Tool sets - Recommendations

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neb

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#2807621 4-Nov-2021 17:16

1101:
Many tool sets have some totally useless tools . Weird size sockets & spanners, screwdrivers that have little use.

A great example of this, since you mention Allen keys, is Allen key sets that go down to mm or sub-mm sizes so they can artificially inflate the count on an X-key set. I tossed all the mm-or-less ones and then worked my way up the remaining ones putting a bit of tension on them until I got to ones that didn't snap any more, for anything below a certain size you need a hex-head screwdriver, not an Allen key.

Ge0rge

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#2807637 4-Nov-2021 17:59

Handsomedan:
I agree that getting the cheap ones is a false economy, but by the same token spending a fortune on tools can be just as bad - for example Park Tools make lovely stuff, but at $130 for THIS versus $35 for THIS, you really have to work out what you need and why.

I do quite a bit of in-home maintenance on mountain bikes so have a lot of tools, but I still won't pay for Park Tools. I'll get something less expensive, but nearly as good/highly rated.

The Park Tools version does have the short hex at right angles to the long, giving you the ability to put significantly more torque on a stubborn bolt - however you're 100% correct that you can find that for much cheaper with other brands.

With hex keys, be aware that the ball end versions - while fantastic for turning a bolt/screw that is slightly off-set - are also more likely to strip out the head of something rather stubborn. I find myself a lot happier to use the tool without the ball end to initially loosen something first. Bondhus make some really good Allen key sets, easily colour-coded red for metric and yellow for imperial to make grabbing the right set easier.

I've got a few JBS socket sets that I have got 15+ years of use from with very little issue - I think I broke the power bar on the 3/4" set very early on but they replaced it without question. I've also got a ROE spanner set from JBS that gets about the same use as the SnapOn set I have - in fact, if working outside I'll grab the JBS as it's chrome. The SnapOn set is anodised black so gets really hot in the sun!

Definitely agree with not getting screwdrivers with hard plastic handles - the original Stanley kits were awful on the hands. Felo make a very nice screwdriver, although I'd suggest buying the tools you wanted individually, not getting a kit - same as mentioned above, you can get the ones you want / need and not random extras.

Be aware too that tools become an addiction! I'll just get this one more, for this job...

Shindig

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#2807812 5-Nov-2021 07:35

Thank you for all the comments. I will go through them and check out the recommendations.

cheers!

The little things make the biggest difference.

1101

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#2807900 5-Nov-2021 09:17

neb:
1101:

Many tool sets have some totally useless tools . Weird size sockets & spanners, screwdrivers that have little use.

A great example of this, since you mention Allen keys, is Allen key sets that go down to mm or sub-mm sizes so they can artificially inflate the count on an X-key set.

I actually often use the 1mm , 1.5mm , 2mm allen keys , but I have better quality screwdriver form allen keys for those
Its a bit like the jewelers size screwdrivers , most dont need them, those that do will want better quality .

When you look at tool prices on bangood or Aliexpress , its a real shock just how cheap tools actually are before huge NZ markups .
And the quality is often quite good.

MikeAqua

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#2809397 8-Nov-2021 15:06

I've had good service from Bahco tools in general and in particular their socket sets.

Teng screw drivers.

Avoid anything by fuller - even their 'pro' series. Their squares aren't square for example.

Irwin make good stuff, too. I have their pliers and vice grips and they have been good.

Avoid cheap large tool sets.

Mike

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#2809407 8-Nov-2021 15:37

1101:

Many tool sets have some totally useless tools . Weird size sockets & spanners, screwdrivers that have little use.

A good example of this is working on a car. For example, if you had 8/10/12/17/19 mm sockets you could do just about every bit of maintenance on any Japanese car. Throw in a 14mm socket and you've got the bulk of the Euro cars covered also.

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