Suggestions For a Socket Set?

[JTI]

Hi, I'm looking to do as much work myself on my GTI in coming months as I can, and I'm being a bit lazy here and asking if anyone could link me to a socket set where I'll have pretty much all the tools I'll need to cover things like cam follower, Diverter Valve replacement etc. I'll likely still put my car through a service so won't need to worry about anything covered in that. I normally just borrow whatever tools I need but I'm going to bite the bullet and finally buy a set myself    Cheers!

[Ashjstarr]

Halfords advanced  good quality and lifetime warranty  (which reminds me, i need to go and replace my breaker bar)

I bought mine small set at a time as they do the modular trays, but im sure it would be cheaper in the long run to geta full set like this one http://www.halfords.com/workshop-tools/tools/socket-sets/halfords-advanced-200-piece-socket-and-ratchet-spanner-set

Other useful stuff like screwdrivers and pliers i pick up when i see them at lidl/aldi/pound land.

Get a decent jack and stands as well! Worth their weight in gold

[Tommihayes]

I can second the halfords professional stuff. Had it years and it's always been spot on. Even using the ratchets with breaker bars! Just be aware that moving parts (such as ratchets) are not covered under warranty. But they are cheap as chips to replace and I've only done 2 in 7 or so years.

[pudding]

Another vote for Halfords professional, or 'Advanced' or what evs it's called these days.  Keep an eye out for their seasonal discounts!

With the MK5 there are other useful tools to get as well, such as a decent quality triple square bit set, and also torx.   I've also had to buy other specialist tools for doing wheel bearings, cam chain etc, and also the spreader tool for removing front struts from the bearing knuckles.
A set of picks is a good idea too, and some slotted rubber jack pads to protect the sills.   Loads of stuff!

Golden rule with car mechanics:  you can never have too many tools!

[Paradox1]

You can get alot of decent stuff on Ebay too!

Ive started using impact sockets on suspension and subframe bolts. less likely to strip. I stick use a ratchet but just feels better for me.

[flashp]

I've had x2 Teng sets for 30 years now and they're still going strong, probably going to outlast me 

[rich83]

Halfords do a 1/4" socket set which is a great set of tools to get you going.

[barelyrelevant]

I think the Halfords sets look like better value for money than they actually are. Lots of imperial sizes you'll likely never use, and a lot of the sockets are 12 sided which are crap. Also I have found that it's missing a few sizes in spanners/deep sockets which i've had to buy after.

If I could do it again i'd buy them separate:
- decent 3/8 ratchet
- 6 sided socket set
- 6 sided deep socket set
- spanner set
- ratchet extension
- 1/2 breaker bar
- torx screw driver set
- hex socket set

Not sure if i've forgotten anything important but that should do a lot of jobs?

[Octoparrot]

I'd go for a comprehensive set from halfords as well, as stated you'll also need a set of triple square bits as well ( got a Clarke set from machine mart) and I've also found halfords ratcheting spanners a God send on many an occasion as well. Depending just how much work you plan on doing I'd think about getting a tool chest / cabinet as it's amazing just how quickly you accrue tools! A decent 2 foot breaker bar is also a must for bigger jobs and a decent torque wrench. I could go on all night!

The usual "filters" service is really simple, if you can change the cam follower then changing the oil etc. is a piece of cake.

[unzippy]

Halfords Pro.  Comes with a warranty so when you break something on a Sunday you can trot down to Halfords and swap it out there and then.
Try taht with Teng or Snap-On

[pudding]

I think the Halfords sets look like better value for money than they actually are. Lots of imperial sizes you'll likely never use, and a lot of the sockets are 12 sided which are crap. Also I have found that it's missing a few sizes in spanners/deep sockets which i've had to buy after.

If I could do it again i'd buy them separate:
- decent 3/8 ratchet
- 6 sided socket set
- 6 sided deep socket set
- spanner set
- ratchet extension
- 1/2 breaker bar
- torx screw driver set
- hex socket set

Not sure if i've forgotten anything important but that should do a lot of jobs?

That is a bloody good point actually, I've never used the imperial sockets, except on the odd occasion I use some hose clamps from America which have a 3/8" head instead of 10mm.  I guess Halfords are trying to appeal to a wider audience with vintage cars that use imperial nuts and bolts.

It would be handy if toolmakers offered customized toolsets for particular vehicles wouldn't it?   You only need a handful of metric sockets on a Golf.  The rest of the box can be made up of triple squares, torx, a torque wrench and some deep throat sockets and spanners.

[Tfsi_Mike]

Deep throat sockets   

[barelyrelevant]

What fasteners are triple squares? I've not done much work on my Golf but I've not seen one yet, or on any previous cars (Honda/Peugeots) are they a VAG specific thing?

[Octoparrot]

The banjo bolt (if you have one), the front strut pinch bolt, steering wheel bolt, brake caliper carrier bolts and some in the door lock to name a few.

[Chris_R]

What fasteners are triple squares? I've not done much work on my Golf but I've not seen one yet, or on any previous cars (Honda/Peugeots) are they a VAG specific thing?

I think so, never needed them before I got my first VW!
Steering wheel centre bolt for one (M12 from memory?) which is the reason I bought my complete cheap set of them, then my brother gave me his Facom ones as he got rid of his old VR6.

Halfords is a good place to start, but you will find that you need far more.
Another place to look believe it or not is your old mans shed - great place to find vintage good quality tools - or also try the many auto jumble events - I picked up a Mac impact gun for next to nothing and just needed a bit of oiling.
A decent length breaker (1/2" head) is a god send for stuck stuff, I use impact type sockets on the bigger stuff as they tend to come in 6 sided instead which gives a better fit on something that needs a lot of torque either to take it off or put it on and less likely to round off.
Then once you have got everything you need, think again because that's when upgrades kick in LOL. Gradually replacing some of my older cheap spanners with Bluepoint, Teng and Facom as I go. Already done all the screwdrivers with Wera stuff which is real nice - I have their mini wrench set and one of their Zyklop ratchets in 1/4".
Then comes air tools, better jack, axle stands are a must, a creeper - basically anything that makes the job easier if you start to tackle more and more stuff.
My most recent purchases are a low range torque wrench, Wera screwdrivers (standard type, as the ones with replaceable bits don't get into those deep seated screws in awkward places), upgrade my brake bleeder and currently on the hunt for a bigger air compressor as my Lidl one is just not up to spinning a good impact gun.
Not really a lot I can't tackle now with what I have in the garage - but I do all my own work that requires one off uses of expensive manufacturer specific tools.