22 replies to this topic

[lanny]

Hi Guys, 

 

Getting my first Mini (1991 City) in around 3 weeks give or take, and just wondering what tools/manuals/general bits and bobs I'll need that will last me, as opposed to waiting for a fault in my Mini to then throw money at cheap naff tools just because they were readily available at a local shop 

 

Don't want to be spending ridiculous money, just something that will do the job and not break after a couple of uses!

 

Links would also be especially useful (UK websites only though please!)

 

Cheers!!

[RossKnight]

An array of hammers, duct tape and cable ties. 

[Icey]

You won't go far wrong with the Halfords Pro ranges. I've got some which are over 10 years old now and they're fine (and I can be a bit heavy handed).

 

I'd suggest picking and choosing rather than buying one of the larger kits. If you're only working on just the Mini then some 1/4" and 3/8" drive imperial sockets, a set spanners and a good set of screw drivers will see you through most small jobs.

 

Specifically for Mini servicing - a set of feeler gauges (valve clearances), a grease gun (suspension component servicing) and a 1 1/2" deep socket (1/2" drive - wheel hubs and ball joints) will sort out 'major' service items.

 

The one single most expensive tool at this level you'll really need is a torque wrench. Again, the Halfords ones will do everything you need and are around £80-90.

 

What's that, £200-250 worth of tools? You'll save that in just a few services.

[Batmini]

IMPERIAL spanners and sockets

[Nuttoni]

An array of hammers, duct tape and cable ties. 

 

Don't forget WD-40!

[Carlos W]

Get yourself a Haynes manual and read it.

 

(i've got a few, and I've never read any of them)

[peterjh]

Depending on what you have already you will need a decent AF socket set and spanners. Halfords stuff is fairly good. you will also need brake adjusting spanner and feeler gauges.

[RossKnight]

If you want cheap imperial spanners and sockets, go to auto jumbles, or even car boots, they're always there for about 20p each

[DFulton]

about 15 years ago, I got given a "black forge" socket set.  It also included screwdrivers, pliers, a few spanners, allen keys, a Stanley knife and a few screwdriver bits (e.g. torx).  It's covered every job I've ever needed it for - not just the mini, but bikes and round the house too.

 

I can't find it online now, but this has most of the same bits (though it seems quite a cheap price).

 

Depending on what you're doing, you may also want these specific tools:

 

Torque wrench

Brake adjusting spanner

Oil filter wrench

 

Definitely get the Haynes manual too.

Edited by DFulton, 20 July 2015 - 09:59 PM.

[nicklouse]

An array of hammers, duct tape and cable ties.

 
Don't forget WD-40!

Waste of money a spay that is not good at anything.

PlusGas.

[Ger Trude]

You won't go far wrong with the Halfords Pro ranges. I've got some which are over 10 years old now and they're fine (and I can be a bit heavy handed).

 

I'd suggest picking and choosing rather than buying one of the larger kits. If you're only working on just the Mini then some 1/4" and 3/8" drive imperial sockets, a set spanners and a good set of screw drivers will see you through most small jobs.

 

Specifically for Mini servicing - a set of feeler gauges (valve clearances), a grease gun (suspension component servicing) and a 1 1/2" deep socket (1/2" drive - wheel hubs and ball joints) will sort out 'major' service items.

 

The one single most expensive tool at this level you'll really need is a torque wrench. Again, the Halfords ones will do everything you need and are around £80-90.

 

What's that, £200-250 worth of tools? You'll save that in just a few services.

Yes they do a good range of lifetime guarantee items.

If you're in the motor vehicle trade, try and get a Halfords Trade Discount Card this may help and keep the cost down.

Edited by Ger Trude, 20 July 2015 - 10:01 PM.

[alex-95]

+1 on the halfords pro stuff. And going to autojumbes etc there are usually good brands for cheap at them.

[The Matt]

Having bought a lot of Snap On, Beta, Teng etc over the years and thinking I ws buying the best; I'm totally a Halfords Pro convert now.

I'd suggest you look at their flash sales and get a small case of 3/8" and 1/4" mixed sockets to keep in the car. A set of feeler gauges is a must. Grease gun for at home. Screwdriver bit set. I never leave home without a Leatherman or similar. Also a pocket multimeter is cheap and small enough to leave in the car.

[KernowCooper]

I know this is my pet thing, Get A Multimeter Quick, you will need one, and download the How To Use A Multimeter in the FAQs Electrical Section, you can get one which is usable for your use for about £5 example http://www.ebay.co.u...=item3f3f9436c4

 

Perfectly ok for diagnostics

[lanny]

Cheers for all your help guys!! 

Will definitely check out the Halfords range, would have otherwise completely overlooked it thinking it was just for punters!