I have spent a few hours hunting on the internet for a definitive list of tools that will mean I am totally prepared for car maintenance.
Unable to find such a thing I have decided to copy the list provided in my rover 820's Haynes manual: please note that I do not own all of these items, and I do not know when or why you would
need all of them!
Here is the list: taken from Haynes rover 820, 825
and 827 manual - 1986 to 1995. If Haynes ask me to take this down I will gladly do so but until then here it is for anyone's consumption: No - I am not planning to copy out the really useful
stuff ;)
Maintenance and minor repair tool kit
The tools given in this list should be considered as a minimum requirement if routine
maintenance, servicing and minor repair operations are to be undertaken. We recommend the purchase of combination spanners (ring one end, open-ended the other); although more expensive than
open-ended ones, they do give the advantages of both types of spanner
- Combination spanners: 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13,14, 15, 16, 17, 19,21,22,24 & 26mm
- Adjustable spanner - 35 mm jaw (approx)
- Transmission drain plug key
- Set of feeler gauges
- Spark plug spanner (with rubber insert)
- Spark plug gap adjustment tool,
- Brake bleed nipple spanner
- Brake adjuster spanner
- Screwdrivers: Flat blade and cross blade -approx 100 mm long x 6 mm dia
- Combination pliers
- Hacksaw (junior)
- Tyre pump
- Tyre pressure gauge
- Grease gun
- Oil can
- Oil filter removal tool
- Fine emery cloth
- Wire brush (small)
- Funnel (medium size)
Repair and overhaul tool kit
These tools are virtually essential
for anyone undertaking any major repairs to motor vehicle. and are additional to those given in the Maintenance and minor repair list. Included in this list is a comprehensive set sockets.
Although these are expensive, they will be found invaluable as they are so versatile particularly if various drives are included in the set. We recommend the half-inch square-drive type, as this
can be used with most proprietary torque wrenches. If you cannot afford a socket set, even bought piecemeal. then inexpensive tubular box spanners are a useful alternative.
The
tools in this list will occasionally need be supplemented by tools from the Special list:
- Sockets (or box spanners) to cover range in previous list
- Reversible ratchet drive (for use with sockets) (see illustration)
- Extension piece. 250 mm (for use with sockets )
- Universal joint (for use with sockets)
- Torque wrench (for "se with sockets,
- Self-locking grips
- Ball pein hammer
- Soft-faced mallet (plastic/aluminium rubber)
- Screwdrivers:
Flat blade - long & sturdy, short (chubby), and "arrow (electrician’s) types
Cross blade - Long & sturdy, and short (chubby) types
- Pliers:
Long-nosed
Side cutters (electrician’s)
Circlip (internal and external)
- Cold chisel 25 mm
- scriber
- scraper
- Centre-punch
- Pin punch
- Hacksaw
- Brake hose clamp
- Brake bleeding kit
- Selection of twist drills
- Steel rule/straight-edge
- Allen keys (inc. splined/Torx type) (see illustrations)
- Selection of files
- Wire brush
- Axle stands
- Jack (strong trolley or hydraulic type)
- Light with extension lead
Special tools
The tools in this list are those which are
not used regularly, are expensive to buy, or which need to be used in accordance with their manufacturers’ instructions. Unless relatively difficult mechanical jobs are undertaken
frequently. it will not be economic to buy many of these tools. Where this is the case, you could consider clubbing together with friends (or joining a motorists’ club) to make a joint
purchase, or borrowing the tools against a deposit from a local garage or tool hire specialist. It is worth noting that many of the larger DIY superstores now carry a large range of special
tools for hire at modest rates,
The following list contains only those tools and instruments freely available to the public, and not those special tools produced by the vehicle manufacturer
specifically for its dealer network. You will find occasional references to these manufacturers’ special tools in the text of this manual.
Generally, an alternative method of doing the job
without the vehicle manufacturers’ special tool is given. However, sometimes there is no alternative to using them. Where this is the case and the relevant tool cannot be bought or borrowed.
you will have to entrust the work to a franchised garage.
- Valve spring compressor (see illustration)
- Valve grinding tool
- Piston ring compressor (see illustration)
- Piston ring removal/installation tool (see
- Cylinder bore hone (see illustration)
- Balljoint separator
- Coil spring compressors (where applicable)
- Two/three-legged hub and bearing puller
- Impact screwdriver
- Micrometer and/or vernier calipers (see illustrations)
- Dial gauge (see illustration)
- Universal electrical multi-meter
- Cylinder compression gauge (see illustration)
- Clutch plate alignment set (see illustration)
- Brake shoe steady spring cup removal tool (see illustration)
- Bush and bearing removal/installation set (see illustration)
- Stud extractors (see illustration)
- Tap and die set (see illustration)
- Lifting tackle
- Trolley jack
Buying tools
For
practically all tools, a tool factor is the best source, since he will have a very comprehensive range compared with the average garage or accessory shop. Having said that, accessory shops often
offer excellent quality tools at discount prices, so it pays to shop around. Remember, you don’t have to buy the most expensive items on the shelf, but it is always advisable to steer clear of
the very cheap tools. There are plenty of good tools around at reasonable prices, but always aim to purchase items which meet the relevant national safety standards. If in doubt, ask the
proprietor or manager of the shop for advice before making a purchase.
Care and maintenance of tools
Having
purchased a reasonable tool kit, it is necessary to keep the tools in a clean and serviceable condition. After use, always wipe off any dirt, grease and metal particles using a clean, dry cloth,
before putting the tools away.
Never leave them lying around after they have been used. A simple tool rack on the garage or workshop wall for
items such as screwdrivers and pliers is a good idea. Store all normal spanners and sockets in a metal box. Any measuring instruments, gauges, meters, etc. must be carefully stored where they
cannot be damaged or become rusty.
Take a little care when tools are used. Hammer heads inevitably become marked, and screwdrivers lose the keen
edge on their blades from time to time. A little timely attention with emery cloth or a file will soon restore items like this to a good serviceable finish.
Working
facilities
Not to be forgotten when discussing tools is the workshop itself. If
anything more than routine maintenance is to be carried out some form of suitable working area become essential. It is appreciated that many an owner mechanic is forced by circumstances to
remove an engine or similar item without the benefit of a garage or workshop. Having done this, any repairs should always be done under the cover of a roof. Wherever possible, any dismantling
should be done on a clean, flat workbench or table at a suitable working height.
Any workbench needs a vice; one with jaw opening of 100 mm is
suitable for most jobs. As mentioned previously, some clean dry storage space is also required for tools, a well as for any lubricants. cleaning fluids touch-up paints and so on, which become
necessary.
Another item which may be required, and which has a much more general usage, is a electric drill with a chuck capacity of at least mm.
This, together with a good range of twist drills, is virtually essential for fitting accessories. Last. but not least, always keep a supply of old newspapers and clean. lint-free rag available,
and try to keep any working area a clean as possible.
NB! What I am really interested in is the absolute definitive toolbox - at the minute all the tools I have are living in
various boxes and drawers. What I really dream about is one of those lovely fabric roll-up things for spanners etc., that I must have seen on TV. - But heaven forbid I should have to
make my own! Does anyone know where I can get one or two from??
Here are some random car links: If anyone knows of some decent toolbox/
tool storage companies that I can order from in the UK, please email rover@thirzah.co.uk, thanks :-)
www.wd40.com
www.morris-lubricants.co.uk
http://www.unifix-online.co.uk/
http://www.premiertools.co.uk/
http://www.halfords.com/
http://www.eurocarparts.co.uk/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/rover800/
www.motorbitz.com
www.davep1.freeserve.co.uk/rover/
www.alldata.com
http://www.zag.co.il/
My
other car pages :
Nissan Sunny SGL
Porsche
924
thirzah.co.uk homepage
