Socket set recommendations.

[NJD]

In need of a socket set that will enable me to do some light maintenance on my bike. I've window shopped but keep going round in circles so would like some suggestions, all I do know is that they have to be 6 sided and metric.

Sizes of sockets that I may need vary from 8mm-25mm a set that contains all of this range would be great but equally a cheaper set where sockets of the required size can be purchased to use on the ratchet work also, i'm getting a bit confused what sockets would work with what ratchet so a set would probably work better.

Argos, Halfords or Homebase as I'm able to visit in person and have stores fairly local would be ideal.

edit: and a 18mm plug socket.

Thanks.

[FlightRisk]

One of the Halfords Advanced Professional sets, lifetime warranty, get 'em when they're on sale. They're on sale every other week.


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Honda CB500S

[NJD]

[Vincent]

I like the Draper "expert" sets, esp the small ones but Bahco have caught my eye recently. For 1/2" sets, I find that just about anything does.
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Space Is Deep

[NJD]

All this 1/2, 3/8, 1/4 is not exactly newbie friendly, what one would I go for?

[Raffles]

[NJD]

How about this?

No 22mm socket though hmm of which I may need. I'd assume that this would just fit straight on the ratchet if I did need it?

[Major Doss]

Half inch is overkill for most mc apps, 3/8 good for most stuff if you have a feel for torque, 1/4 good up to 14 lbf or so, IME. Spunk cash (well, 30 sovs) on a decent torque wrench if you are unsure/newb.

Genuine question; Why specifically 6 sided?

[bamt]

3/8 is probably the most useful for general stuff. You can get small to reasonably big sockets in it, and torque wrenches. Almost everything on a bike can be done with a 3/8 set.

1/2 is good for heavier duty work, but you may find that the smaller sockets (e.g. 10mm) are too chunky to fit into small gaps (it still needs to be pretty thick at the top to fit the 1/2 inch drive). So, for example, doing the head gasket on one of our bikes the other day, I couldn't use the 1/2 inch set as the socket fouled on the casting next to the nut. The 3/8 slipped straight on. Tools like impact drivers tend to be at least 1/2 inch.

1/4 is best for tiny sockets - again useful to have for clearance purposes as they are physically smaller, or for more precise handling (you're less likely to destroy a small bolt using a 1/4 inch socket in a spinner than a socket in a 10 inch long 1/2 inch drive ratchet). It won't be strong enough for bigger fastners so not ideal as the only set. I'd buy this one last.

Short version - go for 3/8 as a first set.

[Major Doss]

[FlightRisk]

[Vincent]

Some to look at:-

https://www.uktoolcentre.co.uk/Shop/p~65901~Expert-40-Piece-3_8-Socket-Set.html?refid=GoogleShopping&utm_campaign=googleshopping&utm_source=GoogleBase&utm_medium=Product+Search&gclid=Cj0KEQjw-b2wBRDcrKerwe-S5c4BEiQABprW-KMR4KSeQHa0UgdjeM9BPzkfE4R9I8zkFxmgduy0ESkaAjqv8P8HAQ

https://www.lawson-his.co.uk/draper-31058-d40amb-expert-40-piece-3-8-sq-dr-mm-af-combined-socket-set?gclid=Cj0KEQjw-b2wBRDcrKerwe-S5c4BEiQABprW-H0ESSsqw8wmbf-PuqZ_GHUbAuSruQdupfuQflN4l2gaAlpG8P8HAQ

https://www.drapertools.com/product/43646/Expert-25-Piece-3-8inch-Sq.-Dr.-Metric-Socket-Set-in-Metal-Case

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bahco-S330-33-Piece-Socket-Set-1-4inch-and-3-8inch-/291456964489?hash=item43dc305789

https://www.screwfix.com/p/bahco-33pc-1-4-3-8-socket-set/34826

BTW...any set with a yellow plastic handled socket screwdriver you need to give a wide berth
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Space Is Deep

[G]

[Moo.]

Surprised noones mentined the lidl special when I eventually comes round again. I've been using mine for about 4 years now for general home mechanic stuff and its been perfect.

Lidl also have their torque wrenches in at the moment for about £17...
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A2 Passed 18/6/10

[c_dug]

From experience I'd imagine you'll end up buying more than just one set anyway, I have three plus a few odds and ends that I bought for special jobs.

I prefer six sided/wall drive as a rule too, that said I have three socket sets including a dirt cheap six side set and an expensive 12 point, guess which is the better of the pair!

The third is a midrange six sided set, the sockets themselves are decent quality, really nice fit, they've dug me out of a couple of holes with all but rounded bolts in the past, but the ratchet and breaker bar are cack compared to the decent 12 point set. If I'm doing a big job I tend to bring out both the midrange 6 side and the expensive 12 side, then use the six sided bits on the expensive ratchet.

Probably all sounds a bit mad but it works! What I'm trying to say is go for a decent quality set primarily, then add to it what you need to.

I'd suggest second hand by the way. You'll get way more for your money.
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I am a bellend, I am a man of constant sorrow, I am a gummy bear, I am a rock.

[Old Git Racing]

Another vote here for Halfords Advanced Pros, I use them in my job and never had an issue. For a small Quarter drive set I use the Aldi 'Worx' sets. Cheap as chips, decent quality.

OGR
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2022 Tiger Sport 660 2019 Street Twin 2003 K3 gixxer 1000 1998 Srad 600 track hack

[wots]

My only issue with the Halfords sets, having owned one. It needn't be quite so big if they made one with just Metric sockets. It's a hefty set to lump around (good though it is), I just wish you had the choice of metric only.
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Currently: Yamaha DT 125 LC2,Repsol Fireblade, and Bumblebee MSX 125

[G]

[MCN]

[stevo as b4]

I went the other way and started out with 1/2" sets and extra sockets, wheel/hub sockets, impact sockets etc.
As I spannered on car's for a while before bikes, with my own tools that is.

Then I built up a big set of 1/4" drive stuff, including extension bars, flexi drives, screwdriver drives and deep wall sockets. I've always found 1/4" drive to be the most used and useful size stuff on bikes, not 3/8".

As such I have a 3/8" low range torque wrench now, a stubby ratchet and about 7-8 3/8" sockets max, as I nearly always go for 1/4 or 1/2" drive items when doing job's and only use the 3/8" gear when I need to or can't get bigger 1/2" sockets or ratchets in tight areas to work on the bike.

My advice for OP is build up a good range of 1/4" drive tools, and bits, and then get a quality 1/2" set with the larger sizes in. That way you can tackle every job, and won't sometimes need anything bigger. And if you work on car's too 1/22 tools are essential.

[Vincent]

I have about 3 "tri-bar" socket thingies that I use quite a lot.....like a "Y" shape with a socket on each end......'saves you having to stick the socket set 3 or 4 bits together. You can't get as much leverage on them though - so not good for everything...handy though, esp the 10/12/13mm one. 10mm fixed T-Bars are handy too.
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Space Is Deep

[Undinist]

I got this 61 piece 3/8 inch RAC set for £40 from Argos recently - very pleased with it. The hex bit sockets and the extender bars are so useful. And the sockets go from 6mm to 24mm. It feels like good quality but I have no idea who made it. https://bit.ly/1M9kgUR

I combine it with a tiny 1/4 inch ratchet and an adapter so I can use all the 3/8 inch bits in small spaces.
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Current bike: K1100RS. Previous: CD200, GSX250, GT550, VFR750, K100LT, K1100LT, R1100GS, R1150GS, ZZR1100, Hayabusa, RSV Mille, MV F4 750S, R1, ZX-10, KTM Adventure 950S

[NJD]

Halfords 200 piece set.

1/4 - 4-14mm
3/8 - 6-22 + 24mm
1/2 - 15-24 + 27, 30 and 32mm.

Also covers 8 - 19mm in spanners a bonus since I need a decent set.

Can I just confirm that 12 sided sockets and 12 sided ring spanners would not damage the 6 sided nuts and bolts on my bike?

Please let this be the set I can't take any more going round in circles.

[Andy_Pagin]

If I was starting from scratch I'd just buy the individual sockets, bars and ratchets I actually need. If you buy a 40pc set you'll only ever use about four of the sockets. Better to just buy the ones you need and some matching spanners to go on the other end.
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[Skudd]

I've had a Draper set for over 30 years and it has been great, got myself another bigger set about 3 years ago and that has been good too.
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