Thread: Anyone had any experience with SP tools ??

This is the kit iam currently looking at SP TOOLS 239pc MECHANICS TOOL KIT
Thanks

Trust me on this...

at the moment you want to be looking at (in order of your budgets strength from cheap to exxy)

kingchrome
sidchrome
Snap-on

you will find that like me after you get your basic imperial/metric set you will see others using a tool that you dont have and once youve used it would love to have thats not from your original supplier

A perfect example is my sidchrome ratchet ringys... Useless for doing the bottom bolt on a td5 deefers clutch master cylider even tho they are 7.5 degree ratchets. But the much cheaper kingcrome ones at 15 degrees due to the difference in head shape will actually get in and ratchet.

depending on how big a diesels you're going to work on DO NOT skimp on your socket sets, torque wrenches, feeler gauges and the DTI kit....

If your anywhere near brissy your welcome to come out and have a look at my basic tool kit that can solve about 90% of normal sized diesel engines.

Originally Posted by Defender=1st

This is the kit iam currently looking at SP TOOLS 239pc MECHANICS TOOL KIT
Thanks

Daves right dont skimp on tools that you need to use all the time, kingchrome and sidchrome are affordable good quality tools and have a lifetime guarantee, Snap-On are good tools but way overpriced. I have still got sidchrome spanners that I bought 40 years ago and still servicable. I just had some tools pinched and I got some replacement tools through the insurance, a set of 20x1/2" drive Sidchrome sockets 8mm to 32mm for $108, good price for good sockets, one tool I have to recommend is the Sidchrome Rotator Ratchet in 3/8" drive, fantastic in tight spots, go for Warren and Brown Torque wrenches, last a lifetime. I was looking at the SP set you are looking at the other day and they look alright, but have never used them, so cant comment on their quality, I will check tomorrow, I'm sure that same kit was around the $1000 mark, let you know tomorrow, Regards Frank.

did this 32 years ago (makes me feel old), I have never liked the new sidchrome, they are thin and sharp on the edges when you bash them with your hand, being thin has its advantages at times though. I first purchased a good toolboxs, look for solid drawers, good slides and room for expansion. I ended up buying ECT spanners, never broke one but have modified a few. I sugest you buy the box and quality tools as you can afford them. Couple of spanners that I have purchased over time that are special are 1/2- 9/16 short series sidchrome ringspanner, 9/16 and 3/4 proto open end ring spanners and a 18" proto 1/2 drive strong arm. When buying rachets, I find the rachets with fine clickers are the best. I have also brought cheapo short series rachets, about the size that fits in the palm of your hand. Check out the junk shops for some second hand stuff to (often can pick up a bargan), dont discount BA size tools in the second hand shop either.
cheers
blaze
Ps
Strive to be in management by 35 years old, if not look to change careers.

You anywhere near a caterpillar dealer? Cat tools are all snap on/proto, sometimes branded cat sometimes branded snap on/proto usually 60 or 70% of snap-on retail.

looking at your kit it approximates mine without the precision measuring gear, torque wrenches and impact rated sockets.... (you will want impact sockets in single hex, 1/2 and 3/8th drive imperial and metric)

Providing they are up to the standard they are blurbing thats a pretty good start out box...

My dad also had ECT tools from when he was 16ish. I destroyed his socket wrench trying to get my T/case filler plug out. It had a good life, but I guess I exceeded its limits.

Spend the money. Buy the tools that come with the lifetime replacement.

Do you get the apprentice tool bonus?

Cheers
Simon