Tools you wish you'd bought sooner...
Discussion
OMITN said:
A polisher for the car.
Today I hand polished the MX5 we acquired from my FIL last year. Shoulder is aching now.
Since he clearly used a sandy Brillo pad to wash it, it’s going to need more than I’ve done to sort the paint (in due course - winter job in the garage, going to drive it so styler now). We also have two other cars which could do with some paintwork TLC.
I think I want a “dual action” polisher - presumably the same movement as a random orbital sander? - any recommendations for something cheap? I’ve seen a Hyundai for £80 which looks ok https://www.diy.com/departments/hyundai-900w-150mm...
If it's that bad you maybe better off paying a detailer as a one off job, you really need to spend a minimum of about £500 to get started with a decent machine, pads, 3 different grades of polish etc.Today I hand polished the MX5 we acquired from my FIL last year. Shoulder is aching now.
Since he clearly used a sandy Brillo pad to wash it, it’s going to need more than I’ve done to sort the paint (in due course - winter job in the garage, going to drive it so styler now). We also have two other cars which could do with some paintwork TLC.
I think I want a “dual action” polisher - presumably the same movement as a random orbital sander? - any recommendations for something cheap? I’ve seen a Hyundai for £80 which looks ok https://www.diy.com/departments/hyundai-900w-150mm...
CorradoTDI said:
OMITN said:
A polisher for the car.
Today I hand polished the MX5 we acquired from my FIL last year. Shoulder is aching now.
Since he clearly used a sandy Brillo pad to wash it, it’s going to need more than I’ve done to sort the paint (in due course - winter job in the garage, going to drive it so styler now). We also have two other cars which could do with some paintwork TLC.
I think I want a “dual action” polisher - presumably the same movement as a random orbital sander? - any recommendations for something cheap? I’ve seen a Hyundai for £80 which looks ok https://www.diy.com/departments/hyundai-900w-150mm...
If it's that bad you maybe better off paying a detailer as a one off job, you really need to spend a minimum of about £500 to get started with a decent machine, pads, 3 different grades of polish etc.Today I hand polished the MX5 we acquired from my FIL last year. Shoulder is aching now.
Since he clearly used a sandy Brillo pad to wash it, it’s going to need more than I’ve done to sort the paint (in due course - winter job in the garage, going to drive it so styler now). We also have two other cars which could do with some paintwork TLC.
I think I want a “dual action” polisher - presumably the same movement as a random orbital sander? - any recommendations for something cheap? I’ve seen a Hyundai for £80 which looks ok https://www.diy.com/departments/hyundai-900w-150mm...
This isn’t taking into account the materials needed for the initial prep before the polishing mind.
https://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/vertool-force-drive...
Edited by sam.rog on Sunday 14th April 10:51
From plenty of experience across multiple MX5s - MX5 paint is soft. You really don't need anything crazy to get it looking good (and indeed it's why it looks like it does currently!).
That kit will be fine. Couple of grades of meguiars Polish, job jobbed.
Teaching granny to fellate ova, but prep and finish is key. Claying with a mitt (game hanger compared to a clay bar!) is crucial after a good wash.
I'd finish using gtechniq. I know there's plenty of competition but that stuff has always been like witchcraft for me. The glass treatment meant I didn't need to use my windscreen wipers barely at all for 30k miles in a MX5 (and that was the same on a GTM Libra too after using it on that). Their paint sealants are so good you can actually dry the car using a gently flowing hose...
That kit will be fine. Couple of grades of meguiars Polish, job jobbed.
Teaching granny to fellate ova, but prep and finish is key. Claying with a mitt (game hanger compared to a clay bar!) is crucial after a good wash.
I'd finish using gtechniq. I know there's plenty of competition but that stuff has always been like witchcraft for me. The glass treatment meant I didn't need to use my windscreen wipers barely at all for 30k miles in a MX5 (and that was the same on a GTM Libra too after using it on that). Their paint sealants are so good you can actually dry the car using a gently flowing hose...
Trustmeimadoctor said:
Crimps
How do you identify what type you need? And do they all really require their specific £100 tool?
Point in question retrofitting some car bits and would rather pin them correctly than splicing how can I tell what I need?
Sometimes you can find a name or part number on the plug or socket that can point you in the right direction of what crimps you need, a lot are AMP or Molex. Manufacturer specifics may be harder but there are some websites that can supply them. As far as the crimper goes I have managed to get away with a generic uninsulated crimper for years unless you have something very specific.How do you identify what type you need? And do they all really require their specific £100 tool?
Point in question retrofitting some car bits and would rather pin them correctly than splicing how can I tell what I need?
Sway said:
From plenty of experience across multiple MX5s - MX5 paint is soft. You really don't need anything crazy to get it looking good (and indeed it's why it looks like it does currently!).
That kit will be fine. Couple of grades of meguiars Polish, job jobbed.
Teaching granny to fellate ova, but prep and finish is key. Claying with a mitt (game hanger compared to a clay bar!) is crucial after a good wash.
I'd finish using gtechniq. I know there's plenty of competition but that stuff has always been like witchcraft for me. The glass treatment meant I didn't need to use my windscreen wipers barely at all for 30k miles in a MX5 (and that was the same on a GTM Libra too after using it on that). Their paint sealants are so good you can actually dry the car using a gently flowing hose...
Thanks. That kit will be fine. Couple of grades of meguiars Polish, job jobbed.
Teaching granny to fellate ova, but prep and finish is key. Claying with a mitt (game hanger compared to a clay bar!) is crucial after a good wash.
I'd finish using gtechniq. I know there's plenty of competition but that stuff has always been like witchcraft for me. The glass treatment meant I didn't need to use my windscreen wipers barely at all for 30k miles in a MX5 (and that was the same on a GTM Libra too after using it on that). Their paint sealants are so good you can actually dry the car using a gently flowing hose...
And thanks also to CorradoTDI and sam.rog - beyond washing (snow foam, 2 buckets, etc.) I’ve generally avoided getting too far into “detailing” - car washing for me is a chore, not a pastime.
But it would be nice to get the old thing into reasonable shape. I used some Autoglym polish yesterday and it improved it no end. I guess I caught myself thinking whether I could take it further, but keen not to fall into diminishing returns territory too quickly..!
A warning on a tool I wished I hadn’t bought sooner.
A sort of reverse post….
These. I bought one, it wouldn’t work, They sent another one and it didn’t work either.
There are only two parts as well but they aren’t supposed to be moving parts. The head WILL NOT wedge itself on the fibreglass shaft oh no, whatever you do it becomes quickly loose and then when raising it to strike the head slips straight down and hits you on the head.
A sort of reverse post….
These. I bought one, it wouldn’t work, They sent another one and it didn’t work either.
There are only two parts as well but they aren’t supposed to be moving parts. The head WILL NOT wedge itself on the fibreglass shaft oh no, whatever you do it becomes quickly loose and then when raising it to strike the head slips straight down and hits you on the head.
- yougetwhatyoupayfor
GeneralBanter said:
A warning on a tool I wished I hadn’t bought sooner.
A sort of reverse post….
These. I bought one, it wouldn’t work, They sent another one and it didn’t work either.
There are only two parts as well but they aren’t supposed to be moving parts. The head WILL NOT wedge itself on the fibreglass shaft oh no, whatever you do it becomes quickly loose and then when raising it to strike the head slips straight down and hits you on the head.
Was it a no-name cheap version (you didn't provide details)?A sort of reverse post….
These. I bought one, it wouldn’t work, They sent another one and it didn’t work either.
There are only two parts as well but they aren’t supposed to be moving parts. The head WILL NOT wedge itself on the fibreglass shaft oh no, whatever you do it becomes quickly loose and then when raising it to strike the head slips straight down and hits you on the head.
- yougetwhatyoupayfor
I have a Roughneck one of these, and a few other Roughneck digging tools - all have been great and do exactly what they are described as doing, and are pretty reasonably priced.
I recently bought a telescopic basin wrench - never had one before. Today I've just finished replacing a couple of basin taps in the shower room with a mixer one. Due to the lack of space, it would have been impossible to do this job. As I don't envisage replacing many more taps (if any), I broke my normal habit, which would have been to go for a Knipex or similar quality item, and although this version ( for £16 from Amazon) probably didn't grip as well as a much more expensive version, it did the job very well. If you're looking at changing taps, definitely get a basin wrench!
GeneralBanter said:
A warning on a tool I wished I hadn’t bought sooner.
A sort of reverse post….
These. I bought one, it wouldn’t work, They sent another one and it didn’t work either.
There are only two parts as well but they aren’t supposed to be moving parts. The head WILL NOT wedge itself on the fibreglass shaft oh no, whatever you do it becomes quickly loose and then when raising it to strike the head slips straight down and hits you on the head.
I bought something similar a few years ago and finally used it today. Fortunately the head has wedged itself onto the shaft!A sort of reverse post….
These. I bought one, it wouldn’t work, They sent another one and it didn’t work either.
There are only two parts as well but they aren’t supposed to be moving parts. The head WILL NOT wedge itself on the fibreglass shaft oh no, whatever you do it becomes quickly loose and then when raising it to strike the head slips straight down and hits you on the head.
- yougetwhatyoupayfor
It's a short, 2 ft-ish, axe/pick. It worked surprisingly well for hacking the roots on some large ornamental grasses.
Trustmeimadoctor said:
Crimps
How do you identify what type you need? And do they all really require their specific £100 tool?
Point in question retrofitting some car bits and would rather pin them correctly than splicing how can I tell what I need?
Do you know what terminals you want to crimp and onto what gauge wire? The tool requirement really depends on what you are crimping and the environment you're working in. If you're doing bits on a Eurofighter or an F1 car and it's all mini/micro AS connectors then the tools a grand plus before you get into what positioners you need.... but if you're doing Superseals on a kit car then a 25 quid tool off Amazon and a rough idea what you're doing is likely just fine. How do you identify what type you need? And do they all really require their specific £100 tool?
Point in question retrofitting some car bits and would rather pin them correctly than splicing how can I tell what I need?
Post a picture of the connector and if it's anything remotely common then I'll point you in the right direction.
CorradoTDI said:
If it's that bad you maybe better off paying a detailer as a one off job, you really need to spend a minimum of about £500 to get started with a decent machine, pads, 3 different grades of polish etc.
https://www.argos.co.uk/product/8647300That price has crept up over the years (it was under £40 a few years back), but there's similar machines to this around on eBay etc. which will be better than working by hand, and good enough for the once in a while you'll use it.
frisbee said:
GeneralBanter said:
A warning on a tool I wished I hadn’t bought sooner.
A sort of reverse post….
These. I bought one, it wouldn’t work, They sent another one and it didn’t work either.
There are only two parts as well but they aren’t supposed to be moving parts. The head WILL NOT wedge itself on the fibreglass shaft oh no, whatever you do it becomes quickly loose and then when raising it to strike the head slips straight down and hits you on the head.
I bought something similar a few years ago and finally used it today. Fortunately the head has wedged itself onto the shaft!A sort of reverse post….
These. I bought one, it wouldn’t work, They sent another one and it didn’t work either.
There are only two parts as well but they aren’t supposed to be moving parts. The head WILL NOT wedge itself on the fibreglass shaft oh no, whatever you do it becomes quickly loose and then when raising it to strike the head slips straight down and hits you on the head.
- yougetwhatyoupayfor
It's a short, 2 ft-ish, axe/pick. It worked surprisingly well for hacking the roots on some large ornamental grasses.
It’s seems fibreglass for a pick axe handle isn’t any good. The head may stay on initially but after using it for leverage the forces are enough to cause loosening of the head.
Trustmeimadoctor said:
Seems one is amp f47 Tyco it seems to say on it
There are others I'd like to do but nothing to hand and I'm not going to be doing loads so yeah might just be easier to buy repair wires from the dealer and solder in the middle
That's not a lot to go on as it's a bit like saying "Ford, Blue" in connector land but I'm going to guess at a 2 way off some sort of VAG product? There are others I'd like to do but nothing to hand and I'm not going to be doing loads so yeah might just be easier to buy repair wires from the dealer and solder in the middle
Just a heads up that Makita are doing their "Spring Redemption" thing on garden tools....................
https://www.makitauk.com/redeem-garden-2024
It's retrospective so if you've bought a qualifying tool after 01/02/2024 you can still claim a 5ah free battery.
https://www.makitauk.com/redeem-garden-2024
It's retrospective so if you've bought a qualifying tool after 01/02/2024 you can still claim a 5ah free battery.
Bought one of these inspired by the patio cleaning thread after messing around for years with various pump bottles and backpacks. Seriously impressed by it!
https://prosprayers.co.uk/product/35-litre-wheeled...
https://prosprayers.co.uk/product/35-litre-wheeled...
poppopbangbang said:
Trustmeimadoctor said:
Seems one is amp f47 Tyco it seems to say on it
There are others I'd like to do but nothing to hand and I'm not going to be doing loads so yeah might just be easier to buy repair wires from the dealer and solder in the middle
That's not a lot to go on as it's a bit like saying "Ford, Blue" in connector land but I'm going to guess at a 2 way off some sort of VAG product? There are others I'd like to do but nothing to hand and I'm not going to be doing loads so yeah might just be easier to buy repair wires from the dealer and solder in the middle
Bit more googling MCP?
Edited by Trustmeimadoctor on Sunday 14th April 22:20
Edited by Trustmeimadoctor on Sunday 14th April 22:47
RZ1 said:
I think this applies for this thread, I want an ultra sonic cleaner to clean tools, RC car parts and small engine components like the lawnmower, strimmer, leaf blower carburettor.
Anyone got anything that they recommend
I bought one similar to this about 3yrs ago. Seems to work ok and I recently learnt that if you put tin foil in there, it shows whether it is working or not. Yup, it works! It dissolves the tin foil quite quickly. Might be worth also looking on Ali express and doing a proper search on eBay - this was literally the first similar one I saw.Anyone got anything that they recommend
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/293424721635
I've used mine to clean small engine eg mower carbs and other bits and pieces.
Trustmeimadoctor said:
Sorry I haven't got anything to hand but yes it's vag it was connecting the door card to the door module, it's 32 way I think grey with purple handle pins are square
Bit more googling MCP?
If it's an MCP then it'll likely be mixed terminal sizes @ 1.6mm and 2.8mm, either way they're power timer terminals. The £20 tool here - https://www.3waycomponents.co.uk/product/rachet-cr... will do the trick for you. Use the 1.5mm and 2.5mm dies respectively. Bit more googling MCP?
That tool will also do most VAG related terminals and connectors.
Buy a decent wire stripper too, as that's just as important to decent crimps as the crimping tool (loosing a few strands means you're undersize before you even start). You don't need £300 of automated and certified gear, these "Engineer" ones at £25 will do the trick if you're steady with them - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Precision-Strippers-Profe...
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