Halfords Pro bit adaptor issues (broken or am I stupid?)

[g3org3y]

Got one of the 150 piece sets last year in the sale which so far has proved itself pretty decent and useful.



Main 'issue':

1) The 'screwdriver' with box of bits. The adaptor into which the other bits insert has a metal 'pin' (for want of a better word) that holds them in tightly. On my set, it keeps popping out and I have to resite it every time I change a bit. Surely that's not right? Or am I 'doing it wrong'


(Item on the bottom row, far right of this box).

Other minor grumble:

The sparkplug removal tool - last plug change on the E36 the rubber insert kept coming off and remaining on the spark plug. V frustrating, luckily found another old one and used that instead.

[voicey]

Can't help on the first point but for the latter I use locking extensions:

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/...

[smartphone hater]

1) It's broken. A new holder will be cheap.
2) Super glue? Or remove altogether & buy a telescopic magnet to remove spark plugs from deep holes. (which is what I use)
3) Wipe your tools before putting them back in the case.

[Richie C]

Telescopic magnet, a bit of old hosepipe or failing that some blu-tac on a stick will do the job.

[bertieg]

the small metal clip in the adaptor is st. i can confirm this as i own one, and spent years selling them. no point getting halfords to replace it, it'll still be st

[magpie215]

bertieg said:

the small metal clip in the adaptor is st. i can confirm this as i own one, and spent years selling them. no point getting halfords to replace it, it'll still be st

^^^^^^^^

[supertouring]

I am aware of a situation which may be what you are experiencing. Or it may not be

You may find that some "bits" you have will have a small cut or "nick" in the side of them, which are designed to enable them to be held in the bit holder, I think via a ball bearing.

Some manufacturers do not have the "nick" in the side and so the bits are only being held in by what little friction there is between the bit and the side walls of the holder, hence when you pull the holder up the bit can stay attached to the fastner.

[g3org3y]

magpie215 said:

bertieg said:

the small metal clip in the adaptor is st. i can confirm this as i own one, and spent years selling them. no point getting halfords to replace it, it'll still be st

^^^^^^^^

I see! So not worth going back to Halfords to replace under their (lifetime) guarantee? Can anyone suggest another equivalent of good quality (ebay etc)?

[smartphone hater]

^^ There's a magnetic version you can buy that has no wire, the tool bit is held in the holder purely by magnetism so no bit of wire to break.

[g3org3y]

smartphone hater said:

^^ There's a magnetic version you can buy that has no wire, the tool bit is held in the holder purely by magnetism so no bit of wire to break.

From Halfords or anywhere else online?

FWIW, I always find that such screwdrivers are poor when it comes to proper use. Can't replace a good quality fixed head set imo.

[smartphone hater]

Can't find a magnetic one with a 1/4 drive which is what you need but I know they are made because I have one. Found a ball bearing one though which would be better than wire.

http://www.bamfordtrading.com/products/31998-drape...

Edited. Snap-on do a magnetic one. http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&t...

Edited by smartphone hater on Sunday 13th January 18:23

[g3org3y]

Thanks, will check them out.

[sospan]

Take a magnet and stroke the holder repeatedly from one end, lifting magnet off each time.
Result is magnetised holder

Waiting for the comments..........