Thursday, Apr 22, 2004 at 19:12
Folks,
IMHO they are are made as
well as most others on the market and are sold as "Industrial Quality". As I have said before I look after my gear, however if needed it gets a workout. No I do not believe in cheater bars and if desperate as with any other spanner would only use it on the ring in this case. I think I have seen that they are guaranteed against breakage.
One very good feature of them is that they grip on the flats of the head/nut and will work where others will not when the corners are rounded. Nut stuffers should be shot at the stake anyway!!!.
One drawback is that the ring end of the combo spanners require more swing than other types (except for the elcheapo 6 pointers). This due to the way the tool is designed to work on the flats. If using the open end there is a bit more play than normal spanners. The sockets are fine as the ratchet mechanism allows a smaller swing.
They are definately ahead of supatool etc. I dont think they have been
well promoted in Aust and hence the scepticism. Their overall range is a bit limited as
well (although adequate for most needs).
Repco is a respected brand along with many others.
I have a 71 piece set which is contained in a plastic moulded box that measures 33 x 38 x8 cm. It contains 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 sockets std and deep upto 32mm and a set of ring OE's 8 to 22mm plus accessories. This set will cover Metric AF and Whit. so if need be you could work on an old FJ or Landy. Otherwise you would need a medium size toolbox + helper springs. The set cost about $300 - now selling about $400.
Times have changed - I rember there once being an 11 or 13 piece sidchrome set which would allow you to strip & assemble a Holden Motor and I am pretty sure that included a shifter, pliers and a screwdriver. (The tension wrench was by feel in those days!!!)
I have a GU2 3.0l and dont forget to take the Torx set and the allen keys.
There is a website Metrinch.com or do a google search.
I guess that it is horses for courses, however if space and weight are a premium you get true flexibility thrown in. The ability to assist others or ttravel light if in a group is also a factor. As one who has had a need for Metric/AF/Whit I can say that they are the best thing since sliced bread.
As a
young fella I started with AF's and then had to buy metrics (and a few whitworths) along the way so perhaps I am a little biased. OK for the younger metric only whippersnappers.
Hope this helps
Regards
Pete G
AnswerID:
55552