Which Socket Set?

[-bandit]

Probably been asked a million times.

Just bought a Bandit, don't have any proper tools and need to do some simple maintenance like clean the brake callipers.

Which socket set will do pretty much everything on my bike and at a reasonable price? Looking to spend around £50. Halfords have their 'half price' sale on their sets. Would any of these do the trick?

Thanks for any help.

[G]

Yep and this is the answer I give every time...

You won't get that comprehensive a socket set from Halfords for £50. For the record, it's not half price at Halfords - for some periods they have it at double the correct price, for marketing purposes.

These aren't quite as good quality, but cost less and have more useful tools covering more stuff:
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/380885568668

If you need spanners, the price of this silverline set has gone up a little, but still excellent value for pretty decent tools:
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/130787145446

[wodge]

Ive had one of these for a couple of years.. Its used daily at work with no complaints. You might want a couple of larger sockets but for general maintenance it hits the spot..

https://www.halfords.com/motoring/garage-equipment/socket-sets/halfords-advanced-professional-36-piece-socket-set-1-4
____________________
nolidge iz pouwur.
Yamaha RXS100 RS100

[-bandit]

Thanks for the replies.

I will only be doing a few bits and bobs on the bike, as I'm pretty clueless when it comes to this sort of stuff. The £25 Halfords set looks OK, I know they are always on "half price" too.

If I need any other sockets that aren't in the pack then I can buy them separately can't I?

Cheers.

[G]

[Ed Case]

[-bandit]

OK cheers guys. I'll pick up the eBay set as they won't see much use, just the odd job here and there.

I'll get spanners if I come across the need for them.

Thanks!

[G]

I'll note that only problem I had with the set I got was breaking the 1/4" drive ratchet - probably the halfords one wouldn't have broken in that situation. BUT in reality, I should have been using the 1/2" ratchet, will handle way more than the small Halfords one.

(And, saying that - my last Halfords 3/8" ratchet broke on the day I got it.)

Also - it's usually better to have tools BEFORE you need them .

[binge]

Unless you are looking to undo rusty or extremely tight nuts and bolts, sockets are sockets.
Just like spanners, are spanners. Regardless of the brand.

High end tools, like the Snap-On and MAC flank drive range come into a league of their own when you're working with damaged or difficult nuts/bolts.


Buy cheap sockets by all means. But spend the money on a decent ratchet.


Facom and Britool are good alternatives if you don't want to spend Snap-On or MAC money.

The Halfords Advanced range isn't too bad also.


Be warned. Tool buying can, and does get addictive.


https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/581919_10151494658615606_1683696771_n.jpg?oh=acbd966489d15250dc8325fa19e80af7&oe=55823DFD&__gda__=1434173682_147c5b438d75e6adb30d053f4df2c570

https://scontent-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/l/t1.0-9/526628_10151530425655606_1948991454_n.jpg?oh=3e20af69febe75e9a5fccc0a8a0883b5&oe=55BA929B

[-bandit]

Thanks for the help binge, that's an impressive set

[G]

I just went for the first one.
I've looked at a few of these and the quality seems pretty similar - as per Binge's comments, for most stuff and 'home use' it's fine.
If you pay a bit more you nicer ratchets with curved handles, but I think the mechamism is pretty similar. Some also come with nicer finishes, but usually paying a chunk more.

I wouldn't buy the wall drive set of these - I did and the tolerances weren't as good as they could have been.

For what it's worth, if I were to buy some sockets they would be the draper wall drive ones like these - www.ebay.co.uk/itm/120642376740 .
However, for your budget, you won't get a comprehensive set, while you will with the cheaper ones.
(The wall drive ones will generally manage to remove rusted/already rounded fasteners where others may not.)

[-bandit]

I have seen those draper ones, a review said that it does most the bolts on their bike.

As it's an old bandit, some of the bolts are rusty and might be a task to get off. Might as well give the cheap set a go and see if it gets them off...

[cheeseman]

The one thing I would add is that you should steer away from using those horrible multiple point type sockets and only get a set of sockets with hex cutouts that match the hex heads on nuts and bolts (sorry don't know the correct terminology for them ) The former seem to be excellent at rounding off when confronted with seized bolts.
____________________
XJ600S->Sprint ST 955i * ; Now ST1100 + W650

[G]

[FlightRisk]

I'm very happy with the Halfords 120 piece set that I bought after getting advice on here last year.
It's more than decent enough for my occasional use and I was swung by the fact that if anything breaks I can walk into any Halfords for a replacement - the lifetime warranty on the 'Advanced Professional' stuff.
I've had to add one big socket for the headstock which was about a fiver extra.
____________________
Honda CB500S

[1198]

I bought a Advanced set from Halfords as well, it's doing well. I have needed a odd size for the spindle on the Monster, buts that's all.

[wr6133]

I bought a Halfords advanced 120 piece a while back. I'd recommend to anyone, the tools are good enough but the deal maker for me was the ability to ride 8 miles to instantly exchange anything that may break. It's not comprehensive I've had to buy over time the occasional larger sockets, circlip pliers, etc but for basic maintenance it is ok. Box it comes in is shit though.

[GaryJM]

Another vote for the Halfords advanced/pro socket sets.
I bought the 150 one and it contains nearly everything I need.
Doesn't have a 32 mm socket thou which you need for the front sprocket on the bandit.
Does have a 24mm for the rear axle nut.
Buy cheap buy twice.

[G]

[GaryJM]

[G]

[binge]