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dmracing
22-08-07, 01:25 PM
As I have taken the servicing on my bike into my own hands, I have decided I will need some decent tools.

Recommendations for socket sets, spanners and screwdrivers....

hovis
22-08-07, 01:30 PM
stay away from the £1 shop

drapper, stanley etc will be fine

teng tools, snap on etc better, but probaly a bit too expensive for the amount of use they will get

Viney
22-08-07, 01:30 PM
Clarke (Machine mart) or Halfords professional are a good place to start. Make sure you get a set of t-bar allen keys, a set of socket allen keys.

G
22-08-07, 01:37 PM
Halford Proffesional Range do a boxset for £150 sometimes its on offer at £100.......comes with life time warranty and has every socket/spanner you could ever need to take apart most cars/bikes

philbut
22-08-07, 01:42 PM
Halford Proffesional Range do a boxset for £150 sometimes its on offer at £100.......comes with life time warranty and has every socket/spanner you could ever need to take apart most cars/bikes

+1. Halfords stuff may not be up to Teng or Snap-on standard but its much much cheaper. Ive never amnaged to break anything and you can get new sockets etc pretty cheap from Halfords if you looses one. Their pro range is quite adequate. I also bought a long 2' breaker bar for really tight nuts. Cost under a tenner but it's been well worth it. A good torque wrench is also handy, but not essential for a basic service really - one for the Christmas list maybe?

Swiss
22-08-07, 01:47 PM
Halford Proffesional Range do a boxset for £150 sometimes its on offer at £100.......comes with life time warranty and has every socket/spanner you could ever need to take apart most cars/bikes

+1. Halfords stuff may not be up to Teng or Snap-on standard but its much much cheaper. Ive never amnaged to break anything and you can get new sockets etc pretty cheap from Halfords if you looses one. Their pro range is quite adequate. I also bought a long 2' breaker bar for really tight nuts. Cost under a tenner but it's been well worth it. A good torque wrench is also handy, but not essential for a basic service really - one for the Christmas list maybe?

+1 for the Halfords pro kit. I bought it when it was on offer for £100.00. Excellent for the money, they always seem to reduce it in the sales so it could be worth hanging on for the next sale.

G
22-08-07, 01:52 PM
I bought it in the sales with 15% staff discount....I dont work there any more though.......I do know the tool kits came strapped together with snap-on binding tape and I have been told several times that the halford professional range is manafactured by Snap-on.

squirrel_hunter
22-08-07, 02:26 PM
I go for the Halfords Pro now as well.

Yes it cost more than your basic set, but I could tell the difference as soon as I started using Pro. For the serious amateur its good value as while its cheaper than Snap-On its still great quality.

They also have the life time warranty which I have had to use, but its reasuring that if you break one bit in an 80 piece set you can get it replaced free of charge.

My only compliant so far with Pro is they don't appear to do a 14mm Hex bit or a C-Spanner (though they might, but the spotty oik I had to deal with didn't have a clue as to what I was looking for).

mister c
22-08-07, 02:42 PM
Draper expert stuff is the dogs danglies, it has a lifetime gaurantee. I have socket sets & screwdrivers that are nearly 20 years old and are still as good as new.

John Burt
22-08-07, 02:54 PM
+1 Halfords Pro

Captain Nemo
22-08-07, 03:03 PM
i have a metri inch socket / spanner set that i got 16yr would still be in great nick if i hadnt been in the habit of leaving it out in the rain when i was young and didnt know any better.

dmracing
22-08-07, 03:20 PM
So this Halfords set seems like a good investment.

Im also contemplating the Draper sets. How much would a set cost me and from where? I suppose its best to go for 1/2's and 3/4's just so I have got the right tools for each job.

I've got to get them this weekend as I have had enough of chocolate tools!

Ceri JC
22-08-07, 03:23 PM
Personally I really like Halfords Professional tools and if at all possible for a given tool, I'll buy the halfords pro one, unless it's really rarely used.

northwind
22-08-07, 05:38 PM
As a general rule, if a shop has 2 ranges, the cheaper one will be utter rubbish :) Halfords stuff is decent but they're sadly afflicted with 12-point sockets, which is just daft. I got my current sets from Machine Mart, got one of their more basic sets and then added other sockets by the rail. I've got an assortment of Teng stuff now which is lovely, but really not much better than the Clarke stuff and about twice as expensive.

Draper's quite variable, it's hard to tell which of their stuff is decent and which is junk...

kwak zzr
22-08-07, 05:46 PM
dad got me a draper set when i was 18, i am now 35 and still using it. quality.

hovis
22-08-07, 05:48 PM
Draper expert stuff is the dogs danglies.

thats what i have.

embee
22-08-07, 06:13 PM
When thinking of the price, just bear in mind that good quality tools will not only be much nicer to use, be less likely to damage what you're working on, but will genuinely last you a lifetime.

I have some tools which belonged to my grandfathers and even great-grandfathers, and are in perfectly usable condition.

My dad bought me an Elora socket set when I got my O-levels some 35yrs ago, and they are near perfect.

Don't scrimp on a few ££'s, you won't regret it.

I have some Teng, Facom, and Britool sockets all of which are top quality.

Get hex drive sockets (i.e. not 12 point types), 3/8" is a nice do-it-all size but you'll want 1/2" for bigger stuff.

The Halfords Pro range gets such good reviews you can't really go wrong and it's very convenient to pop in there.

If you fancy Britool etc, have a look at the special-offer section here
http://www.primetools.co.uk/index.php?page=home

There are some good deal usually on spanners. Get "normal" length combination (ring one end, open the other) spanners with a slight offset (usually the ring ends have a slight angle, maybe 15deg) which makes access easier. They often do selected sets with the most uncommon sizes left out. You'll definitely need 8, 10, 12, 13, 14, (15), 17, 19. Other sizes are optional.

Supervox
22-08-07, 06:18 PM
I personally wouldn't (didn't) buy a 'set'.

Find out from your manual which sockets you actually need & buy a bar that covers the majority of the sizes - any 'odd' ones you can buy separately - along with other bits like T-bars, Torx Hex bolts etc.

Ruffy
22-08-07, 06:22 PM
When thinking of the price, just bear in mind that good quality tools will not only be much nicer to use, be less likely to damage what you're working on, but will genuinely last you a lifetime.

I agree - this way you only ever need to buy a particular tool once.

Get hex drive sockets (i.e. not 12 point types)

I'm gonna ask the obvious question though: Why are 12 point types such a bad idea? I have some quality sockets that are multi point types - they used to be my dad's, they are still in excellent nick and I've never damaged a fixing any more than with any other tool I've used, so I can't see it's such a big issue if you buy quality. I genuinely don't know the answer to this, so I'd be interested to learn.

embee
22-08-07, 06:33 PM
... Why are 12 point types such a bad idea? I have some quality sockets that are multi point types - they used to be my dad's, they are still in excellent nick and I've never damaged a fixing any more than with any other tool I've used, so I can't see it's such a big issue if you buy quality. I genuinely don't know the answer to this, so I'd be interested to learn.

You're right, good bi-hex on good condition fasteners work fine. It's just that starting from scratch, if you're going to buy sockets, you get more reliable operation on iffy fasteners, far less likely to round off the corners especially on the cheese variety used by most bike manufacturers. Also if fasteners have already been rounded by a badly fitting bi-hex socket, chances are you'll still be able to undo them with a good flank-drive ("OGV" etc) hex type. Most tool manufacturers have their own trade name for a particular design of socket that drives on the flats rather than the corners.

The only time you'll usually need bi-hex is for things like con-rod bolts or aero stuff etc.

Ruffy
22-08-07, 06:51 PM
You're right, good bi-hex on good condition fasteners work fine. It's just that starting from scratch, if you're going to buy sockets, you get more reliable operation on iffy fasteners, far less likely to round off the corners especially on the cheese variety used by most bike manufacturers. Also if fasteners have already been rounded by a badly fitting bi-hex socket, chances are you'll still be able to undo them with a good flank-drive ("OGV" etc) hex type. Most tool manufacturers have their own trade name for a particular design of socket that drives on the flats rather than the corners.


Sorry, I seem to be in thicko mode tonight! As you refer to them, are "bi-hex" the multi-point type and "flank-drive" the hex shape type?

I do agree that it's the low quality of many OEM fasteners that causes most issues, especially if they've been overtightened or assembled dry and are a bit corroded.

embee
22-08-07, 08:48 PM
Yes, by bi-hex I mean 12 corner types. These drive just on the very corner of the fastener and so easily round them off.

Most hexagon type sockets are now designed with some relief at the corners and they actually drive somewhere along the flat of the fastener. With most of this type of design it's more or less impossible to round the fastener off.
If you think of the hexagon socket as having slightly curved faces which just touch at the mid point of the flat, then as you turn it and apply torque it presses into the flats well clear of the corners. It does put a lot of stress into the socket, but they are designed to stand it.

yorkie_chris
22-08-07, 08:55 PM
I don't like 12 point, the 6 point gives much better grip, if you want the best for rusty stuff then go for the flat drive ones that grip the flats not the corners of bolts.

My tools are a mixture but I like the britool and draper expert ones when I buy new.

Remember, you can never have too big a hammer.

Chris

Viney
22-08-07, 09:05 PM
Hammers come in 3 Grades

Fine
Medium
Coarse

My tool kit has been made up over years. It started with one of those cheap n nasty all in one tool boxes from a catolouge. All tools made from cheese (However i still have a couple of tools that didnt break) I then got a Draper socket set (The ratchets are weak) I then started to replace stuff over time. I have a Clarke pro 3/8 socket set (Long reach 6 piont sockets, 12pt short reach) a set of Metrinch combo spanners (Fantastic kit, wall drive) and various other stuff, facom screwdrivers etc and a clarke 3 drawer tool cabinet. All good. One of my fav tools is my old toyota wheel brace. Its never used as such but its a great pry bar. Its been used, hammered twisted and its still in one piece. I do need to get a decent ratchet. The clarke ones had it. It slips every now and again. I have some old 1/2 inch drive whitworth sockets somewhere (Old people will know what they are ;))

Cyclops
22-08-07, 11:36 PM
Had an old 12 point set myself but having had sockets slip on tight/rusty nuts when working on my car I wanted to get a quality Hex set for my bike.
Got myself 45pc 3/8 Sealey metric socket set, Flank drive hex, knurled, with 72 click ratchet. Very nice bit of kit from Justoffbase.co.uk

Also draper torque wrench.(invaluable)

Other tools I've picked up along the way (spanners, allan keys) when fixing the kids bikes.

timwilky
23-08-07, 06:22 AM
I have a right mix of stuff that I have acquired over the years. Feeling the need to invest in a new set of 1/2" drive socket earlier this year I could not justify my usual choice of snap on and Brittool for the occassional use I now give tools

I opted for a Sandvik Bahco 1/2 drive set. For about £70 it is a reasonable kit of 24 6 point sockets plus extensions and ratchet. and would probably buy more of their stuff in the future.

I would urge you to invest in both a 1/2 drive for the heavy stuff and a good 1/4 drive for messing about with light cheesy stuff

Spanner Man
23-08-07, 06:59 AM
Morning all.
You can't go wrong with Halfords pro, Draper expert, Sealey pro, Laser, or Clarke, for serious DIY use. AS mentioned, go for the professional range every time, for the cheapo ranges from the above sources really are just that.
Teng tools are a good investment for the wealthier types, my neighbour who spanners Ducatis swears by Teng tools, (rather than at them:)) A good place to get them from is; www.toolshack.co.uk (http://www.toolshack.co.uk) Freephone; 0800 1613031.

The ultimate hand tools, such as; Snap on, or Koken are worth considering for certain things. Once you've used a Snap on ratcheting multi bit screwdriver ordinary ones seem like hard work! & Koken ratchets & socketry simply outclass everything else (including Snap on).

Rather than buying full sets one is better off just buying the sizes that one needs, enabling one to get better quality for a given outlay. For unless one is daft enough to own a BMW odd sizes such as 15, 16, & 18mm etc will lie forever gathering dust in ones toolbox!:)

As this seems to be a common thread, when I can find the time I shall compile a list of what I think the serious DIY'er requires.

A word of warning; Tools buying can become obsessive! When I look at what I have accumulated over the years & think of the money spent I wince!

Oh well; better go and polish my 4 Snap on torque wrenches, my large collection of air tools, my 60 odd Snap on spanners...Or shall I just go & play on my Lathe!:D:D:D

Cheers.

P.S. I should be careful about saying 'polishing ones tool' don't you think? MATRON PLEASE!

petevtwin650
23-08-07, 08:41 AM
Personally I don't think you should go any bigger than a 3/8th drive set for a bike. The sockets become too bulky in some restricted areas. Obviously some sockets will be in 1/2" due to their size but just get an adaptor. A breaker bar is a good investment as it saves wear on the rachet. Also be aware that even a 3/8ths drive will strip threads on smaller bolts unless treated with care.

I've got a1/4" and 3/8" Teng sets. The 3/8"s set has just about every socket you need, even got one for the rear spindle nut (22mm). It cost around 50 quid IIRC

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i184/petevtwin650/chain009.jpg

You can see the 10.12 17 mm sockets from the dirt.:rolleyes:

timwilky
25-08-07, 07:54 AM
I suppose size depends on what sort of spannering you tend to do. I still do too much on cars and the occassional light truck etc. Hence why the majority of my stuff is 1/2 drive.

In saying that I have just adjusted the GSXR chain. The rear axle there is 36mm. I did not even have that in 1/2 and resorted to my 3/4 drive stuff. and torqued by "feel" as I haven't got a 3/4 torque wrech. 1/4, 1/2 and 1" drive torque wrenches but ony a 3/4 drive 36 mm socket. Doh.

Keith1983
25-08-07, 08:00 AM
I know at work we sometimes use equipment by Britool, and despite their name soiunding alot like brittle they are pretty good. I think they're quite cheap but not sure how you would go about getting them?

Ceri JC
25-08-07, 08:07 AM
As a general rule, if a shop has 2 ranges, the cheaper one will be utter rubbish :) Halfords stuff is decent but they're sadly afflicted with 12-point sockets, which is just daft.

Yep, that is my only criticism of the range is that a lot (not all) of their sizes of sockets are only available as 12-point (which with suzuki's special bolt cheese = rounded nuts in no time).

yorkie_chris
25-08-07, 09:37 AM
One thing I forgot, draper expert make a kit of 3/8 and 1/2 drive bits, has hex, torx and the double torx fittings.
They're not officially impact strength, but I haven't managed to break one yet.

One of the best things I've ever bought.

Richie
25-08-07, 11:17 AM
+ lots more for Halfords...
get someone with a Halford trade card to buy them for you, as much much cheaper...!

Tiger 55
26-08-07, 08:25 AM
Anybody use these Stanley ratcheting wrenches or similar? "Ideal for all your rounded off cheese bolt removal issues" it says in the blurb. I've always fancied one (or a set even) but if they were that great wouldn't everybody have them...

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r161/tigerboz55/stanleywrench.jpg

squirrel_hunter
26-08-07, 11:49 AM
Not tried those but have a set of Iwrin Bolt Grips (http://www.irwin.com/irwin/consumer/jhtml/detail.jhtml?prodId=IrwinProd100517) and think they are very good. Only used them once so far to remove a caliper mount, but there was no way that was comming out without one.

Am tempted now to get some more of them...

yorkie_chris
26-08-07, 11:08 PM
Got something similar which I think is designed for plumbers to get hold of tap connectors behind sinks.
Good idea, but this one you can't apply enough torque to crack solidly siezed bolts off.