tool kit
Author
Discussion

ukbob

Original Poster:

16,277 posts

289 months

Tuesday 28th September 2004
quotequote all
I have one screw driver which is cool for everything phillips, but thats about it.

I need a tool kit. Something inexpensive, not looking to take the engine appart, but minor S related and also house related stuff. (I rent, so dont get into the habbit of improving anything, ever).

Not really sure what to buy, or what might come in handy with S repairs, as I get braver to take bits off the car for inspection...

tubbystu

3,846 posts

284 months

Tuesday 28th September 2004
quotequote all
Whatever tools you buy, buy the best quality (and therefore usually priciest) you can afford.

Buy quality screwdrivers that have decent comfortable handles and do not have reversible/interchangable blades.

Halfrauds top quality are not bad but try and go to a proper old fashioned hardware/tool shop and see the whole range available.

Do not buy the sets of Korean made tatt that they flog down the market - they don't last. If you can buy British. They are still regarded as some of the best tools in the world.

I bought a set of Britool/King Dick spanners 20+ years ago - I still have them, use them and they are guaranteed FOREVER !!!!! Snap-On are only guaranteed for the life of the purchaser.

Stuart

ukbob

Original Poster:

16,277 posts

289 months

Tuesday 28th September 2004
quotequote all
tubbystu said:
Whatever tools you buy, buy the best quality (and therefore usually priciest) you can afford.

Buy quality screwdrivers that have decent comfortable handles and do not have reversible/interchangable blades.

Halfrauds top quality are not bad but try and go to a proper old fashioned hardware/tool shop and see the whole range available.

Do not buy the sets of Korean made tatt that they flog down the market - they don't last. If you can buy British. They are still regarded as some of the best tools in the world.

I bought a set of Britool/King Dick spanners 20+ years ago - I still have them, use them and they are guaranteed FOREVER !!!!! Snap-On are only guaranteed for the life of the purchaser.

Stuart


Cheers for the excellent advice Stu

Im not 100% sure what I need though, but will have a nose about and see what I can find.

pies

13,116 posts

280 months

Tuesday 28th September 2004
quotequote all
3/8 socket set

screwdrivers

electrical test meter

spanners



P.S i thought you were already eating the hamsters food

ukbob

Original Poster:

16,277 posts

289 months

Tuesday 28th September 2004
quotequote all
pies said:
3/8 socket set

screwdrivers

electrical test meter

spanners



P.S i thought you were already eating the hamsters food
Gerbils Pies, Gerbils

After splashing out on PTFE lube tonight, I had to eat them upon my return.

Im often moneyed up then skint several times in the same month. Eating ones pets and their food is the way of the modern business owner

Anyone for dinner?

Colin Blues2

2,541 posts

281 months

Tuesday 28th September 2004
quotequote all
Hmmm - some thoughts

I would echo buy the best quality you can afford they will last and will make the job easier. i.e, spanners will fit the nuts and not slip off which leaves you with bruised knuckes and a rounded off nut.

Set of combination spanners (open end and ring) - metric 6mm - 19mm

socket set - I personally would go for 1/4" and 1/2" drive - but that's personal preference.

torque wrench to go with the sockets

screwdrivers - stubby ones are useful to have in the bag.

junior hacksaw

pliers long nose and standard

side cutters much safer than a knife for releasing the cable ties that hold your car together - I should know I had to have 6 stitches in my hand after slipping when cutting a cable tie with a stanley knife - not good.

good trolley jack - try and find a long wheelbase one as they will give you more lift and tend to be lower when down.

Axle stands and/or ramps although some people have problems getting the S to drive up them if they are too steep.

That should do for a Christmas list!!

kentishs2

1,354 posts

263 months

Wednesday 29th September 2004
quotequote all
Have you ever tried to undo a nut that's out of reach with a ratchet to find that teh ratchet won't turn because the nut has loosened and you need to by hand but it's just slightly to tight to do so?

Well, I found that sealey tools (good quality) do ratchet less socket wrenches with a clutch mechanism, they are no dearer than an ordinary drive and are just as strong and work very well indeed.

I'd also advise a 12 volt lead light (flourescent strip light type is good to keep in the car boot) and a mains voltage lead light for the garage.

keithyboy

1,940 posts

294 months

Wednesday 29th September 2004
quotequote all
If you are ever in the US try Craftsman tools (from the Sears stores). Mind blowing choice and worth a wander around their tools section. I usually end up bringing back a little something after a visit. Guaranteed for life too. Last trip I brought back a nice multi-meter ($40) and a huge tap & die set for a mate in the trade - weighed a bloody ton and nearly took the handles off the suitcase.



>> Edited by keithyboy on Wednesday 29th September 09:59

kentishs2

1,354 posts

263 months

Wednesday 29th September 2004
quotequote all
Also worth a visit is Canada Tires in Canada ... and in the US.

It's basically an enormous version of B&Q, Homebase, Currys, Dixons, ATS/Quickfit all in one enormous store and with brand names at low prices. Fantastic choice of goods and just vast, they sell just about everything. I went their with one of my colleagues from Quebec and we bought a swimming pool!

Tripps

5,814 posts

296 months

Wednesday 29th September 2004
quotequote all
Colin Blues2 said:
...
Set of combination spanners (open end and ring) - metric 6mm - 19mm

socket set - I personally would go for 1/4" and 1/2" drive - but that's personal preference.

torque wrench to go with the sockets

screwdrivers - stubby ones are useful to have in the bag.

junior hacksaw

pliers long nose and standard

side cutters much safer than a knife for releasing the cable ties that hold your car together - I should know I had to have 6 stitches in my hand after slipping when cutting a cable tie with a stanley knife - not good.

good trolley jack - try and find a long wheelbase one as they will give you more lift and tend to be lower when down.

Axle stands and/or ramps although some people have problems getting the S to drive up them if they are too steep....
I hope Bob isn't intending to carry this toolset around the the S, you'd be restricted to carrying just a clean pair of pants!

Roy C

4,209 posts

308 months

Wednesday 29th September 2004
quotequote all
Mobile Phone

Tripps

5,814 posts

296 months

Wednesday 29th September 2004
quotequote all
Roy C said:
Mobile Phone
And AA membership car

kentishs2

1,354 posts

263 months

Wednesday 29th September 2004
quotequote all
Roy C said:
Mobile Phone


And your AA or RAC membership card!

ukbob

Original Poster:

16,277 posts

289 months

Wednesday 29th September 2004
quotequote all
kentishs2 said:
Also worth a visit is Canada Tires in Canada


Its called Canadian Tyre I remember admiring their shiny shotguns, wicked bolt action rifles and also the more appropriate (at my age) air rifles there, when I was in my teens.

Cheers for all the suggestions guys, its a helpful thread as I wasnt sure what I might weant from a complete kit.

Colin Blues2

2,541 posts

281 months

Wednesday 29th September 2004
quotequote all
Tripps said:


Colin Blues2 said:
...
Set of combination spanners (open end and ring) - metric 6mm - 19mm

socket set - I personally would go for 1/4" and 1/2" drive - but that's personal preference.

torque wrench to go with the sockets

screwdrivers - stubby ones are useful to have in the bag.

junior hacksaw

pliers long nose and standard

side cutters much safer than a knife for releasing the cable ties that hold your car together - I should know I had to have 6 stitches in my hand after slipping when cutting a cable tie with a stanley knife - not good.

good trolley jack - try and find a long wheelbase one as they will give you more lift and tend to be lower when down.

Axle stands and/or ramps although some people have problems getting the S to drive up them if they are too steep....


I hope Bob isn't intending to carry this toolset around the the S, you'd be restricted to carrying just a clean pair of pants!





>> Edited by Colin Blues2 on Wednesday 29th September 17:21