Club 80-90 Forums

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!

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.

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

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

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 ........

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.

I bought a halfords professional range set about a year ago, can recommend these

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.

I wouldn't bother looking in Screwfix or Toolstation - I've not heard great things about their socket sets.

Set of ratchet spanners come in handy.

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

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.

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

tobydog wrote:Set of ratchet spanners come in handy.

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

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!

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

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