Tools opinions: need a 1/2" set, budget is a couple hundred
James (@jamesinc)
Oz Volvo Ice Fortress
in General
Okay, many of you are probably saying how the fuck did I rebuild an entire car from the shell up without even owning a 1/2" set, and the answer is because I am huge and have powerful, vice-like arm strength that can beat a 3/8" ratchet set into submission. Hell even my breaker bar is 3/8".
In my old age I've decided its time to source a decent 1/2" metric set, and I would be keen for opinions. My 1/4" / 3/8" set is Kincrome, and I am very happy with it, aside from breaking the small breaker bar (by putting 3 feet of pipe on the end of it and pulling too hard). And losing the 10mm 1/4" socket.
Keen to hear what you're wrenching with and if you think it's the thing I should buy.
Further notes:
- I own a selection of 1/2" impact bits up to 24mm for the rattle gun, so do not need a set that includes impact bits also.
In my old age I've decided its time to source a decent 1/2" metric set, and I would be keen for opinions. My 1/4" / 3/8" set is Kincrome, and I am very happy with it, aside from breaking the small breaker bar (by putting 3 feet of pipe on the end of it and pulling too hard). And losing the 10mm 1/4" socket.
Keen to hear what you're wrenching with and if you think it's the thing I should buy.
Further notes:
- I own a selection of 1/2" impact bits up to 24mm for the rattle gun, so do not need a set that includes impact bits also.
Past: 1985 240GL, 1989 740 Turbo, 1992 240, 1984 240GL, 1980 244GL, 1996 850R wagon (olive pearl), 1985 360GLT
Present: 1977 244DL, 1996 850R wagon (black), '91 240 GLE "Brapwagon"
Associated acts: '81 244 DL "Band-Aid", '81 244 GL Turbo "Billie"
Present: 1977 244DL, 1996 850R wagon (black), '91 240 GLE "Brapwagon"
Associated acts: '81 244 DL "Band-Aid", '81 244 GL Turbo "Billie"
Comments
The lack of sockets 24~32mm is annoying, and the supplied breaker bar is too short to be useful. I have a jumbo sized HD breaker bar which is great when you need it, but usually it's just too big and awkward. Something in the middle would get used a lot more than either of the current ones.
Quality is good. Haven't broken any sockets, even when really leaning on the jumbo sized breaker bar...
Kincrome is very good value for money.
My 3/4" sockets handle a 1/2" drive rattle gun regularly. No signs of warping or damage.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Stanley-Socket-Set-1-2-Drive-Metric-Imperial-40-Piece-/191964072189?hash=item2cb1f348fd:g:sHsAAOSw4CFYyq2N
Supercheap does it for $100 pretty reguarlly
This is the newer and IMHO better version
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Stanley-43pce-Combo-Socket-Set-1-2-89-509-/371724606648?hash=item568c835cb8:g:m6sAAOxyaTxTROG3
Yet to break a single socket or part of the set and they get used with the 1000nm impact gun on a regualr basis
I do use generic rattle sockets, they are made thicker, no need for sidchrome etc in that case, I love my deep sp socket sets also. But I do use 3/8 a lot when working on cars, my 122 I would alternative, basically based off the need for imperial at times. Or the rattle gun.
The main socket set though is Sidchrome and they have seen a lot of use over the years
I'm not a big fan of my snap on long flex head ratchet vs my gear wrench one. Same length, the gear wrench is a finer tooth and stronger, had to rebuild the snap on one twice now, and it's a hassle to get the parts.
Agreed, need 6pt in addition to 12pt
12pt loves to strip anything headbolt
I have added a few other sockets to it:
-1/4" deep sockets (3mm to 14mm)
-1/2" deep socket (10-21mm)
-Some odd sizes for different things
Keep an eye out for specials at the usual suspects, but decide what you want to pay for it in advance...
I'm sure Sidders has markets that sell anything and everything, Parklea /Blacktown weekend markets that I use to go to did, garage sales, deceased estates, swap meets are all places that I've picked up hand and power tools, even found SST's for flatheads, reamers and guides even 1/4 drive WB tension wrench and full BW35 service kit, just gotta look and barter.
http://www.totaltools.com.au/bahco-94-piece-metric-socket-bit-set-s877/i1047575/
I have Sidchrome now, it's ok but the ratchet itself is not a patch on the old Koken one, also the soft handles tend to break down pretty quickly when you have oily hands, even though it gets cleaned every time it's put away.
Once I kill the Sidchrome ratchet I'll probably buy a Koken 1/2" but keep the Sidchome sockets since they're ok.