Basic tool kit

ianjmatt · Jan 23rd, 2013, 10:22

If I had to build a basic tool kit from scratch what should be included - i.e. what size sockets and ratchet drive, spanners etc?

Also - what brands balance economy and quality the best?

Cheers!

DWM · Jan 23rd, 2013, 10:36

Useful recent thread:

http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=169553

My approach on sizes and choice of tools was simply to start with a ratchet (I bought a half-inch one to start with but it could equally have been 3/8") and by buying the right socket for each job I did on the car. Then fill in the gaps and it's amazing how quickly and painlessly you build up a complete set.

Other tools I again bought as needed, spreading the cost. But obvously it makes sense to look out for special offers on complete kits.

Andy Northface · Jan 23rd, 2013, 11:53

E bay and car boot sales are good for S/H tools as well,.I have picked up most of my spanners from car boot sales ( Britool/Halfords pro/ One King Dick 10mm spanner ( My favourite )

and if I need a spanner that I haven't got in a hurry,I go to my local car shop and buy a "Laser" . Cheap but good enough for me! If you buy sockets,make sure they are hex-heads so you reduce the risk of rounding off. I have a 1/2" ,3/8's all loose and a 1/4" socket set ( Stanley )

Ninja59 · Jan 23rd, 2013, 14:31

Managed to find my halfords professional ones down from 100 ish to 50 or so

. really good quality and regularly on offer.

S60 PNV · Jan 23rd, 2013, 14:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ninja59

Managed to find my halfords professional ones down from 100 ish to 50 or so

. really good quality and regularly on offer.

I didn't buy on of those kits in the end becaus the one thing they don't include is a 15mm spanner which is a pain as that was the one size I needed for the brakes.

So I bought various separates including a nice quality spanner set, and a nice bag to keep them in.

Ninja59 · Jan 23rd, 2013, 14:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by S60 PNV

I didn't buy on of those kits in the end becaus the one thing they don't include is a 15mm spanner which is a pain as that was the one size I needed for the brakes.

So I bought various separates including a nice quality spanner set, and a nice bag to keep them in.

Lucky for me not needed a 15mm spanner (yet), 7,8,13,14 - who knew a micra windscreen bolt would be 14mm yet a volvo's 13mm! Bit overkill by Nissan.

Jan 23rd, 2013, 10:22	#1
ianjmatt New Member Last Online: Jun 30th, 2014 18:42 Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Shropshire	Basic tool kit If I had to build a basic tool kit from scratch what should be included - i.e. what size sockets and ratchet drive, spanners etc? Also - what brands balance economy and quality the best? Cheers!

Jan 23rd, 2013, 10:36	#2
DWM VOC Member Last Online: Apr 4th, 2023 18:13 Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Oxford	Useful recent thread: http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=169553 My approach on sizes and choice of tools was simply to start with a ratchet (I bought a half-inch one to start with but it could equally have been 3/8") and by buying the right socket for each job I did on the car. Then fill in the gaps and it's amazing how quickly and painlessly you build up a complete set. Other tools I again bought as needed, spreading the cost. But obvously it makes sense to look out for special offers on complete kits. __________________ (Formerly) 1988 745 B230K (Phoenix)

Jan 23rd, 2013, 11:53	#3
Andy Northface Where's that 18mm socket? Last Online: Apr 25th, 2016 23:01 Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Normally in the dog house, Chester-Le-Street	E bay and car boot sales are good for S/H tools as well,.I have picked up most of my spanners from car boot sales ( Britool/Halfords pro/ One King Dick 10mm spanner ( My favourite ) and if I need a spanner that I haven't got in a hurry,I go to my local car shop and buy a "Laser" . Cheap but good enough for me! If you buy sockets,make sure they are hex-heads so you reduce the risk of rounding off. I have a 1/2" ,3/8's all loose and a 1/4" socket set ( Stanley )

Jan 23rd, 2013, 14:31	#4
Ninja59 Probably Akita's Toyboy.. Last Online: Dec 27th, 2023 22:24 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: A House.	Managed to find my halfords professional ones down from 100 ish to 50 or so . really good quality and regularly on offer.

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