DIY Maintenance

[Draculaw]

After being stung for £120 to do spark plugs and a single ignition coil the other day, then subsequently replacing the other 3 coils myself with 0 effort (and watching how easy plugs would've been to do) I would like to do some of my own maintenance. Nothing complex to start - possibly oil change, but air filters etc. - and build up to doing brake pads and discs in the new year, since I'm fairly certain it needs them prior to MOT. I've not got any experience with cars, but can follow instructions. However, the big problem is that I have no equipment.

At a minimum, to do my own maintenance what equipment do I need? Looking at places like Halfords, I'd need to lay out the best part of £300 for a socket set, 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" drivers, torque wrench and (torx) screwdrivers. That seems like an astronomical cost and, realistically, would I actually end up saving any money? Questionable on that basis.

Any suggestions welcome for cheaper "starter" sets for maintenance or, alternatively, suggestions that I should just pay a man to do it.

Thanks!

[bobtail4x4]

do you have a "mate" who you can help?
then in return he/she can help you,

halfords do a decent starter kit of sockets/spanners etc for about £150
but you need jacks and stands to work safely under a car if doing brakes,

a location would help.

[Integroo]

120 quid doesnt seem that bad!

[longblackcoat]

https://www.halfords.com/workshop-tools/tools/tool...

The above plus screwdrivers, axle stands, a few other bits - should be under £150. But yes, you need to invest in tools to do things like brakes. A lot can be done very simply though; my advice is to look at YouTube to watch other people changing brakes etc to see how hard is is or isn’t, and what tools are needed.

[Draculaw]

I have a couple who could probably assist. I'm SW London/Surrey border.

Integroo said:

120 quid doesnt seem that bad!

To be fair that wasn't too annoying. There's a lot I've had to do to the car (a Cooper S) recently and I've started to develop a bit of a love hate relationship. Doing a few little things like air filters myself would be nice and satisfying.

Edited by Draculaw on Friday 23 August 15:30

[996TT02]

You don't need a large socket set. In reality there are very few jobs you can't do with a 1/2 drive ratchet set. And obviously, metric only unless you are working on classics. Then you need a set of spanners - for starters no need to go over 21mm, buy a set with open/ring combo spanners. Plus basic tools like pliers, allen key set, cheap torx bits for screwdriver, that sort of thing. Apart from the aforementioned jack and stands. For the occasional job cheapish stuff is fine. When you need more tools, buy them, safe in the knowledge that the labour charges saved will more than pay for them. And when you are happy and more experienced/ambitious, upgrade to suit.

[AllyBassman]

Nothing wrong with DIY - I've started mainting the Cars in our household, not just because of the cost saving (arguable on that one..) but because I enjoy it and have built up the confidence and tools to do so.

Don't get me wrong, if they were brand new cars, i'd be getting them serviced at the dealer to preserve warranties and the like, but as one is 12 years old and the other 7, i'm happy to do basic servicing, oil changes, filters, plugs, brakes etc myself.

With regards to tools, I started out with Halfords advanced stuff (3/8" drive will get you through most jobs on cars...1/2" is better for brakes and suspension jobs) and just bought tools as i've needed them.

For example when I wanted to change my brake pads and rotors, I found that I needed to get a breaker bar to help crack the caliper mount bolts off - after a while you build up a decent amount of tools that I proudly organise in my tool chest in the garage....

There are plenty of resources online, so my advice would be to research, research, research about the job you want to undertake. Watch a few youtube clips, buy a Haynes manual, get a clear idea of what you need to do to get the job done.

[bluezedd]

I've been using this set for the past 12 years to do everything from engine rebuilds, clutch changes, suspension work, motorbike valve clearances etc

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/94PC-1-2-1-4-Socket-Set...

It's a good starter set.

You'll also want a 1/2" breaker bar, jack, axle stands.

I'd say cheap out on the sockets, but then maybe spend a bit more on items like your jack and axle stands, breaker bar, ratchets etc.

On top of that, you'll definitely want a set of spanners. I'd go with the halfords set here:

https://www.halfords.com/workshop-tools/tools/tool...la-329745057091|crid:291898457438|nw:g|rnd:435930801467326894|dvc:c|adp:1o1|mt:|loc:9046922&gclid=CjwKCAjwnf7qBRAtEiwAseBO_Cc5t_PbWX0NNmON7zAEiOHVy-4rMGot0w3ZF9j17BzHVqbgda_Q0RoChtUQAvD_BwE

It has most sizes you will need so will avoid having to take trips to halfords midway through a job for a single spanner.

If you're looking for cheaper, the silverline ones (as bad as the other silverline tools that they sell may be!) have also done great for the past 12 years.

https://www.toolstation.com/professional-metric-sp...

Final thing you'll need is a 1/2" torque wrench, and depending on what you do, a 3/8" torque wrench too. I used to never use it for wheels etc but now always use it.

My final bit of advice would be to prioritise safety. I've seen some dodgy things over the years, so don't be one of those guys.

Edited by bluezedd on Friday 23 August 15:48

[Cyberprog]

I'd echo what others have said. I started with a Halfords 1/2" set, then I've added to that over the years - I have 1/4", 3/8", 1/2" and even a few 3/4" sockets now! More spanners than I know what to do with (yet somehow, never the right spanner), screwdrivers etc.

I occasionally pick up bits at car boots - and this can be a easy and affordable way into tools, I buy pullers and all kinds of bits from there!

I've got ramps, stands, a big 3T Draper jack, breaker bars, torque wrenches, MIG Welder, Plasma Cutter, the list just goes on!

I even have some diagnostics gear for my various vehicles!

[steveo3002]

research the make/model car someone will tell you what sizes bits are , you wont need alot of tools to do plugs /filter /oil....if you later feel

confident enough to do suspension etc then get a few more tools

8-19mm 3/8 drive set with a couple of extensions and a plug socket will do alot of jobs

[PositronicRay]

The 1st time you do a job the investment in tools makes the benefit neglible. From then on you're in clover.

Basic tools + trolley jack, axle stds, ramps and you're away. An spealist tools or sizes buy as req.

[Draculaw]

Thanks all. My car is an R56 Cooper S (N18) engine and my partner’s an 02 Yaris, so no need to worry about warranty on either!

Would I be right in thinking that something like this would set me up for most basic driveway jobs:

Socket set - https://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/p/tools/hand-tool...

Torque wrench (1/2”) - https://www.screwfix.com/p/magnusson-torque-wrench...

Torx screwdrivers - https://www.screwfix.com/p/magnusson-tx-screwdrive...

Axle stands - https://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/p/tools/car-lift-...

I figure I’ll start on simple things like air/pollen filter, so don’t think any lifting kit is needed, the look at pads and discs.

[steveo3002]

socket set doesnt blow me away...you want 8-19mm idealy 6 point

does it have to be in a set? id rather pick out sockets and ratchet etc on thier own , then add bigger ones and a breaker bar as money allows

dont need a torque wrench until you get onto engine internals like headgasket or bearings ...wait on that

Edited by steveo3002 on Friday 23 August 16:55

[steveo3002]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BERGEN-3-8-dr-Deep-Sock...

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BERGEN-Socket-Set-3-8-D...

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/US-PRO-BERGEN-Tools-Ext...

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3-8-Drive-Straight-Exte...

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/WERA-Kraftform-Kompakt-...

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vorlux-by-Bergen-Tools-...

that would get you going ..add more extensions , wobble bits , breaker bar, pry bars , 1/2 drive stuff as you go...wont ever stop finding tools you need

[Draculaw]

Thanks for that Steveo. Kit not mandatory, but I was thinking it’d be easier starting from scratch to go with a kit rather than individual pieces. I’ll take a look through the pieces you linked

[DuraAce]

Draculaw said:

Looking at places like Halfords, I'd need to lay out the best part of £300 for a socket set, 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" drivers, torque wrench and (torx) screwdrivers. That seems like an astronomical cost and, realistically, would I actually end up saving any money? Questionable on that basis.

Any suggestions welcome for cheaper "starter" sets for maintenance or, alternatively, suggestions that I should just pay a man to do it.

Tools for life though aren't they?

Good kit will serve you for many years, especially as a DIYer you aren't hammering your tools for 40 hours a week like a pro will be.

I've used my tools on a variety of my own and friend's cars/motorbikes/cycles/houses for years and they have paid for themselves many many times over.

[Draculaw]

A fair point on tools being for life. I suspect they would get monthly use at most, so certainly not a lot of wear and tear.

On a slightly tangential note, does anyone know if there’s a place where one could rent a proper workshop bay and be supervised/instructed in a particular repair/modification? I know there are places to rent a bay, but not the otter part.

[finishing touch]

To start with something cheap & cheerful like these from Screwfix for example. Add screwdrivers, pliers, and a set of ball end Allen keys,
and a box to put them in.

If you get keen then this becomes the chuck in the boot tool kit for emergencies, and you buy bigger & better. (and more expensive).


I have just such a box with short and long sockets on rails screwed to the lid, spanners and odds & sods inside.


As for supervision then Google and Youtube are your friends.