help with getting a tool kit together.

[Silver Ghost]

Hi guys,
As some of you know, had a lot of trouble and garage expense over last year. picking my new truck up at weekend, so wanting to keep any cost down this time, should anyhting go wrong, break and the likes.

i have a good general idea around a car, but im no expert. have done a few jobs in the past on more basic cars,

so i would like to start geeting a too lset together,

so what do i need, so far i have a socket set. its a one in mils, do i need to purchae one that in in inches, lest say 1/2 inch that sort of thing. I also have a 2 tonne trolley jack. and a few spanners in mils, do i need to get a set in inches as well, as sometime when undoing nuts and bolts, the size can sometime be just out and seems to want to slip.
what else would be a good idea to purchase, lets say to change a ball joint, change break shoes and pads and do my own basic service.

cheers

sean

[The Engineer]

Frontys are all metric (mils) if you have a haynes manuel it gives you a list of tools to get to work on your Fronty

[dickycaz]

hi mate .. socket set you have one in mm thats ok you don't need an imperial . a good set of spanners helps try to get a set that covers 10mm -24mm you will need some pliers a set of mole grips and a good set of screwdrivers helps but you will need a 4" angle grinder even if you wont use an angle grinder every one else i no on here owns one and they say you don't need any other tool lol

[Trugga]

The Frontera is all metric - so you'll only need mm sockets and spanners, although an adjustable spanner can be useful, so, to start with I would suggest:

Set mm ½" drive sockets
½" reversible ratchet drive
½" breaker bar
½" short extension
Set mm open/ring spanners
A ¼" drive socket set would also be useul
Long and bull nose pliers
Circlip pliers
A good set of screw drivers, both cross-head and flat (and don't use them as chisels/levers etc)
mm set of allen keys
Torx head set (T50 for the sump guard)
Oil filter wrench
Electrical cutters and crimping tool

There's probably a few more basic tools, but I can't think of them at the momeny

Lawrence

[weave67]

a good quality breaker bar,,,oh and a big "ommer"

[Silver Ghost]

a good quality breaker bar,,,oh and a big "ommer"

ok, got most of that, just a couple things to add, but whats a breaker bar,

cheers.

sean

[Drift]

Get yourself good quality tools.
I use Halfords Professional range great quality and good price, they have a lifetime warranty.
Snap On are great but very expensive, get that if you can afford it.

A breaker bar is a must and a huge rubber mallet

Get consumables like greases, penetrating sprays and the like.

It will take time to build up but it will pay in the end.

Cheap stuff WILL fail when your car is in bits and you cant get to the shop to replace them, or 1600 on a Sunday afternoon when you need the car next day for work

[Drift]

a good quality breaker bar,,,oh and a big "ommer"

ok, got most of that, just a couple things to add, but whats a breaker bar,

cheers.

sean

[brachunky]

A £15 blow torch is very handy too,especially on tough to remove ball joints and the like!

[Big Dave]

pretty much covered already - big hammer, breaker bar, angle grinder, blow torch, quality tools, etc.

Get some latex gloves too - evry time i lift the bonnet i get filthy, and gloves keep my hands nice and clean

Most important - get something to shout at / swear at / beat when it all goes wrong (snap bolts, seized exhaust parts, skinned knuckles, etc)

[Road Hog]

You will need both male & female Torx Bits............If you can find one a 36mm box spanner for the oil filter canister.also this will pay for itself http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/VAUXHALL-OPEL-FRO ... dZViewItem

[Silver Ghost]

a good quality breaker bar,,,oh and a big "ommer"

ok, got most of that, just a couple things to add, but whats a breaker bar,

cheers.

sean

i have one of them, cost 20 quid from halfords, got it for removing the rear nut on the back hub..

sean

[jim in the city]

Work safely, jack with axle stands, watch out for the spanner slipping off and loosing knuckles ect.
Wear sensible clothing, ie not getting caught in moving parts Boots incase dropping bits on your foot!

get a set of impact/6 sided sockets so they don't slip off. Especially when using the breaker bar.
Any other "specialist" tools buy as you go along. It will still save your money compared to garage costs.

You get what you pay for, so keep with good brands. I use a Draper Budget socket set, and not broke it yet.

[nitromotor]

Buy a good 3/8th drive socket set, such as snapon, facom or teng.
You don’t need a big set to start off with as you can slowly build it up over time.
A quality 3/8th set is stronger, lighter, better fitting, and of more benefit than a cheap ½ inch set.

The main tools are a good hammer, then a bigger hammer.
If you are doing your own servicing then buy a oil drain tray, grease gun, torque wrench, G cramps,
Verna gauges, micrometer and a tyre depth gauge in addition to the usual hand tools.

You can also make your own tools, to start with try a brake adjust tool for the rear shoes

[Drift]

You only really need a hammer.... coz if that cant fix it then its and electrical fault

[alex]

torsion bar bolt is 27mm, a good socket for that if you want to lift/adjust ride height.

I second the comments on good tools, I used to have loads of sets of cheap ring spanners andthe like an had more rounded nuts and bolts than not. Jobs just seem easier with the right tools.

Halfauds have a nice 4tonne bottle jack, fits in the cubby hole the original vx comes in, lifts my cars perfectly. Dont forget some sort of bought/home made wheel chocks to stop it rolling off as you jack.

[Silver Ghost]

You only really need a hammer.... coz if that cant fix it then its and electrical fault

sounds like your tool box similar to mine then mate.
I have duck tape and WD40 in mine, thats all i need......because if its moves and shouldnt duck tape it....and if its stuck and should move WD40 it.

sean

[Trugga]

You only really need a hammer.... coz if that cant fix it then its and electrical fault

sounds like your tool box similar to mine then mate.
I have duck tape and WD40 in mine, thats all i need......because if its moves and shouldnt duck tape it....and if its stuck and should move WD40 it.

sean

Don't forget to add zip ties to the essentials list

Lawrence