Car maintenance

First impressions count, and the loose hinges on the lid of this Halfords metal box didn’t impress us.

Picking a winner among the metal cantilever boxes was never going to be easy, as they’re all very similar, but this Sealey ticks the most boxes.

The biggest tool box in a new range from Halfords.

This metal cantilever box from Kennedy has a real quality feel.

If you prefer plastic boxes – which are less likely to damage your car’s boot carpet or trim – this is definitely the box for you.

The most expensive on test.

As with the big Clarke set, this Silverline offering got close to the end of the torque test before starting to safely bend

The Sealey tester is very similar to – and proved as accurate as – the Draper.

A lack of instructions does this disc-type Silverline tester no favours.

Protected by a handy plastic case, this Draper is smaller than disc-type rivals.

The Gunson is unique in having a dial gauge.

Some of our spanners have slicker ratchets and smaller ends, but this Silverline set is all most DIY mechanics will ever need.