9 replies to this topic

[blacktulip]

Just thinking about the jobs I've done on minis over the years and what a pain some jobs are because of the lack of specialist tools that could make certain jobs so much easier. Which led me to think what long standing improvised tools everyone uses? I wish I could make a deep offset 1/2" ratchet spanner for manifold nuts or invent a tool like a thick speedo cable with a deep 1/2" socket on the end which can be wound from the other end.

[Stevie W]

I've made a tool akin to the one used for tightening an angle grinder hubs!

It's a flat plate with two small bolts for holding the long rear subframe trunnion bolt that has the two holes in the head. It's a good hefty tool with some large diameter heat shrink over the handle part of the tool for comfort!

Granted, I probably won't be using it that often, but it was very useful when fitting my rear subframe!

Cheers, Steve.

Edited by Stevie W, 20 March 2020 - 07:08 PM.

[blacktulip]

Any pics?

[greenwheels]

I've made a tool akin to the one used for tightening an angle grinder hubs!

It's a flat plate with two welded in pins for holding the long rear subframe trunnion bolt that has the two holes in the head. It's a good hefty tool with some large diameter heat shrink over the handle part of the tool for comfort!

Granted, I probably won't be using it that often, but it was very useful when fitting my rear subframe!

Cheers, Steve.

It's called a pin spanner.

Every time I have to undo that trunnion bolt you mention I think 'I must make a pin spanner for this' - you beat me to it!

I'm thinking that I could use an old trunnion bolt, weld in a couple of pins, saw off the bar to 1/2 inch or so and weld on an old conveniently size nut. Then use an ordinary spanner to turn it. Must do it.
 

[MikeRotherham]

I found this did the job ok:

 

https://www.amazon.c...2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

 

[greenwheels]

I found this did the job ok:

 

https://www.amazon.c...2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

Looks good, except for some reason I've really gone off stuff made in China just lately.

[Stevie W]

Any pics?

Sorry no I haven't but could take a pikkie if required!

[Stevie W]

Hopefully I've done this correctly and you can see the 2 views of it. I now remember shearing one of the pins off on the first trunnion bolt as my welding is rubbish! I replaced the pins with some bolts, which seem to work ok!

 

Cheers, Steve.

Attached Files

•  Pin spanner.jpg   75.9K   2 downloads
•  Pin spanner 2.jpg   110.96K   2 downloads

[Stevie W]

I also have more than a few spanners which My dear old Dad & I have modified over the years, for such things as tightened the clutch throw out stop nuts and twin SU manifold retaining nuts...what a pain they are to reach!

[unburntfuelinthemorning]

Just thinking about the jobs I've done on minis over the years and what a pain some jobs are because of the lack of specialist tools that could make certain jobs so much easier. Which led me to think what long standing improvised tools everyone uses?

I wouldn't be without my old 7/16" combination spanner that I cut in half.  Provides a short ring and open ended spanner ideal for tackling things like the fuel pump bolts and the clutch bleed nipple.