good ones as they broke, to be fair it lasted really well so long as they were not abused but obviously quality wasnt great.

D

[waynedance]

Ok just be Halfords and got the 1/4 & 3/8 set for £59.99 in the sale was £99.99. It has the better 70 something hatchet teeth.

Will get a small portable tool chest next and keep adding to it.