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[Webby the Bear]

Let's be honest, there's nothing wrong with the quality of Halfords Advanced/Pro tools. A double-hex socket is always going to round off a rusty old ''I'm not budging'' fastener.

If I was in a position where I needed to replace all my tools I would buy an impact socket set (small to large) (25 quid iirc) for when you need single-hex for the tough stuff. I'd then buy Hellfrauds 6-32 spanner set (50 quid atm). Then an assortment of ratchets, extensions and sockets.

[Marks DTM Calib]

Impact sockets are very restrictive due to the thick walls on them, hence only best used for impact purposes.

Often you need a good quality thin walled hex socket as your 'general' socket 

[Webby the Bear]

Why do they not sell thin-walled single hex sockets? I know they used to because I've seen them at college. but kits now put the double hex as standard

[Webby the Bear]

....or I should say: why don't they put them in the kits?

[Marks DTM Calib]

Because to do a good strong hex socket requires more precise machining (six walls to machine) than a bi-hex which can often simply be cast.....so hex costs more to make.

[Webby the Bear]

Because to do a hex socket requires more precise machining (six walls to machine) than a bi-hex which can often simply be cast.....so hex costs more to make.

 

Then it makes sense to not buy the kit and to buy them separately

[Marks DTM Calib]

But there are also 12 point bolts and nuts out there (e.g. Rover V8 big end nuts lol) to....so you need both.

A 12 point will do any with a risk of rounding a tight nut/bolt, a hex will only do a hex, so what you get in the kits is a cheaper option which does more applications.

[Webby the Bear]

But there are also 12 point bolts and nuts out there (e.g. Rover V8 big end nuts lol) to....so you need both.

A 12 point will do any with a risk of rounding a tight nut/bolt, a hex will only do a hex.

True, I've only seen them as big end and main journal bolts though. So I wouldn't be concerned unless I was dissecting a lot of bottom ends.

[Marks DTM Calib]

I have seen them on drive shafts, shock absorbers, starter motors etc etc, certainly not as common but they are about

[Webby the Bear]

I have seen them on drive shafts, shock absorbers, starter motors etc etc, certainly not as common but they are about

 

[chrisgixer]

I've used my Halfords sockets on my impact wrench with no issues at all. They take a pounding.

Admittedly its a small impact wrench as you probably know, and I have hardened 17 and 18 sockets as they are most commonly used, but the 15mm has done every car that I've fitted rear donuts on with my hitachi, and it's still going strong.

I really should get a hardened 15 for impact gun use, as it will shag the 15 eventually but for the money re quantity and quality of the Halfords kit does very well IMO.

[05omegav6]

Replacement sockets etc are also readily available for them too

[omegod]

I tend to hoover up blue point/snap on stuff like this off the bay as and when I need them, had some cracking job lots in the past

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/snap-on-blue-point-3-8-drive-6-point-17mm-19mm-socket-/181290818859?pt=UK_Hand_Tools_Equipment&hash=item2a35c65d2b

[relluf]

Going slightly off topic ,but I was given a halfords 150 piece set for christmas ,the hinge on the case was broken(no surprise) so off i went to swap it.
No problem just give you another one says halfords ,and I will check case is ok first,so he opens it all up and there are two extra hex drive sockets floating round in new case T50s. Oh ok he says its the bonus 152 piece edition !!
On getting home and looking again the three T50 are different the one that matches all the others has a hole or dimple in the top , the two floaters are solid topped. not really bothered but just wondering what should be the norm?
Also swmbo says although should have had spanner set included as offer, but they had non left so knocked money of instead. resulting in a very cheap set!!!

[chrisgixer]

The ones with a hole in the end are security torx or similar description. Sometimes used on shear bolts on ignition locks. Solid ones are much stronger. Where as the security ones shear off much easier obviously.