Socket sets

[millo777]

I've been browsing around the interweb for a some prices on socket sets as my old halfords 3/8 drive kit is past it's best, and noticed what looks like the same set sold by many different manufacturers at wildly differing price points.

Just wondered if I'm missing something, or are these really are all identical (Same quality?) with slight changes to the plastic ratchet handles?


Laser tools £125.94
http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/laser-3671-94-piece-socket-set

Maplin own brand £49.99
http://www.maplin.co.uk/94-piece-automotive-socket-set-223263

Duratool £57.46
SOCKET SET, 94PC - D00201 - DURATOOL

Rolson £76.46
Rolson 36255 CRV Socket Set (94 Pieces): Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools

Bluespot tools £40.98
01508 Blue Spot 94pce Socket Set

Amtech tools £48
Buy Am-tech 94Pc 1/2" & 1/4" Dr. Socket Set I0640 from our Hand Tools range - Tesco.com

Unbranded ebay special £32.50 (about 10 different sellers stock them)
94PC 1/2" & 1/4" Socket Screwdriver Tool Torx Bits Box Set Chrome Vanadium | eBay

 

[sinewave]

None of the above!

Teng Tools all day long!

Teng Socket Sets available at Socketry

 

[millo777]

I would like to splash out and get Teng or Bluepoint/Snap-on, but I don't really do enough to justify the extra cost, though I may well end up going that route.

re the links, I was really just curious as to whether they were likely to be identical, or similar but made to different olerances/standards. The same applies to the halfords professional tools which are identical to the ones sold in B&Q under the Torq brand.

 

[Alex]

Probably made by the same manufacturer and rebranded for different customers.


My small tool collection. I am a screwdriver man. I use them absolutely everywhere and have a few more sets scattered around the house and garage. Just because.

 

[corned]

I have to agree with sinewave. My Teng socket set is almost 30 years old and, despite much effort, I have still failed to get any piece of it to break. Oh, how I've tried! Absolutely indestructible.

 

[Peter DLM]

I only ever use Beta or Snap On these days. I went down the cheap and cheerful route and regretted it often. Life is easier with the correct tool that you can depend on.

 

[silver_star]

Costco looked to have a good socket set last time I was in. IIRC it was around £65ish but had 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 drive ratchets and a good selection of sockets and extensions.

I have had a draper expert 1/2" for about 8 or 9 years which has served me well.

 

[chubbs111]

you would be amazed at the halfords set its actually made by sykes pikavant lifetime warranty and virtually unbreakable

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

I have three Halfords Professional sets - huge, mid size and dinky - all excellent value when on special offer.

 

[Peter DLM]

Halfords Pro I would use.

 

[martyz]

Halfords Pro not too bad, Draper expert better,Snap-on/MAC now you are serious.

 

[grober]

Rumour is that Halfords professional range is made by Facom.

 

[trapperjohn]

Rumour is that Halfords professional range is made by Facom.

Facom. Not such a brilliant brand name said with a Mockney accent.

 

[nick mercedes]

Something like this:

Forge Steel Mechanics Tool Set 83Pcs | Screwfix.com

would be fine for home use, no need for snap-on.

 

[chubbs111]

Facom. Not such a brilliant brand name said with a Mockney accent.

it may not be a brand people have heard of but they are excellent quality and facom own britool

 

[martyz]

Something like this:

Forge Steel Mechanics Tool Set 83Pcs | Screwfix.com

would be fine for home use, no need for snap-on.

out of interest what brand of tools do you use?

 

[nick mercedes]

out of interest what brand of tools do you use?

I brought one of these:

Forge Steel Socket Set ½" 17 Pieces | Screwfix.com

And have been quite happy with it.

They're all made in Taiwan/China anyway, so unless you buy snap-on/mac you'll end up with much of a muchness.

 

[nick mercedes]

I've been browsing around the interweb for a some prices on socket sets as my old halfords 3/8 drive kit is past it's best, and noticed what looks like the same set sold by many different manufacturers at wildly differing price points.

Where they all come from:

94 Piece Socket Set-94 Piece Socket Set Manufacturers, Suppliers and Exporters on Alibaba.com

 

[brigadier]

I have a facom 1/2 inch set - it's great. halfords professional are good as well.

 

[guydewdney]

another vote for halfords professional - 4 foot scaffold pole on a 1/2" ratchet and 14 stone bloke sat on the end of it and it doesnt break is saying something....

I do also have a teng tools 1/8" drive micro set - and I have stood on the end of the (3" long) ratchet which is the size of a small 8mm spanner.... impressive. The switch for fwds backwards is tiny - like 2mm long