Socket set, please recommend me one!

[kennyjackett]

Hi guys

Just looking at some socket sets and not entirely sure exactly what I need. I think I read 3/8th's somewhere? Is that right? And from around 5mm to 22mm.. I thinks that's on the wiki.
It just for really basic stuff but don't want to buy anything made of cheese.
Anyone recommend me a decent little starter set??

Cheers

[kennyjackett]

I saw the Lidl socket set post, just not sure I need all that. Do I?

[kennyjackett]

I am drawn towards this little one.. http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... yId_255215" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[AdrianC]

Just looking at some socket sets and not entirely sure exactly what I need. I think I read 3/8th's somewhere? Is that right? And from around 5mm to 22mm.. I thinks that's on the wiki.

3/8" is a good basic, but for anything roughly 17mm and above, you really want 1/2" - and for small stuff, 1/4" is preferable, but that's much more of a "nice to have".

Halfords Pro stuff is about the best VFM about, and there's usually some decent offers every now and then.

You could probably do worse than http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... yId_255215" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[bobby-gg]

I've just picked up the new 200 piece halfords pro ser, managed to get myself a halfords trade card, so got it for around £126, and with the lifetime warranty it's a no brainer - just photocopy the receipt as they are on thermal ink and tend to fade after time

[pionte]

The professional range from Halfords is really good kit, and I can personally recommend it. Its on offer every few months and worth waiting for the sale as its generally half price. this is a good set http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... yId_255215" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The thing with tools is to ( allowing for budget restraints ) always buy good quality, a badly fitting tool could end up rounding of a nut, causing more issues or break leaving you without the required tool to do the job, usually when you are at the side of the road in the poring rain!

As Adrian says, its best to have all three of the ratchet sizes, ( no need for the 3/4 drive ) they all have their purpose.

[1_eyed_jim]

The Irwin gripper set is an essential part of your tool kit too. These are special sockets to get the rustyest and/or rounded off nuts/bolts. They have left hand teeth inside just tap on and undo and that's it they are 3/8 drive. Machine Mart sell them but they are slightly cheaper on Ebay.

[123-jn]

I have the halfords one 2 posts up and it really is a good one with 3 nice rachets. Sadly lacking in extensions though so I bought a set of draper wobble bar extensions.
I use this set on nice clean things and my old sets on nasty dirty stubborn things. I also have a nice set of draper deep sockets up to 24 mm. With those sets you have pretty much everything covered.

[GEORDIE DAVE]

HI everyone been to halfords today and bought the advanced professional 120 piece socket set which is at half price just to let you no if you reserve online to collect in store you will recieve a eight piece professional screwdriver set free offer does not apply if you dont reserve online hope this is of help to anybody after buying a socket set all the best GEORDIE DAVE

[kennyjackett]

Thanks for all the tips folks! I got myself the 64 piece Halfords Pro one in end.