Omega Owners Forum

Chat Area => General Discussion Area => Topic started by: D on 01 August 2012, 16:17:01

Title: Is this toolkit any better
Post by: D on 01 August 2012, 16:17:01
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_categoryId_255215_productId_862463_langId_-1?cm_mmc=E-Mail-_-Automated-_-Product_Browser-_-Reviews (http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_categoryId_255215_productId_862463_langId_-1?cm_mmc=E-Mail-_-Automated-_-Product_Browser-_-Reviews)

than the usual 150 socket set thats recommended by OOF?
Title: Re: Is this toolkit any better
Post by: horsecow on 01 August 2012, 16:23:58
looks like quite a good kit, too pricey for my liking and I've never bought from halfords before so dont know about the quality.
Title: Re: Is this toolkit any better
Post by: tigers_gonads on 01 August 2012, 16:30:58
Even better value if you can get you hands on a Halfrauds trade card  ;)
Title: Re: Is this toolkit any better
Post by: D on 01 August 2012, 16:37:50
Yes, I would love a TC, but sadly I dont have one/qualify for it. I will accept any friendly offers from around here  ;D .
Title: Re: Is this toolkit any better
Post by: Kevin Wood on 01 August 2012, 16:44:32
I'd say you need to look carefully at what's contained in the kit to decide if it's better or worse.

The old 150 piece set was a good match for the type of fasteners found on the Omega. This may not be. Ratchet spanners instead of combination spanners, for example. A ratchet spanner doesn't fit in every space a conventional spanner does.
Title: Re: Is this toolkit any better
Post by: tigers_gonads on 01 August 2012, 16:47:48
Yes, I would love a TC, but sadly I dont have one/qualify for it. I will accept any friendly offers from around here  ;D .


Where do you live ?
Title: Re: Is this toolkit any better
Post by: blackviper90210 on 01 August 2012, 16:58:19
I bought the Halfords professional 120 piece set and have been very pleased with it. Then again I'm not a hard core mechanic and only tinker with cars, but found it very good! :y
Title: Re: Is this toolkit any better
Post by: D on 01 August 2012, 17:05:39
Yes, I would love a TC, but sadly I dont have one/qualify for it. I will accept any friendly offers from around here  ;D .


Where do you live ?

SE London/Kent.
Title: Re: Is this toolkit any better
Post by: tigers_gonads on 01 August 2012, 17:15:09
Yes, I would love a TC, but sadly I dont have one/qualify for it. I will accept any friendly offers from around here  ;D .


Where do you live ?

SE London/Kent.



Bit far to pop and borrow it  ;D ;D ;D

I'm pretty sure you can order and pay for goods over the phone with your plastic if you can get a card number thats local  ;)
Title: Re: Is this toolkit any better
Post by: omega3000 on 01 August 2012, 17:16:28
Have bought a few tool kits from h'fuds , am quite pleased with the quality too .... they do some great money off deals now and then + lifetime warranty  :y
Title: Re: Is this toolkit any better
Post by: zirk on 01 August 2012, 17:55:22
Yes, I would love a TC, but sadly I dont have one/qualify for it. I will accept any friendly offers from around here  ;D .


Where do you live ?

SE London/Kent.

Might be worth sending P6UL K a pm, His Halfords Trade and in Dartford.
Title: Re: Is this toolkit any better
Post by: TheBoy on 01 August 2012, 18:05:04
I looked at the 170pc set the other day...

Compared to 'old style' 150pc, on the upside it includes
size adpaters
useable screwdriver bits
a very small breaker bar

Compared to 'new style' 150pc, it includes
size adapters
3/8th torx bit sockets missing from 'new style' 150pc
a very small breaker bar
I think it has more deep sockets

It lacks the rachet spanners from the 150pc set
Title: Re: Is this toolkit any better
Post by: TheBoy on 01 August 2012, 18:05:53
I bought the Halfords professional 120 piece set and have been very pleased with it. Then again I'm not a hard core mechanic and only tinker with cars, but found it very good! :y
150pc was always better value, as its always the same price if you catch it at right time ;)
Title: Re: Is this toolkit any better
Post by: TheBoy on 01 August 2012, 18:06:54
If you buy a Halfords Pro/Advanced set, keep the receipt safe. It has lifetime warranty (except rachets), but they normally insist on seeing receipt.
Title: Re: Is this toolkit any better
Post by: D on 01 August 2012, 18:12:09
I was going to get a 150pc set as my "borrowed" toolkit had to be returned to its rightful owner a few weeks ago.

But it would seem the 150pc set is now £149 on the website. Thus my interest in the 170pc set. Might as well get that unless the gurus on here think its a bad idea. In which case I probably just need to wait a bit for it to return to the usual £99 price.
Title: Re: Is this toolkit any better
Post by: Abiton on 01 August 2012, 18:14:00
I have my doubts about this lifetime guarantee thing.

Not whether they honour it or not, but if you'd really want an identical replacement for a tool that broke.

I injured myself slightly while snapping a 3/8 T55 bit from one of these sets (borrowed from work); I surely didn't want to go back and try to undo the same fastener with the same thing again.


It's no doubt a good selling point from their perspective, but is it really good for the customer?  :-\
Title: Re: Is this toolkit any better
Post by: TheBoy on 01 August 2012, 18:18:18
I was going to get a 150pc set as my "borrowed" toolkit had to be returned to its rightful owner a few weeks ago.

But it would seem the 150pc set is now £149 on the website. Thus my interest in the 170pc set. Might as well get that unless the gurus on here think its a bad idea. In which case I probably just need to wait a bit for it to return to the usual £99 price.
Sure the current price for 170pc is £129, normally £199.

I suspect the 150pc will be phased out once stock is gone.  I don't think the 'new' 150pc set (with the red screwdriver bit container) is as good as the 'old' 150pc set (thus I bought another 'old' 150pc set when I found one at a Halfords store).
Title: Re: Is this toolkit any better
Post by: TheBoy on 01 August 2012, 18:22:02
I have my doubts about this lifetime guarantee thing.

Not whether they honour it or not, but if you'd really want an identical replacement for a tool that broke.

I injured myself slightly while snapping a 3/8 T55 bit from one of these sets (borrowed from work); I surely didn't want to go back and try to undo the same fastener with the same thing again.


It's no doubt a good selling point from their perspective, but is it really good for the customer?  :-\
I know Marks DTM doesn't think the 3/8th torx bits are up for HG, but I've yet to break one.  I've split a socket by abusing it, and got through a handful of 3/8-1/4 adapters (not in my set, bought seperately), neither of which I would put down to poor tools ::)

The reason I tend to use my Halfords sockets over the Clarke Pro and others I have is because I have more faith in them. Machine Mart happily replace broken sockets, but as you say, it shatters confidence. And knuckles.
Title: Re: Is this toolkit any better
Post by: zirk on 01 August 2012, 18:22:52
I was going to get a 150pc set as my "borrowed" toolkit had to be returned to its rightful owner a few weeks ago.

But it would seem the 150pc set is now £149 on the website. Thus my interest in the 170pc set. Might as well get that unless the gurus on here think its a bad idea. In which case I probably just need to wait a bit for it to return to the usual £99 price.

The £99 150 piece instore deal tends to come up at least 3 or 4 times a year, normally over a Bank Holiday period, plus theirs sometimes an additional 10% if ordered online and collected instore bringing it down to 89 pound mark.

Some stores still carry the old style 150 piece set, which would be my choice.
Title: Re: Is this toolkit any better
Post by: zirk on 01 August 2012, 18:31:31
If you buy a Halfords Pro/Advanced set, keep the receipt safe. It has lifetime warranty (except rachets), but they normally insist on seeing receipt.

Got the Baby Ratchet swooped a while back in one of their Shops, waved it at the Saturday Boy whilst mumbling Life Time Blah, Blah, Ok I'll order you one He said, nope, I need it now can you not give  one from a Kit and order a spare for that.

Job done, walked out with a new one, think it does depend on who and what store and maybe be prepared to visit one or more on the same trip.

 ;)
Title: Re: Is this toolkit any better
Post by: Andy B on 01 August 2012, 18:39:48
If you buy a Halfords Pro/Advanced set, keep the receipt safe. It has lifetime warranty (except rachets), but they normally insist on seeing receipt.

Got the Baby Ratchet swooped a while back in one of their Shops, waved it at the Saturday Boy whilst mumbling Life Time Blah, Blah, Ok I'll order you one He said, nope, I need it now can you not give  one from a Kit and order a spare for that.

Job done, walked out with a new one, think it does depend on who and what store and maybe be prepared to visit one or more on the same trip.

 ;)

I got a 13mm ratchet spanner swapped. Staff said that the life time warranty didn't apply to ratchet stuff so I asked him to show me where it said so. He couldn't find it so swapped it!  :y :y
Title: Re: Is this toolkit any better
Post by: TheBoy on 01 August 2012, 18:41:14
If you buy a Halfords Pro/Advanced set, keep the receipt safe. It has lifetime warranty (except rachets), but they normally insist on seeing receipt.

Got the Baby Ratchet swooped a while back in one of their Shops, waved it at the Saturday Boy whilst mumbling Life Time Blah, Blah, Ok I'll order you one He said, nope, I need it now can you not give  one from a Kit and order a spare for that.

Job done, walked out with a new one, think it does depend on who and what store and maybe be prepared to visit one or more on the same trip.

 ;)

I got a 13mm ratchet spanner swapped. Staff said that the life time warranty didn't apply to ratchet stuff so I asked him to show me where it said so. He couldn't find it so swapped it!  :y :y
On the cardboard box...  ...which is missing on the display ones, so depends if they check stockroom stock...
Title: Re: Is this toolkit any better
Post by: Andy B on 01 August 2012, 18:50:38
.....
On the cardboard box...  ...which is missing on the display ones, so depends if they check stockroom stock...

It was a long time ago ..........  ;) ;) ;)
Title: Re: Is this toolkit any better
Post by: omega3000 on 01 August 2012, 19:24:28
I did snap a small extension bar but that was my fault jumping on it with a 3ft lever attached to it  :-[ dam wheel nuts  >:( just bought a new one  :y
Title: Re: Is this toolkit any better
Post by: Vamps on 01 August 2012, 21:25:12
I have damaged the odd socket over the years but  they all had either a hammer or scaffold pole involved.... ::) ::) ::)
Title: Re: Is this toolkit any better
Post by: Jimbob on 01 August 2012, 21:57:42
Ive bent a fair few of the torx, and wont use them for hard jobs, bought a good set now.
replacement guarantee been faultless around here.
Title: Re: Is this toolkit any better
Post by: D on 01 August 2012, 22:31:00
So whats the consensus? Buy the 170pc or wait for the 150pc to drop in price?  :-\
Title: Re: Is this toolkit any better
Post by: feeutfo on 02 August 2012, 00:02:42
Main difference seems to be in the ratchet spanners, with the 170 giving ratchet ring one end and open ended the other. Over the 150's ring spanners, with 3 extra ratchet ring spanners with different sizes at the end.

Try the description tab on each for what's in the box.

But I guess it depends how soon you need some tools?
Title: Re: Is this toolkit any better
Post by: TheBoy on 02 August 2012, 18:21:49
Main difference seems to be in the ratchet spanners, with the 170 giving ratchet ring one end and open ended the other. Over the 150's ring spanners, with 3 extra ratchet ring spanners with different sizes at the end.

Try the description tab on each for what's in the box.

But I guess it depends how soon you need some tools?
Good spot, I missed that when I looked in store. Hmmmm ::)

Shame there is no 18mm spanner, else I'd possibly buy a 170pc set, as it seems a bit more useful - combining the 'old' and 'new' 150pc sets.


//TB strokes chin, and ponders what trade price would be...
Title: Re: Is this toolkit any better
Post by: feeutfo on 03 August 2012, 00:53:43
Main difference seems to be in the ratchet spanners, with the 170 giving ratchet ring one end and open ended the other. Over the 150's ring spanners, with 3 extra ratchet ring spanners with different sizes at the end.

Try the description tab on each for what's in the box.

But I guess it depends how soon you need some tools?
Good spot, I missed that when I looked in store. Hmmmm ::)

Shame there is no 18mm spanner, else I'd possibly buy a 170pc set, as it seems a bit more useful - combining the 'old' and 'new' 150pc sets.


//TB strokes chin, and ponders what trade price would be...
But... Oh I know. You can't have too many Halfords tool kits. ;D

18mm sized tools, what is it with 18s?


It might well be cheaper to buy the 170 "IF" you need the full set of ring spanners. I got the 150 then bought the full set of ring spanners later. Which option is cheapest...?

But as Kev says. Ring spanners take less room in a tight spot.
Title: Re: Is this toolkit any better
Post by: feeutfo on 03 August 2012, 00:55:58
Ps, might be better to get the 150 and put the difference to a set of Torx spanners instead..? Or is it just the bast ward bolt that needs a Torx spanner?
Title: Re: Is this toolkit any better
Post by: TheBoy on 04 August 2012, 11:41:25
Main difference seems to be in the ratchet spanners, with the 170 giving ratchet ring one end and open ended the other. Over the 150's ring spanners, with 3 extra ratchet ring spanners with different sizes at the end.

Try the description tab on each for what's in the box.

But I guess it depends how soon you need some tools?
Good spot, I missed that when I looked in store. Hmmmm ::)

Shame there is no 18mm spanner, else I'd possibly buy a 170pc set, as it seems a bit more useful - combining the 'old' and 'new' 150pc sets.


//TB strokes chin, and ponders what trade price would be...
But... Oh I know. You can't have too many Halfords tool kits. ;D

18mm sized tools, what is it with 18s?


It might well be cheaper to buy the 170 "IF" you need the full set of ring spanners. I got the 150 then bought the full set of ring spanners later. Which option is cheapest...?

But as Kev says. Ring spanners take less room in a tight spot.
Its having a more complete kit in one box that I can lob in the car.

And as you rightly say, you can never have enough...  ...and Mrs TB wants to know what she can get me for my birthday ;)
Title: Re: Is this toolkit any better
Post by: TheBoy on 04 August 2012, 11:42:12
Ps, might be better to get the 150 and put the difference to a set of Torx spanners instead..? Or is it just the bast ward bolt that needs a Torx spanner?
Use one of the torx sockets in the set  :-\
Title: Re: Is this toolkit any better
Post by: r1 on 05 August 2012, 11:11:30
be carefull with halfords stuff as the deep sockets are a con :-[ :-[
they look the part but are only half as deep as they look.
so really they are just like normal sockets.
Title: Re: Is this toolkit any better
Post by: feeutfo on 05 August 2012, 11:15:02
Ps, might be better to get the 150 and put the difference to a set of Torx spanners instead..? Or is it just the bast ward bolt that needs a Torx spanner?
Use one of the torx sockets in the set  :-\
Last time I did a stat, on my 2.5 so a long time ago, I'm fairly sure a ratchet wouldn't fit. No? :-\
Title: Re: Is this toolkit any better
Post by: TheBoy on 05 August 2012, 11:20:32
Ps, might be better to get the 150 and put the difference to a set of Torx spanners instead..? Or is it just the bast ward bolt that needs a Torx spanner?
Use one of the torx sockets in the set  :-\
Last time I did a stat, on my 2.5 so a long time ago, I'm fairly sure a ratchet wouldn't fit. No? :-\
You have to bend the pas pipe down.

TBH, I crack with socket, then use an 8mm rachet spanner  :-X