38 replies to this topic

[jameseddolls]

Hi guys,

 

looking for a few additional tools, mainly a torque wrench in particular and wondered where the best place for tools would be. I was thinking of avoiding Halfords as I have heard bad things about them. Would it be best to get them online for cheap (if so what website) or is there a more reliable source of car tools.

 

thanks

[Mini 360]

Halfords tools are actually incredibly good so I've no idea where you've heard they are awful?!  I actually got my torque wrench from Lidl when they do their special buys.  3yr guarantee but its a proper bit of kit.  Accurate, cheap and does the job continually well.  

[MrBounce]

I have never had a problem with Halfords tools other than them being more aimed at the metric market. My Halfords pro socket set is still going strong after 17 years and nothing has broken.
I also have a Draper torque wrench which has never let me down either. It's relatively basic but I don't need to use it every day.

[jameseddolls]

Halfords tools are actually incredibly good so I've no idea where you've heard they are awful?!  I actually got my torque wrench from Lidl when they do their special buys.  3yr guarantee but its a proper bit of kit.  Accurate, cheap and does the job continually well.  

 

no sorry, meant as in Halfords parts etc. like car batteries aren't brilliant apparently. But may have to give them a go. Need a torque wrench as the previous owner has tightened the spark plugs very snug and think the engine is misfiring because of it.

[ukcooper]

You do not need a torque wrench to undo things, it probably damage it.

[monkey]

Torque wrenches are not designed to undo tight fasteners, if the spark plugs are to tight to undo with a spark plug wrench then you need a breaker bar.

[AndyR]

I too am a fan of the Halfords Professional range, not so much their standard stuff. I use a mixture of Teng tools and Halfords Professional, I like the chrome vanadium finish on the Halfords stuff as it's easy to just wipe clean. Just be careful of the open end of the Halfords spammers as they tend to open over time. I use ToolShack for the Teng stuff, and think their Torque wrenches are great quality for their price.

Andy

[jameseddolls]

Torque wrenches are not designed to undo tight fasteners, if the spark plugs are to tight to undo with a spark plug wrench then you need a breaker bar.

 

 

well I thought maybe this would be the case that I would need a breaker bar just with a standard socket. It was really stiff and was not budging one bit. Otherwise if I don't get a breaker bar, could I use a standard wrench with a metal tube to get the extra power. What kind of breaker bar or torque wrench would be good for a mini. Does it matter.

 

sorry im a novice at minis and cars in general

[ukcooper]

If your spark pugs in that tight I would expect damage to the head, Cross threaded .

1/2inc power bar about 400mm long for me but im big built.

21mm spark plug socket.

[jameseddolls]

If your spark pugs in that tight I would expect damage to the head, Cross threaded .

1/2inc power bar about 400mm long for me but im big built.

21mm spark plug socket.

I was trying to undo the spark plug with a standard 21mm spark plug socket and standard wrench with no extensions. so this could be why. do you have a link for the power bar. Whats the different between a power bar and breaker bar?

[Mini 360]

Whats the different between a power bar and breaker bar?

 

Nothing.  Different term for same tool.

[jameseddolls]

 

Whats the different between a power bar and breaker bar?

 

Nothing.  Different term for same tool.

 

 

ah fair enough. does anyone have a recommended one that is good. maybe a link?

[ukcooper]

Seem cheep and should last years Web only - http://www.halfords....0mm-1-2sq-drive

Power bar is from my day and age. Breaker bar = modem slang lol


"I was trying to undo the spark plug with a standard 21mm spark plug socket and standard wrench"

Be honest it should fly out with those, they should be only hand tight plus a bit or 1/8 turn.

Edited by ukcooper, 14 March 2016 - 04:53 PM.

[jameseddolls]

Seem cheep and should last years Web only - http://www.halfords....0mm-1-2sq-drive

Power bar is from my day and age. Breaker bar = modem slang lol


"I was trying to undo the spark plug with a standard 21mm spark plug socket and standard wrench"

Be honest it should fly out with those, they should be only hand tight plus a bit or 1/8 turn.

 

who knows, maybe I was turning it the wrong way round. Ive never used a wrench before in my life. Might make sense if I was turning it clockwise haha

[gazza82]

Remember ...

Lefty loosey ... Undo.

Rigthtey tightey .. Do up. (clockwise ....).

Simples ...

Edited by gazza82, 14 March 2016 - 05:47 PM.