Q: Jump starting a car

You can get them all over the place, eg:

The only thing halfords are good for IMO is tools (as in sockets and spanners).

Stefan W. Christensen (S_W_C snipped-for-privacy@soton.ac.uk) gurgled happily, sounding much like they were saying :

They are, but they're not "mainstream", so they're not that cheap.

Screwfix's cheapest is £50, MachineMart's cheapest is £30, Argos have one that includes a charger for £50.

You can get 'em cheaper, but not easily.

Halfrauds is a silly place to look for *anything* except overpriced car stereos, airfresheners and beaded seat covers.

Find a decent local small independent car spares shop (or "motor factor")

Grunff ( snipped-for-privacy@ixxa.com) gurgled happily, sounding much like they were saying :

I'm assured that is the case.

But I just can't bear to bring myself to go in there...

I feel I must step in to defend their tools. They do good sockets and spanners at pretty good prices. But nothing else, I agree.

I do know what you mean. I don't go anymore because I don't need any more sockets! (and they don't do Metrinch anyway; once you've tried Metrinch you tend not to go back to normal sockets + spanners)

Grunff ( snipped-for-privacy@ixxa.com) gurgled happily, sounding much like they were saying :

I've never tried Metrinch, because I don't think I've worked on anything non-metric since having the misfortune to own a Hillman wImp briefly in the late '80s.

I do like the couple of "uni-size" metric wall-drive sockets I've got, though.

All my current cars are metric, but I still use my Metrinch stuff almost exclusively.

I think the Metrinch marketing people are doing a very poor job. Most people think the the main (only) advantage of metrinch stuff is the metric/imperial compatibility, but the truth is it's the wall-drive aspect that's really good. They are /by far/ the best wall-drive sockets I've ever used. If the bolt/nut has any head left on it, a Metrinch socket will almost always get it off.

Grunff ( snipped-for-privacy@ixxa.com) gurgled happily, sounding much like they were saying :

Tip: RS do a range of sets, and I'd go for the 3/8" drive if going for one of the smaller ones. Nice and flexible.

If the battery is really flat, you'd be throwing good money after bad, it's best days are over, they're never the same after a deep discharge. Just buy another battery, it'll probably be about the same price as a "portable battery"...

Just my two-pennorth

And Lexus style lights for Corsa's and Saxo's.

Johnny ( snipped-for-privacy@spam.com) gurgled happily, sounding much like they were saying :

Those bloody feral apostrophe's get everywhere.

Beside's - you want fleaBay for Paxo and Coarser naff kit.

D'ya know, I was going to say something about the apostrophe abuse, but calmed myself and decided not to. Gets me soooo angry! ARGHHHHH!!

Grunff ( snipped-for-privacy@ixxa.com) gurgled happily, sounding much like they were saying :

Some people need to be thoroughly Trussed up.

Well it's better than apostrophe abuse!!!!!!!!!

It get's to me as well

Do you suffer from flat batteries often? If so, that needs to be addressed. If not, why would you need a 'portable battery'?

or! ex!clamation mark abuse!

The message from "Mark W" contains these words:

As well as what?