Sealey 45pc 3⁄8in Duo Metric Socket Set AK692P

Around £95 | www.sealey.co.uk / 01284 757500 | Reviewed by John Milbank

For many years I’ve used a goodquality socket set that cost £35 – it covered all the sizes I needed, and has lasted me well; only the moulded plastic carry case losing one of its clips. NowI’ve tried this Sealey set though, it’s relegated to the back of the tool chest, only coming out when I need two sockets of the same size…

All the Chrome Vandium, polished satin finish sockets are ‘Wall Drive’, which means they’re less likely to damage fasteners, and can help remove ones that have been rounded. Containing both metric and imperial in standard and deep, it also has several ‘DuoMetric’ sockets – basically, these are the sizes that fit both standards.

Personally, I rarely have much use for the Imperial sizes, though once in a blue moon they come in handy. Given the choice, I’d have found 6 and7mmsizes more useful, as well as a 24mm – this set stops at 22mm.

What I really appreciate is the deep knurling on every socket and the extensions – it makes spinning nuts and bolts on by hand somuch easier, even when you’re covered in grease. I didn’t realise what a huge difference it would make.

The ratchet is beautifully made – it’s much more compact than my old set, and whereas that had 24 clicks per 360°, the Sealey is twice as fine, offering 48 clicks; don’t underestimate how useful this can be when working in confined spaces. The reversing latch on the socket is easy to flip with nitrile gloves on, without constantly getting knocked in use like my previous kit. A 3⁄ to ¼ adaptor is included, which also

8 doubles as a T-bar adaptor when slid over the extension. A bent flex handle has been useful in a couple of awkward jobs, and there are three sparkplug sockets – 16, 18 and 21mm. Unfortunately the rubber in the 16mm one doesn’t always hold on to slim motorcycle plugs – my old one did, but has long since worn out, so I’mstill using a magnet to lift out the odd stubborn one.

The ‘proper’ metal tin is a great thing to have, and rounded corners help reduce damage if you knock it into something.

The list price is £144, but it’s available from Sealey stockists for between £89 and £110.