23 replies to this topic

[lewBlew]

Hello. Is there a torque wrench which is suitable for doing most of the common service jobs on the Mini? e.g. sump plug, wheels, cooling system, maybe head gasket...

I've been shopping online for one and they all have different limitations - most of them way above what is needed for the sump plug for example which is 35Nm.

[cal844]

i usually just use a ratchet to do most jobs on mini's as there is really nothing which i cant tighten that way.

[Cooperman]

To tighten all the fixings on a Mini to the recommended figures you need two torque wrenches, one going up to around 35 to 40 lb. ft, and another going from about 30 lb. ft. up to over 150 lb.ft. That way you know it's correct.
Many only use the heavier one and do the others up 'by feel/experience' which is what most professional Mini restorers do. It comes with time.
Back when the Mini was a new car it was common to change head gaskets without a torque wrench and it seemed to work OK.
But for less experienced technicians doing everything right is definately best.

[lrostoke]

CAL844 ???? but what about torquing the nuts to the specified figure...

I'd go for this one although its limited on the lower settings. I've actually got a couple one that does the lower range and then a big'un for hub nuts etc

http://www.halfords....tegoryId_165469

Edited by lrostoke, 12 March 2013 - 01:18 PM.

[lewBlew]

Thanks for the info. I've got a ratchet, but also a habit of over-tightening things and don't want to do it on my sump plug!!

Would a 10-80Nm one do for sump, wheels, head gasket etc? A bit like this

http://www.ebay.co.u...=item588ec4c628

[cal844]

CAL844 ???? but what about torquing the nuts to the specified figure...

I'd go for this one although its limited on the lower settings. I've actually got a couple one that does the lower range and then a big'un for hub nuts etc

http://www.halfords....tegoryId_165469

im in the car trade, i have a small power bar which i very rarely use (except for suspension and wheels)

[cal844]

Thanks for the info. I've got a ratchet, but also a habit of over-tightening things and don't want to do it on my sump plug!!

Would a 10-80Nm one do for sump, wheels, head gasket etc? A bit like this

http://www.ebay.co.u...=item588ec4c628

that one would suffice mate

[lewBlew]

Thanks everyone

[KernowCooper]

Thats the difference between a season mechanic who has a feel for threads you know when enought is enough, and you only get that from experience, to be honest I only use the bigger one of my two torque wrenches, anything general is done by hand unless its a important like head bolts/driveshafts and so on.

Without that experience its best to have two torque wrenches and play safe.

[MRA]

Maybe thats the difference between a time served aeronautical engineer wuth a MEng Degree, I use 3 torque wrenches.

A torque wrench is only good for about 80% of its range, not using a torque wrench is why when I recieve engines and transmissions (only manual) I have so many threads to restore.

I have been involved with fatigue testing of parts that are under, over and correctly torqued, I can tell you now that if you guys could see the results your torque wrenches would be out more often.

Its the same reason I refer to the manual for torque settings, its cheaper to get it right than it is to have to put it right or worse lose the customer thats been upset.

[firstforward]

I use one of these, accurate and easy to use.

http://www.machinema...tails/040215238

[lewBlew]

Very swish.

[jackx998]

I use one of these, accurate and easy to use.

http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/040215238

I may just have to invest in one of those myself!

[Ipod]

I use one of these, accurate and easy to use.

http://www.machinema...tails/040215238

I may just have to invest in one of those myself!

Looks big for getting in those tight area's a mini has
just get a clicky clicky one, unless your hard of hearing, then dont read the first part :)

[MRA]

I use one of these, accurate and easy to use.

http://www.machinema...tails/040215238

How do you know its accurate ?

Does it come with a calibration certificate ?

And if you drop it, the accuracy disapears.

Interestingly there is no tolerance data.