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[TheBoy]

With the Halfords set on offer once again, I thought it would be a good idea to compare these 2 sets from an Omega maintenence point of view.

This comparison is my own personal opinion from my own experience in owning both sets.

[size=14]Sockets:[/size]
Both sets include AF as well, but ignoring as not used on modern cars.
Halfords
1/4" drive: 4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13mm
3/8" drive: 9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19mm
1/2" drive: 20,21,22,24,27,30,32mm + 17,19,21,23mm High Impact
1/4" deep sockets: 4,5,6,7,8,9mm
3/8" deep sockets: 10,11,12,13,14,15mm
1/2" deep sockets: 10,12,13,14,17,19mm
Torx sockets: E8,E10,E11,E12,E14,E16,E18,E20
Spark Plug sockets: 10 (16),14 (21)mm
Extension Bars: 1/2" x 5" wobble, 1/2" x 10", 3/8" x 3" wobble, 3/8" x 6" wobble, 1/4" x 4" wobble
Adapters: NONE
UJs: 1/4", 3/8", 1/2" drive
Rachets: 1/4", 3/8", 1/4" drive.

High quality sockets, look well made, and I have not broken any despite over a year of abuse.  The standard sockets are a bit too shallow.  The E20 torx, as used on V6 crank, is possibly too weak, being only 3/8" drive.


Clarke:
1/4" drive: 6,7,8,9,10,11mm
3/8" drive: 6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,19mm hex sockets plus 6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,20,22mm 12 sided sockets
1/2" drive: NONE
1/4" deep sockets: 6,7,8,9mm
3/8" deep sockets: 10,11,12,13,14mm
1/2" deep sockets: NONE
Torx sockets: NONE
Spark Plug sockets: 16,21mm
Extension Bars: 1/2" x 5", 3/8" x 6"
Adapters: 3/8 to 1/4
UJs: NONE
Rachets: 1/4", 3/8", 1/4" drive.

A rather ill conceived set imho. Quality seems variable, definately below the Halfords set. You may have noticed a 1/2" drive rachet, yet no 1/2" drive sockets, nor a suitable adapter. There are some 1/2" AF sockets.  Like many sets, the Clarke is missing an 18mm socket needed to remove the caliper mounting bracket.

[TheBoy]

[size=14]Spanners:[/size]
The Clarke set includes some imperial sizes
Halfords
Combi: 8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19mm
Rachet: 8/10, 12/13, 17/19mm

Combis are massively let down by the slim design of the spanner, making it uncomforatble to use on tight bolts/nuts, which is a shame as they are decent quality otherwise.  The rachets work well.

Clarke:
Combi: 6,7,8,9,10,11,13,15,17mm PLUS a small 6" adjustable
Rachet: NONE

Thicker design than the Halfords, but the spanners themselves are too short to get any leverage - the 17mm, for example, is about 6.5" long.  Not really comprehensive enough to be useful imho.

[TheBoy]

[size=14]Allen Keys:[/size]
The Clarke set includes some imperial sizes
Halfords
1.5,2,2.5,3,4,5,5.5,6,8,10
Seem to be good quality, not much else to say really!

Clarke:
1.5,2,2.5,3,3.5,4,4.5,5,5.5,6mm

The set I have looks to be let done by a couple of them being malformed, otherwise appear to be reasonable quality.

[TheBoy]

[size=14]Screwdrivers:[/size]

Halfords
6 torx bits for a supplied screwdriver. Screwdriver has a facility for a 1/4" drive rachet on top of handle.
A selection of 3/8" drive slot/philips/torx bits.

Poorly conceived part of the set.  There is no facility to use the 3/8" drive bits with the screwdriver handle.  Sometimes, the 3/8" drive bits would be too large anyway.

Clarke:
8 normal screwdrivers
10 Jewellers screwdrivers
96 screwdriver bits with a screwdriver handle

The quality of the screwdrivers is about the same as you get in those 'Belkin' type PC toolkits.  I would expect them to need replacing after a little use.  The handles are uncomfortable in use.  The 96 bits certainly seems pretty comprehensive!

[TheBoy]

[size=14]Misc:[/size]

Halfords
No extras

Clarke:
38 drill bits from 1mm - 10mm (the smaller sizes have multiple ones the same size - a nice touch)
Pliers
Long nose pliers
Wire cutters
Slip Joint Pliers
Molegrips
Knife
Small hammer
Small hacksaw
3m measuring tape

[TheBoy]

[size=14]Conclusion:[/size]

Neither set is comprehensive enough to be a complete kit for Omega maintenence.

Halfords:
The Halfords set is missing a usable set of screwdrivers and a wrench/plier set.  Also, with no adapters between the different rachet sizes makes some things awkward.

Add some adapters, and a set of screwdriver bits from the £4 Draper screwdriver set from Tescos (as they fit easily in the case, and you have a (nearly) comprehensive all-in-one set that you can easily through in the car, just missing wrenches/pliers. The case is the typical socket set type design, so very portable (but fairly heavy!)

The quality of the Halfords set is very good, mainly let down by the thin spanners.

Clark
The Clarke set is much lower quality, to the point of I would be concerned that it may let you down.

From an Omega maintenence point of view, it is somewhat lacking.  It would need a rail of Torx sockets, some extra sockets, and a more comprehensive spanner set.

It comes in a drawer chest, so not so portable, but more convenient in the garage.



Overall
The extra 150 pieces in the Clarke set is mainly the screwdrivers (inc those 96 screwdriver bits) and drill bits. The socket set part is far less comprehensive than the Halfords set.  As a general purpose toolkit, the Clarke is a reasonable bet, but let down by its quality.  For Omega use, it is just not comprehensive enough.

I have used the Halfords set for around 18months, and if used in conjunction with a decent screwdriver set and a decent set of pliers/wrenches/molegrips, it is a very good set, mainly let down by the thin spanners.


Out of the 2, for Omega use, I would have to recommend the Halfords set over the Clarke set, if you can get the Halfords set at the frequent offer price of £99.99. At its normal £150, it does not represent good value for money.

[Jay w]

Good write up there TB  

Just as a side issue would it be worth compiling a list of specalised tools that would be handy to have as part of Omega ownership?

i.e. crowsfoot spanner, cam locking kit, that sort of thing

[CaptainZok]

I've got the Clarke kit and as you say the general appearance is of a budget kit.
The good thing with it is if you ditch the plastic inserts it will hold a lot of extra tools so you can add anything you find lacking and still keep all your tools together.
After having my old tool box stolen I look on the Clarke as being a reasonably comprehensive starter set to add to and when something breaks I can replace with one of better quality.

[TheBoy]

I've got the Clarke kit and as you say the general appearance is of a budget kit.
The good thing with it is if you ditch the plastic inserts it will hold a lot of extra tools so you can add anything you find lacking and still keep all your tools together.
After having my old tool box stolen I look on the Clarke as being a reasonably comprehensive starter set to add to and when something breaks I can replace with one of better quality.

I probably would say but the chest on its own for around £40, and buy the socket rails, rachets, screwdrivers etc seperately.  It will cost a little more, but will be much better kit.

[JamesV6CDX]

Very good writeup TB, and I agree for the best part of it.

I was bought a clarke set for Christmas once, so having used that, and your halfords set numerous times, I prefer the halfords one.

It may not be entirely comprehensive, however I think it's the best collection of tools in one portable case that you can buy when it's at £99...

I may even pick one up myself for that price.

[Taxi_Driver]

Good write up TB  

I wonder if you get 20% discount with a Halfords trade card on the £99 price......or doesnt count coz the set is already discounted  :-/

I mention 20%.......the halfords card varies on what you buy.....but tools seem to be 20% usually

[Chopsdad]

Good write up TB  

I wonder if you get 20% discount with a Halfords trade card on the £99 price......or doesnt count coz the set is already discounted  :-/

I mention 20%.......the halfords card varies on what you buy.....but tools seem to be 20% usually

No, but you do get 5% even though it's on offer.

How can I be sure? :-/ Cos I bought one last week   I missed the last offer by 1 day  

I even used a socket last week to remove the sump plug, but it's all clean and tucked back in it's box now

[Tony H]

Great write up there T.B  :yit would have taken me two bl**dy weeks with my typing speed