My Christmas present...

BUBBLE WRAP

Okay, so Christmas is coming fast, so I need help to decided what tool set to ask ...Santa.. for. :pac:

I was considering getting a socket set these and this

also. Anyone have any experience with these? Or if you could recommend better versions of the above Id be grateful..

Big Nasty

Go on ya spanner!

Kenny Logins

Halfords have decent range of tools at good prices.

BUBBLE WRAP

MCMLXXV wrote: »

Go on ya spanner!

Ok, Not too sure what you mean by that...

166man

BUBBLE WRAP wrote: »

Ok, Not too sure what you mean by that...

BUBBLE WRAP

Kenny Logins wrote: »

Halfords have decent range of tools at good prices.

Do, you recomend I stay away from Argos??

BUBBLE WRAP

166man wrote: »

I get it, Just trying to get advice in the OP..

sean1141

The sockets sets in Argos are usually poor. Ratchet usually the first to go. I know they are cheep and would do for very light work but I would be inclined to go for something a little better.

Halfords pro stuff are good but if you can wait the sets that come up in lidl are decent. I have 2 sets 3/8 and 1/2 inch drive. Both are very good and nothing has broken in either.

drunkmonkey

Buy a decent socket set if your going to bother at all, Look for a cheap teng set somewhere, it'll last you years.

BUBBLE WRAP

sean1141 wrote: »

The sockets sets in Argos are usually poor. Ratchet usually the first to go. I know they are cheep and would do for very light work but I would be inclined to go for something a little better.

Halfords pro stuff are good but if you can wait the sets that come up in lidl are decent. I have 2 sets 3/8 and 1/2 inch drive. Both are very good and nothing has broken in either.

Cheers Sean, I'd only be doing bits and pieces, So I thought I will start with the socket set.

I was thinking about that, but I think I will just go with halfords. What about this?

Kenny Logins

BUBBLE WRAP wrote: »

Do, you recomend I stay away from Argos??

Argos is great for some things, but not tools.

This is a better quality basic socket set.

http://www.halfords.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_11101_catalogId_15551_productId_818451_langId_-1_categoryId_212410

Kenny Logins

BUBBLE WRAP wrote: »

Cheers Sean, I'd only be doing bits and pieces, So I thought I will start with the socket set.

I was thinking about that, but I think I will just go with halfords. What about this?

It has a good few imperial sockets, I'd stick to metric (unless you really need them?).

Kenny Logins

...and a 15% discount with an Axa policy - http://www.axaplus.ie/halfords_index.htm

BUBBLE WRAP

Kenny Logins wrote: »

It has a good few imperial sockets, I'd stick to metric (unless you really need them?).

Oh god, I don't. I just seen the price tag so I thought it was goo lol...

Cheers..

sean1141

BUBBLE WRAP wrote: »

Cheers Sean, I'd only be doing bits and pieces, So I thought I will start with the socket set.

I was thinking about that, but I think I will just go with halfords. What about this?

Would be a lot better. I would also get a 1/2 to 3/8 reducer if getting that set. It will allow you to use the bigger 1/2 ratchet with the 3/8 sockets.

The Argos set might be cheap but if you break the ratchet it will cost as much again for a decent one leaving you with a dear set with crap sockets.
http://www.halfords.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_11101_catalogId_15551_productId_176497_langId_-1_categoryId_212616


It might also be worth a look in a decent motorfactors. Draper tools are good and not very expencive

sean1141

Kenny Logins wrote: »

Argos is great for some things, but not tools.

This is a better quality basic socket set.

http://www.halfords.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_11101_catalogId_15551_productId_818451_langId_-1_categoryId_212410

1/4 is very light and usually dose not go up very big. They are handy to have all right but the set I have I usually only use the 8 10 and 13. You really need a 14 17 and 19 too.

Kenny Logins

sean1141 wrote: »

1/4 is very light and usually dose not go up very big. They are handy to have all right but the set I have I usually only use the 8 10 and 13. You really need a 14 17 and 19 too.

Oh yeah, good point. I was looking for a set close to the original budget.

challengemaster

Halfords pro or Draper for quality & affordable tools. (Only buy the halfords stuff on half price though)

Here's the other main Halfords kit
http://www.halfords.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_11101_catalogId_15551_productId_173083_langId_-1_categoryId_212410

If you'll get use out of them, they're a good investment.

BUBBLE WRAP

challengemaster wrote: »

Halfords pro or Draper for quality & affordable tools. (Only buy the halfords stuff on half price though)

Here's the other main Halfords kit
http://www.halfords.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_11101_catalogId_15551_productId_173083_langId_-1_categoryId_212410

If you'll get use out of them, they're a good investment.

Save €125.00 :eek:

Oh I will. indeed..

BUBBLE WRAP

BUBBLE WRAP wrote: »

Okay, so Christmas is coming fast, so I need help to decided what tool set to ask ...Santa.. for. :pac:

I was considering getting a socket set these and this

also. Anyone have any experience with these? Or if you could recommend better versions of the above Id be grateful..

Dont touch the Argos stuff, just wasting your money because they will break. Get a decent teng set, lifetime warranty with them aswelll.

Mister Jingles

BUBBLE WRAP wrote: »

Save €125.00 :eek:

Oh I will. indeed..

Its the one I was asking about a few weeks ago and ended up buying. Only used it briefly, one little concern i had with it was the 3/8" ratchet becoming stuck for a moment after tightening a nut. I was a bit amazed that this happened considering I wasn't been excessive with it or anything. Otherwise the set it grand.

BUBBLE WRAP

Rene Stale Ax wrote: »

Dont touch the Argos stuff, just wasting your money because they will break. Get a decent teng set, lifetime warranty with them aswelll.

Ah right, cheers .

EDIT: You reckon the axel stands are safe? :eek:

Mister Jingles wrote: »

Its the one I was asking about a few weeks ago and ended up buying. Only used it briefly, one little concern i had with it was the 3/8" ratchet becoming stuck for a moment after tightening a nut. I was a bit amazed that this happened considering I wasn't been excessive with it or anything. Otherwise the set it grand.

If you have the receipt, there under a lifetime guarantee, so you could get that checked out. I'm really tempted by that set though.

Thanks.

colm_mcm

Rene Stale Ax wrote: »

Dont touch the Argos stuff, just wasting your money because they will break. Get a decent teng set, lifetime warranty with them aswelll.

Ah come on! How much is a decent set of Teng sockets, say a similar lineup to the set halfords do for €124?

guil

I bought a sealed 1/2 set in 04 for €125 and I still have it. Nothing ever broke in it and it got lots of abuse

BUBBLE WRAP

BUBBLE WRAP wrote: »

Ah right, cheers .

EDIT: You reckon the axel stands are safe? :eek:



If you have the receipt, there under a lifetime guarantee, so you could get that checked out. I'm really tempted by that set though.

Thanks.

I certainly wouldn't go under a car with a cheap set of axel stands.

colm_mcm wrote: »

Ah come on! How much is a decent set of Teng sockets, say a similar lineup to the set halfords do for €124?

Teng arent that expensive if you dont buy them in Ireland, some examples:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TENG-T1436-36-Pce-1-4-Drive-Socket-Set-4mm-13mm-with-Reg-Deep-Sockets-/150959783394?pt=UK_Hand_Tools_Equipment&hash=item2325e77de2&_uhb=1

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TENG-T3839-39-Pce-3-8-Drive-Socket-Set-8mm-22mm-with-Regular-Deep-Sockets-/150959861130?pt=UK_Hand_Tools_Equipment&hash=item2325e8ad8a&_uhb=1

Mister Jingles

BUBBLE WRAP wrote: »

Ah right, cheers .

EDIT: You reckon the axel stands are safe? :eek:



If you have the receipt, there under a lifetime guarantee, so you could get that checked out. I'm really tempted by that set though.

Thanks.

Not sure though if the ratchets are covered, only sockets. Maybe I was been a little heavy handed, I'm mostly used to using 1/2" sets which seem to have more tolerance.

If your looking for axel stands wait until Lidl or Aldi are doing them again.

Ronnie Beck

That argos socket set looks like something a kid would use. Draper do a nice little 3/8 set like that. Last you a lifetime.

http://www.ebay.ie/itm/BRAND-NEW-DRAPER-EXPERT-25-piece-3-8-square-drive-metric-socket-set-43592-/250966616889

I've seen it fro 45euro online before, On amazon I think.

Axle stands in lidl at the moment for 12 euro.

edit: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Draper-Expert-43646-25-Piece-6-Point/dp/B000Y7WJ76 Sorry, 45 pound, free delivery

challengemaster

Right.... so you've got a small 38 piece Teng set for €80, or a fairly complete 150 piece halfords set for €125.

I'm not seeing the benefit of buying teng here

colm_mcm

Yeah, but a teng 111 piece set is easily €300 online, RRP more like €600

challengemaster

challengemaster wrote: »

Right.... so you've got a small 38 piece Teng set for €80, or a fairly complete 150 piece halfords set for €125.

I'm not seeing the benefit of buying teng here

You dont need half the stuff in that huge set, you can buy a small teng/ other decent brand set that will cover 90% of your needs now and add to it as your budget allows over time.

The benefit I am seeing is that you actually have a decent set of tools that you would probably be able to pass to your son they will last that long, rather than a cheapish 120 piece set where 90% of them will never even see use .

Im not a Teng fanboi either, there are better tools out there but they are good value for the quality you get imo.

colm_mcm

Rene Stale Ax wrote: »

You dont need half the stuff in that huge set, you can buy a small teng set that will cover 90% of your needs now and add to it as your budget allows over time.

The benefit I am seeing is that you actually have a decent set of tools that you would probably be able to pass to your son they will last that long, rather than a cheapish 120 piece set where 90% of them will never even see use .

Im not a Teng fanboi either, there are better tools out there but they are good value for the quality you get imo.

I've used pretty much everything in my halfords set, not all the fixings you'll be taking off are straightforward nuts and bolts, and you need spanners anyway.

As for durability, I've used mine since 2008 and gave it dogs abuse, I've stripped a car right down to the shell using one and its still 100%. My mate bought the smaller version and he's had no problems either.

I was fitting an integrated fridge freezer on Saturday, it had weird bolts that had to be undone for changing the hinges over to the other side, there have been countless occasions where having the extra bits have made a job possible,

colm_mcm

colm_mcm wrote: »

I've used pretty much everything in my halfords set, not all the fixings you'll be taking off are straightforward nuts and bolts, and you need spanners anyway.

Agree.
Maybe I just have a different mindset, id like to get some really good tools in small amounts and add to the set over time as I can afford it. Some like all the toys at once, each to their own.

To the op, halfords tools would be far better than that Argos set in any case.

challengemaster

Rene Stale Ax wrote: »

You dont need half the stuff in that huge set, you can buy a small teng set that will cover 90% of your needs now and add to it as your budget allows over time.

The benefit I am seeing is that you actually have a decent set of tools that you would probably be able to pass to your son they will last that long, rather than a cheapish 120 piece set where 90% of them will never even see use .

Im not a Teng fanboi either, there are better tools out there but they are good value for the quality you get imo.

Or you can buy a set for cheaper that will cover 99% of your needs, and you won't need an ever expanding budget to keep adding to it.

And they are a decent set of tools, you'd know that if you ever used the halfords pro stuff. I've had a set for the last few years, and they've had plenty of use, and are still perfect. And I don't see that changing any time soon either.

In this case, halfords are better in the quality:value dept tbh.

I'm on the hunt for a new socket set myself. Found this on ebay. Looks decent for the price

5500

As echoed by others, stay clear of argos stuff the ratchets are like butter. I've got a couple of bits from the halfords pro range and cant fault it at all. Another place to keep an eye on is Amazon, sometimes draper stuff does go cheap on there, & use parcel motel if your getting extortion shipping rates from third party sellers.

The prowler

As said by all here,the argos set is dung. There seems to be alot of love of teng stuff in this country but from personal experiance and alot of mates in the trade,i wouldnt rate them,they are ok but a bit to pricey for what you get,alot better tools on the market for alot cheaper and with lifetime warrenty. Draper expert are great,ive a set of sockets the past years and even use them on a air gun which i shoudnt but theres not a bother off them. The halfords stuff is very good aswell as is some sealey stuff,king tony also although maybe a bit pricey. For a good starter set its hard to see past the halfords set to be honest

deandean

The Challenge stuff is very basic. Those sockets are seriously short.

The 3/8" drive is OK for about two-thirds of car work, but I sheared a quality (Teng) 3/8 attachment recently while trying to loosen brake caliper mounting bolts (16mm) - you really need 1/2 drive for the bigger stuff.

Me - I'd go for Sealey or Teng or Clarke.

Here's a great TOOL PORN site you can have a look over

http://stores.ebay.ie/a1plantsaleslimited

BTW most good auto factor shops have a good selection of socket sets. Buy local when you can.

ian87

Have a look at this. I got a socket set the same day. Came in at about 130 for the two I think.. But everything you could possibly need..

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056825927&pp=15&page=1

sean1141

Teng, snap on etc are fine if you are a mechanic by trade or if you have a few cars and do lots of work on them yourself but they are very expensive for an average DIY'r which I take it the op is. I guess the most he will be doing is an odd service or maybe changing pads once in a blue moon. Its stupid to be spending loads of money on tools for that kind of stuff.

Op halfords pro range will be plenty good if that's all you will be doing. Buy a few bits at a time. Don't go blowing a few hundred on tools to find out you don't know what to do with them! For your basic service get a good oil filter removal tool and an oil drain pan. A decent set of screwdrivers and spanners are a must have also!

MuppetCheck

Could I suggest something BW? Does the punto have an OBDII port?

Get a scanner, cheap tablet or Android phone and download torque! Would give you some interesting stuff to read up on and you can play angry birds for free too:)

Gary ITR

I do like my Teng stuff, the sockets from my 1/2 inch set have been battered on my impact gun and aren't showing and signs of distress. I must buy a set of impact sockets though

As for the OP I'd buy a Halfords set, perfect for the average DIY'er, should be a good offer on them in January

challengemaster

Don't think mk2 puntos had OBDII ports on them, would have been before it became standard in all cars.

In fact I've never even heard diagnostics and punto used in the same sentence.

Stheno

challengemaster wrote: »

Don't think mk2 puntos had OBDII ports on them, would have been before it became standard in all cars.

In fact I've never even heard diagnostics and punto used in the same sentence.

Fiat ECUScan supports them iirc?

MuppetCheck

Stheno wrote: »

Fiat ECUScan supports them iirc?

If it worked with torque it could be a bit of a novelty.

Stheno

MuppetCheck wrote: »

If it worked with torque it could be a bit of a novelty.

Don't get you at all ?

MuppetCheck

Stheno wrote: »

Don't get you at all ?

There night be support in the torque app for a flat ecu reader maybe? I don't know, was just an idea.

Stheno

MuppetCheck wrote: »

There night be support in the torque app for a flat ecu reader maybe? I don't know, was just an idea.

Sorry didn't realise there was an app called torque

Quick google suggests it does support some fiats.
With the older ones you've to get the right cable to read them if they are not ODBII.

BUBBLE WRAP

MuppetCheck wrote: »

There night be support in the torque app for a flat ecu reader maybe? I don't know, was just an idea.

I'm not too sure, if it does. I will search FF and report back.

fasttalkerchat

Kenny Logins wrote: »

Halfords have decent range of tools at good prices.

Their "professional" sets are good. The others are rebranded crap.

JimmyCrackCorn

Used the halford pro set for 5-6 years. Anything I broke was because i was using for something I shouldn't have.

Now im in Oz Im looking for another set of tools and cant find anything comparable.

dougie-lampkin

challengemaster wrote: »

Don't think mk2 puntos had OBDII ports on them, would have been before it became standard in all cars.

In fact I've never even heard diagnostics and punto used in the same sentence.

They're fully OBD compliant, FES can connect to the main ECU out of the box but you need to modify your cable to connect to PAS/CAN/ABS computers. There's enough information contained in the main ECU to make it worth your while, it helped me fix a lot of issues I wouldn't have been able to diagnose myself.

An ELM327 cable is only about €8 on ebay anyway, or about €10 for a bluetooth model. An absolute bargain for what you get. I'm not sure if it works with Torque, but I'm sure that info is out there.