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Machine mart s3/8th drive socket set is where i would start.
while your there buy a couple of extra extension bars for it and maybe a torque wrench if you want all the gadgets.
I'd personally go for a 1/2" set rather than 3/8". The larger size is a lot stronger and tends to be better made. I got a fairly cheap set of standard and extra length bits from Machine Mart and they're head and shoulders better quality than the fairly expensive 3/8" set I have. I also think that if you're after a torque wrench, then 1/2" is the way to go as it can handle the extremes of torque much better, and there is little sense in splashing out for both 3/8" and 1/2" sockets.
I'd personally go for a 1/2" set rather than 3/8". The larger size is a lot stronger and tends to be better made. I got a fairly cheap set of standard and extra length bits from Machine Mart and they're head and shoulders better quality than the fairly expensive 3/8" set I have. I also think that if you're after a torque wrench, then 1/2" is the way to go as it can handle the extremes of torque much better, and there is little sense in splashing out for both 3/8" and 1/2" sockets.
My cheap draper 1/2" std and deep socket set was only about £30 and goes from 10 to 32mm (can't find it now, this is similar). The ratchet handle broke within 3 years but a Halfords Professional replacement was only about £25 with a lifetime guarantee and a torque wrench from Screwfix was £12.
Oh, and I got a Halfords ratchet spanner set from Santa.
It's all relative. When I was on the tools I only bought Snap-On. Now I'm a layabout, I tend to buy Halfords for the guarantee and occasionally Britool if it's a special.
As for whether to buy 1", 3/4, 1/2, 3/8 or 1/4 drive. Depends on what you're doing. A 3" 1/4 drive socket is as useless as a 4mm 1" drive socket.
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