Skip advert
Advertisement

Halfords Socket and Spanner Set review

The Halfords Socket and Spanner Set is a high-quality and comprehensive toolkit that justifies its price

Halfords 200 socket set
Overall Auto Express rating

4.5

When upgrading your tool kit, buying an all-encompassing set can be tempting because they provide a range of spanners, wrenches and bits for less than the cost of putting them together individually.

We’ve had experience of cheap-to-buy sets which dazzle with lots of tools, but our tests highlighted their quality limitations. But what about the other end of the market? We’ve been trying Halfords’ 200-Piece Socket and Ratchet Spanner Set to see if it’s worth the expense.

Advertisement - Article continues below

From the minute you pick it up, you know this is a serious bit of kit because it’s not something you’d want to carry far – it weighs a hefty 21kg. Open the case, which securely holds all the tools (unlike cheaper rivals) and you are spoilt for choice. The three main ratchet wrench sizes –  quarter, three-eighth and half-inch drives – are covered, with both deep and standard sockets. There’s also spark plug removers, pinless universal joints plus a hefty 450mm breaker bar and extensions.

Quality is not in question, because the three eighth-inch versions took the runner-up spot in our test last year. It’s a similar story with the ratchet spanners – you get 14 – which are the same as the set that won our 2024 test. There’s also a host of bits, hex keys and a spinner handle. At £330 it is a big commitment, but the quality and selection is good. 

Buy now from Halfords

Did you know you can sell your car through Auto Express? We’ll help you get a great price and find a great deal on a new car, too.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £4,588 off RRP*
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £27,005Avg. savings £6,825 off RRP*Used from £9,749
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £23,990Avg. savings £1,781 off RRP*
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £38,030Avg. savings £3,496 off RRP*Used from £11,323
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New speed cameras without flash or road markings arrive to catch more motorists
Speeding camera

New speed cameras without flash or road markings arrive to catch more motorists

The new type of radar-based speed cameras are currently being trialled in London
News
19 Mar 2026
Stansted Airport blames new £28 drop-off fee for drivers on ‘sustainability’
airport parking

Stansted Airport blames new £28 drop-off fee for drivers on ‘sustainability’

The price of a 15-minute drop off now costs £10, while a 30-minute stop incurs a £28 charge
News
20 Mar 2026
10 coolest SUVs coming soon: new models aim to take the 4x4 market by storm
Coolest SUVs coming soon - March 2026 header image

10 coolest SUVs coming soon: new models aim to take the 4x4 market by storm

These are fresh SUVs we can’t wait to arrive, from Skoda’s butch baby electric SUV to McLaren’s loftiest creation ever
Best cars & vans
20 Mar 2026