Metric Car Tool Set

[malykaii]

I do a lot of side work and need a good tool set to repair customers' cars on the go. Need a some what compact tool set to permanently store in my trunk. Something in a blow molded case or what not would work well.

Sadly, most of the kits I see appear to be put together not for automotive use. They either have useless things like tape measures or are half SAE. Also, I find that alot of kits skip metric sizes, especially in the wrench department

Don't care about COO or warranty. If HF made something, I'd buy it.

Thanks!

 

[Tonyuk]

You probably wont get everything in one kit, head to amazon, or ebay and buy;

A set of 1/4 ,3/8 & 1/2 sockets

3 Ratchets for the above

A set of spanners and then extras, such as some screwdrivers etc..

Far better than relying on a kit.

However, i bought a large kit from a shop called Halfords over here years ago when i went into college for my mechanics course. I still have a load of it and it gets used fairly often, its something like this;

https://www.halfords.com/workshop-t...nced-200-piece-socket-and-ratchet-spanner-set

 

[bwringer]

I feel your pain. Everything I work on is metric, and I'd love to find a nice fairly complete kit with sockets and wrenches and screwdrivers, etc. in a nice neat kit.

Yet every last kit I've found contains a bunch of useless inch ****. And yeah, they seem to always skip commonly needed sizes.

You can, of course, find metric-only socket and wrench sets and toss them in a bag with some screwdrivers, etc. but that's a lot more bulky than it needs to be.

 

[FJ 432]

Metwrinch is my solution as a good overall set.

 

[M6erfan]

I agree, not many metric only sets. One option is to head over to Ultimategarage.com and look at the Facom/USAG blow molded sets.

 

[may0naise]

Just order from amazon.co.uk there are tons of metric only sets overseas

 

[yrly]

Metrinch 76 piece set.

 

[f121]

Bluepoint 100pc general service socket set.

Alternatively:
Silverline 6-32mm wrenches https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000LFTQMC/?tag=atomicindustr-21
Sealey ak692 socket set https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000O8Y8HO/?tag=atomicindustr-21

I have all the above, they're all excellent. Been beating the heck out of the silverline spanners since 2010 and not damaged any. The sealey sockets are very strong, they've had a lot of use on my 1500nm impact gun with a 1/2-3/8 adapter. Bluepoint set is nicely finished and very well thought out.

 

[malykaii]

BluePoint set sadly is still half SAE/Metric. Nice box though. See a few of the empty cases on eBay, tempted to just buy one and stuff with HF tools.

The Metrinch set looks awesome, but not $500 awesome. I don't even stock tools that pricey at my day job lolz. Thanks for the thought y'all.

Tonyuk, I agree that a bag or two and picking/choosing what I need would be ideal... But that's messy and noisey. I currently fill up a bag with tools from my job whenever I take on side work, however every time I hit a bump those tools are all I hear rolling around my trunk. (I will say that kit you linked is pretty much *exactly* what I'm looking for".

 

[malykaii]

Mayonnaise, I can safely say I didn't believe you but checked anyway... And hot damn, not only did I see a few kits that fit the bill, the prices are better than something comparable in the US.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000K2PF4Y/?tag=atomicindustr-21

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B012SIRA4A/?tag=atomicindustr-21

Both are reasonably priced and appear to not skip sizes. Why is that such a difficult concept?!

I'll likely have the lady pick a set up next time shes in Ireland or when we go on another eurotrip. Thanks mate!

 

[yrly]

I wish the Metrinch patents would expire because it’s really a great design, but it isn’t cheap. I have the 71 piece set, my wife has the 48 piece and we bought my son a 76 piece one a few years ago for a Christmas. Aside from working on metric and standard Metrinch has the advantage is the socket that fits works. It doesn’t matter so much if it’s a little loose because they grip on the sidewall.

That aside I found this set but you’d still need wrenches.

https://www.sears.com/ultimate-craf...sellerId=SEARS&prdNo=5&blockNo=5&blockType=G5

 

[ChrisLS8]

I'm so happy I've only had to work on my turboed Nissan nowadays, the F250, and GT are under warranty so ive been able to slim down my portable tools to a small bag that is enough to replace the motor if ever needed.

 

[f121]

BluePoint set sadly is still half SAE/Metric. Nice box though. See a few of the empty cases on eBay, tempted to just buy one and stuff with HF tools.

Sorry, I should have provided a link. The 100pc kit that's common in the UK is definitely just metric (I have one). Searching for the part no doesn't come up on the online store, but maybe you could order it on the truck.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Blue-Poi...vice-Socket-Set-2100MBPGSSUK-NEW/223219825437

That one is a little over priced, I paid less from my snap on guy.

 

[Fedwrench]

Although the multipurpose sets in a blow molded case seem to be much more popular overseas, you might have to build your own around a core socket set perhaps.
Here's a Williams 3/8 drive basic metric only set.
http://www.toolsdelivered.com/Willi...ools-3-8-Inch-Drive-Chrome-Metric-Socket-Sets

You could stick this in a tool bag and add things like pliers, screwdrivers, and a set of wrenches.

Another option would be to cruise ebay for a bluepoint or Matco silver eagle combo set.

Sonic tools offer some portable sets but, they aren't cheap:
https://www.sonictoolsusa.com/mcs-socket-and-wrench-combination-set-3-8-37-pcs

In the end, building your own in a nice tool roll may be your best bet.

 

[Gurp]

Get a tekton wrench roll set and grab a socket set that fits your needs. You can always swap out some of the SAE stuff for other metrics later. Throw wrench roll a extra couple ratchets and some screwdrivers and pliers in a tool bag.
I do alot of outside work and thats what i do. I carry a set of tekton metrics gearwrench ratchet wrenches reg length and stubby some screw drivers and pliers in a tool bag and a small socket set. Sometimes i throw a impact and impact set in the backseat of the car too.

 

[malykaii]

Thanks for taking the time to post up a link. I never thought that SO would sell different kits tailored to different countries. It looks like a perfect kit honestly. I decided to check and see if SO offers the kit under their Williams brand, and I can't find it. I do see an 89 piece metric set, and sure enough it skips a couple of sizes in the wrenches. (Seriously, why is the US living in the 70s)

Plus, I personally am reluctant to spend $300 for a kit when I use HF at work and it holds up fine.

I see they have just the empty boxes for sale on eBay UK, and I might just buy the box and fill it with HF.

 

[f121]

I personally am reluctant to spend $300 for a kit when I use HF at work and it holds up fine.

Totally get that. I spent years trying to justify that set before I finally gave in. Fwiw the bluepoint ratchet isn't as nice as my Sealey 72tooth (harbour freight to you).

Take a look at the wrenches and sealey set I linked, or this set: https://www.ebay.co.uk/p/Sealey-AK7...6pt-WallDrive-Metric-Black-Series/23017024371

 

[malykaii]

Until I figure out a longer term solution, I decided to just do what many of y'all suggested... Just assemble a good socket set, and bag the rest.

Since it's raining today and I can't work, I decided to clean out *all* my tools that I don't keep at work. Between junk in my garage, stuff scattered around the apartment, and cheap emergency kits in my cars, I think I can make something work.

Apparently I bought this kit years ago and stuck it into my truck and never used it. Was under the seat.

https://m.harborfreight.com/64-pc-1...t-63461.html?utm_referrer=direct/not provided

I think I can pluck out the SAE junk, and stick in a 1/2d Tekton for $15. I got some Torx sockets to click into the 1/4SAE spots. I also found an empty Stahlwille Wrench roll that I'll pack with screw drivers and pliers. I'll also order a vise grip and a deep flip socket for lug nuts. Done for $40.

Only thing I'm missing are wrenches, as I don't have a complete set. I see y'all recommend the Tekton ones. Anything else?

I see a Sunex set for $25?

 

[txvwnut]

Don’t know how big of wrench and socket you need but this is what I carry.

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/173306269332

 

[Ruination Fan]

If looking for metric in a blow molded case, you may need to check EU suppliers. There is BGS Technic that offers metric only in blow molded cases and can be found online (tbs-aachen.de) but will cost a bit more due to shipping to the US.

http://www.bgstechnic.com/en/catalog/category/list/id/415528

 

[malykaii]

Don’t know how big of wrench and socket you need but this is what I carry.

Well, I just figure 10-19 wrench set, a decent assortment of sockets from 7mm-24mm, and some pliers/screw drivers should do.

I love how that kit is layed out, and like how everything from that brand comes with a "convenient" approach. If work picks up on the O.T. I would treat myself to that.

 

[malykaii]

If looking for metric in a blow molded case, you may need to check EU suppliers. There is BGS Technic that offers metric only in blow molded cases and can be found online (tbs-aachen.de) but will cost a bit more due to shipping to the US.

http://www.bgstechnic.com/en/catalog/category/list/id/415528

Ah yes, I've ordered from TBS Aachen a few years ago.

I guess I don't understand how EU tool quality works. I've only used Stahlwille and Gedore wrenches, and I assume those are top tier tools?

Like how do these $300 kits compare to something like

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000K2PF4Y/?tag=atomicindustr-21

Are those kits 3x as nice and the Amazon ones low quality?

 

[Ruination Fan]

No idea on BGS quality as I mainly use Stahlwille, Hazet and Gedore. I just wanted to point you to a metric only set in a blow molded case, and let you know that a metric only based set will be easier to come by in a blow molded case from the EU/UK.

 

[f121]

I guess I don't understand how EU tool quality works. I've only used Stahlwille and Gedore wrenches, and I assume those are top tier tools?

A lot of it is made in Asia (very well in some cases) and sold with German, British or American sounding names.

That set you linked looks like generic Asian tools with German name, I've not used them but bergen, US Pro and sealey sell very similar tools in the UK and last well. The $300 cases aren't 3x better, teng is a snapon competitor in the UK, so you are paying for the name. Honestly these days a $100 socket set and $40 roll of wrenches is all you need.

 

[malykaii]

I just wanted to point you to a metric only set in a blow molded case, and let you know that a metric only based set will be easier to come by in a blow molded case from the EU/UK.

Absolutely appreciate it. Seems like the only way to get a metric kit actually. Sadly shipping on a $100 set is $50 from Amazon. Since I don't know anything about these brands, I'll prob buy a set in person next time I'm in Europe.

 

[malykaii]

A lot of it is made in Asia (very well in some cases) and sold with German, British or American sounding names.

That set you linked looks like generic Asian tools with German name, I've not used them but bergen, US Pro and sealey sell very similar tools in the UK and last well.

I like the look of the sealey wrenches. I own a set of Proxxon Slimlines at work and they were cheap but take a beating. I'll def look into those brands next time I'm in London.

Honestly these days a $100 socket set and $40 roll of wrenches is all you need.

Man have cheap tools come a long way. Unfortunately due to shipping I'm going to take your advice but hold off till I can buy in person. I'm compiling a temp kit mixing harbor freight and Tekton sockets paired with a Sunex $25 wrench roll.

 

[ultgar]

I put together a set 5-10 years ago with Facom case sets in a Pelican case. The new Facom/USAG MBOX ("module boxes") cases can be used to convert their module sets to case sets.

Great for when you need to take selective sets from the shop to the field.

SD

 

[Bansheeboy11]

You'll likely never get a tool kit thats perfectly suited for you, either you'll be missing things or have a hundred tools you wont ever need. Im on the road a lot so i made a tool roll thats perfectly suited for my car, i can take apart just about the entire thing if i really needed to but the major areas of need are well covered, 8-10-12-14-17-19 sockets, 12/14mm and 17/19mm combo wrenches, screw drivers, flat repair kit (i also have a viair compressor) and some misc pliers and things. I can change a strut or axle on the road if i need to, everything cost me about $150 in the photo but i recently bought cheaper craftsman tools since i rarely ever need to use them, i put my matco/SK stuff back in the garage.

TLR just make your own tool kit/roll

 

[Pig_Pen]

Just saw this in the hot deals forum.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Capri-T...ters-and-Extensions-52-Piece-1-2320/301669315

*edit: reading is fundamental, thought the Capri set was metric only when I posted the link.

 

[Kollyn]

Have you checked out SK 94562??

Covers 4mm to 22mm, 2 ratchets, 4 extensions, and a swivel

Would post a link if I could

 

[malykaii]

Oh my, the modular boxes look fantastic. I actually used to do something similar... I'd just pack my tools from work and go to side gigs. I'm changing locations to a building where only public transportation is an option, so carrying tools through security and then onto the train just won't due. Gorgeous set up none the less.

 

[malykaii]

Just saw this in the hot deals forum.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Capri-T...ters-and-Extensions-52-Piece-1-2320/301669315

*edit: reading is fundamental, thought the Capri set was metric only when I posted the link.

Lolz!

But for that price, anyone can just pick out the SAE stuff and throw it out. Still a deal.

Their Torx socket kit for $21 on Amazon is also cheap after.

 

[malykaii]

Have you checked out SK 94562??

Covers 4mm to 22mm, 2 ratchets, 4 extensions, and a swivel

Would post a link if I could

Damn, that's exactly what I need. Spot on!

The price is absurd! Will watch eBay for a used one though.

 

[LB-1911]

Damn, that's exactly what I need. Spot on!

The price is absurd! Will watch eBay for a used one though.

Looks like $282.00 is your benchmark.

Set Contents:

Contains: 1/4" and 3/8" Drive - 7.5" Pro Ratchet; 3/8" Drive Universal Joint; 3/8"F-1/4"M Chrome Adapter; 3", 6" Extensions;

1/4" Drive - 4mm, 4.5mm, 5mm, 5.5mm, 6mm, 7mm, 8mm, 9mm, 10mm, 11mm, 12mm, 13mm, 14mm, 15mm Standard Sockets

5.5mm, 6mm, 7mm, 8mm, 9mm, 10mm, 11mm, 12mm, 13mm, 14mm, 15mm Deep Sockets

3/8" Drive - 6mm, 7mm, 8mm, 9mm, 10mm, 11mm, 12mm, 13mm, 14mm, 15mm, 16mm, 17mm, 18mm, 19mm Standard Sockets

10mm, 11mm, 12mm, 13mm, 14mm, 15mm, 16mm, 17mm, 18mm, 19mm Deep Sockets

Packaged in a molded plastic case.

SK 94562 62 Piece 1/4" & 3/8" Drive 6 Point Metric Socket Set

 

[shirk]

I've recently looked at a lot of sets and think they all kinda ****.

In my eyes the perfect set would be a full size run of 1/4 regular and deep 6 point sockets and a full size run of 1/2 regular and deep 6 point sockets. The 1/2 stuff should go up to at least 24mm. Go euro style and skip the 3/8. Short medium, and long extensions for both sizes. A run of hex bit sockets and torx bit sockets. Wrenches would be 8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 19 , 22.

No L keys, no nut driver handle

 

[Pig_Pen]

Crescent CSWS9 is metric only 3/8, shallow and deep from 8mm to 19mm. Shallow sockets are 12pt and deeps are 6pt.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EFL0P0U/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[malykaii]

I've recently looked at a lot of sets and think they all kinda ****.

In my eyes the perfect set would be a full size run of 1/4 regular and deep 6 point sockets and a full size run of 1/2 regular and deep 6 point sockets. The 1/2 stuff should go up to at least 24mm. Go euro style and skip the 3/8. Short medium, and long extensions for both sizes. A run of hex bit sockets and torx bit sockets. Wrenches would be 8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 19 , 22.

No L keys, no nut driver handle

I can understand skipping 3/8d... But why would you skip 16, 18, and 21 wrenches. All very important sizes. Just curious.

 

[shirk]

I can understand skipping 3/8d... But why would you skip 16, 18, and 21 wrenches. All very important sizes. Just curious.

They are common skips in many small sets. If you're buying a 17 or 18 pc set they'll be in there, but in the euro 10-12pc set's I've been looking at (Facom and USAG) it's common to go 15-17-19-22.

Also it's all a compromise. We'd all love to have full sets with no skips in all the different flavours, but I know personally I don't have the budget for it. So you maybe gamble on your size skips and them add them in later.

 

[GrayFlattop]

I can't vouch for the quality, but this set hits most of your needs. No 22 mm wrenches, but it has a 25.4 mm wrench!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N3SCSGT/ref=sspa_dk_detail_5

 

[GrayFlattop]

Found it - this is the one I would buy: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000Y8OFI6/?tag=atomicindus08-20

No pliers or screwdrivers, but a full range of metric sockets