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Olafur

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Jun 2, 2011
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2,577
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Iceland
Can anyone confirm the quality?
This blow mold case can be found under many different names. Try google image search for "94 piece socket set" - just for fun, and you get my drift.


Not popular view on this board; but there is nothing wrong with these socket sets. Actually I think this is very close to the peak in quality/price ratio available - unless quality has gone down in the past few years.

I have used few of these and have one my self, it does not have the typical 6 point sockets, but "surface drive" instead. It has served my very well for the past 15 years, lacks nothing in strength. Sockets fits as good as any other and, extensions are strong too. The bits are "average". (I work on construction machinery, full size trucks, and my hobby is 4x4)

Later versions do have fine tooth ratchets, considerable improvement but I cant comment on strength. The old 24 teeth 1/2" version is an indestructible tank, but not very user friendly in tight situations.
 
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y20dth

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Feb 20, 2010
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Antwerp, Belgium
I have also bought a set like that about 15 years ago, if not longer ago.
back then, I broke the 2 ratchets after a while (replaced those with hazet), but the sockets and even the bits are still holding up.
About a year ago, I bought an 2 extra sets to put in our 2 cars, and did have to use them. Surprise, surprise, broke the 1/2 ratchet on the second use.
As a emergency kit to put in your car, you can't beat the price. the socket selection is huge and are of reasonable quality. just by a extra 1/4 and 1/4 of better quality. (Proxxon for example is still very low priced and of good quality).
As a comparison, buying only the 1/4 and 1/2 ratchet from Hazet, will cost more then this whole set......:lol_hitti

At the price that Lidl offers them, this is an unbeatable value as a starter set. Just remember "chrome vanadium", "S2 steel" and whatever other magical storytelling is written on the box, does not mean "indestructable", and that you will eventually be buying something better. But to get you out of a bend, this will do.



This blow mold case can be found under many different names. Try google image search for "94 piece socket set" - just for fun, and you get my drift.


Not popular view on this board; but there is nothing wrong with these socket sets. Actually I think this is very close to the peak in quality/price ratio available - unless quality has gone down in the past few years.

I have used few of these and have one my self, it does not have the typical 6 point sockets, but "surface drive" instead. It has served my very well for the past 15 years, lacks nothing in strength. Sockets fits as good as any other and, extensions are strong too. The bits are "average". (I work on construction machinery, full size trucks, and my hobby is 4x4)

Later versions do have fine tooth ratchets, considerable improvement but I cant comment on strength. The old 24 teeth 1/2" version is an indestructible tank, but not very user friendly in tight situations.
 
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jeff g

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Joined
Jul 16, 2011
Messages
191
Location
Manchester UK
Hi
Only on till friday 12am

Bosch GSB 18-2-Li 18V 2.6Ah Li-Ion Cordless Combi Drill £99
2 batteries, its a good deal.

I got one last year for £99 no case 1 battery 1.3amp
this is a better deal.


Innovative combi drill with short design (204mm) for accessing awkward spaces and smallest grip in its class (126mm circumference) for better balance and lower fatigue. Excellent power to weight ratio for quick and easy screwdriving, wood drilling or hammer drilling into brick/concrete. Also features Bosch Electronic Cell Protection (ECP), protecting the battery against overload, overheating and total discharge. Supplied with L-Boxx storage case.

2 x 2.6Ah Li-Ion Batteries
2-Speed Variable & Reverse
75min Charger
10mm Auto-Lock Chuck
15 Torque Settings + Drill
Fan Cooled Motor
Electric Brake
Soft-Grip Handle
Automatic Spindle Lock
Replaceable Carbon Brushes
View more information

Product contents:
GSB 18-2-Li drill, 2 x 2.6Ah li-ion batteries, charger and L-Boxx 2.

Specifications:
Max. drilling capacity in masonry 10mm, wood 29mm, steel 10mm. Max. torque 45Nm hard / 19Nm soft. Overall length 204mm. Weight 1.6kg.




http://www.screwfix.com/p/bosch-gsb...cm_mmc=Email-_-E13W07TH-_-Stickies-_-Bosch18V
 

Simon.

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Joined
Mar 22, 2013
Messages
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Location
Fareham UK
Great tread! I can see this is going to be expensive, I find it hard to turn down a tool deal whether I need it or not.

Here is I good deal for a Facom metric pear head set I came across yesterday when I was looking for a nice half inch socket set to replace a cheap and half missing set I have, which is how I ended up here. In the end I actually went for a Teng set as this is just too good to use.

This set is absolutely beautiful to look at, a work of art but it is just too nice to get dirty. I had thought about buying it just to look at and take out to fondle on occasion but I just couldn't bear to see it scratched and dirty!

£94 inc vat and free delivery plus if you buy more stuff they give you a discount, I bought about 5 things for £200 and got £15 off.

http://www.ffx.co.uk/tools/product/3148519047981%20facom%20sl.dbox4%20nano%20box%20metric%206pt

FCMSLDBOX4.jpg
 

CanUK

Well-known member
Joined
May 25, 2012
Messages
1,074
Great tread! I can see this is going to be expensive, I find it hard to turn down a tool deal whether I need it or not.

Here is I good deal for a Facom metric pear head set I came across yesterday when I was looking for a nice half inch socket set to replace a cheap and half missing set I have, which is how I ended up here. In the end I actually went for a Teng set as this is just too good to use.

This set is absolutely beautiful to look at, a work of art but it is just too nice to get dirty. I had thought about buying it just to look at and take out to fondle on occasion but I just couldn't bear to see it scratched and dirty!

£94 inc vat and free delivery plus if you buy more stuff they give you a discount, I bought about 5 things for £200 and got £15 off.

http://www.ffx.co.uk/tools/product/3148519047981%20facom%20sl.dbox4%20nano%20box%20metric%206pt

Welcome Simon! It is a very nice set - I have two (6pt and 12pt) from when they were just £70 at FFX, although I doubt we'll see them that cheap again.
 

CanUK

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Joined
May 25, 2012
Messages
1,074
10% off voucher code at Tooled Up (today through Monday): TENWKDMAR13

Also a further 5% cash back on Quidco and TopCashBack
 

-Z-

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Joined
Apr 16, 2009
Messages
62
Location
UK
i have also bought a set like that about 15 years ago, if not longer ago.
Back then, i broke the 2 ratchets after a while (replaced those with hazet), but the sockets and even the bits are still holding up.
About a year ago, i bought an 2 extra sets to put in our 2 cars, and did have to use them. Surprise, surprise, broke the 1/2 ratchet on the second use.
As a emergency kit to put in your car, you can't beat the price. The socket selection is huge and are of reasonable quality. Just by a extra 1/4 and 1/4 of better quality. (proxxon for example is still very low priced and of good quality).
As a comparison, buying only the 1/4 and 1/2 ratchet from hazet, will cost more then this whole set......:lol_hitti

at the price that lidl offers them, this is an unbeatable value as a starter set. Just remember "chrome vanadium", "s2 steel" and whatever other magical storytelling is written on the box, does not mean "indestructable", and that you will eventually be buying something better. But to get you out of a bend, this will do.
this blow mold case can be found under many different names. Try google image search for "94 piece socket set" - just for fun, and you get my drift.


Not popular view on this board; but there is nothing wrong with these socket sets. Actually i think this is very close to the peak in quality/price ratio available - unless quality has gone down in the past few years.

I have used few of these and have one my self, it does not have the typical 6 point sockets, but "surface drive" instead. It has served my very well for the past 15 years, lacks nothing in strength. Sockets fits as good as any other and, extensions are strong too. The bits are "average". (i work on construction machinery, full size trucks, and my hobby is 4x4)

later versions do have fine tooth ratchets, considerable improvement but i cant comment on strength. The old 24 teeth 1/2" version is an indestructible tank, but not very user friendly in tight situations.

Thanks for the info, guys :thumbup: I’ve found it cheaper, but I’ve not been brave enough to order. I think my money might be better invested elsewhere, even if it only buys a handful of German made sockets. http://www.tooltime.co.uk/shoppingcart/products/94-Piece-1{47}4"-&-1{47}2"-Dr-Socket-Set.html They give you a list of what’s included, which wasn’t stated on Lidl. That price includes delivery, btw! :shocking:
 

-Z-

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Joined
Apr 16, 2009
Messages
62
Location
UK
Simon, that does appear a good deal, but I’ve been put off Facom by what I read here. I don’t want to take the thread off-topic, but it looks like Draper Expert or Britool might be a better bet.
 

CanUK

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Joined
May 25, 2012
Messages
1,074
Simon, that does appear a good deal, but I’ve been put off Facom by what I read here. I don’t want to take the thread off-topic, but it looks like Draper Expert or Britool might be a better bet.

That post is probably not the best measure of the brand. While I'm not at all suggesting those things didn't happen to NI, it must certainly make him the most unlucky Facom owner on the forum.

I'm fairly confident that most Facom owners here would report being quite happy with their purchases with perhaps the occasional exception (which would be at least as true of any brand). As for warranty, the few issues I've had have been quickly sorted in my local shop without any questions (and no, I didn't buy the tools there).
 

N.I.

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Aug 24, 2012
Messages
332
Location
Northern Ireland
I'm not fond of Facom sockets, I think they are too soft (but that is only my opinion). I'll admit that saying the Facom sockets are 'pure dirt' was an overstatement, but I was peaved at the time and expected better for the price. I really don't feel they are worth paying a premium for over other Taiwan made sockets. Their ratchets however are excellent.

If you are looking for a good socket set, but unwilling to pay the premium price then my advise is watch ebay like a hawk. There are absolute bargains that turn up quite regularly. My only gripe is that I can't buy all of them.

The best ones are auctions labeled "socket set" with only a picture and brief description. These turn up fairly often and if you know your brands and can spot the cream from the ****, then you are on to a winner. Some socket set bargains have even made me feel guilty.

If you are looking for a cheapish but decent enough socket set then you would be more than happy with UnBritool Expert, Draper Expert, Sealey, Halfords Prof, etc. They are pretty much all the same. Flog the ratchet and pick up a Facom one.
For some reason these sets don't get a great word on here. They are probably the best sellers and loads of people across the country use them with little issue.

On a side note, be careful with 3/8 socket sets. I had a Draper Expert 3/8" set and rarely used 3/8" sockets until I replaced them with my Wera set. The Draper weren't as tall and the broaching was shallow. I found them fiddly and just never liked them.

The 923839378 piece socket sets for £30 are going to be a waste of money long term. They are manufactured on price point only. Try and turn out something that resembles a socket, for as little money as possible and the cheap skates will buy it.

When you take off VAT, sellers profit, import taxes, shipping costs and manufacturer profits, it is scary how little they are made more. They will have cut every single corner possible to make them for this price.
 
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Olafur

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Joined
Jun 2, 2011
Messages
2,577
Location
Iceland
I'm not fond of Facom sockets, I think they are too soft (but that is only my opinion). I'll admit that saying the Facom sockets are 'pure dirt' was an overstatement, but I was peaved at the time and expected better for the price. I really don't feel they are worth paying a premium for over other Taiwan made sockets. Their ratchets however are excellent.
I saw "newish" 1/4" drive Facom socket set in a friends shop recently. Probably 3 years old. I was amazed how worn the sockets were, 8 and 10 mm - just gone!

The owner was rather disappointed, and went on to show me his Facom punch/chisel set all bent and mushrooming. Way to soft he said, absolute junk! His words: Facom is not what it used to be!

Reading your post reminded me of these:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2425002&postcount=11659
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2425444&postcount=11661
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=1244957&postcount=4015
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=1244995&postcount=4021
 
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Rico.

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Joined
May 28, 2009
Messages
1,330
Location
England
I find this discussion very interesting. My experience has been the complete opposite
when it comes to Facom. I have been using their tools for about 6 years now and I
have put some of it through some tough challenges. I have smacked chrome sockets
on to bolts with a big steel hammer, and in one case I had to really whack a 10mm
spanner with a hammer to remove a pipe fitting that I could only get a 10mm open end
spanner on to, and in every case the tools came out almost unmarked, and after all
this time they work as good as when they were new.

The finish on them is much better than the Stanley Britool sets I have. The extensions
are much beefier than the Halfords Pro and Sealey Premier ones I have. The sockets
all click together perfectly with minimal play and fit nuts and bolts better than the Britool
and Halfords Pro sockets I have, and the ratchets are the by far the nicest I have used
compared to everything else.

I honestly haven't found a single flaw with any of the Facom tools I own... Not one.
I personally can't recommend them highly enough, and it's fascinating that two people
can have such different experiences with the same tools. Maybe I have just been Lucky.
 

SpannerMonkey

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Joined
Oct 25, 2012
Messages
306
Location
Scotland, UK
I don't understand how you can recommend Britool over Facom? The old Britool stuff was top notch but it's not what it was now. Have a look at a Mactool European catalogue. It rates the Britool stuff as 1 star and the Facom stuff as 3 star same as the Mactool stuff, a lot of which is rebadged Facom. As for Draper Expert, it's ok but I wouldn't rate it above Sealey Premier stuff.

I'm sure Facom was probably better in the past but, for me, it's the best value stuff out there. I got the 1/2" DBox set for under £65 and a 3/8" set for £45. A set of 14 combination spanners was £52. As for the quality, it's definately a step up from the Sealey Premier and Halfords stuff I've been using before. I'm sure Hazet stuff is much better but a set of 8 Hazet spanners is a £79 and that's a bargain price!
 

N.I.

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Aug 24, 2012
Messages
332
Location
Northern Ireland
I saw "newish" 1/4" drive Facom socket set in a friends shop recently. Probably 3 years old. I was amazed how worn the sockets were, 8 and 10 mm - just gone!

I justified spending a bit extra on the Facom socket set, thinking that if they last my lifetime, then it would be money well spend. I was raging when I could see wear and marring on the hex end after only a couple of uses.

The owner was rather disappointed, and went on to show me his Facom punch/chisel set all bent and mushrooming. Way to soft he said, absolute junk! His words: Facom is not what it used to be!

I would actually stick up for the Facom punches and do like them (especially at the price they were at earlier in this thread). I have a set of Palmera, Stanley and Facom pin punches. The Stanley are terible.

The Facom are a lot longer than standard punches. Bear this in mind as you do have to be careful with them because they are more prone to buckle. If you are buckling them then I would blame it on user error. Anything really stuck you should either use a shorter punch or start it off with a drift punch.

The hammer end is designed to be considerably softer to prevent splitting. When they become badly muchroomed then grind them down again, same with any punch- no biggy.

The soft grip handle seems to be more of a hindrance. They shift about and get in the way and if you jam a punch they pull clean off.

The finish on them is much better than the Stanley Britool sets I have.

Grrr my pet hate. Comparing how shiny the finish is is pointless. It tells you nothing about the underlaying metal, the thickness /overall quality of the plating and how well it is adhered to the base metal.
I much prefer rough satin chrome for oily hands and would rather have the money saved in my pocket.

Rico, I agree that Facom do still sell a lot of well designed tools. Their spanners, pliers, punches, scissors, ratchets, visegrips and oil filter wrench - I would all recommend, but it is a shame they are selling their sole to Asia.
 

N.I.

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Joined
Aug 24, 2012
Messages
332
Location
Northern Ireland
I don't understand how you can recommend Britool over Facom? The old Britool stuff was top notch but it's not what it was now. Have a look at a Mactool European catalogue. It rates the Britool stuff as 1 star and the Facom stuff as 3 star same as the Mactool stuff, a lot of which is rebadged Facom. As for Draper Expert, it's ok but I wouldn't rate it above Sealey Premier stuff.

I'm sure Facom was probably better in the past but, for me, it's the best value stuff out there. I got the 1/2" DBox set for under £65 and a 3/8" set for £45. A set of 14 combination spanners was £52. As for the quality, it's definately a step up from the Sealey Premier and Halfords stuff I've been using before. I'm sure Hazet stuff is much better but a set of 8 Hazet spanners is a £79 and that's a bargain price!


For sockets sets I would undoubtedly recommend the NonBritool Expert sets over the Facom sets all day long, and I think you answered your own question.

The fact that they are selling their sockets for the quoted values shows that they are not aiming at a professional market anymore. Just price any of the top German or top American brands and they are typically 4 - 5 times the price. Facom know they cannot compete and are not even remotely trying.

At the end of the day, the sockets are Taiwanese and are going to be very similar to any other socket made in Taiwan. You just have to decide if the extra money for the Facom is worth it? It gets you nicer polish, a better case and a better ratchet.

The biggest shame is that the heat treatment they are specifying on their sockets is leaving them soft. Perhaps this is for finiancial gain? Softer sockets will be less likely to split, but will wear out sooner giving them the chance of repeat sales?
 
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Alx

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Aug 10, 2011
Messages
134
Location
England
Thought I'd throw a couple of deals on some Hazet tools I have in stock:

195-1 Kneeling Mat @ £16 delivered anywhere in the UK
Dimensions: H 30 x W 450 x D 210 mm

DSC02320.jpg



450N/8 Double Open-End Spanner Set @ £41 delivered anywhere in the UK
Metric: 6 x 7, 8 x 9, 10 x 11, 12 x 13, 14 x 15, 16 x 17, 18 x 19, 21 x 22 mm

DSC02308.jpg


Or £55 if you want both items together.
 
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CanUK

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Joined
May 25, 2012
Messages
1,074
Painting?

Costco has a 15pc Harris Smoothglide brush set on for £9.22 including VAT from the 8th. Same set sells on Amazon for £20.

It's just £2 off their regular price, so still a bargain if you miss the sale.

10B9FE1E15E8E7167FC2ABB052C01B88.jpg
 

Alx

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Joined
Aug 10, 2011
Messages
134
Location
England
Thank you, N.I. :thumbup:

Shame it's missing the 5/8" but I can't complain at this price!
 

N.I.

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Joined
Aug 24, 2012
Messages
332
Location
Northern Ireland
Photos - Did the best I could with my phone.

IMAG0762_zpsfea166bf.jpg


Some of them are a bit blackish inside. Its not rust so I didn't waste time trying to clean them.

IMAG0765_zps0c738eae.jpg


IMAG0766_zps538881b0.jpg


Some record, couple Record Gordon.
 

Simon.

Active member
Joined
Mar 22, 2013
Messages
26
Location
Fareham UK
Halford Pro chest and cabinet - These are always reduced either individually or if bought together but I've not seen them this low, only £300 for both! I have two of the bottom cabinets and they are pretty good, though I've never had a Snap-on or similar to compare it with.

Also Quidco 4% and free delivery (worth having it delivered rather than collecting as they are heavy).

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/SearchCmd?catalogId=10151&storeId=10001&categoryId=255214&langId=-1&action=listrefine&scope=inl||partnumber||2||169774||169790&constraints=sor||Price||1&cm_re=10cms+slides-_-Slide+1-_-6draw

169790


169774
 
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