In curious what are some of the most improtant tools to own to maintain and modify our Mini's. Ive never really used ratcheting wrenches or flex head wrenches. Now I find them a god send tool for my 09 JCW. What did you find was a great help on your car? Sent from my LG-H830 using Tapatalk
The most important tools you can own for working on your MINI are: An OBD2 code reader and a Bentley manual.
As I get older I find I use my credit card more that my tools these days. You need a good basic set of metric tools. Make sure the sockets are 3/8 drive & 6 point. You will need a set of metric Torx bits too. Don't forget the metric screwdrivers & hammers. :wink: If you can post what job you are contemplating doing it will be easier to tell you what specific widgets you'll need. Lots of folks are away at the dragon. More folks will be here to help next week. Welcome to M/A.
My must haves are a thin walled 14mm socket to change out plugs, an impact screwdriver to remove your rotors, a 27mm socket to take out your oil filter, and a non marring 17mm to remove lug bolts Spark Plug Socket- http://www.outmotoring.com/bi-hex-magentic-spark-plug-socket.html Impact Screwdriver- https://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-2905-8-Inch-Manual-7-Piece/dp/B000NPPATS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1493831386&sr=8-1&keywords=impact+screwdriver Oil Filter Socket- http://new.minimania.com/part/G2NME1052/Mini-Cooper-Oil-Filter-Canister-Socket-R55-R56-R57-R58-R59-R60-R61 Non Marring Socket 17mm- http://www.autozone.com/ratchets-sockets-and-wrenches/socket/titan-1-2-in-drive-17-mm-non-marring-lug-nut-socket/453035_0_0
You forgot a metric crescent wrench :crazy: A set of torque wrenches are always good to prevent things like stuck drain plugs, spark plugs shooting out of the head, broken studs on the strut mounts, and other stuff that will make your repair turn into a nightmare.
The spark plug socket needs to be 12 point, not 6..... I've found the best way to get the torx screws out of the rotors is to tighten them slightly before you try to loosen them, then they come right out. Be sure to use a bit of anti-seize on them when you put them back in too.....
Couldn't agree more.. so many folks use the "Arm" torque" wrench.. Also agree with the dead blow hammer..