Is this 25 piece mini socket set a worthy sibling to its 1/2″ big brother
I previously reviewed the Bahco 1/2 ” socket set which has given me many years of sterling service. This is fine and dandy for hefty hub nuts, and rusted suspension ironmongery. However for things with a little more finesse, or limited room tpo work, you need something a bit more delicate. I have also owned the Bahco 1/4″ set for several years, in fact I have two, one living on my boat as it is ideal for tinkering with the outboard if required.
In all honesty the 1/4″ gets the most frequent use. It’s perfect for quickly whipping out the 10mm bolts that fasten almost everything on the Renault Engine, from engine cover to ignition coils, thermostat to sensors. So for these kinds of jobs, it is the first thing I grab. It is also an ideal size for other small mechanical jobs duties. With the bit drive attachement, included, it is convenient when dealing with allen head or Torx fixings. If you have multiple Allen head nuts to fasten by hand the ratchet is a god send (albeit not always as much as an electric screwdriver). A small range of bits for these is included.
Set Contents
- 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 to 13mm Sockets
- Ratchet Drive
- Extension bar
- Bit Socket
- Torx bits: 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40
- Hex Bits: 5,6
- 2 x PH2 screwdriver bits
The box again is solid with foam inlays which hold all pieces snugly. It’s also suitably compact so easy to throw in the bag, or slip into the glove box.
I find the included bit choice a little odd. some of the Torx bits I have never used. I would rather have more Hex or even a flat head screwdriver bit. I have bought the Bahco bit set separately for more versatility.
Like the bigger Bahco sets this is good value although given the whole set probably weighs the same as the ratchet drive in the 1/2 set it is a different beast all together. It doesn’t feel quite as precise as the large set, and given i use it on less stubborn fixings it probably doesn’t have to be. The best example would be when using the extension bar. There just fells like a bit more lateral movement then i would expect. Subsequently I don’t feel as attached to it as the 1/2 set although use it more.
All in all for the very reasonable price it’s a good bit of kit. It does everything i would expect of it but maybe where the 1/2 set feels like a Land Cruiser, big heavy and effective. This feels more like a little Hyundai hatchback, a bit rattly but dependable, and just the job for day to day small quick jobs.
To check out the latest prices on the Bahco SL25 on Amazon which usually has a good price on it please see:
Of course this set is available through a number of other retailers.
Note: The above link is an affiliate link so if you click it to purchase I may get a small commission. Rest assured this has not changed the tone of this review