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Chat Area => General Car Chat => Topic started by: TheBoy on 07 March 2014, 11:42:02

Title: Halfords 200pc Socket Set
Post by: TheBoy on 07 March 2014, 11:42:02
Just reserved one. Looks to be useful enough to own, and looks to cover most of my gripes with the previous 150pc set

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_1001919_langId_-1_categoryId_255215&cm_re=10cms+slides-_-Slide+1-_-godfather
Title: Re: Halfords 200pc Socket Set
Post by: TheBoy on 07 March 2014, 11:51:31
I won't pick it up until later, and got loads to do tonight - go to Halfords, visit outlaws, visit that dodgy used car seller going by the name of joshwyatt, then get to the ABS meet before 7pm for a beer and grub.

I'll try to do a review either late tonight, or tomorrow morning.
Title: Re: Halfords 200pc Socket Set
Post by: 05omegav6 on 07 March 2014, 13:42:25
That looks promising  :y
Title: Re: Halfords 200pc Socket Set
Post by: jonny2112 on 07 March 2014, 13:46:57
Busy night planned but sounds like it could be a good one  :y
Title: Re: Halfords 200pc Socket Set
Post by: Gaffers on 07 March 2014, 13:48:26
You forgot:

Make room in the kitchen for said toolset ::)
Title: Re: Halfords 200pc Socket Set
Post by: zirk on 07 March 2014, 14:05:03
Interesting, shame the breaker bar isn't a bit longer.
Title: Re: Halfords 200pc Socket Set
Post by: chrisgixer on 07 March 2014, 14:08:58
Just reserved one. Looks to be useful enough to own, and looks to cover most of my gripes with the previous 150pc set

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_1001919_langId_-1_categoryId_255215&cm_re=10cms+slides-_-Slide+1-_-godfather

Nah, too many screw driver bits. ::)


;D
Title: Re: Halfords 200pc Socket Set
Post by: 05omegav6 on 07 March 2014, 14:35:01
You and your bloody screwdriver bits ;D
Title: Re: Halfords 200pc Socket Set
Post by: chrisgixer on 07 March 2014, 15:24:42
You and your bloody screwdriver bits ;D
Is this the bit where I'm asked to explain my aversion to screw driver bits, but never actually do so? ;D


Although, seriously... Screw driver sockets on the other hand... never once have I felt the need for a screw driver socket with a 3/8ths drive. Allen keys or torx yes, pozi drive or Philips maybe once a life time, but flat blades on a 3/8th?

Impact driver yes, but these aren't impact screw driver sockets.
Title: Re: Halfords 200pc Socket Set
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 07 March 2014, 15:27:24
No proper spanners  :'(
Title: Re: Halfords 200pc Socket Set
Post by: 05omegav6 on 07 March 2014, 15:29:35
Cordless drivers tend to eat bits, especially in older screws, so it does pay to have a few spares knocking about...

Whether the shere number of bits is warranted in a set like this is a different question, and probably where your issue stems from :y
Title: Re: Halfords 200pc Socket Set
Post by: Webby the Bear on 07 March 2014, 15:40:45
Holy smokes... looks like a darn tootin' full kit there. Gear wrenches (sorry AndyB... ratchet spanners  ;D) missing?
Title: Re: Halfords 200pc Socket Set
Post by: Kevin Wood on 07 March 2014, 15:46:18
You forgot:

Make room in the kitchen for said toolset ::)

.. and put anything with a long handle "beyond use" before Mrs. TheBoy gets home. ::)
Title: Re: Halfords 200pc Socket Set
Post by: TheBoy on 07 March 2014, 17:52:54
Came out at £120.

Not opened yet, initial impressions...  ...frigging heavy!
Title: Re: Halfords 200pc Socket Set
Post by: dbug on 07 March 2014, 23:49:48
Interesting, shame the breaker bar isn't a bit longer.

Additional length of lead pipe  ;)
Title: Re: Halfords 200pc Socket Set
Post by: zirk on 08 March 2014, 00:30:39
Interesting, shame the breaker bar isn't a bit longer.

Additional length of lead pipe  ;)
About 1 meter of Alloy Scaffold tube is what I normally carry around, just in case   ;)

Got me out of trouble a few times now with locked wheel nuts,  :y
Title: Re: Halfords 200pc Socket Set
Post by: YZ250 on 08 March 2014, 09:12:34
Holy smokes... looks like a darn tootin' full kit there. Gear wrenches (sorry AndyB... ratchet spanners  ;D) missing?

On the contrary, I think they are all ratchet spanners with a distinct lack of proper spanners.  :-\

Title: Re: Halfords 200pc Socket Set
Post by: zirk on 08 March 2014, 09:44:36
Holy smokes... looks like a darn tootin' full kit there. Gear wrenches (sorry AndyB... ratchet spanners  ;D) missing?

On the contrary, I think they are all ratchet spanners with a distinct lack of proper spanners.  :-\
When they invent open ended ratchet spanners I might treat myself to a set.  :)
Title: Re: Halfords 200pc Socket Set
Post by: henryd on 08 March 2014, 10:19:29
Holy smokes... looks like a darn tootin' full kit there. Gear wrenches (sorry AndyB... ratchet spanners  ;D) missing?

On the contrary, I think they are all ratchet spanners with a distinct lack of proper spanners.  :-\
When they invent open ended ratchet spanners I might treat myself to a set.  :)

Seek and thee shall find ;) ;) ;D

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ru2gTbrlyBs
Title: Re: Halfords 200pc Socket Set
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 08 March 2014, 10:36:04
Came out at £120.

Not opened yet, initial impressions...  ...frigging heavy!

Looks like a good buy for the money, Mr TB. :y

If only I had the spare cash. :-\
Title: Re: Halfords 200pc Socket Set
Post by: TheBoy on 08 March 2014, 18:44:06
Sorry, not dragged it out of the boot of the car yet, and parked the Silver Bullet so close, I can't get to it.  I really should make an effort  :-[
Title: Re: Halfords 200pc Socket Set
Post by: 05omegav6 on 08 March 2014, 18:48:10
Leave it in there until next weekend ;D
Title: Re: Halfords 200pc Socket Set
Post by: TheBoy on 08 March 2014, 18:50:21
Leave it in there until next weekend ;D
Might need it tomorrow, as I need a scrapyard run.  That said, I may take the old 120pc set I bought last summer, as its not as heavy. Did I mention the 200pc is frakkin heavy?
Title: Re: Halfords 200pc Socket Set
Post by: TheBoy on 08 March 2014, 19:38:33
Got off my fat 'arris, and got it out. Not used it yet, obviously, but had a decent look over it.

If you've seen Halfords Pro/Advanced socket sets, you'll know what to expect, a set of good quality tools, with a lifetime warranty (if you keep the receipt safe!), except rachet mechanisms, in a suspect looking plastic case (that in 7 or 8 years of owning, I never experienced any problem with, but have seen wrecked ones).


What I like (compared with the 150pc sets they have done)
All spanner sizes from 8-19mm (the latest 150/170pc set excludes some sizes)
1/2" drive normal sockets go down to 15mm (all sizes 15-22, 24, 27, 30, 32) (150pc only go as low as 20mm)
3/8" drive normal go all sizes 6-24mm (150pc go 10-19mm)
All adapters included - 1/4-3/8-1/2 and back again
Deep sockets, all sizes from 4mm to 22mm, 24mm in various drives
Hex and Torx 3/8" drive bits (Dropped from 2nd/3rd generation 150pc sets)

What I don't like (compared to the 150pc sets they have done)
Spanners are rachet spanners, I'd prefer them to be traditional combo spanners like 150pc sets
Weight - it HEAVY!
All 3/8th and 1/2" drive sockets (apart from the 1/2" drive deep sockets) are 12 point, not hex (other Halfords sets the same though)
No long 1/2" drive extension bar, just 125mm one
Title: Re: Halfords 200pc Socket Set
Post by: zirk on 08 March 2014, 20:26:40
in a suspect looking plastic case (that in 7 or 8 years of owning, I never experienced any problem with, but have seen wrecked ones).
Its not the plastic case thats the problem, its the locks, and the owner, as in when you pick the case up having forgotten to lock them down, and the spend the next hour on your knees over a 6m area picking up the pieces.  ::)   
Title: Re: Halfords 200pc Socket Set
Post by: TheBoy on 08 March 2014, 20:55:05
Related, the 200pc has 4 clips, like the current 120/150/170pc sets.  Guess the side ones are to take stresses off the hinges when being carried?
Title: Re: Halfords 200pc Socket Set
Post by: chrisgixer on 08 March 2014, 22:00:24
in a suspect looking plastic case (that in 7 or 8 years of owning, I never experienced any problem with, but have seen wrecked ones).
Its not the plastic case thats the problem, its the locks, and the owner, as in when you pick the case up having forgotten to lock them down, and the spend the next hour on your knees over a 6m area picking up the pieces.  ::)   


Yep, Lazydocker did that with mine. PMSL ;D sockets everywhere.

He was quick the complain that the Handel is one piece on ONE half of the case. The base I think. So all the weight is carried by the base(?)/bottom half. The hinges and the clips then have to carry all the weight of the top half, rather than the Handel taking the weight.

If both the lid and base had the Handel in each, half half style/lid and base where externally symmetrical, that would help the clips, take strain off the hinges, and save the whole lot falling on the floor if it's picked up unlocked. (Snigger)

All the Halfords cases are like this though iirc. :-\
Title: Re: Halfords 200pc Socket Set
Post by: Andy B on 08 March 2014, 22:05:10
....
 ...., rather than the Handel (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Frideric_Handel) taking the weight.
 .....

What's German composer got to do with a socket set?  ???  ::)
Title: Re: Halfords 200pc Socket Set
Post by: D on 08 March 2014, 23:00:37
....
 ...., rather than the Handel (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Frideric_Handel) taking the weight.
 .....

What's German composer got to do with a socket set?  ???  ::)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3TUWU_yg4s (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3TUWU_yg4s)
Title: Re: Halfords 200pc Socket Set
Post by: chrisgixer on 08 March 2014, 23:37:26
....
 ...., rather than the Handel (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Frideric_Handel) taking the weight.
 .....

What's  German composer got to do with a socket set?  ???  ::)

Seems to be something missing in there Mr B.

I wonder what that could be.
Pedantic eejit.
Bury bell end.
Steve jobs DicKtionary.
AndyB the....

Go on, fill your boots. ::)
Title: Re: Halfords 200pc Socket Set
Post by: TheBoy on 09 March 2014, 09:09:00
If both the lid and base had the Handel in each, half half style/lid and base where externally symmetrical, that would help the clips, take strain off the hinges, and save the whole lot falling on the floor if it's picked up unlocked. (Snigger)
Like the 1st generation 150pc sets you mean? ;)

Sadly, the 200pc follows the newer style of one handle
Title: Re: Halfords 200pc Socket Set
Post by: TheBoy on 09 March 2014, 09:10:00
....
 ...., rather than the Handel (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Frideric_Handel) taking the weight.
 .....

What's German composer got to do with a socket set?  ???  ::)
Being an Apple fanboy, he has to seek Mr Job's permission to use each new word ;D
Title: Re: Halfords 200pc Socket Set
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 09 March 2014, 10:51:41
These sets are great, but it's a shame that they don't do a metric only version as I can't see myself ever using the imperial bits.  :-\
Title: Re: Halfords 200pc Socket Set
Post by: chrisgixer on 09 March 2014, 10:56:38
If both the lid and base had the Handel in each, half half style/lid and base where externally symmetrical, that would help the clips, take strain off the hinges, and save the whole lot falling on the floor if it's picked up unlocked. (Snigger)
Like the 1st generation 150pc sets you mean? ;)

Sadly, the 200pc follows the newer style of one handle

Steve jobs word filter, is much like the oof one.

Title: Re: Halfords 200pc Socket Set
Post by: chrisgixer on 09 March 2014, 11:01:15
These sets are great, but it's a shame that they don't do a metric only version as I can't see myself ever using the imperial bits.  :-\

Good lord. 6 years on here and finally some sense from Sir Digger. (<Steve Jobs word filter again ;D )

Yes I agree, however some sockets are the same size. So if you split the 18(I think) theres an equivalent spare in the imperial set. Same with 14 iirc.

But yes, bin the old mans tools. ;)
Title: Re: Halfords 200pc Socket Set
Post by: TheBoy on 09 March 2014, 11:33:12
These sets are great, but it's a shame that they don't do a metric only version as I can't see myself ever using the imperial bits.  :-\
Indeed, I would prefer a metric only set, even if same price (makes it lighter!! Did I mention its heavy :P).

Gixer and I found a use for an imperial socket...  ...on his scissor jack ;D
Title: Re: Halfords 200pc Socket Set
Post by: chrisgixer on 09 March 2014, 14:03:13
Oh yes. Good old Sammy.
Title: Re: Halfords 200pc Socket Set
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 09 March 2014, 17:08:11
These sets are great, but it's a shame that they don't do a metric only version as I can't see myself ever using the imperial bits.  :-\

Good lord. 6 years on here and finally some sense from Sir Digger. (<Steve Jobs word filter again ;D )

Yes I agree, however some sockets are the same size. So if you split the 18(I think) theres an equivalent spare in the imperial set. Same with 14 iirc.

But yes, bin the old mans tools. ;)

Wow! I think that's almost praise from Prixer!!  :o :o :o  :-\ :-\ :-\

Oooo that bleddy word filter!  >:( ::) ;D
Title: Re: Halfords 200pc Socket Set
Post by: Webby the Bear on 09 March 2014, 17:30:07
Yep I'm another one suffering from the case problems.... although mine are both broken at the securing clips and as previously mentioned I've picked it up forgetting and 'BOOM' sockets everywhere.

Re the spanners... that's a real shame. I'd want proper spanners over ratchet ones any day. But if you bought this kit with the 25 piece spanner set then you'd have the most complete kit in the world... barring the impact sockets of al sizes  :y
Title: Re: Halfords 200pc Socket Set
Post by: Nick W on 09 March 2014, 18:10:03
These sets are great, but it's a shame that they don't do a metric only version as I can't see myself ever using the imperial bits.  :-\

Good quality, reasonably priced metric only sets are common. It's the imperial bits that make Halfords sets worth buying. Aside from work and the Omega, most of my jobs are on older stuff which are all imperial or mixed with metric. Using just one set is a real boon.
Title: Re: Halfords 200pc Socket Set
Post by: chrisgixer on 09 March 2014, 19:28:12
These sets are great, but it's a shame that they don't do a metric only version as I can't see myself ever using the imperial bits.  :-\

Good lord. 6 years on here and finally some sense from Sir Digger. (<Steve Jobs word filter again ;D )

Yes I agree, however some sockets are the same size. So if you split the 18(I think) theres an equivalent spare in the imperial set. Same with 14 iirc.

But yes, bin the old mans tools. ;)

Wow! I think that's almost praise from Prixer!!  :o :o :o  :-\ :-\ :-\

Oooo that bleddy word filter!  >:( ::) ;D

Jobs aint wrong though, is he! ;D
Title: Re: Halfords 200pc Socket Set
Post by: TheBoy on 04 May 2014, 10:20:44
I'll bring this along to Wycombe tomorrow, in case anyone wants to have a gander at it.

If you already have a first or second generation 150pc set, this may not add enough value to be warranted, but if you have one of the later sets, or nothing at all, this may be a good buy at £120 (trade), IF you can tolerate the weight.
Title: Re: Halfords 200pc Socket Set
Post by: humbucker on 04 May 2014, 13:03:33
Keep the receipt - all Hellfrauds tools have a lifetime guarantee that covers damage (or even loss at the store manager's discretion). I went in to my local store yesterday and had a 1/2 ratchet extension replaced for free. They gave me a twin socket adaptor set too. Previous visits have seen ratchet spanners replaced (items I lost when I moved house) etc.
Title: Re: Halfords 200pc Socket Set
Post by: humbucker on 04 May 2014, 13:05:42
btw, the bits I mention above formed part of my 150pc set  :y
Title: Re: Halfords 200pc Socket Set
Post by: TheBoy on 04 May 2014, 13:15:36
Indeed, all Halfords lifetime warranties have a nice get out clause for them - the receipt must be presented. So keep receipt safe!

The lifetime warranties do not cover rachet mechanisms, as these are classes as a wear and tear item. Replacement mechs are available in store.
Title: Re: Halfords 200pc Socket Set
Post by: omega3000 on 04 May 2014, 14:49:11
Indeed, all Halfords lifetime warranties have a nice get out clause for them - the receipt must be presented. So keep receipt safe!

The lifetime warranties do not cover rachet mechanisms, as these are classes as a wear and tear item. Replacement mechs are available in store.

But some have been replaced free of charge i seem to recall  :y
Title: Re: Halfords 200pc Socket Set
Post by: humbucker on 04 May 2014, 15:57:35
Indeed, all Halfords lifetime warranties have a nice get out clause for them - the receipt must be presented. So keep receipt safe!

The lifetime warranties do not cover rachet mechanisms, as these are classes as a wear and tear item. Replacement mechs are available in store.

But some have been replaced free of charge i seem to recall  :y

...and some of my tools have been replaced without proof of receipt (subject to store manager's discretion).
Title: Re: Halfords 200pc Socket Set
Post by: TheBoy on 04 May 2014, 18:03:47
yeah, sometimes you can wangle things past some of the Halfords staff, but officially you need the receipt, and the ratchets are 1yr only
Title: Re: Halfords 200pc Socket Set
Post by: Andy B on 04 May 2014, 18:11:40
Indeed, all Halfords lifetime warranties have a nice get out clause for them - the receipt must be presented. So keep receipt safe!

The lifetime warranties do not cover rachet mechanisms, as these are classes as a wear and tear item. Replacement mechs are available in store.

But some have been replaced free of charge i seem to recall  :y

...and some of my tools have been replaced without proof of receipt (subject to store manager's discretion).

I seem to remember some legal bod on the telly/radio saying that you don't have to have a receipt.

I once returned a Halford's ratchet spanner, she asked for a receipt, I didn't have one but politely pointed out HALFORD stamped into the spanner so therefore I couldn't have bought from anywhere but Halfords  ;) ;) I got a replacement  :y
Title: Re: Halfords 200pc Socket Set
Post by: chrisgixer on 04 May 2014, 18:13:33
Yes its a bit daft. Clearly a Halfords product, guaranteed for life, and not unreasonable to be given as a gift.
Title: Re: Halfords 200pc Socket Set
Post by: TheBoy on 04 May 2014, 18:29:05
Retail is something I know a fair amount about ::)

You need to (effectively) prove proof of purchase, an the receipt is the easiest way. OK, it has Hellfrauds stamped on it. That does not prove you are entitled to the warranty.
Title: Re: Halfords 200pc Socket Set
Post by: D on 05 May 2014, 01:19:31
Apparently the reason they ask for a receipt is because a fair few of them are stolen from stores/storage etc. Allegedly Halford's policy of asking for a receipt is to ensure that you have legally purchased it. If it is a gift, then they have been doing gift receipts for a while now, so that shouldn't be an excuse.
Title: Re: Halfords 200pc Socket Set
Post by: chrisgixer on 05 May 2014, 09:25:16
Apparently the reason they ask for a receipt is because a fair few of them are stolen from stores/storage etc. Allegedly Halford's policy of asking for a receipt is to ensure that you have legally purchased it. If it is a gift, then they have been doing gift receipts for a while now, so that shouldn't be an excuse.

Assuming the buyer knows to ask for gift receipt, and then remembers to pass it on, of course. I'm aware of the retail rules. But they risk pressing off more customers and looking like they are trying to get out of the warranty a whole lot more than trying to catch thieves. Just change the busted bit and be done.