Draper tools, any good?

[Richy137]

Im looking at getting a tool set mainly for having in the car in case of emergency, but also to use occasionally if I need to do any work on the car. Came across this set which is cheap and has most thing I would imagine I would need but is it any good or do you think it will just decompose after the first use Draper DIY Series 19776 107-Piece Mechanic's Tool Kit: Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools

 

[rosh17t]

For that kind of money I dont think you could go wrong

 

[F51]

That is pretty cheap! I Rather like the halfords professional tools, not the jacks though they are pretty crap. be more expensive but tbh it depends on how often you use them. I find with better tools that im more inclined to do work myself, when i had cheaper crappy tools i couldnt be arsed.

 

[Daddy_D]

Just go to a car boot sale and pick most of the items in that box for pennies. What you need to do is find cheap individual parts like 22mm onwards sockets, anything above 19mm spanners, Torx T50 T55 T60 etc. Extension and breaker bars, things that normally are not sold in a kit and requires individual purchase. That's where the big expense is at. I just put an order via our account for a T55 torx socket.....4.50 without the vat. For another 4.50 you can probably buy a whole set (about 6-7 bits) but of course the big numbers are never in those kits. You need a few more specialized tools to make your DIY job easier, that draper kit won't cut it for me I'm afraid.
For example, don't spend money on screw drivers, get an impact screwdriver with bits, they are universal design instead of proprietary so the head can click on your ratchet and get the job done in a different way. If you need allan keys don't buy this crap http://www.discountcyclesdirect.co.uk/images/9 Piece Allen Key Set.JPG
but buy a socket set version like this
http://i.imgur.com/42Hx2R6.jpg
it just gives you more versatility and it means it won't snap or chew the bolt the first time you use it.

 

[F51]

some times at carboots if you dig through the boxes you can find snap on stuff for pence too! especially if the husband has died/been kicked out and the woman wants to clear out the garage

 

[Richy137]

That's a very good point! I just spent £35 on a job lot off eBay, think I probably overpaid but it's got a fair few stuff with it! I'll have to hit up the local car boot sale next week! What are some decent brands to look out for? And do they usually have the make engraved on them?

 

[Richy137]

Got my job lot from ebay today and figured I would get your opinions on wether I payed too much!

This is everything I got:

Ebay multi size socket style thing
Draper spark plug socket
Stallion impact driver
Swinbourne 1/2 ratchet
4 * 1/2 extenders
1/2 to 1/4 converter
German brand 3/8 ratchet
Hilka spark plug socket
Filter extractor
Elora 33 socket
1/2 swivel handle thing
Sockets: 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 24, 1", 1" 1/16, 1" 1/8, 1" 3/16, 1" 1/4, these are either unbranded, or german

 

[F51]

if it does you a job and saves you on labour costs then its paid for itself really

 

[stefan]

drapers diy series is just for very basic work, not really up to working on cars IMO

draper expert tools are of good quality, pretty sure they have a middle range that would be fit for purpose.

 

[Spanner188]

I.M.E. Draper 'Expert' tools are rubbish, particularly if it involves multiple parts, engines, motors etc. Most of the time it isn't the tool itself it is that Draper have virtually no spares back up for their tools.
Customer service is virtually ZERO.
Avoid them if uou can.