How to become a better DIY mechanic ??
Discussion
lufbramatt said:
I wouldn't be without:
1/4" socket set
1/2" socket set with 6-sided sockets (less chance of rounding stuff)
set of hex sockets (i.e. allen key but on a socket)
set of proper spanners in the right sizes- don't use an adjustable if you can help it
torque wrench
dead blow mallet
can of penetrating lube
lithium grease
copper slip
threadlock
mole grips
supply of old sheets/towels to lay on and mop stuff up. An old sofa cushion is good too. I end up with bruises all over my hips and back otherwise.
You end up with random stuff too like odd size sockets bought singly, gooseneck spanners for hard to reach nuts, spline sockets for driveshafts etc. But if you research each job before you start then you get an idea of if anything out of the ordinary is needed. Most of the battle with older cars is loosening old bolts without rounding or snapping them.
Don't forget plasters, to stem the flow of blood. And a torx bit set, getting very common.1/4" socket set
1/2" socket set with 6-sided sockets (less chance of rounding stuff)
set of hex sockets (i.e. allen key but on a socket)
set of proper spanners in the right sizes- don't use an adjustable if you can help it
torque wrench
dead blow mallet
can of penetrating lube
lithium grease
copper slip
threadlock
mole grips
supply of old sheets/towels to lay on and mop stuff up. An old sofa cushion is good too. I end up with bruises all over my hips and back otherwise.
You end up with random stuff too like odd size sockets bought singly, gooseneck spanners for hard to reach nuts, spline sockets for driveshafts etc. But if you research each job before you start then you get an idea of if anything out of the ordinary is needed. Most of the battle with older cars is loosening old bolts without rounding or snapping them.
Edited by lufbramatt on Thursday 27th November 11:35
And always buy quality tools.
R33dk said:
In my experience it's a case if "just do it"
If you can take it apart ... You can put it back together ( albeit with a bucket ton of swearing)
Internet always helps aswell.
My trick is taking pictures and sticky labels.
End of the day it's all just nuts and bolts.
Dk
I agree with this,If you can take it apart ... You can put it back together ( albeit with a bucket ton of swearing)
Internet always helps aswell.
My trick is taking pictures and sticky labels.
End of the day it's all just nuts and bolts.
Dk
If it comes apart then it go go back together, if I get stuck or confused I'll just back-track and put it back together and do some more research.
The advice received in this thread is gold. The tool suggestions, the JFDI comments, all of it.
The best way to learn is to make mistakes, and if you do your homework, the mistakes won't be so bad that you can't fix them and learn from them.
Taking pictures and labelling bits, as mentioned, is a great approach....also never, ever rush.
The best way to learn is to make mistakes, and if you do your homework, the mistakes won't be so bad that you can't fix them and learn from them.
Taking pictures and labelling bits, as mentioned, is a great approach....also never, ever rush.
Impact sockets. Above anything else - a long and short set should sort most things out
I learned bits and pieces from breaking down and needing the car to get to work, soon focuses you on fixing things
I'd personally take an afternoon in a scrapyard over a class, no-one is going to let you go in at the level you want to try without you doing the 'this is a jack' level first
Either that or buy an old s
tter with a hgf and see if you can get it running again
I learned bits and pieces from breaking down and needing the car to get to work, soon focuses you on fixing things
I'd personally take an afternoon in a scrapyard over a class, no-one is going to let you go in at the level you want to try without you doing the 'this is a jack' level first
Either that or buy an old s
tter with a hgf and see if you can get it running againa good tip that I really should follow myself, is to never, ever go to Amazon and type "Bahco" into the search, as well as never, ever follow links like this: http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=sea...
CSLmarson said:
Hi all
I'm very much so an amateur DIY mechanic and love
Nothing more than getting stuck into a project on my cars,
I've done things like suspension and brakes ect ect but
Never delved into the guts of an engine and am quite keen to learn
More. Does any one know of any evening courses or good ways
To learn new skills after work or on a weekend ?
Any help would be much appreciated.
Jon
Jon, I just checked your location - call these guys: http://www.rallysport-eng.com/ and ask about evening/weekend classes. One of their instructors is heavily into BMWs and track prep too.I'm very much so an amateur DIY mechanic and love
Nothing more than getting stuck into a project on my cars,
I've done things like suspension and brakes ect ect but
Never delved into the guts of an engine and am quite keen to learn
More. Does any one know of any evening courses or good ways
To learn new skills after work or on a weekend ?
Any help would be much appreciated.
Jon
The advice received in this thread is gold. The tool suggestions, the JFDI comments, all of it.
The best way to learn is to make mistakes, and if you do your homework, the mistakes won't be so bad that you can't fix them and learn from them.
Taking pictures and labelling bits, as mentioned, is a great approach....also never, ever rush.
The best way to learn is to make mistakes, and if you do your homework, the mistakes won't be so bad that you can't fix them and learn from them.
Taking pictures and labelling bits, as mentioned, is a great approach....also never, ever rush.
MajorProblem said:
Buy the correct tools.
This! This all day long!
My dad always had a really crap selection of tools when I was growing up as he simply didn't have the need for any (never worked on anything himself).
So I kind of followed suit and just had a handful of cheap but versatile tools, and kind of tried to carry out a few mechanical jobs here and there on my own cars but a lot of them ended in frustration.
I then discovered the benefit of high quality tools and more importantly, the right tool for the job.
I now have a Halfords Professional roll cabinet and top box pretty much full of tools mostly by Teng, Snap-On, Blue Point and Halfords Professional, including stuff like battery powered impact wrench. Also got stuff like good quality jacks and some ramps.
Every time I need a tool for a job, I just buy that set and make sure they are decent quality. Stuff like Teng and Snap-On has a lifetime guarantee.
Good tools and equipment like impact wrenches have made mechanical jobs immeasurably easier.
I also make vast use of internet 'how to' guides on forums and YouTube
Blu3R said:
Jon, I just checked your location - call these guys: http://www.rallysport-eng.com/ and ask about evening/weekend classes. One of their instructors is heavily into BMWs and track prep too.
Thanks for that mate I'm going to give them a shout looks really good
I've got a few bmw's so it would be great to take one up there
And pull it apart
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff