Draper Expert 18970 42-Piece Metric/AF Chrome Vanadium Socket Set

Contents are:
17 Draper Expert HI-TORQ 12 point sockets size: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 and 22mm
9 Draper Expert HI-TORQ 12 point sockets size: 1/4, 5/16, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16 and 3/4" AF
4 Draper Expert HI-TORQ 12 point deep sockets size: 8, 10, 12 and 13mm
3 Draper Expert HI-TORQ spark plug sockets size: 10, 12 and 14mm
3/8" reversible ratchet with "quick release" button
4 extension bars size: 75, 150, 200 and 300mm
sliding tee bar
flexible handle
universal joint
spinner handle

The slightly unusual makeup of this set is possibly due to it being aimed at motorcycle and smaller car engines - the give away is the spark plug sizes, 14mm is a common motorcycle size and Honda use 10mm in their smallest engines and 12mm in their motorbike transverse fours. Car spark plugs are generally 21mm or 16mm though there has been a drift towards smaller plugs sizes in the last few years. The variety of extension bars is to cope with deeply recessed spark plugs and inaccessible bolts - again a problem on some bike engines.

It's a nicely finished set using chrome vanadium steel rather than carbon steel and is highly polished and well chromed. Chrome vanadium has a better resistance to 'fatigue' (embrittlement and cracking) but carbon steel is tough enough for a lifetime of sensible use. Cheaper sets will use the same 'blank' for several sizes of socket so the largest size will have rather thin walls - this seems to have been mostly avoided avoided here, only the 18mm and 17mm sockets use the same blank. The 3/8" ratchet manufacturing tolerances are a bit sloppy and it could be a bit tighter in the sockets but there a pros and cons to making everything a tight fit (which you discover when things jam..).

Note: You should not use a hammer on a ratchet handle. Use an impact socket set (thicker walled) and a 'breaker bar' or 'impact driver' for the stubborn bolts that refuse to budge.

The sockets (apart from the ones meant for spark plugs) are a modified form of twelve point rather than six point i.e. the hole in the socket has twelve corners rather than six corners. There is a bit of a debate about this - well designed six point are less likely to deform the corners of the bolt head but twelve point will fit on in more positions if space is tight for the ratchet (think about it!). Pro sets were usually twelve point but some now use fancy computer generated 6 point profiles with curves.

The case is adequate - I prefer metal cases to plastic for durability but there is not much in it.

Unlike cheaper socket sets, none of the metric sizes are missing in the standard sockets; in cheaper sets this is because they either have an exact AF equivalent in the set or they are very rarely used in practice. The AF sizes in this set have not officially been used in the UK since 1992 but they are often found on old cars and motor bikes. The range of deep sockets is a bit limited and I (like other reviewers) think they could have done better!

For the price it is a good value but slightly specialised set. Buy a good quality 3/8" or 1/2" 'six point' set that is designed for larger engines (the spark plug sockets will be 21mm and 16mm and the largest socket may be over 30mm) as well (Amazon sell a good quality set by Hilka) and you have covered all the bases - Real mechanics do not know how many socket sets they own!

This is a comprehensive set of sockets that will do all of the tasks that an average car DIYer will attempt. The 'safety type' sockets are made of good quality chromium vanadium steel and there are several deep reach extensions included to get into those awkward places. The ratchet handle could do with a bit more grip but at least the mechanism is quick release and quite fine compared to some of the cheaper makes around. For this price it just can't be beat and I highly recommend it.

The sole reason for purchasing this was the need to remove the steering-wheel from my car, and the long-reach sockets needed weren't available locally - kinda expensive solution ;) Plus, I thought I'd threat myself!

Anyway, I'm quite happy with them. The only niggle I have with them is that if you try tightening spark-plugs with the long-reach socket and the extension-bar, more often than not you end up with the socket stuck to the spark-plug via the sockets rubber 'grabber' insert when you finish tightening, as the extension-bar is only held to the socket by a spring-loaded ball-bearing. You are then forced to try and fish it out with a long-nosed pliers etc. which by its very nature is often on the most inaccessible for places!!!

I would have thought that being "Expert" standard tools, their designers would have taken this into account...