16 replies to this topic

[samvanderlee]

Hi guys and gals, not been on the forum long. Owned my mini for 4 weeks now even though I was only able to enjoy it for the first week. Whilst I am away I would like to purchase the tools I will require for servicing and maintaining him. I have been looking at the halfords advanced socket sets as a start, has anyone used these? Also they come in sizes up to 200 pieces would this be necessary? Sorry to sound naive but I really don't know where to start, nor do I want to waste money on anything I don't need. Thank you.

[Ben_O]

You will mainly need to make sure you purchase imperial spanners and an imperial socket set.

 

A decent trolley jack and axle stands are also a must.

 

I have no personal experience from halfords tools apart from a set of 1/4 drive deep sockets which have lasted well but others say they are very good and reasonably priced too

 

For my Mini I have a small imperial 1/4 socket set a 1/2 drive imperial socket set a set of imperial spanners, a breaker bar, a set of assorted screwdrivers and basic assorted pliers and i managed to strip mine to a shell with no problem at all.

 

I found it useful to have an impact driver for removing stubborn bolts and screws.

 

I have a vast collection of tools including metric sockets and spanners but don't ever really need them on the Mini.

 

You really don't need that much! especially just for basic maintenance.

 

I would recommend getting a proper brake adjusting spanner too.

 

Other members on here will be able to suggest any other tools you may need for servicing etc as i am restoring mine so don't really need to do any maintenance yet!

 

Ben

[Gadgets]

You will need a engineers hammer (not a claw hammer) a pry bar and a set of punches are also handy, a torch.Then start to build up your stores of common spare parts (fan belt keep under the seat) nuts washers split pins, gasket sealant, brake fluid, copper grease, 20-50w oil, brake shoes and pads etc

[alicetheauto]

Those 200 piece toolkits are all well and good (great quality) but you won't use 90% of it on a Mini. You may as well pick the smaller imperial kits up. I think they do a spanner set and a 1/2" drive imperial socket rail. Also get a selection of deep reach sockets too in the popular sizes (7/16,1/2", 9/16") because sometimes you need 2 the same size. Then get a decent quality ratchet and a good breaker bar or big torque wrench. The halfords trolley jack and axle stand sets are good too, even better when they are on offer!

[Chris Jones]

[Ben_O]

I want it!! ^^^^^^

[AVV IT]

Some of the most common maintenance tasks on classic mini include: changing the oil, adjusting the tappets/spark plug gaps (& points unless you have electronic ignition), greasing the various suspension points and adjusting the rear brake shoes. So in addition to general tools such as spanners and sockets etc you really need the following:

An oil filter wrench
Imperial feeler gauges
A spark plug wrench
A brake adjusting spanner
A grease gun

A torque wrench is a good investment too, even if you only use it for tightening up your wheel nuts as it will prevent over tightening and the potential for the shearing off of wheel studs (especially if your a slightly over enthusiastic novice DIY mechanic!). The classic mini is also notorious for electrical faults, so I'd also recommend a multi-meter, or even just a simple circuit tester, a decent crimping tool and selection of crimp on connectors and terminals.

[deanymini]

A brake/clutch bleeding kit. Preferably one that you can use on your own.

[AVV IT]

^^^^ and this!!!!

[silve1999]

ramps and torque wrench sockets open and ring spanners small med and large adjustible, long flat head screw driver, pliers, needle nose and snub nosed, feeler guages and a multimeter... trolley jack and axle stands... knee pad. funnel errrm ratchet screw driver.....mole grips and wire snips

[sam-wkd]

A first aid kit for when you slip off the spanner and take the skin off your knuckles, finger, hands in general etc. Make sure it has an eye wash - so that you can rinse the flaky bits of rust out of your eyes. 

 

Eye protection!

Edited by sam-wkd, 23 May 2014 - 12:49 PM.

[MrBounce]

Soldering iron can come in handy.

 

If you're planning on rebuilding your own engine I would highly recommend an engine stand and also a DTI Gauge.

 

As for the Halfords tools, I bought one of their professional socket sets about 15 years ago - it is still working perfectly despite much abuse. Buy the best tools you can afford; cheap tools are a waste of time, effort and money.

[minimat]

A big hammer!

[scaffers]

Timing light
Valve spring compressor
Big hammer
Skinny arms
12v air /tyre compressor
Torque wrench
Ramps
Stands
Trolley jack
Car cover( for when it tips down and you have door off etc)
Bulbs, fuses & relays .....lots of these

[samvanderlee]

Thanks for the replies. Well I'll have to get buying then. This forum is fantastic everyone is so helpful. Can't wait to start getting the hang of doing some basic work on him. Hoping to save up over the coming months and get a bit more POWEEEERR.