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Having spent WAY too much time at home in the last couple of weeks dismantling and assembling flat pack furniture and never quite being able to get my hands on the right allen key or screwdriver from the various cheap, aging and broken sets I have in the garage, I've spent a couple of days doing the same with a mate who had a lovely little ratchet/screwdriver/socket/bit set that is decades old from Halfords and I can't obviously find it's current version on their weird website.
So I'm after something like the Wera set below - all the main allen keys, Torx, PZ, PH and flat bits and common sockets - but preferably not at Wera prices. I understand "buy cheap, buy twice" but is there a better value option?
This, all day long. Get it in a sale. The bit holder spring bust and I got a new one several years back, been fine since.
Next level are the Wera's with the 6 piece holder in the handle and extending driver, perfect for making sure you have exactly the bits you need with you. I'd call that complimentary rather than an alternative though.
I like the dinky Stanley 1-13-906 FatMax 1/4" Drive Set. £25 (B&Q/Amazon) to £30 (Screwfix)
Box is approx 5"x4".
The only thing that you'll need is a ratchet screwdriver but you might have one already
I've got the same kit as squirrelling and exactly the same happened to the bit holder. Took it to Halfords and got a complete new set as replacement, which has been fine. The tray in the bottom of the box lifts out, so I've put the receipt under there in case I ever need the warranty again.
I've also got a much bigger kit (probably equivalent to this one https://www.halfords.com/tools/hand-tools/socket-sets/halfords-advanced-100-pc-socket-set-735948.html) which has been excellent.
I can see I need to keep an eye out for sales at Halfords then
This is the Wera I was talking about. Excellent for carrying for a specific purpose if you know what bits you'll need.
You can get them cheaper elsewhere.
Not quite the answer: but the Topeak Ratchet Rocket is the best ratchet thing ever.
https://www.topeak.com/global/en/products/75-Mini-Tools/1158-RATCHET-ROCKET-LITE-NTX+
This is a game changer for assembling flat packs etc.
Ratchet screwdriver? Thanks to my dad, I have three snap on ratchet screwdrivers that if they ever break, I will replace. One he gave me when I left home, which must be, well very old now and I still seem to have to use it every bloody day and it still works perfectly.
That wera one looks good, probably not cheap though.
My wife bought one of those Bosch electric screwdriver things like above and they are ok, but the model she bought lacks power, perfectly fine for small stuff though.
EDIT agree about never being able to find the right bit for it though, I bought a Bosch bit set that came in a case, that had standard and very long bits, which has been invaluable.
This Bosch bit set
I have an Aldi USB driver and it's okay but not a patch on a proper ratchet set. They run out of power fast if you torque stuff up but as fine for flat pack assembly. Mine has a cutter that managed to trim some 2x2 industrial vinyl flooring for the shed, was well impressed with that.
Aldi are doing a 3.6v driver for 15 quid on special buy.
For flat pack I just break out the cordless drill, drop the torque down and pop the correct bit in the bit holder.
For almost the same price as that Wera ratchet set I'd get these. Way quicker and more versatile.
https://www.screwfix.com/p/mac-allister-msdd18-li-2-18v-1-5ah-li-ion-cordless-drill-driver/873fx
https://www.screwfix.com/p/erbauer-hex-shank-mixed-impact-screwdriver-bit-set-32-pcs/12492
I have a snap on ratchet screwdriver that I’ve had for 30 years.
I moved every 6 months for more than a decade, so it’s seen some action!!
Still works like new, although i did apply some black gold grease to the ratchet mechanism shortly after i was given it.
Still using some if the original bits, but i have bought replacements (bosch)
It cost £34 in 1991, currently available on ebay for £60-70.
Part number is SSDMR48.
For bits, i bought this: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0071IK9CI?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_WFB35V3765CWE9EMSAQN
Good quality.
I know the snap on stuff is expensive, but as it will outlast most users it is actually cheaper in the long run.
That Bosch set ^^ is similar to the Stanley Fatmax, but half the price of the Fatmax currently
I brought my son this for his PC build, it's really nice quality and I hope it lasts him many years, it stores hex bits in the handle.
Halfords Advanced stuff is pretty good and usually on sale. Even better if you can find someone with a trade card, or blag one.
Yup, their stuff seems to be made for them by decent companies, IIRC someone said the spanners were Britool and the torque wrenches are definitely Norbar with a different colour scheme.
Drill drivers are all well and good but are heavy and can be too bulky for flat pack stuff. Nothing wrong with them but if you're going for a driver then smaller is definitely better, I'd be looking at 12v stuff as a maximum for the more fiddly stuff. YMMV.
Halfords have 10% off this weekend by using PLATINUM as a discount code. Might help…