15 replies to this topic

[pootis spencer]

I'm looking to purchase a socket set but I cannot find a set with a 5/16" socket in. Does anyone know if this socket is absolutely essential? Also would it be cheaper to buy just the required sockets for a stripdown and rebuild of the engine or buy a set? 

[RooBoonix]

Halfords Professional sets are excellent. The 200piece set has a 5/16" socket, not sure about the smaller sets.

Highly recommended.

[Swift_General]

I can think of a few 5/16" nuts on a mini, but not on the engine so certainly not essential for an engine strip down. I like the Halfords socket sets (which include such a socket in their range), and have 2 of the processional range which have a lifetime guarantee.

[slidehammer]

You are better off getting a good quality socket set (Halfords currently have some good savings on their advance range and come with a lifetime warranty). The buy the odd socket as and when you need them, sometimes you find a metric socket will get you out of trouble on some imperial sizes. Mini engines use lots of 1/2 inch and 9/16 nut sizes. In my opinion good quality tools have never been more affordable in real terms and so easy to source specialist sizes and tools with the internet.

[nicklouse]

the problem with most socket sets is they are based on 1/2" drive.

 

I like most people started with one but it is my least used ratchet but when i got it it was Snap-On i also bought  4 sockets 7/16,1/2 (one 6 sided and one 12 sided),9/16 these were the main ones used. i also bought other sets but they have come and gone or were just bad. if the sockets do not have the size stamped on them give them a miss as you soon will not know what size they are.

a bit later i bought a 1/4 drive imperial set inc ratchet also from Snap-On soon followed by a 3/8 metric inc ratchet set also Snap-On this was all 20 so years ago. recently i added a 3/8 imperial socket set from yes Snap-On.

 

the 3/8 sets are the most used then the 1/4 and the 1/2 is rarely used i would not start with a set based on a 1/2 drive ratchet.  i would also consider a pair of torque wrenches rather that one.

 

the quality of the Halfords is very good but just consider what parts you will actually use.

[Swift_General]

And remember the 1.5" (deep) and 1 5/16" sockets for serious work on a mini which will not be in most sets.

[Spider]

For probably 90% of fasteners on a Mini, I find a 3/8" drive set more comfortable to work with.

 

5/16" Socket you'd typically find in a 1/4" drive set.

[pootis spencer]

Just bought the Halfords 200 piece set.

[nicklouse]

will get you started but loads of things that you will not need for the Mini. but if you have a modern car you work on as well sorted.

[phildward]

And remember the 1.5" (deep) and 1 5/16" sockets for serious work on a mini which will not be in most sets.

 

Looking for a list of nut / bolt head sizes and came across this thread.  Drove and maintained minis many years ago and was looking to check that my tool box is still complete.

 

My largest 1/2" drive socket was 1 1/4", I also had a 3/4" drive standard depth 7/8W socket for the fly wheel bolt (slightly smaller than 1 1/2").  What are the above two required for please?

[nicklouse]

1 1/2 is the fly wheel bolt

the 1 5/16 the CV nut, steering wheel nut, Cam shaft nut, Crank Bolt.

[Cooperman]

I bought an Elora 1/2" drive set back in 1968 and still use it regularly. Then, about 25 years ago I bought a Halfords 3/8" drive set which still works very well. When I was in the USA one time I bought a Craftsman 1/4" set. Of course, I have replaced sockets in those sets, usually with sockets the same as the original make.

Over the years I have added a lot of larger sockets, usually 1/2" rive, plus a set of deep UNF sockets.

 

I 'inherited' a Sealey socket set a few years ago, but the quality and strength is nothing like the other sets, although it comes in useful sometimes.

[phildward]

1 1/2 is the fly wheel bolt

the 1 5/16 the CV nut, steering wheel nut, Cam shaft nut, Crank Bolt.

 

Ah, so that is what it is for thank you. I have a 3/4W 1/2 drive socket that will be the required 1 5/16".  My 7/8W socket is for the fly wheel.

 

Thanks, I have a full set.

 

Edit: Or perhaps not, could somebody advise the size of ball joint caps please?  Probably one of the large A/F ring spanners that I have not yet found a use for.  Thanks

Edited by phildward, 01 August 2017 - 07:17 AM.

[nicklouse]

 

1 1/2 is the fly wheel bolt

the 1 5/16 the CV nut, steering wheel nut, Cam shaft nut, Crank Bolt.

 

Ah, so that is what it is for thank you. I have a 3/4W 1/2 drive socket that will be the required 1 5/16".  My 7/8W socket is for the fly wheel.

 

Thanks, I have a full set.

 

Edit: Or perhaps not, could somebody advise the size of ball joint caps please?  Probably one of the large A/F ring spanners that I have not yet found a use for.  Thanks

 

same as the flywheel

[phildward]

 

 

1 1/2 is the fly wheel bolt

the 1 5/16 the CV nut, steering wheel nut, Cam shaft nut, Crank Bolt.

 

Ah, so that is what it is for thank you. I have a 3/4W 1/2 drive socket that will be the required 1 5/16".  My 7/8W socket is for the fly wheel.

 

Thanks, I have a full set.

 

Edit: Or perhaps not, could somebody advise the size of ball joint caps please?  Probably one of the large A/F ring spanners that I have not yet found a use for.  Thanks

 

same as the flywheel

 

 

Thanks nicklouse, got it, a pressed steel ring spanner 1 1/2" A/F by Williams Superslim, BLM 024.  :)