Good quality tools

**toymachine** · 3rd February 2007, 12:24

Where's a good place to get decent quality tools?

In the quest to undo the rear lower engine mount on my VFR i've snapped 2 allen keys, twisted the head on another (50$ set from repco), twisted and broke the head ($30) off a socket with a hex head on it (powerbuilt brand) (also bought from repco).

Now they're replacing the socket and i'm going to try it on a rattlegun instead of a powerbar, but this is just getting rediculous... where can i get something that's not going to fuck out on me?

**The Pastor** · 3rd February 2007, 12:42

I got a
hex in head socket from waitamata hydrolics. It cost like 40 bucks for 1 socket. It better not break!

**toymachine** · 3rd February 2007, 12:50

Damn, they closed at one.

Cheers though will look there

**Motu** · 3rd February 2007, 13:24

I don't destroy that many tools in 5 years,and I use them everyday.You can blame the tool if you like,but although Powerbuilt are low quality they should be able to handle most jobs.I suggest you look at how you are using them,this could the the key....

**toymachine** · 3rd February 2007, 14:15

So far, all on the same bolt and a variety of trying to crack it or just twist it...

Granted, the socket was one a powerbar which may have been too much torque for the head, i'm trying the next on a rattlegun... what may I be doing wrong then?

**imdying** · 3rd February 2007, 14:24

Good basic rule is don't buy anything without a brand name on them... if they're not even willing to do that, that doesn't say much for them.

Powerbuilt tools are fine for the home mechanic, your technique is a fault. Don't rattlegun it off with a hand tool socket. Try some penetrating oil or some heat.

**toymachine** · 3rd February 2007, 14:33

It's been repeatedly crc soaked for ages... it was recommended I try the next socket on a rattlegun (they are supposed to be rated for this) as any bar related method just seems to twist the thing. What should I try if not the rattlegun?

**Finn** · 3rd February 2007, 14:36

Go here.

www.toolshed.co.nz

**The Pastor** · 3rd February 2007, 16:20

Just out of interest, what is a good quality brand for a socket set? If powerbuilt are low quality Im not wanting to fork out for a set just to have them crap out in a year or two. I do look after my tools and I havnt had one break on my yet (save the shitty phillips screwdriver) but a nice set lasts longer......

**bumsex** · 3rd February 2007, 16:46

i am a mechanic an got all my tools from waitemata hydraulics. they sell good tools. even their cheaper lines (king tony et. al ) are good.

**imdying** · 3rd February 2007, 17:11

CRC is crap, try some penetrating oil. You'll know if the socket is any good for a rattlegun, because it'll have a decent wall thickness. Have you given the head of the bolt a big sharp whack with a decent sized hammer to free the threads yet?

**Madness** · 3rd February 2007, 17:28

Try Koken brand Inhex sockets. They are a one-piece socket and available in Impact for not much more than the standard ones.

A standard socket has indentations inside the square for a ball retainer, Impact sockets have no indentations but a hole opposing the square for a pin to slide through and also have a ring around the outside base of the socket for a pin retaining o-ring. Don't use standard sockets on Impact Wrenches.

**roadracingoldfart** · 4th February 2007, 10:02

I was a bike mechanic and now work on cars for a living (ok i know cars suck

) and until i started to work on the tin tops i only had 3/8 sockets and used to put up with the odd breakage from over burdening the poor things.
I assume you are also using a 3/8 drive hex key or somit. Get a 1/2 drive puppy to break the torque and then your sweet. If you dont have one just ask around and borrow one, some rental hire centres have socket sets for 1/2 day rates.
I sold tools for 5 years from a van and i have nothing but good things to say about Powerbuilt's range , King Tony is very good also but i have approx $40.000 in tools and most is Koken or Snap-On but alot is also cheaper stuff like Powerbuilt etc. Just use it as its meant to be used and it will perform well for many years. A rattle gun is ok if you have enough air to power them but i fear most home compressors wont cut it as they just are not built to do that sort of work. All the best . Paul.