What is a socket set?

A socket set is a versatile set of different socket adaptors that can be attached to a socket wrench. In essence, a socket set is a comprehensive set of tools that can be used to operate a variety of fasteners, primarily those common to nuts and bolts. An attachment set typically comes in a pouch, case, or hard box containing multiple interchangeable attachments. For a mechanic, a good tool kit begins with a high-quality socket set.

What is a socket set used for?

Most commonly used by professional mechanics, socket sets are used for tightening or loosening a wide selection of fastener sizes and types. It is important to note that no single socket set box can provide all socket sizes. Since nuts and bolts available in the car market are so diverse in size and type, it is impossible to cover them all in one set. They can also vastly differ in price depending on the size of the set, variety, brand and quality of metal used.

There are so many toolkit varieties available in the market today, so having an understanding of what kinds of nuts and bolts you’ll most likely encounter on a daily basis is vital when choosing a socket set (or sets) that best fits your needs.

Here is a round-up of Euro Car Parts’ top-selling socket sets among mobile mechanics in 2021:

The round-up covers standard socket sets as well as specialist socket sets.

Star Socket Set – 14pc

Torx is a trademark socket that has a six-pointed head that looks like a star shape hence is commonly also called a ‘star’. Specially designed to fix Torx screws. They are specialist socket sets used by mechanics ​​for screwing and unscrewing the star-shaped screws often found on cars and motorcycles.

This socket set manufactured from Chrome Vanadium is a set of 14 pieces and comes in a range of three drive sizes supplied on a socket rail.

Sizes include: 1/4″D x E4, E5, E6, E7, E8, 3/8″D x E10, E11, E12, E14, 1/2″D x E16, E18, E20, E22, E24.

Sealey AK682 Impact Socket Set 12pc 3/8″Sq Drive Metric/Imperial

An impact socket set is designed for use with powered impact wrenches. Impact wrenches are often used by professional mechanics to remove seized nuts and bolts from vehicles. It is different from a standard socket as it is specially designed to handle the additional vibrations due to the higher levels of torque.

This impact socket set by Sealey has 12 pieces made from Chrome Molybdenum or Chrome Vanadium steel which is one of the highest quality materials used in socket sets.

This socket set by Sealey is supplied in a storage case and is suitable for use with air/electric impact guns and ratchet wrenches. Sealey places a high value on the quality of their products and is backed by a 12-month guarantee while their hand tools benefit from a lifetime warranty.

Pagid 3pc Thin Wall Deep Impact Socket Set – 1/2″ Drive

Another popular impact socket set among mechanics, this 3 piece, thin wall deep impact socket set allows mechanics to have easy access in tight areas. Thin wall socket sets not only make it easier to access the fastener but is a great addition to the mechanic’s toolkit to improve productivity.

Bi-hex Socket Set 3/8″D 17pc

A bi-hex socket set is also called a 12-point socket as there are 12 points formed where the internal walls of the recesses intersect. In contrast to a regular hex socket, this shape allows the socket to fit over the squares fasteners too.

A popular socket set on ECP, this bi-Hex socket set features 17 essential sockets in 3/8″ Drive size complete with a rail. It comes in essential sizes that range from 8-24mm.

Bi-hex Socket Set 1/2″D 17pc

Hugely popular and similar to the socket set above, this bi-hex socket size in ½” Drive size also comes with 17 sockets with sizes ranging from 10-30mm (10-24, 27 and 30mm).

Laser Socket Set – 3/8″D 34pc

This socket set by Laser is a comprehensive socket set with standard and deep sockets. It also has 2 spark plug sockets of 10mm and 14mm. This set comes with a professional ratchet and extension bars of 75mm and 150mm. Additionally, it contains a sliding T-bar, universal joint, standard sockets ranging from 6-22mm and deep sockets between 10-19mm.

In addition to being a popular set with mechanics, this socket set has received praise from customers on the ECP website for its price and quality.

Draper 9 Piece Torx Socket Set 3/8 Driver T10-T50

Another Torx socket set that has made it to the top ten selling socket sets is the 9 piece Torx socket set by Draper. This is a set of 9 Chrome Vanadium Torx sockets supplied on a socket rail that will facilitate neat storage of the sockets in a toolbox.

Draper is a trusted British distributor of tools and equipment for consumers and professionals and has been in the business for over a hundred years.

Euro Car Parts 9 Piece 1/4 dr Internal Torx Socket Set

Among 2021’s best-selling Torx sets on the website is this 9 piece socket set by Euro Car Parts. The set is manufactured from chrome-moly steel (Chrome Molybdenum) and heat-treated for additional strength and durability which ensures it is rugged and ideal for use by professional mechanics. The socket is labeled with a part number and size and supplied on a rail to make the set easier to organise and store.

Milwaukee Four Flats 3/8” Drive 32pc Ratchet & Socket Set

This ratchet set has a 90 tooth design with 4 degrees of arc swing for making work easier in tight spaces. A ratchet’s tooth count determines how many teeth there are on the drive gear, as well as how far you have to move the handle to engage the next tooth.

This 32 piece set by Milwaukee comes with a removable inner tray that is excellent for storage. In order to make it easier for the user to read, the sockets have measurement markings on the flat side.

Milwaukee Four Flats 1/4” Drive 28pc Ratchet & Socket Set

Similar to the previous Milwaukee socket set, this 28 piece ratchet and socket set is one of the top-selling sockets sets on the Euro Car Parts website. This set comes with an all-metal design and offers a 90 tooth design with a 4-degree arc swing to help the user work in tight spaces.

Milwaukee Tools is widely known for its extensive range of power tools and is a US-based company that develops, manufactures, and markets tools for nearly 100 years.

Investing in premium and high-quality socket sets can be advantageous. Socket sets are used to handle jobs that will subject them to high levels of continuous force and torque. Special impact sockets are subjected to even higher pressure levels, so being durable and robust in terms of construction and material used is essential. In essence, there will be a socket set available for the fasteners you’re likely to encounter on a day-to-day basis.

ClickMechanic is looking for mobile mechanics to service the jobs that our millions of users are booking each year. If you are a mobile mechanic and have Motor Trade insurance, Public Liability insurance and 5 years of experience then take a look at our mobile mechanic sign-up page.

As a car repair enthusiast and auto repair technician, mechanics are innately inclined and passionate about fixing things. When you instil the technical know-how and experience necessary to work with vehicles, no job is too hard. But becoming a good mobile mechanic can take years of experience and training. Just having technical knowledge may not always be enough. Irrespective of how many years you’ve been in the industry fixing cars, there are some things that you need to keep in mind to become a good mobile mechanic.

Here are our top 5 tips to be a good mobile mechanic:

First impressions

It’s all about making your first impression count. The importance of first impressions cannot be overstated – they are crucial in setting up the base of your relationship with a customer.

Firstly, ensure you have a clean van. If you have left any remnants from a job, make sure you clean them up after each job. Furthermore, you will minimize the amount of work you need to do when performing routine cleaning.

When it comes to your van, make sure that it’s kept damage-free. For instance, having a dent on your side door while you’re on a job site will reflect poorly on your work ethic from the customer’s perspective.

It’s also important to present yourself professionally. Ensure you’re wearing clean overalls when visiting a customer location. Even if a mechanic’s job is thought to be messy and greasy, it doesn’t have to be that way when doing mobile jobs.

Having a professional business card is an excellent tool to make an in-person first impression with your customer. We have a great guide to business card designs and ideas here.

Tools

More often than not, customers will take a peek inside your van. Ensure you have a neat and tidy set-up in the back of your van. Consider investing in some tool storage equipment so tools such as socket sets, spanners, wrenches etc are neatly arranged. Organizing your tools and equipment in this way will not only be visually pleasing but will also help you get organised and be able to find them more easily.

Being a mobile mechanic means you do not have access to the comfort of a spacious garage or workshop. You may need specific set of tools so invest in the right tools that you can afford; remember a good mechanic never blames his tools!

Communication

Good mechanics know more than just repairing and replacing car parts and knowing the difference between an alternator, starter, and generator. Customers tend to go back to and appreciate mechanics who take the additional effort of communicating and engaging with them. Stay in touch with the customer if you are running behind schedule. If the repair is complicated, or needs further explanation, ensure to spend some time communicating this information in an easy to understand manner.

There will be some tough days, and days when jobs just don’t seem to be going well. It’s important to be polite, patient and cheerful even on bad days. Remember, this customer is your next advert.

Once you complete the job, make sure you follow up with the customer to ensure everything went smoothly.

Organise your diary efficiently

To reduce travel times, costs, interruptions and the chance of putting off customers consider scheduling customers in area groups. Don’t overburden yourself – taking on too much will only result in letting your customers down and causing you stress.

Customer database

It’s easier (and more efficient) to serve your existing customers than to go looking out to acquire new ones. One way to keep track of your customers is having a CRM  (Customer Relationship Management) tool that specialises in auto repair. These tools help maintain customer records, sales, accounting and invoice management. These tools can help you understand when your customer’s next MOT or service is due, thus helping you re-engage with your customers and providing additional value.

Don’t forget to contact customers in an area you’re going to, to ask if they need any help with their vehicles (it’s a good idea to offer a special discount in this instance since you’re ‘in the area’). It also shows you would like to work for them again (or even their neighbours!).

ClickMechanic is looking for mobile mechanics to service the jobs that our millions of users are booking each year. If you are a mobile mechanic and have Motor Trade insurance, Public Liability insurance, and 5 years experience then take a look at our mobile mechanic sign-up page.

Mobile mechanics are becoming a growing trend in the UK auto repair industry, especially in the post-COVID era. Data suggests that there has been a 127% year-on-year rise in mobile mechanics taking out insurance for their sole traderships in 2021. Customers have come to appreciate the sheer ease and convenience of the service. Instead of waiting for a customer to get to the garage or workshop, mobile mechanics give them a more flexible solution and fix their cars right on their driveway.

Why become a mobile mechanic?

The two big advantages of being a mobile mechanic are independence and flexibility. Many mechanics have been able to combine their passion for repairing cars while enjoying the privilege of working for themselves by setting up their own mobile business. As the costs are relatively low compared to setting up a garage, this is a practical first step into launching a solo independent business.

In terms of flexibility, mobile mechanics are able to have a more flexible schedule most of the time as compared to working at a dealership or a bigger garage. They can decide how many days a week they’d like to work and also choose the type of jobs they want or do not want to do.

In terms of demand and profitability, that really depends on the amount and type of work taken and of course the marketing channels the mechanics choose to utilise to reach more customers.

Mobile mechanics on the ClickMechanic network can earn around up to £15,000 in additional revenue a month completing an average of 60 bookings per month via requests through the platform.

Getting started as a mobile mechanic

The work you enjoy doing and the tools

As a mobile mechanic you will be working for yourself or in the long run, even become a ‘boss’ with staff to manage. Even before you decide the name of your new company it is important to consider the type of work and jobs you enjoy doing.

Check what tools you have or what tools you may need to invest in to become a mobile mechanic. You already know that different jobs require different tools but this goes a step further when you’re on-site and not in the comfort of a garage or workshop. You may need to purchase special equipment to carry out certain jobs so ensure you take this into account before deciding what kinds of work you want to carry out as a mobile mechanic.

Few tools and equipment you may need to invest in include diagnostic equipment, additional hands tools, tool storage solutions, jacks and jack stands, and a big van with ample storage space.

The boring BUT very important paperwork

When just starting out as a mobile mechanic you’ll likely be classified as self-employed for tax-related purposes. Which? has an excellent guide that explains the expenses you can and can’t claim with HMRC when you’re self-employed. If you’re not sure about this, you can always check with your local council for more information and clarification.

You should also consider opening a business bank account to manage your business efficiently. Talk to a few banks before making a decision; different banks have different incentives available and are specially built to support small businesses.

All mobile mechanics should have a basic level of motor trade insurance in place since it is required by law. The minimum level of insurance required by law is designed to cover any damages caused to third parties in the case of an accident.

Every mechanic is different so the type of insurance covers can also differ. While thinking about an insurance cover, it is important to consider the following:

• Insurance that covers customers vehicles for when you need to test drive them
• The risk of being sued in relation to work you carry out
• The value of goods, plant, machinery, stock and portable hand tools you store in your van
• Including your own van as part of a motor trade road risks insurance

We have an extensive and helpful guide on insurance for mobile mechanics here.

Understand costs

Don’t undervalue yourself or the service you will be offering. Remember to consider overhead costs as well as operating costs such as the cost of fuel. Check out the rates of other mobile mechanics in the area; this will help you gauge and understand your hourly labour rate. Ask a friend or family member to phone local mechanics and get some quotes for some common jobs if you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself.

There are numerous websites and businesses that offer trade discounts on car parts, tools and other supplies. Make sure you talk to a few before deciding on who you want to trade with. Pro-tip: joining an online platform like ClickMechanic (for free!) gives you access to heavy trade discounts with Euro Car Parts.

Most customers nowadays prefer paying by card, so ensure you have a payment system in place (that’s also cost-effective) to avoid the hassle of cash payments with customers. Using this website, may help you determine what is the best payment card system for your needs.

Marketing and getting your first customers

Creating a website or setting up a social media profile for your business is crucial to have an online identity. Make sure to include the services you offer and contact information. Customers also appreciate useful information so if you do have the time, you can also post some interesting car repair-related articles that will help your website or page get more visitors.

Setting up a Google My Business account is the best way for your business to show up in local searches and is also a good way to display reviews from customers. If you’re looking to do some offline marketing, you can always put up flyers in your local supermarket or community centres.

When you’re just starting to take a few jobs in the beginning, a mobile phone and a diary may do the trick but eventually, as you grow your business, you’ll appreciate the need to maintain your bookings and customer information on a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system. It’s also important you set up an invoicing and an accounting system to maintain and organise your records.

It can take a lot of work and can sometimes feel overwhelming to run an independent business especially when you’re just starting out, and this can pull you away from where you’d rather focus your time and effort on. Car repair platforms such as ClickMechanic aim to enhance the productivity of mobile mechanics and help save time by taking care of the admin, marketing, accounting, and getting more bookings so that you can focus on doing what you love – fixing cars.

Keep it professional

With your business all set up, remember that you represent your company and its image. Everything you do is a reflection of your work ethic and values as an independent business.

Ensure you have a clean van. If you have left any remnants from a job, make sure you clean them up after each job. Furthermore, you will minimise the amount of work you need to do when performing routine cleaning.

It’s also important to present yourself professionally. Ensure you’re wearing clean overalls when visiting a customer location. The work of a mechanic may be viewed as messy and greasy, but it does not have to be when they do mobile work.

ClickMechanic is looking for mobile mechanics to service the jobs that our millions of users are booking each year. If you are a mobile mechanic and have Motor Trade insurance, Public Liability insurance and 5 years experience then take a look at our mobile mechanic sign-up page.

So you’ve decided to take your business from the workshop to the road. One of the first questions you may have is how easy is it to set up on your own and what insurance will you need?

When you’re a mobile mechanic, your vehicle and equipment are essential to your day-to-day work. Therefore, it’s imperative to make sure you’re properly covered. As a mobile mechanic, you’ll be spending a lot more time on the road than a trader with a fixed business premises. This means you’ll need a different insurance policy specially designed to cover you, your business, your customers’ vehicles and any claims made against you.

What is Mobile Mechanic Insurance?

The Mobile Mechanic insurance cover is designed for mechanics who don’t operate from a fixed location or workshop, but rather visit their clients’ premises, homes and workplaces on the road.

You will need adequate insurance coverage if you are a mechanic who operates from a van. The policies include all components of risk, such as vehicles you drive as well as those of clients, public and employers’ liability cover (a legal requirement if you have employees), as well as equipment coverage for mobile and fixed machinery and tools.

Anyone working within this field should have the proper insurance policy, regardless of whether they are full-time or part-time, work from home or even operate from a garage. The policy should be able to cover machinery, tools, and most importantly must cover you to drive customers’ cars for testing and diagnosing them. It’s important to remember that in the event of an accident in which you are driving either your vehicle or customers, your insurer will only payout to cover the third-party costs, leaving you out of pocket.

If you’re starting out as a mobile mechanic, it can be confusing and sometimes overwhelming with all the different terminology and policies available. It’s recommended to discuss all your options with your broker before making the final purchases.

What Should Mobile Mechanic Insurance Cover?

Every mechanic is different so the type of insurance covers can also differ. While thinking about an insurance cover, it is important to consider the following:

• Insurance that covers customers vehicles for when you need to test drive them
• The risk of being sued in relation to work you carry out
• The value of goods, plant, machinery, stock and portable hand tools you store in your van
• Including your own van as part of a motor trade road risks insurance

Types of Traders Cover Available

Road Risks Insurance

One thing that is inevitable is that accidents happen, so it’s crucial you are covered, both for yourself and your customers. As a mobile mechanic without a fixed business premise, Road Risks Insurance is an absolute must. It’s a given that you will have a customer’s vehicle in your care on a daily basis, therefore a Road Risks policy ensures you meet the minimum insurance requirements when the vehicle is your responsibility.

A Road Risks policy covers:

• Named drivers only
• Vehicles owned by the Policyholder or Policyholder’s spouse if they are a named driver. (Policyholder must have a Limited Company or Limited Partnership and the vehicles must be owned by the Ltd Co or LLP.)
• Customers’ vehicles while they are your responsibility (motor trade use only).

Click this link for more information on Road Risks Insurance options from Road Runner

Liability Insurance

In addition to Road Risks, Liability Insurance is also worth considering for any mobile mechanic. Accidents can happen at any time, and you could be held responsible. A Liability policy from Road Runner will help ensure all mobile mechanics have the funds to defend or settle a claim made against you or your business.

Liability Insurance can cover many aspects – products, the public, defence costs associated with claims made against the mechanic and Employer’s Liability (compulsory in the majority of cases if you have employees). Road Runner also has the option to cover portable hand tools which are highly recommended for mobile mechanics.

For more information on Liability Insurance from Road Runner, click here

Why Do You Need Mobile Mechanic Insurance?

All mobile mechanics should have a basic level of motor trade insurance in place since it is required by law. The minimum level of insurance required by law is designed to cover any damages caused to third parties in the case of an accident.

Motor trade insurance covers you to drive both customer vehicles and company-owned vehicles. In addition, it covers potential risks associated with your field of business, such as accidental damages and issues resulting from faulty work. If you have employees, it is also a legal requirement to have Employers’ Liability insurance. Public liability insurance covers both you and your employees against claims made by customers and members of the public.

Where Can You Purchase Mobile Mechanic Insurance?

There are several websites available that can help you compare the cost and benefits of motor trade insurance based on your requirements. There are also comparison websites online that compare prices and quotes from different insurance companies and helps you understand which insurance policy may be right for you.

ClickMechanic has an exclusive partnership with Road Runner Motor Trade Insurance which means that if you’re a member of a ClicMechanic, you can receive two months of free insurance* with Road Runner. To redeem this offer, simply fill out your details on the form and a member of the Road Runner team will be in touch to discuss your motor trade insurance and help you choose the best policy to suit your needs and requirements.

How Much Does Mobile Mechanic Insurance Cost?

The cost can vary greatly, depending on both your personal circumstances and the unique needs of your business, so an average cost can be difficult to determine.

When calculating your premiums, most insurance providers take into account one or more of the following:

Age – if you are under the age of 25, you could expect to pay more for your insurance policy than an older, more experienced driver.

Claims history – The greater your claim history, the higher your premium will be.

The type of cover – The level of cover will also influence the price; choosing a more comprehensive level of cover will be more expensive but will leave you better covered against a claim.

Tools, equipment and your van – This can vary depending on the value of your van and how secure it is. For instance, parking your van with all your tools and equipment in a locked garage is more favourable to the insurer than parking it on the street.

Of course, any extras on top of this will also increase the overall cost of your insurance policy.

How Can You Save Money On Your Mobile Mechanic Insurance?

Pay annually

It is best if you pay your insurance in a lump sum at once instead of in monthly installments. Even though it might seem like a huge expense at the first instance, you won’t have to pay any additional administrative or interest charges saving you money in the long run.

Compare the market

There are several companies offering various types of cover with a variety of benefits. Our partnership with Road Runner Insurance gives ClickMechanic members two free months of free insurance on their policies. By choosing Road Runner, mobile mechanics have access to their online portal where mechanics can quote online, view policy documents including certificates at the touch of a button and have a dedicated team available to answer any insurance queries.

Secure your van and equipment

It will certainly help to lower your insurance premium if you take steps to make your van more secure. The best place for parking your van is on a driveway, or better yet, in a locked garage. Besides parking safely, you should also consider getting an alarm for your van if you don’t already have it.

Mobile Mechanic Insurance FAQs

I am only working part-time – do I need insurance?

Yes, you would still need insurance. If you are trading as a business and not a hobby then part-time cover may be best for your requirements as you can get a policy that covers you when you need it to. Traders’ insurance is quite expansive so make sure to check with your insurer about what policy is the best for you.

What type of cover is best for my business?

The most important type of cover you need as a mobile mechanic is for road risks. This insurance will cover your own vehicle as well as any vehicles you work on. It’s highly recommended you get public liability insurance as well as cover for your tools and equipment. If you have employees, it’s crucial to get the Employers’ Liability insurance as this will protect you against legal and compensation expenses from employee claims.

To join ClickMechanic, you will need Motor Trade insurance as well as Public Liability insurance. If you don’t have insurance we can help you acquire them.

ClickMechanic is looking for mobile mechanics to service the jobs that our millions of users are booking each year. If you are a mobile mechanic and have Motor Trade insurance, Public Liability insurance, and 5 years experience then take a look at our mobile mechanic sign-up page.