Tools from the old world

[Dave455]

General query for UK people who buy from Europe - does anyone know at what price import duty gets added?
if it's on everything no matter what the cost what % is it?

The main issue from Europe is VAT.

Prior to Brexit, you simply paid it in the country you purchased the goods from, and that was that.

Now it varies.

If the goods have a value less than £135, you can still buy them “VAT paid” as before. I think the company you purchase from has to be registered with U.K. customs, and they have to include a VAT invoice with the shipment, but in practice that’s not a problem. Many firms, especially online, advertise “no import VAT” or suchlike.

I’ve bought a few bits and bobs, and haven’t had any problems. Some folks reported delays in the early days, but there don’t seem to be now.

If the goods have a value greater than £135, then you will have to pay VAT (and any duty) on import, just the same as if the goods were coming from a non E.U. country. The price will end up about the same BUT… you have to buy from someone who is able to treat the order as an “export” and supply the goods “ex VAT”.

Duty varies with the goods. Some goods (e.g. tobacco and alcohol) have quite a high rate of duty, but the only rate I’ve seen levied was 2.5%.

 

[littlebean]

Thanks Dave, very helpful

 

[pcolbeck]

So since I liked the Facom 440 ratcheting spanners I decided to get Facom sockets for now. I still would like Stahlwille but will wait for them to include the QR fine tooth ratchets in the sets and them to come up on offer.
The Facom 1/4 inch set is on promotion at the moment and Facom prices are reasonable in the UK anyway. They will be miles better than the old stuff I currently have.

I bought:

R.161-5P6 1/4" Drive Metric Socket & Bit Set 5.5-14mm

J.161-3P6 3/8" Drive 20 Piece Metric 6 Point Socket Set 7-22mm

Also picked up a set of the Quatro spanners (also on offer) in metric for the motorbike toolrole. 8 sizes in two spanners saves some weight and space !

 

[Dave455]

So since I liked the Facom 440 ratcheting spanners I decided to get Facom sockets for now. I still would like Stahlwille but will wait for them to include the QR fine tooth ratchets in the sets and them to come up on offer.
The Facom 1/4 inch set is on promotion at the moment and Facom prices are reasonable in the UK anyway. They will be miles better than the old stuff I currently have.

I bought:

R.161-5P6 1/4" Drive Metric Socket & Bit Set 5.5-14mm

J.161-3P6 3/8" Drive 20 Piece Metric 6 Point Socket Set 7-22mm

Also picked up a set of the Quatro spanners (also on offer) in metric for the motorbike toolrole. 8 sizes in two spanners saves some weight and space !

You can’t go too far wrong with the Facom.

If you don’t like the ratchet supplied, Facom offer many alternatives.

I like the R.181 and the RL.161 shown below. The former is a really neat unit.

I do find that you have to shop around though as Facom prices vary widely. Ebay, Amazon, and one some online retailers (such as Prime Tools) are all worth checking. Even then, you can find £10 difference in a price between the same retailers own website, and his ebay price.

 

[pcolbeck]

I used Prime Tools. Web site for the two sets and their eBay shop to get a JL 171 quick release 3/8 ratchet as well (both sets came with round head ratchets).

 

[Dave455]

I used Prime Tools. Web site for the two sets and their eBay shop to get a JL 171 quick release 3/8 ratchet as well (both sets came with round head ratchets).

Ahh yes, the QR version is probably nicer.

There seem to be sets available with all sorts of ratchets. The “Nano” sets seem to come with about 5 different options.

One of the things I quite like about Facom is the level of choice.

I’ve been wondering about these extendable ratchets. A good thing to keep on a vehicle perhaps?

 

[ricleh]

I finally broke down and bought a small lathe. I've wanted one for a long time.

 

[pcolbeck]

Ooh that looks much nicer than the Chinese ones that you usually see.

 

[geo9]

That lathe looks awesome!

 

[Hardermach]

New 1507XL for me!

 

[geo9]

This really looks nice. Pretty comprehensive tool sets too.

 

[mr.lemons]

New 1507XL for me!

I've only ever seen photos, but Gedore carts always look really nice to me. Congrats.

 

[pcolbeck]

Anyone know why these Gedore socket sets are so cheap?

Gedore Blue 69 Piece Socket Set

Gedore Blue 69 Piece Socket Set 3108902Gedore Blue 69 Piece Socket Set - From the Gedore Blue range of high quality tools for the professional.

www.spanner-monkey.co.uk

Several sites have them. Seems to be a promotion of some kind. I could do with a 1/2 inch ratchet but this set seems to be a great deal as opposed to just bying the ratchet on its own. Or I missing something?

 

[mr.lemons]

Battery tester from Amazon. Price keeps bouncing from £10 to £70. Not sure which is closer to its real value.

Sold as BC brand, but has larger DHC branding.

Strange packaging with no branded inlays. Just a badly printed QR code to an Italian manual. English version was easy to find.

Came with Italian instructions on the back, which peels off to reveal English instructions.

 

[Dave455]

Anyone know why these Gedore socket sets are so cheap?

Gedore Blue 69 Piece Socket Set

Gedore Blue 69 Piece Socket Set 3108902Gedore Blue 69 Piece Socket Set - From the Gedore Blue range of high quality tools for the professional.

www.spanner-monkey.co.uk

Several sites have them. Seems to be a promotion of some kind. I could do with a 1/2 inch ratchet but this set seems to be a great deal as opposed to just bying the ratchet on its own. Or I missing something?

Factory promotion!

Gedore usually have one of their sets on a good deal.

Hazet do the same. Their 1/4” and 1/2” drive combination set is on a deal for not much more.

All of these factory promo’s seem to be a good deal. I wouldn’t hesitate to buy that set if I fancied it. Far better value than the (slightly bigger) Gedore ”Red” set (re branded) for more money.

They usually have one of their screwdriver sets on a deal too. Five good quality European made screwdrivers for about £12. You can pay more for Chinese rubbish!

Edit - Appears that it might not be the real deal. See below.

 

[mr.lemons]

Anyone know why these Gedore socket sets are so cheap?

Gedore Blue 69 Piece Socket Set

Gedore Blue 69 Piece Socket Set 3108902Gedore Blue 69 Piece Socket Set - From the Gedore Blue range of high quality tools for the professional.

www.spanner-monkey.co.uk

Several sites have them. Seems to be a promotion of some kind. I could do with a 1/2 inch ratchet but this set seems to be a great deal as opposed to just bying the ratchet on its own. Or I missing something?

Some of the amazon reviews say that the sockets and extensions in that set are not proper Gerdore, or not from the Gedore Blue line. German ratchets, Taiwan sockets. Not sure if it's true (sounds a bit weird to me), but maybe worth buying from Amazon for easy returns if you are going to give the set a try.

GEDORE 69-piece Socket spanner set, 1/4" + 1/2", Tool, Sockets ratchet bits, for carmotive, 19 BMC 20, Blue : Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools

Shop GEDORE 69-piece Socket spanner set, 1/4" + 1/2", Tool, Sockets ratchet bits, for carmotive, 19 BMC 20, Blue. Free delivery on eligible orders of £20 or more.

www.amazon.co.uk

 

[Dave455]

Some of the amazon reviews say that the sockets and extensions in that set are not proper Gerdore, or not from the Gedore Blue line. German ratchets, Taiwan sockets. Not sure if it's true (sounds a bit weird to me), but maybe worth buying from Amazon for easy returns if you are going to give the set a try.

GEDORE 69-piece Socket spanner set, 1/4" + 1/2", Tool, Sockets ratchet bits, for carmotive, 19 BMC 20, Blue : Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools

Shop GEDORE 69-piece Socket spanner set, 1/4" + 1/2", Tool, Sockets ratchet bits, for carmotive, 19 BMC 20, Blue. Free delivery on eligible orders of £20 or more.

www.amazon.co.uk

That’s a bit dodgy if it’s the case.

I must admit I don’t buy much Gedore.

One of the reasons why, is that they often seem to be trying to fob you off with something crappier than you think you are getting.

 

[DAustin]

Gedore Blue- Germany
Gedore Red- Taiwan

Gedore Red are good tools just don't think you're getting German made tools.

 

[pcolbeck]

Its supposed to be Gedore Blue and the ratchers are (they give the part numbers) but there seems to be some question mark re the sockets and extensions.
I think I will leave it. I have a complete Britool 1/2 metric and imperial that dates from about 1980. It was my dads and a gift but its hardly been used. I might just look out for a more modern 1/2 ratchet to come up cheap to use with that.
I dont really work on cars anymore just my motorbike so 1/2 inch doesnt get used that much.

 

[drtyler]

Some of the amazon reviews say that the sockets and extensions in that set are not proper Gerdore, or not from the Gedore Blue line. German ratchets, Taiwan sockets. Not sure if it's true (sounds a bit weird to me), but maybe worth buying from Amazon for easy returns if you are going to give the set a try.

GEDORE 69-piece Socket spanner set, 1/4" + 1/2", Tool, Sockets ratchet bits, for carmotive, 19 BMC 20, Blue : Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools

Shop GEDORE 69-piece Socket spanner set, 1/4" + 1/2", Tool, Sockets ratchet bits, for carmotive, 19 BMC 20, Blue. Free delivery on eligible orders of £20 or more.

www.amazon.co.uk

The Carolus, lower cost imported, line was renamed to Gedore Red.

 

[65k10]

Some of the amazon reviews say that the sockets and extensions in that set are not proper Gerdore, or not from the Gedore Blue line. German ratchets, Taiwan sockets. Not sure if it's true (sounds a bit weird to me), but maybe worth buying from Amazon for easy returns if you are going to give the set a try.

GEDORE 69-piece Socket spanner set, 1/4" + 1/2", Tool, Sockets ratchet bits, for carmotive, 19 BMC 20, Blue : Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools

Shop GEDORE 69-piece Socket spanner set, 1/4" + 1/2", Tool, Sockets ratchet bits, for carmotive, 19 BMC 20, Blue. Free delivery on eligible orders of £20 or more.

www.amazon.co.uk

The reviews might be true. Looking at the pics on the amazon pages, the extensions do seem to lack the knurling and necked down shaft German made Gedore extensions have. Also, when comparing the set to other Gedore 1/2 drive sets, the T-handle seems to be a different length. In this promotional set, it's slightly shorter than the ratchet, but with other sets, the T-handle is longer than the ratchet (which would be consistent with the German made Gedore T-handle and ratchet that I have). Something does seem off about this set.

 

[Dave455]

The reviews might be true. Looking at the pics on the amazon pages, the extensions do seem to lack the knurling and necked down shaft German made Gedore extensions have. Also, when comparing the set to other Gedore 1/2 drive sets, the T-handle seems to be a different length. In this promotional set, it's slightly shorter than the ratchet, but with other sets, the T-handle is longer than the ratchet (which would be consistent with the German made Gedore T-handle and ratchet that I have). Something does seem off about this set.

And now that I look at it, the 1/4” spinner handle isn’t right.

It should look like this


But looks to be a more “generic far eastern import”.


I think that giving this a miss is probably sensible.

Pretty ****** of Gedore to build up the “Blue” as the real deal, and the ”Red” as the rebrands, then start mixing ‘em up.

Looks like that could be the case though?

 

[DAustin]

And now that I look at it, the 1/4” spinner handle isn’t right.

It should look like this


But looks to be a more “generic far eastern import”.


I think that giving this a miss is probably sensible.

Pretty ****** of Gedore to build up the “Blue” as the real deal, and the ”Red” as the rebrands, then start mixing ‘em up.

Looks like that could be the case though?

I looked at the KC Tool site and there are a lot of sets with the black 1/4" spinner handle in sets. Could be they are selling off old stock in these sets?

 

[garfieldzzz]

Not all Gedore red tools are Taiwan.
I have a 60-300Nm torque wrench which is made in Germany. Looks pretty much the same than the older Gedore and Rahsol I have.

But youre right in regards of sockets and extensions, my German ones look different and they are the real deal. I have a impact bit set from an older magic promo which is also blue and a generic taiwan/china set. So a litte caution must be given.

 

[silkman]

This Gedore kit has been discussed on another forum. The sockets are probably from their South African factory..

 

[HenryAZ]

And now that I look at it, the 1/4” spinner handle isn’t right.

It should look like this

The best spinner handles I have found are the Stahlwille 1/4" drive ones with the retention function and a small button to push to unlock. I picked up my first one on a KC Tool of the Day, and another later.

 

[pcolbeck]

What 1/2 ratchet to go with an old Britool socket set?

I have a full Britool 1/2 socjet set from probably the late 70s early 80s that hasnt been used. Its in mint condition bar the box which is rusty on the outside an dented. It was a gift to my dad from the Britool rep for buying a 100 sets or so for where he worked back in the day. My dad never used it.

It has a ratchet with it but its a pretty ancient 30 click or so design. I know any 1/2 inch ratchet should work but has any one tried modern ratchets with old Britool stuff and if they have what seems to fit best?

I like the Facom 1/4 and 3/8 ratchets I have bought but I am thinking the Gedore 1993 U-20 60 tooth might be nicer with this rather than the flashy design of the Facom's.

 

[corn chip]

I finally broke down and bought a small lathe. I've wanted one for a long time.

sweet. thats exactly what i need. where did you get it ?

 

[silkman]

What 1/2 ratchet to go with an old Britool socket set?

I have a full Britool 1/2 socjet set from probably the late 70s early 80s that hasnt been used. Its in mint condition bar the box which is rusty on the outside an dented. It was a gift to my dad from the Britool rep for buying a 100 sets or so for where he worked back in the day. My dad never used it.

It has a ratchet with it but its a pretty ancient 30 click or so design. I know any 1/2 inch ratchet should work but has any one tried modern ratchets with old Britool stuff and if they have what seems to fit best?

I like the Facom 1/4 and 3/8 ratchets I have bought but I am thinking the Gedore 1993 U-20 60 tooth might be nicer with this rather than the flashy design of the Facom's.

Hazet 90 tooth 1/2" Hiper ratchet, my new favourite.
Model 916hp

 

[Dave455]

What 1/2 ratchet to go with an old Britool socket set?

I have a full Britool 1/2 socjet set from probably the late 70s early 80s that hasnt been used. Its in mint condition bar the box which is rusty on the outside an dented. It was a gift to my dad from the Britool rep for buying a 100 sets or so for where he worked back in the day. My dad never used it.

It has a ratchet with it but its a pretty ancient 30 click or so design. I know any 1/2 inch ratchet should work but has any one tried modern ratchets with old Britool stuff and if they have what seems to fit best?

I like the Facom 1/4 and 3/8 ratchets I have bought but I am thinking the Gedore 1993 U-20 60 tooth might be nicer with this rather than the flashy design of the Facom's.

First off, this is quite a common question, but usually because the original ratchets get worn out, but the rest of the set never does.

One option is to use the original ratchet. Give it a clean, oil with some machine oil (not grease) and it will be fine.

But… I get what you say, and times have moved on. In any case, If I had a set with a new condition ratchet I would be tempted to leave it that way and get another to use.

The Hazet shown above is a good choice. Most of these tools are made to be compatible, and I occasionally use a Hazet ratchet with Britool sockets without problems.

The Hazet is a matte finish, and it won’t match the Britool that well. You might want to consider something like the Stahlwille shown below (512SG-QR N). The finish will be closer to the Britool, but make sure you get the metal grip version.


To match the older Britool I normally suggest the Mac ratchet shown. The finish is very nice, and stylistically it’s close to the original, This isn’t a great picture.

But, I think your tools are the later ones (last of the decent ones) with the blue plastic handles. These are hard tools to match. Faced with the same issue in 3/8” drive I paid up and went down the Snap On route. Although it’s a darker blue handle (not as dark as the picture looks) I think these are similar styled but the quality is much better, they are lovely to use, and spares are available.

 

[themu]

Got some goodies, never had a set of felo drivers so I just got some on a whim


My only previous experience with felo, I always found the shape to fit me very well


Bits? Electronics? Microbit! Beautiful seamless overmoulding, the pictures dont't do it justice. Very comfy.



Tester/meter by Benning, cat IV protection for poking into hot stuff.


Stumbled upon some... Austrian bits at a local hardware store, unexpected find


I was always bothered by my nws having a hook I'm not able to use, finally got the accessory.

 

[ricleh]

sweet. thats exactly what i need. where did you get it ?

mdaprecision.com

 

[Hardermach]

First off, this is quite a common question, but usually because the original ratchets get worn out, but the rest of the set never does.

One option is to use the original ratchet. Give it a clean, oil with some machine oil (not grease) and it will be fine.

But… I get what you say, and times have moved on. In any case, If I had a set with a new condition ratchet I would be tempted to leave it that way and get another to use.

The Hazet shown above is a good choice. Most of these tools are made to be compatible, and I occasionally use a Hazet ratchet with Britool sockets without problems.

The Hazet is a matte finish, and it won’t match the Britool that well. You might want to consider something like the Stahlwille shown below (512SG-QR N). The finish will be closer to the Britool, but make sure you get the metal grip version.


To match the older Britool I normally suggest the Mac ratchet shown. The finish is very nice, and stylistically it’s close to the original, This isn’t a great picture.

But, I think your tools are the later ones (last of the decent ones) with the blue plastic handles. These are hard tools to match. Faced with the same issue in 3/8” drive I paid up and went down the Snap On route. Although it’s a darker blue handle (not as dark as the picture looks) I think these are similar styled but the quality is much better, they are lovely to use, and spares are available.

I Simply love that little Stahlwille ratchet. One of the best ratchet. Its made from a very good quality of steel and it doesn't have a finish. Its made from a mix of forced steel and stainless steel. By regular use and a little bit of love it will survive you, your next generation and their next generation.
I have the bit version, 1/4 version and the 3/8 version. Stil waiting on a deal to get the 1/2.

 

[Dave455]

I Simply love that little Stahlwille ratchet. One of the best ratchet. Its made from a very good quality of steel and it doesn't have a finish. Its made from a mix of forced steel and stainless steel. By regular use and a little bit of love it will survive you, your next generation and their next generation.
I have the bit version, 1/4 version and the 3/8 version. Stil waiting on a deal to get the 1/2.

Yes, I quite like those Stahlwille Ratchets. I’ve got the same ones as you. For most tasks I much prefer metal handles, but you don’t need knurling, the tools are much better smooth!

I wish they did a long version with the metal handle, but they only offer the soft one.

 

[corn chip]

 

[Hardermach]

Yes, I quite like those Stahlwille Ratchets. I’ve got the same ones as you. For most tasks I much prefer metal handles, but you don’t need knurling, the tools are much better smooth!

I wish they did a long version with the metal handle, but they only offer the soft one.

Knurling looks always a bit cheap to me! Love the clean handles!

 

[GerMec]

Just out of interesst: can you swap the internals of the 1/4" ratchets?

 

[pcolbeck]

Thanks for all the advice.

The head overruled the heart in the end.

I loved the Hazet and thought about the Gedore and Stahwille. In the end I ordered a Facom S.161-4P6 set. The 1/4 and 3/8 sets I just bought are Facom and the 1/2 will round out the collection.
The Facom stuff is a really good deal at the moment and certainly good enough for hobby use. I've spent enough I think for now replacing my cheapy old sockets and ratchets.
I have a few Gedore sockets I have picked up from car boot sales so maybe once funds replenish I might get a Gedore U20 ratchet to go with them and start filling in the gaps.
Next thing I need once I make room in the garage is a decent toolbox. I'm leaning towards the new Beta RSC24/7 roll cabinet. I only have a single garage and it's compromised for space (two doors in the end that's normally just a wall and another door and the washing machine a sink and a tumble dryer on one long wall).

 

[pcolbeck]

Well sometimes things are meant to be. A Gedore U20 plus the extensions and universal joint came up on eBay at a really good price in as new condition. So I have ended up with a full Facom set and a Gedore U20 ratchet for less than a Gedore set. Excellent.

I also got my first ever Beta tool today, a bit holder handle. Its not marked Italy so I guess its Taiwanese but I like it. Its rock solid and there is zero wobble in the retained bit.

 

[Hardermach]

2 stahlwille and Beta toolsboxes i sold last week. Best of Both worlds