Combination spanner quality/prices

[Mikey D]

I needed a low profile (i.e. Slimish head) 17 mm spanner so ordered one from zoro (part of Cromwell tools I believe ) anyway they lost my order somewhere so hasn't arrived yet

So though I'd get one From local bearing factor as I Kew they stocked Beta tools
Asked how much ....dude looks up price in book. £14. Dull/Rough finish and £17 polished . I can give you 25% off tho
I know beta are decent quality but not worth snap on prices surely


Anyway Walked out after exclaiming How Much !!

Went to local independent motor factors and picked up the pictured spanner for £4 not a make I'd heard of but has a very nice feel to and nice satin chrome finish .

Decided against a silverline for £2 ish as it would no doubt round off the first nut it sees

 

[Hitch]

German stuff, they do quite a few bits. Mate has a few slogging spanners by them.

 

[Mikey D]

Yes looked on their website a very good range , may well buy a set of those spanners if this one passes the test !

 

[SierraV6]

German stuff, they do quite a few bits. Mate has a few slogging spanners by them.

I don’t think they manufacture in Germany, probably China or Taiwan. Not that it necessarily matters as long as the quality is adequate.

The slimmest combination spanners I have are made by Unior, they’re slimmer than most and are just nice generally. I have an Elora set which are quite slim as well.

 

[Hitch]

Always handy to keep a few old sockets and spanners for modifying.

 

[Wallace]

The BGS website shows them to be a family run tool supplier in a similar vein to Draper Tools.

 

[daleyd]

Beta are Italian iirc, and though I haven’t used much of their stuff I’d put the quality up there with big names like facom, snap on etc


Their sliding t bar hex keys are lovely things.

Buying single spanner’s is always expensive compared to a set. (Not that I’m trying to justify that price - I wouldn’t have paid that either!)

 

[Brad93]

£14 would get you an 6mm spanner off the snap On van.

 

[daleyd]

£14 would get you an 6mm spanner off the snap On van.

 

[8ob]

The problem with any "shop" purchase is that the council are shafting them for tens of thousands a year in business rates before they sell anything, a cost that unfortunately has to be passed on

Bob

 

[p0689109]

The council would have to sting the householders if they are made to cut the fees to the shops which would mean you will pay more for them! They have to get their money from somewhere!

 

[Richard.]

I was gonna say £17 for a snap on 17 is less than half price
Try around £2.50-£3 per mm nowadays

 

[Richard.]

I think for the money the Kennedy professional range take some beating.
I’d put them well above a lot of the more expensive names. They’ve got a great weight and feel to them much like the snap on spanner’s.

 

[premmington]

£14 would get you an 6mm spanner off the snap On van.

Lad who works for me, just bought a six sided (hex) 11mm combination Snap On spanner - off the van - for £45. Umm...


I have a lot of BGS stuff - it is OK

 

[brightspark]

I think for the money the Kennedy professional range take some beating.
I’d put them well above a lot of the more expensive names. They’ve got a great weight and feel to them much like the snap on spanner’s.

I bought a set from autojumble in nice condition 30 quid lovely slim spanners and feel good .well made .the 24mm one was missing so bought one 16 quid

 

[Brad93]

Lad who works for me, just bought a six sided (hex) 11mm combination Snap On spanner - off the van - for £45. Umm...


I have a lot of BGS stuff - it is OK

If you buy individually it does work out dear. I always pay cash, no receipt and he knocks a load off for that.

 

[Nick67GT]

Personally, I’ve given up buying new tools (other than ‘specials’)

Given the time, I’d always buy second hand quality brands for a fraction of their original new price.

Over the years, I’ve built up a comprehensive tool set covering both Metric and Imperial sizes, which would have been well out of my range and/or justification if they were purchased brand new.

However, there are those who try and recoup the serious money they coughed up for the likes of Snap On in the first place.

‘You pays your money and makes your choice’ as they say.

 

[Brad93]

I think for the money the Kennedy professional range take some beating.
I’d put them well above a lot of the more expensive names. They’ve got a great weight and feel to them much like the snap on spanner’s.

Mine are still going strong.

 

[Ashley Burton]

I've not had any issues with my Halfords spanners over the years. I wouldn't say I'm a heavy user though

 

[Brad93]

I've not had any issues with my Halfords spanners over the years. I wouldn't say I'm a heavy user though

Halfords Advanced are decent.
I’ve had mine a good 8 years.

There is something about snap on spammers though. They just feel good in the hand.