Halfords tools!

Jesh1

All,


I’m looking to try and do my own car maintenance (light enough at first & hopefully move onto more complicated maintenance if the confidence builds).I do not have a good hand tool selection and I am hoping to start somewhere.

I was looking at the set below from halfords. I have 80euro in vouchers which will behandy. I’m basically wondering if it's a good quality set. Or should I buysomething like Ampro or Irimo from micksgarage.ie?

I can also pick up tools in the states and deliver them free of charge ifthis will save a few bob.

Mods feel free to move if this is not in the correction location.
Thanks.

J



http://www.halfords.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_11101_catalogId_15551_productId_862463_langId_-1_categoryId_212410?cm_re=Homepage+links-_-Under+the+fold-_-170toolset

firefly08

I've heard the quality of the Halfords stuff is pretty good but I have no experience myself...lifetime warranty sounds good though.

One thing I'd advise you to watch out for is the allen head and torx head stuff - do not skimp on the tools you use for these because the bolt heads strip easily. Sockets and spanners are usually not as critical from what I've found. Maybe the Halfords ones are good...but be careful with them.

If you can get stuff from the states without delivery costs, Craftsman (Sears' brand) is probably the best value for money. They have a lifetime warranty - although you won't be able to avail of it without bringing the tool back, it means their stuff is usually good. I live in the US and use mostly Craftsman with no problems so far. I just do my own cars but I know professional mechanics who shop at Sears for a lot of stuff, and go to Snap-On or Mac for the stuff that has to be really top notch. Harbor Freight is very popular for cheap stuff but the quality is not great - not worth the hassle of bringing it across the pond imo.

The Halfords stuff is perfect for your needs imo quality wise, however if I was you I'd be buying a trolley jack, axle stands, suitable plug socket (if it's a petrol you have) and a suitable oil filter removal tool before investing in a set like that Presumably you have a few screw drivers and spanners about the place.

Basically as good as that set is to do basic maintenance you need other stuff first imo

Jesh1

Thanks for the reply lads.

RoverJames ,I bought a trolley jack and oil pan tray a few months ago. My brother has all the other bits and bobs I need to do a basic service so I can just borrow his equipment. It’s good to know that the tool set from Halfords will be sufficient for my needs. Appreciate the advice.

Firefly, you’re correct, it’s best to purchase here, should the worst happen it will be more hassle than it’s worth to change tools.

Happy out so, I bought a set like the one you linked to about 5 years ago (one with less stuff in it), can't fault it really for what it is

haulagebasher

A basic fault code reader or scan tool would not go astray either. Basic ones can be got for less than €50. Oh, and you should get a torque wrench - TUV stamped ones pop up in Aldi and Lidl from time to time. I have one from Lidl and it seems good enough quality. have it 5 years or so now.

leeomurchu

I've got this set and have taken apart two jeeps a removed and replaced an engine with it other than me losing a couple of bit I couldn't fault it. you'll probably want to invest in a torque wrench if you're getting into stripping engines and such.

It's not snap-on quality but very robust plus it's a fraction of the price

Plug

I use halfords a lot of the time and cant fault them. life time warranty too.

colm_mcm

There is a bigger set with ratchet spanners and other useful stuff, def worth the extra.

cletus

I have that set, and it has seen much work on my 14 year old Fiesta, excellent set. There are many rumour online as to who actually manufactures these tools, but the are perfect for the home/diy mechanic

Edit: sorry, its actually this set i have, very similar, but more stuff

http://www.halfords.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_11101_catalogId_15551_productId_862421_langId_-1_categoryId_212410