Starting out a tool kit

[lmoengnr]

Most of my SAE stuff is 12 point, 'cos most of the fasteners I used to work on were 12 point, although a lot of GE stuff was 12 point bolts and spline nuts.

 

[Fu Manchu]

Part of why we have 12point is for undoing a bolt in a confined space. Small increments are able to be made.

I think one of the greatest inventions in recent times is the ratcheting ring spanner. A six point ratcheting ring spanner is the holy grail.


However, it’s inexperience that tends to lead to rounding off. Either by the bolt installer exceeding the bolts specs or the novice home mechanic who has not yet gained a “feel” of the bolt or screws torque as it’s being done up.

 

[greenacc]

Maybe the CCP has banned their export to Australia?
I have a few OE and ring Sidchrome spanners that I received in my apprentice tool kit from'77, all have made in Australia forged into them.
I inherited all of my fathers tools, fair bit of Sidchrome there, and all made in Australia(most of them would be older than me). Most went straight to my son, I only kept the 3/4" drive sockets and accessories, a giant pair of Proto multi grips, and a Thor rawhide/copper 'soft' hammer.

Oh you just reminded me. I did inherit a heap of sidchrome spanners, mostly open enders. They're probably as of as me and still good. So that's another reason I don't go looking for new ones. And because the socket sets became identical to both tool pro and Stanley and I avoid both of those.