Tool Kit for a beginner

[flimper]

Looking at removing the windscreen wipers and cowl to get rid of any rubbish that's in there, but I don't have a tool kit to speak of and thought it was about time I invested. Halfords seem to get good reviews, I don't want to spend too much but also don't want a load of c**p. Was thinking of this unless anybody can advise me otherwise?

Halfords 65 Piece Socket Set 1/4" 3/8"

£34.99

http://www.halfords.com/workshop-tools/tools/socket-sets/halfords-65-piece-socket-set-1-4-3-8

 

[Mister T]

It's a very good starter set.

However, with the current 50% discount the 120 piece kit is a bargain for £80:

http://www.halfords.com/workshop-tools/tools/socket-sets/halfords-advanced-professional-120-piece-socket-set

 

[Machine monkey]

That would be a good start and has most of what you need.
Dangerous game to start. Buying tools is like modifying cars. Well for me anyway i just dont know when to stop!!

 

[mr.tourette]

Buy cheap buy twice...This is especially true when it comes to tools, Id go for one of the halfords pro sets... pricier but worth every penny with the lifetime guarantee
http://www.halfords.com/workshop-tools/tools/socket-sets/halfords-advanced-professional-170-piece-socket-ratchet-spanner-set

 

[HLBMWZ4E85]

Looking at removing the windscreen wipers and cowl to get rid of any rubbish that's in there, but I don't have a tool kit to speak of and thought it was about time I invested. Halfords seem to get good reviews, I don't want to spend too much but also don't want a load of c**p. Was thinking of this unless anybody can advise me otherwise?

Halfords 65 Piece Socket Set 1/4" 3/8"

£34.99

http://www.halfords.com/workshop-tools/tools/socket-sets/halfords-65-piece-socket-set-1-4-3-8

Not to put you off or anything, but this same set was 15/18 2 weeks ago, when I bought it

 

[Mister T]

Not to put you off or anything, but this same set was 15/18 2 weeks ago, when I bought it

That is something to be careful of in Halfords, always worth going for whatever is on sale as they change the offers every week.

 

[flimper]

Bought the 120pc for £80, thanks guys

 

[PerryGunn]

Dangerous game to start. Buying tools is like modifying cars. Well for me anyway i just dont know when to stop!!

Me too... face it Matt, it's a hard life being a tool whore... :wink

 

[ben g]

I got the 200 piece Halfords professional set for Christmas. £125. Managed to drop the exhaust and loads of other bits, aswell as replace the handbrake cables and brakes all round with it. Very handy set to have.

 

[Machine monkey]

Dangerous game to start. Buying tools is like modifying cars. Well for me anyway i just dont know when to stop!!

Me too... face it Matt, it's a hard life being a tool whore... :wink

I just dont have the cash to keep up with my habit. I might have to start robbing old ladies outside of post offices!!

 

[stuartC]

flimper these are an essential in my tool kit:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/kin-Swear-Jar-Money-Box/dp/B0064OCHQQ

http://www.boots.com/en/Boots-Fabric-Plasters-20-Assorted_1121269/

 

[Taz]

for most diy stuff i think 3/8th drive is good enough

the halfords proffesional range are very good

 

[flimper]

flimper these are an essential in my tool kit:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/kin-Swear-Jar-Money-Box/dp/B0064OCHQQ

http://www.boots.com/en/Boots-Fabric-Plasters-20-Assorted_1121269/

I'll definitely need a supply!

 

[GuidoK]

I think as a base set a 1/4" + 1/2" is a better starting point. Lots of bolts on brakes and suspension have to be pretty tight and can easily exceed the 3/8" maximum torque.

3/8" is convenient to have as it's lighter and smaller, but I see it more as an extra and not a necessity.
Also you dont need the imperial stuff when you stick to modern european cars like your bmw.
Instead I'd go for a set (with 1/2" drive) that has sockets larger than 19mm.
And with a T adapter & long extension or a breaker bar.
The halfords set is very limited (it has a matching price though). It doesnt even have a seperate 1/4" ratchet. That's something you'll want too.

If you have an old english car that hasn't completely dissolved yet you need the imperial stuff.

And obviously there's no such thing as too many tools

 

[skelters]

How about this 1001 piece Toolkit....

https://www.toolorders.co.uk/Hand_T...ed_TCMM1001N?gclid=CI_kpNCl18oCFQoOwwodfKQMhw

 

[PerryGunn]

Dangerous game to start. Buying tools is like modifying cars. Well for me anyway i just dont know when to stop!!

Me too... face it Matt, it's a hard life being a tool whore... :wink:

I just dont have the cash to keep up with my habit. I might have to start robbing old ladies outside of post offices!!

If I were you, I'd try mugging them outside building sites... much more likely to be carrying tools then... :wink:

 

[srhutch]

How about this 1001 piece Toolkit....

https://www.toolorders.co.uk/Hand_T...ed_TCMM1001N?gclid=CI_kpNCl18oCFQoOwwodfKQMhw

That's the Excel equivalent of a toolset. I.E. You will use less than 10% of it :lol:

 

[ronk]

I think as a base set a 1/4" + 1/2" is a better starting point.

That gets my vote - along with a set of combination spanners!

 

[hopz121]

I think as a base set a 1/4" + 1/2" is a better starting point.

That gets my vote - along with a set of combination spanners!

+1 I have a full 1/2 drive and a full 1.4 drive socket set and they get used 99% of the time.

I have the Halfords professional stuff and I cant fault the quality if i'm honest, another good buy is a torque wrench and also a set of ratchet spanners.

other handy parts are a set of 1/2 drive Torx and Hex sockets

 

[PerryGunn]

...another good buy is a torque wrench and also a set of ratchet spanners....

+1 on the ratchet spanners, they can be a godsend when things are tight

IMO, it's also worth having two torque wrenches to cover low-range and high-range requirements