Best vfm or genereally reccd sockets sets

[DefTrap]

Need a new, starter size, socket set (as as gift) and want to spend between 50 and 100 gbp.

Spec -
- 3/8 drive ratchet
- metric
- roughly 8mm - 17mm sockets
- some sort of extension bar
- knuckle joint is a nice to have

My benchmark is Teng - unbelievable quality (my own set is knocking 35 years and other than the plastic case not doing the distance, it's been completely faultless)
Obviously also Facom.
I also bought a 1/4 drive Bahco recently - very good quality.

Any new players I should be aware of / avoid?
Anyone know of any super bargains around?

[Rockburner]

I've still got a Draper Silver set I bought at least 30 years ago and it's still fine - but I very much doubt you'll find one now.

The Halfords Pro tools get good reviews?

[weeksy]

I've still got a Draper Silver set I bought at least 30 years ago and it's still fine - but I very much doubt you'll find one now.

The Halfords Pro tools get good reviews?

They're hard to beat really. Do everything well enough.

[DefTrap]

Are they called Halfords 'Advanced' now or is that something different?

[Nidge]

Are they called Halfords 'Advanced' now or is that something different?

They are, and this is hard to fault in your budget:

https://www.halfords.com/tools/hand-too ... 35948.html

[Le_Fromage_Grande]

The good quality Halfords ones are good value

[Taff]

I've been abusing a halfords set (similar to the 150 piece set on their web site now) for over 20 years. the only thing that has caused issue is the ratchet handles, but quick strip down, clean and oil had them working well again

[Skub]

I've had a Teng for yonks too. I daresay it'll do me my time.

[Davie lad]

I,ve the Bahco, 1/4, 3/8 & 1/2, cant fault any of them, theres other bits and pieces also, very good value for the money..

[Silly Car]

Another vote for Halfords Pro / Advanced which are cracking value in any case but often even better if you know someone with a trade card.

Sadly, I no longer have mine

[Mr Moofo]

Halford Pro stuff is really good ....

[exportman]

Hi

I have both Halford Pro and Draper sets both are excellent quality that have cause me no issues

[Druid]

Another vote for Halfords Pro/Adv. They have regular special offers that are astonishingly good value

[DefTrap]

Thanks chaps

Halfords is a no-go really as I need home delivery, they don't seem to do it for those.
Probably the winner so far, and closest to my spec, is one of these Teng

[Druid]

Wera are good quality tools. This one is just about in budget and offers free delivery

https://www.mad4tools.com/hand-tools/sp ... t-29-piece

[KungFooBob]

I've broken a few bits in my 200pc Halfrauds set, mainly by using them wrong or being hamfisted.

I take the broken bits back to the shop and they replace them with parts from the one on display... every time I go in the display one is missing a couple of bits

[DefTrap]

I've broken a few bits in my 200pc Halfrauds set, mainly by using them wrong or being hamfisted.

I take the broken bits back to the shop and they replace them with parts from the one on display... every time I go in the display one is missing a couple of bits

Lolz!

Trying to find 'a set' that includes all the parts you want and not include a dozen you want is a pain in the arse. Of course you can buy them separately but then you don't get a case and you're down the rabbit hole of foam lined pukka toolboxes ....

[demographic]

I'm a bit late to this but Britool and Facom are owned by Stanley now (or were a while ago anyway) and the quality has slipped a fair bit.
The 3/8ths Britool sockets I bought a few years ago are a bit soft and wear fast compared to the Sykes Pikavant (spelling?) 1/2" drive ones Ive had since I was 17 or so.

Gearwrench make some nice ratchets and like many others on here the Halfords Pro stuff I've bought over the years has been good enough.

[mangocrazy]

Another vote for Bahco here. I believe they are owned by the same conglomerate that makes Snap-on. I have their 1/2" set and a couple of 1/4" sets and they are excellent. I also like Facom, but they are rather more spendy.

[Scuffmark]

Another vote for Halford pro/advance.

Started with a 1/2" set , which I've had must be getting on for 20 years and have added 3/8 and 1/4" over the years. 1/4" gets the most use these days , I've added a 14mm socket to help cover most things and the 1/2" drive stuff is used for the larger nuts or things that are tight tight.

I prefer single hex sockets and use them where ever possible.

Use Halford ratchet spanners too.

Nothing has ever broken or become faulty so I can't comment on their warranty.

For the price I think there fantastic value.