Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: GastronomicKleptomaniac on 08 October 2007, 12:14:30

Title: Specialist tools?
Post by: GastronomicKleptomaniac on 08 October 2007, 12:14:30
I did warn you I'd be asking a lot of questions...

 I'm looking at doing bits like brakes and the like myself... timing belts I'm leaving to the experts, I'm competent but not mental... ;)

 Just wondered how many specialist tools I'm going to need - caliper windback tool, Torx bits, etc, etc... for working on brakes, top end of the engine, then all the daft bitsl ike lights, doors, dash panels, etc?

 Forewarned is forearmed, and all that.

Regards
Pete
Title: Re: Specialist tools?
Post by: ians on 08 October 2007, 12:29:03
Common stuff includes
- good set of torx bits and sockets (Machine mart do a good one at about £15)
- torque wrench - needs to get down to 8Nm for stuff on the alloy engine components
- I used a wiper puller to remove the wipers to get the scuttle off
- mole grips good for the hose clips
- fuel filter pliers - I'm not convinced these really make things easier

I'm sure there's more. Depends what you regard as specialist of course..
Title: Re: Specialist tools?
Post by: GastronomicKleptomaniac on 08 October 2007, 14:14:59
Quote
I'm sure there's more. Depends what you regard as specialist of course..

 Anything for which the intended use isn't "hitting things". ;)

 Nah, I'm saving my pennies for a 150-odd piece Halfords socket set - guaranteed for life, my boss had one where I used to work, it was terrific. Everything except screwdrivers and hammers (of which I have about 12...). I'm thinking anything that you'd get partway through a job, then need, like hte aforementioned Torx bits.

 I'll check MM out for said set, cheers.

Regards
Pete
Title: Re: Specialist tools?
Post by: x25xe on 08 October 2007, 14:40:58
I can vouch for the fact that the Halfords 150 piece socket set is very good.  This weekend I changed the discs and pads on my Transit minibus and all differing fittings (torx) allen bolt were present and correct.

I do have a couple of gripes though:

1.  The sockets are not quite deep enough, but they are adequate for most purposes.
2.  The most commonly used wrench could do with a longer length handle.
3.  The spanners are thin, undoing a tight bolt / nut hurts your hands so I tend not to use them.
Title: Re: Specialist tools?
Post by: Kevin Wood on 08 October 2007, 15:01:35
The Halfords sets contain most items you'd need, IMHO. Especially if you're only going to be doing relatively basic tasks. They are frequently on special offer at sub-100 quid so don't rush out and buy one at full price!

Kevin
Title: Re: Specialist tools?
Post by: GastronomicKleptomaniac on 08 October 2007, 15:20:35
Quote
The Halfords sets contain most items you'd need, IMHO. Especially if you're only going to be doing relatively basic tasks. They are frequently on special offer at sub-100 quid so don't rush out and buy one at full price!

Kevin


 I've heard of these mysterious offers, around Bank Hols and the like - never seen any evidence of them... where are they advertised?

Quote
3.  The spanners are thin, undoing a tight bolt / nut hurts your hands so I tend not to use them.

 I had this problem where I used to work, my solution was to get some mountain biking gloves - thin, but padded in the right areas. Only about a tenner, and they stop skinned knuckles too...
Title: Re: Specialist tools?
Post by: Elite Pete on 08 October 2007, 15:37:52
A good jack and a decent set of axel stands :y
Title: Re: Specialist tools?
Post by: Andy B on 08 October 2007, 15:50:43
Quote
Common stuff includes
- good set of torx bits and sockets (Machine mart do a good one at about £15)
-.......

More like £23.48 (http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/pro44-14-pce-tx-bit-set)  :y
Title: Re: Specialist tools?
Post by: Elite Pete on 08 October 2007, 15:57:19
What you need is to be near someone with a Halfrauds trade card :y
Title: Re: Specialist tools?
Post by: ians on 08 October 2007, 16:51:34
I can vouch for the Halfords lifetime warranty.
I bought a 1/2" socket set when I was about 22 (about 20 years ago :'( :'().
About a year ago I split a socket by using too much brute force on a wishbone pinchbolt.  Very annoying but my own fault I thought.

Someone on here mentioned they had got a socket bit changed, so I thought worth a go.   The replaced it without a blink.

I also recommend trying to blag a Halfords trade card.   Recently bought a battery for another car. Retail £99, trade card price £60 :)
Title: Re: Specialist tools?
Post by: ians on 08 October 2007, 17:02:48
Quote
Quote
Common stuff includes
- good set of torx bits and sockets (Machine mart do a good one at about £15)
-.......

More like £23.48 (http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/pro44-14-pce-tx-bit-set)  :y

This is the one I've got.
http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/pro151-29-pce-metric-socket-set
£16.44 (unless you get there on a 'vat free' day..)
its done everything I've needed so far.
Title: Re: Specialist tools?
Post by: TheBoy on 08 October 2007, 19:23:51
The Halfords set often comes up under £100 twice a year. The offer at the moment is full price but with free jack, which isn't as good a deal.

the 150 piece is not perfect, as i have posted many times....