Ratchet set - best one to buy
07-10-2010, 09:23 AM
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As I've decided to hold on to my 2005 530i for another year or two, until there is a clearer indication as to where the recession recovery is going in the U.S., and the warranty is expired, I'm going to have to do some routine maintenance myself.
To that end, I have to purchase a socket set, sometimes called a ratchet set.
I assume that it is going to have to be "metric" set, as all the instructions that I see in the DIY refer to mm sockets, e.g. 13mm.
What is the best metric socket set to puchase in the U.S.?
When I was growing up "Craftsman" made by Sears, but now sold in Kmart, was the best to buy for the life-time warranty.
What are your suggestions as to the brand to buy?
Thx, in advance.
To that end, I have to purchase a socket set, sometimes called a ratchet set.
I assume that it is going to have to be "metric" set, as all the instructions that I see in the DIY refer to mm sockets, e.g. 13mm.
What is the best metric socket set to puchase in the U.S.?
When I was growing up "Craftsman" made by Sears, but now sold in Kmart, was the best to buy for the life-time warranty.
What are your suggestions as to the brand to buy?
Thx, in advance.
07-10-2010, 10:14 AM
#2
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Craftsman makes excellent hand tools. You can't really go wrong with them. Head to Sears.
I'd buy a nice metric set that starts small and goes all the way up to whatever point(usually around 22MM). If you need anything bigger at some point just go buy the single socket of that size. Get some nice extensions and adapters also. Buy a torque wrench also. Also a good 1/2" pry bar is nice to have for taking tires off or any real pain in the ass bolts.
Get a floor jack and stands if you don't have them.
P.S.: The Bentley manual for are cars is coming out right now for $100. Might be well worth it if your doing your own work.
I'd buy a nice metric set that starts small and goes all the way up to whatever point(usually around 22MM). If you need anything bigger at some point just go buy the single socket of that size. Get some nice extensions and adapters also. Buy a torque wrench also. Also a good 1/2" pry bar is nice to have for taking tires off or any real pain in the ass bolts.
Get a floor jack and stands if you don't have them.
P.S.: The Bentley manual for are cars is coming out right now for $100. Might be well worth it if your doing your own work.
07-10-2010, 11:07 AM
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My Ride: 530I Silver gray with gray leather with Premium Package, Logic 7 Premium sound system with Ipod interface, xenon adaptive headlights, Active steering, Power retractable rear sunshade, Comfort seats, Cold weather package and M5 OEM 166 wheels, Sprintbooster. Ceramic Tint all around, Bilstein Sports shocks with Eibach springs, Brake performance Rotors and Axxis ceramic pads.
Professional Mechanics use Snap on tools, Mac, Matco. But for personal use, you can't go wrong with Craftman tools. They have lifetime warranty. Make sure you get the 6 point sockets VS the 12 points, The former will prevent rounding off your nuts and bolts. Make sure you also get a set of Torx set since a lot of screws on our car requires this type. Of'course all in metric size. Look up SEARS for a set instead of buying them in pieces.
07-10-2010, 11:21 AM
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My Ride: 2007 530i. Purchased 6/28/07. Titanium Silver Metallic, Black Dakota Leather, Dark Poplar Trim, Steptronic, Premium Package, Cold Weather Package, Bluetooth, Adaptive Control Xenons. 10/30/07 Added OEM 124s with 245/40/18 & 275/35/18 Michelin Pilot Sport A/S tires. Installed red Cal Covers� from BavAuto. 11/21/07 Added OEM all-weather floor mats (for winter, carpet in summer) and coat rack. 6/26/08 installed M5-style rear spoiler. 6/30/08 put on red reflectors. 8/22/08 Euro turn signal stickers applied. 3/20/09 Installed Shadowline Trim. 3/27/09 Added Matte Black Kidney Grilles from Trinity. 4/03/09 Installed Bimmian Shadow Matte Black 530i Badges. 4/04/09 Installed LED license plate lights from Trinity. 5/01/09 Installed Brabus Interior LED Kit and White Angel Eyes. 5/02/09 Put in Brabus 6K Fogs. 5/14/09 Removed charcoal filter. 5/15/09 Installed light smoke LED side marker lamps from Trinity. 5/21/09 Sprint Booster. 6/12/09 Painted exhaust tips flat black. 6/13/09 Pulled red Cal Covers and painted calipers low gloss black. 6/27/09 RPI Ram Air Scoop from Trinity. 8/15/09 Installed Brabus's silver invisibulbs front and rear. 9/24/09 Installed R-Dash license plate LEDs from Brabaus (John).
Professional Mechanics use Snap on tools, Mac, Matco. But for personal use, you can't go wrong with Craftman tools. They have lifetime warranty. Make sure you get the 6 point sockets VS the 12 points, The former will prevent rounding off your nuts and bolts. Make sure you also get a set of Torx set since a lot of screws on our car requires this type. Of'course all in metric size. Look up SEARS for a set instead of buying them in pieces.
07-10-2010, 01:33 PM
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Craftsman makes excellent hand tools. You can't really go wrong with them. Head to Sears.
I'd buy a nice metric set that starts small and goes all the way up to whatever point(usually around 22MM). If you need anything bigger at some point just go buy the single socket of that size. Get some nice extensions and adapters also. Buy a torque wrench also. Also a good 1/2" pry bar is nice to have for taking tires off or any real pain in the ass bolts.
Get a floor jack and stands if you don't have them.
P.S.: The Bentley manual for are cars is coming out right now for $100. Might be well worth it if your doing your own work.
I'd buy a nice metric set that starts small and goes all the way up to whatever point(usually around 22MM). If you need anything bigger at some point just go buy the single socket of that size. Get some nice extensions and adapters also. Buy a torque wrench also. Also a good 1/2" pry bar is nice to have for taking tires off or any real pain in the ass bolts.
Get a floor jack and stands if you don't have them.
P.S.: The Bentley manual for are cars is coming out right now for $100. Might be well worth it if your doing your own work.
I had already pre-ordered the Bentley manual from Bimmerzone.com, cost about $100, and they sent an email saying it'll arrive by this coming Tues.
I'll stop by Sears tomorrow and look for a small socket set, the ones on line are large (140 pieces).
Thx to everybody for their advice!!
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