Recommend me a compact socket set.

[andrewsmith]

Originally Posted by yorkie_chris

I really like my bahco 1/2" set, so much that I'm thinking of buying another next time there's a special offer, just because they're nice

The 3/8ths version my stepdad has is of equal quality.

We used to have these sets when I was digging up stuff and building fences and gates etc. so the sets basically lived their lives in a puddle of concrete and mud with zero maintenance and massive abuse. They lasted years!


However the 1/4" drive version I tried in the shop I really did not like, the ratchet felt cheap and the direction switch was not positive, any displacement from either side and it would spin freely. Not impressed at all as that would really f***ing annoy you and does not give good suggestion of robustness.

As you'll probably only take one ratchet then don't get the 1/4". I'd take the 3/8" and a 22 spanner. Don't forget some allen sockets.
But if you did go for 1/4" and take spanners to suit bigger stuff, then the teng stuff is great.

The Teng looks like its the winner

Originally Posted by yorkie_chris

I'd also add some pliers or a leatherman, a lighter and a handful of electrical crimp connectors and heatshrink, some black nasty, some cable ties, and a mini can of WD40.

It's not about what you can fix on your own bike, it's the fact that when you can fix someone elses you don't end up buying your own ale!!

Thats whats being added before I go away, Badger's GM ignition problem made that go in

www.facewest.co.uk for Leatherman stuff, not cheap but they have some of it reduced. I have a Charge AL that gets used on a daily basis along with the accessory bit kits which include Torx and Allen bits, various screwdriver sizes and even a tiny bit for fixing your specs.

www.cotswoldoutdoor.com also have them on offer now and again.

[SIII]

Have a 1/4" Drive halfords set and it is the best thing since sliced bread! Always use it to work on the bike and simply decanted it into a smaller tin to take around Scotland last easter. Get it in the sale and it is only £20.

Don't think the 1/4" Bahco set, I bought for work is a patch on it, doesn't have the same quality of feel to it at all and cost twice the price.

The facom spanner with inserts! Got one, quite expensive (Don't spend £50 on this - you will be disappointed) and i don't see it being much use on the bike due to the size of it, access will be a struggle, better with a 1/4 " socket set.

Had a leatherman for 10 years - yet to get me out of trouble! Nice thing but not a great tool.

At least with a 1/4" set - you can take the fairing off before the AA/RAC arrive! LOL

p.s. - I also carry an AA card as well.

[andrewsmith]

The facom spanner is a good investment, looked at them last year may still get one

[NTECUK]

If the mac man has any left might get one.
But only if its still st the mac promo price .

[andrewsmith]

Whats everyones view on a tool like this??

http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/pr...s-rapid-wrench

[Sid Squid]

A friend had one given to him on a promotion at the wholesalers - it's a bit flimsy.

That said it worked pretty well on small low torque stuff, but the arms are too long to be rigid if you need to turn anything that could remotely be described as tight.

[andrewsmith]

Cheers Sid
I was thinking that when I looked at it.
May aswel make a kit out of the box

Originally Posted by rictus01

as my compact socket set I have this, although the inside plastic moulding have disintegrated somewhat, it's never let me down in the 15 years I've used it, being 3/8 it's meaty enough for most jobs, but the case is designed shorter than the ratchet so will fit where normally a drive of that size wouldn't, I think Sid squid carries the 1/4 version of the same kit as well.

Cheers Mark.

I've got the Teng 1/4 inch drive set and it's more than up to the job of simple repairs on the road. If you require any more then you also need a workshop and more tools than you can carry. I changed some of the slot screwdriver drive bits for allen key bits as they're more suited to my bike

Mine came free with a mate's magazine subscription... the muppets sent two out so he gave me one set.

I second the Teng Tools , had mine since the early 90`s . Lozzo .... was that the set they offered you if you subscribed to PB or Superbike magazine ?