[Closed] Recommend a socket and bit set please

Love my Bahco set, seems well made and I’ve not had any issues for the 10 years I’ve had it.

Tbf I’ve always done ok with the decent range at Halfords (not their budget cheapie ones). I’ve got a 1/2 drive set that must be 17 years old now and none of the bits have rusted at all and I’m still on the original wrench. It’s had quite a hard life and the actual plastic case looks a bit sorry for itself but the content is great.

The 3/8 drive set I bought in a sale is the cheaper range and it’s fine, but definitely not as good as the 1/4 inch set

The Halfords Pro stuff is great. Pricing is up and down but there is usually something good being reduced.

Bahco rarely much more than Halfords pro

Much better kit

Sockets are 6 point for a start not 12 point bolt rounders (in 3/8s ....their 1/4 and 1/2 are availible in 6point. )

Halfords 3/8 bit set was also lacking a few key torx.....no T25 for example.

I ended up with sealey premier to have the full range.

(Fwiw I was gifted Halfords set by the folks when I was 21.... And it's been good and is still complete ...but I learned there were better options and upgraded now.)

Yeah, Halfords Professional have a lifetime guarantee. They offered to exchange a probably 10 year old Allen key set of mine after the 5mm one snapped recently. As the new version weren't nice long ball ended affairs, I didn't bother just found a replacement on-line, but good service non the less.

Halfords pro, had it years and its well used.

Halfords Pro always used to be massively cheaper on a 'Trade Card' - like less than their Planet X style 50% off deals.

I've not tried my card in 15 years but might still be the same.

The Hellfrauds Pro stuff used to be made by Sealey (might still be for I know now) and is certainly good enough for a casual home mechanic. I've got some that must be nearly 30 years old and most of it is still good. I upgraded to a briefcase set for convenience some years ago and apart from one broken 8mm hex key it's been spot on for me.

Sometimes the offers are better than the trade card price but are nowhere near as keen as they were 10 years ago. If you have an online account and register your trade card it'll show you the trade prices as well as retail.

Bahco all the way, no question.
Usually relatively expensive at retail price, but can be easily found at discount. I've several of their kits which I've used both professionally and at home for years and believe me, they make real pro level stuff

+1 on Halfords Pro, I have a set of 3/8" drive bits going on 20 years old

Echoing the above, Halfords Professional, Bahco, Facom and Beta.
All good quality, shop around to get the best deal.

Does Bahco stuff have a lifetime warranty?

The ability to pop into your local Halfords if you break one of their bits and get an (I assume) immediate replacement is pretty tempting, even if the actual product isn't quite as good...

Bahco

immediate replacement is pretty tempting, even if the actual product isn’t quite as good

Do they replace the bolt that the multi point socket just rounded off as well ?

I've literally just seen the delivery man has been at home for my 1/2" Bahco set.

If they're anything as nice as the 1/4" set I've already got I'll be happy.

Had a Halfords one for getting on 25 years though with no complaints.

I have Bahco and Teng kit for most stuff, both really good and the Teng is nicer in most ways but Bahco is usually better value.

And yep, agree with Trailrat about 12 point vs 6 point, I have a bit of Halfords Pro kit and it's all been grand but I avoided their sockets for this exact reason. It's just simply not as good, and it's bloody annoying to see good tools spoiled with it.

I've had no issues with Clarke stuff from Machinemart.

Another Halfords Pro user here, and very nice it is too.

Halfords pro