Opinions vary I know but I am looking to buy (instead of constantly borrow) a 1/2" socket set.

Cheapy PR of TW sets: I have borrowed one of these, needless to say, the 13mm is not quite 13mm bodgey quality for bodgey price can't complain i guess

KC Tools: Borrowed this set from my cousin, it's his second set of sockets, his other ones are Snap Ons. I like this KC tools set. Very good quality...

Kinkrome: Makka's set is kinkrome and I have had a chance to use some of his tools and I like them too... although the KC Tools sockets seem to be chrome and the Kinkrome are... errr dull?? Hey not that polished chrome makes the mini go faster but you know...

Sidchrome: I seen this set at Bunnings for $200. It's not bad, looks much like the KC Tools set...

Snap On: Forget it! I aint made of solid gold and neither is my wallet!

Opinions?? Should I buy sockets and socket wrench separate? My cousin was saying, buy KC tools or similar sockets, but buy a Snap on wrench as it is ultimate quality. Are they interchangeable?? So long as they are 1/2" square sockets right?

What sets do you guys use?

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Lillee - 1969 Morris Mini K

I have Snap-On sockets. Got them all for free from my old work.

I use a Metrinch Socket set at home. Bought it over 10 years ago, restored about 5 cars with it. Absolutely love it. Solid as a rock. I am not sure if they still make them, but the idea is that they fit metric AND imperial nuts and bolts.....brilliant...

Working on Mini's you'll need imperial, anything else mostly metric. An extra 1/2" ratchet drive is handy and double up 1/2" socket, open and ring spanners - it's amazing how many times you need 2 of the same size for both ends of the bolt and it also needs to be the same type as well(due to reach, location etc).

I find the that some of the second hand shops (not Ca$h converters as their prices are near new - try the Op shops) have have a treasure chest of assorted sizes to rumage through -anything from 20c to a $ each - you can get some real bargains.

David L

Yeah makka was telling me to head for the op shops and money lends... hrmmm

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Lillee - 1969 Morris Mini K

hey jam, how much are those metrinch ones worth? my step dad has some and swears by them..........i dont half mind them either but wasnt too sure if i could afford a set of spanners and sockets........

btw, for those that dont know, they work by putting pressure on the flats of the nuts, not the points, hence reducing the possibility of rounding....good idea eh?

http://www.metrinch-tools.com/

Cool idea...

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Lillee - 1969 Morris Mini K

Wow the sockets fit both metric and imperial because of the design! fully sick....

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Lillee - 1969 Morris Mini K

New question: Warranty... should I worry about this or not? The Metrinch 24pc set is $270 with 12 months warranty only... I mean even the kincrome/sidchrome ones are lifetime warranty...

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Lillee - 1969 Morris Mini K

i personally wouldnt be too worried, as JAM said, hes used them to restore several cars, and my step dad has had his for years without any problems......

hey where did you find the prices?

my sockets came from k mart, my socket driver came from supercheap. No issues with either of them and i bought them over five years ago. spanners i buy from supercheap for a dollar each. for a dollar, if it breaks who cares. none have yet. I believe you should have good tools, but if you can't afford them you make do.

hey aaron i bought a whole stack of tools from supercheap a while back, they've all been stolen since ...but thats not my point....you must have got lucky cos i bought their "super works gold class" (or whatever its called) stuff and it was absolutle rubbish...the wrench stopped working completely after about a week, two spanners broke and then it was all stolen......all in all i spent about $200 on a decent array of sockets and spanners and after two weeks they were falling apart....... i wasnt very happy

my kingcrome kit which retails for 1400 1500 i procured for the very expensive price from crap converters of 790 i think so yeah they are expensive
makka

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Anonymous moderation means the agro that is built up towards the mods isn't aimed at an individual (fewer "Makk" attacks). Less stress for mods means less moderator "retirements".

You may well need a set of 1/4 inch sockets and driver to get into a space were no 1/2
sockets and drivers can go!
Olly.

no you buy a set of ratchet ring spanners
makka

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Anonymous moderation means the agro that is built up towards the mods isn't aimed at an individual (fewer "Makk" attacks). Less stress for mods means less moderator "retirements".

Try getting a set of twin 1 1/2 carbs off with a ratchet ring spanner or a 1/2 driver.
If you have a 1/4 driver the carbs are off in a few mins.
Olly