Which tools/toolkit could you not do without?

DJO · 1st April 2008, 13:19

Hi,

Armed with Haynes manual, what kind of tools do you recommend to do basic servicing/maintenance on our fine cars?

I've got the car booked in to a garage for its next service as that requires new belts

and I feel that beyond my skills, but basic servicing I feel fine attempting.

I would imagine a good socket set, screwdrivers (flat, phillips and torx). I have some tools, needed to use the torx bits to get the glove box out to remove the cd changer!

What else would you recommend?

Cheers
David

efreeti · 1st April 2008, 13:39

Not sure about the petrol but the CDT needs some longish allen keys to get the cover off at the back. Cant remember the size off hand.

You will also need a sharp stanley knife to cut that pesky air intake duct off

Simon · 1st April 2008, 14:20

I usually find a good lump hammer works well in any tool box....

Seriously though torx and security torx drivers are what I am desperately lacking. A torque-wrench is also pretty indispensable although with common sense applied you can make do without.

JohnDotCom · 1st April 2008, 14:44

In addition to above.
At least a Basic Electrical Test Meter for Volts, Continuity, Ohms etc.
A Torx Security Driver/Socket drive Set.
Long Nose Pliars etc.

Paranoid Carlos · 1st April 2008, 15:23

If you have a CDT, always remember a special place for your 36mm socket, because when you can't find it and you have drained the oil it makes you want to cry.

T-Cut · 1st April 2008, 15:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJO

What else would you recommend?

An electric screwdriver and lots of interchangeable bits. The most useful tool I ever bought - and I've bought a lot of tools!

TC

BigJacko · 4th April 2008, 22:41

My most invaluable tool to date (and indeed, today) was my wife's arm. It's thinner than mine, and will just about squeeze down the side of my 2.0-litre V6 and retrieve the dropped inlet manifold balance valve from the bottom of the under-engine tray!

Seriously though - all of the above - but I really would invest in one of those 'long-necked cable-with-a-grabby-thing-on-the-end' tools that you can find in the bigger Halfords. I had one years ago, but a mate nicked it (they're THAT useful). In the Rover, it would've been a godsend today - they are SO tight on space. Instead, my missus had to be the godsend instead! Nice thing was, she didn't even get her arm dirty, the engine bay was that clean!

BigRuss · 4th April 2008, 23:31

18" 1/2" drive swivel ended breaker bar, absolute must have complete with non slip handle. great for shifting stubbon nut and bolts.
Good quality inpact socket set 1/2" drive, 1/2" drive allen key set, Impact driver, good selection of ring spanners and sockets.
Various screwdrivers different lengths with interchangable bits and a couple of flexable extensions (very, very useful).
And as Simon mentioned a lump hammer.
Not forgetting the essential for all serious mechanics a good trolley jack and a set of axle stands.

To be honest I couldn't do without most of my tools I use them all the time.

Russ

1st April 2008, 13:19	#1
DJO Avid contributor Vauxhall Zafira Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Haywards Heath, West Sussex Posts: 229 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Which tools/toolkit could you not do without? Hi, Armed with Haynes manual, what kind of tools do you recommend to do basic servicing/maintenance on our fine cars? I've got the car booked in to a garage for its next service as that requires new belts and I feel that beyond my skills, but basic servicing I feel fine attempting. I would imagine a good socket set, screwdrivers (flat, phillips and torx). I have some tools, needed to use the torx bits to get the glove box out to remove the cd changer! What else would you recommend? Cheers David

1st April 2008, 13:39	#2
efreeti Gets stuck in ZT-T CDT 130+ (04) & 75 Tourer CDT Auto (52) & a 1998 MGF (with HGF!) Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Halifax Posts: 903 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Not sure about the petrol but the CDT needs some longish allen keys to get the cover off at the back. Cant remember the size off hand. You will also need a sharp stanley knife to cut that pesky air intake duct off __________________ Jim Replace in tank fuel pump with Peugeot alternative Dismantle and re-fit interior and seats Retrofit electric memory seats without the loom All followed at your own risk! Available to borrow: I have a home made (tried and tested) Cam Locking tool for M47 should anyone need it.

1st April 2008, 15:23	#5
Paranoid Carlos Posted a thing or two Starlight CDT Conn SE Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Erdington, Birmingham Posts: 1,057 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	If you have a CDT, always remember a special place for your 36mm socket, because when you can't find it and you have drained the oil it makes you want to cry. __________________ [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

4th April 2008, 22:41	#7
BigJacko Avid contributor Rover 75 Tourer 2.0 V6 Club (2002) Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Bath Posts: 236 Thanks: 47 Thanked 16 Times in 12 Posts	My most invaluable tool to date (and indeed, today) was my wife's arm. It's thinner than mine, and will just about squeeze down the side of my 2.0-litre V6 and retrieve the dropped inlet manifold balance valve from the bottom of the under-engine tray! Seriously though - all of the above - but I really would invest in one of those 'long-necked cable-with-a-grabby-thing-on-the-end' tools that you can find in the bigger Halfords. I had one years ago, but a mate nicked it (they're THAT useful). In the Rover, it would've been a godsend today - they are SO tight on space. Instead, my missus had to be the godsend instead! Nice thing was, she didn't even get her arm dirty, the engine bay was that clean! Last edited by BigJacko; 4th April 2008 at 23:30..

4th April 2008, 23:31	#8
BigRuss Premium Trader 75 CDT Tourer,2.5 Launch Saloon, Omipro MG/Rover (T4) Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Liversedge, West Yorkshire Posts: 5,405 Thanks: 1,105 Thanked 1,340 Times in 661 Posts	18" 1/2" drive swivel ended breaker bar, absolute must have complete with non slip handle. great for shifting stubbon nut and bolts. Good quality inpact socket set 1/2" drive, 1/2" drive allen key set, Impact driver, good selection of ring spanners and sockets. Various screwdrivers different lengths with interchangable bits and a couple of flexable extensions (very, very useful). And as Simon mentioned a lump hammer. Not forgetting the essential for all serious mechanics a good trolley jack and a set of axle stands. To be honest I couldn't do without most of my tools I use them all the time. Russ __________________ Replacement Key Service http://https://the75andztclub.co.uk/...d.php?t=244732 Full T4 Testbook diagnostics available. Diesel ECU repair and replacement. Options enabled or disabled as required. Diesel X-Power 135 and 160bhp, Rover 1.8T 150 to 160 MG 160 V6 to 177 upgrades available P.M. for details.

1st April 2008, 14:20	#3
Simon Banned - Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: - Posts: 10,318 Thanks: 0 Thanked 4 Times in 3 Posts	I usually find a good lump hammer works well in any tool box.... Seriously though torx and security torx drivers are what I am desperately lacking. A torque-wrench is also pretty indispensable although with common sense applied you can make do without.

1st April 2008, 14:44	#4
JohnDotCom * Rover 75 FaceLift Tourer CDTi 170BHP Auto ConnSE 2005 Model Starlight Silver Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Abergele Posts: 28,735 Thanks: 0 Thanked 6 Times in 5 Posts	In addition to above. At least a Basic Electrical Test Meter for Volts, Continuity, Ohms etc. A Torx Security Driver/Socket drive Set. Long Nose Pliars etc.