20 replies to this topic

[Bluemini]

I have managed ok with my tool kit, the only AF spanners I would say are important are 3/8, 7/16 and 1/2. There arent that many other nuts or bolts that wont undo with a metric size, but a selection of AF sockets is worth while, like I said in my tool list if you read it.

Most mini owners cant afford to go buying lots of tools, thats why they own a mini - budget cars. And if a bolt is going to break or round off, then it needs to be replaiced anyway!

[Woody]

I once bought a set of "Metrinch" combination spaners , they said that they were "universal " and would fit metric & imperial , they were universal all right , universaly C**p on both !
I only use the corect size of tool for the job , however my snap-on 6 sided flank drive 13mm will open rounded off 1/2inch nuts that a 1/2ins 12 sided socket has rounded off , (and a snap-on 1/2ins 6 sided flank drive would be even better as soon as funds allow)
Snap-on tools may seem dearer , but i still have a 3/8 drive snap-on ratchet i bought as an apprentice 28 years ago , what will your draper tools look like in 28 years time , after daily use ?

[siggy]

Flank drive sockets will work better on the wrong size nuts, because of the way they transmit the torque from the socket to the nut. They actually work on the flanks of the nut rather than the angles as normal sockets, especially 12 point do.

If a nut is going to 'round off' there are 3 reasons,
1/ its been over tightened in the first place
2/ you are uosing the wrong size tool on it
3/ Its rusty

Siggy

Why not just buy a couple of adjusatble spanners, they will undo must nuts/bolts

[cowboy]

not to be picky with siggy, his advice on the correct spanner to use on this subject has been brill, but using an adjustable, come on man there for the cowboys, wouldn't trust one to undo any type of bolt. causes more damage to the heads of nuts than anything, an adjustable is only good for one thing and that is as a holding device when tightening up a locknut, only if you don't have the correct spanner, which there aren't many of on a mini.

but i would say to get a 7/16, 1/2, 9/16 and a 3/4 spanner for your toolbox, pref 2 of each, 13 mm is good once the nut has been freed off because it is slightly bigger than a 1/2 but use the AF spanners when you can

[siggy]

Cowboy, the comment on adjustable spanners was 'tounge in cheek' If someone is going to use the wrong spanner for the job they may as well use an adjustable.

Siggy

PS also 5/8 and 11/16

[cowboy]

point taken siggy(foot now out of mouth)