Tool kit

[Billy.Whizz]

I would like to put together a minimalist tool kit to carry in the 7 permanently, it's mainly the spanner sizes that I may need, I already have a stop& go puncture repair kit and mini compressor. All advice will be appreciated. Thanks.

Bill.

[7 wonders of the world]

for specifics let us know which car year and engine you have...?

 

Tank tape, fuses and zip ties for starters...

[7 wonders of the world]

This is worth having if you don't carry a spare

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Puncturesafe-Tyre-Sealant-cars-motorcycles-Double-Kit-11-free-delivery/271279150096

[Billy.Whizz]

2# picking new car up in april it's a 420R. Thanks.

[ChrisC]

If I am just out for a blat, then I am a mobile and an AA card sort of 7 owner. 

But, when I am out for the day that increase to a tool roll Velcroed to the inside of my boot that contains the following

• Torch (LED)
• 7mm combination spanner (for Jubilee clips)
• 8mm combination spanner
• 10mm combination spanner
• 13mm combination spanner
• 15mm combination spanner
• 17mm combination spanner
• 3/8" Ratchet 
• 1/4" Ratchet
• Socket rail with 
• 7mm 1/4" drive socket
• 8mm 1/4" drive socket
• 10mm 1/4" drive socket
• 13mm 3/8" drive socket
• 15mm 3/8" drive socket
• 17mm 3/8" drive socket
• 3/8" to 1/2" adaptor
• 19mm 1/2" drive socket
• Short 1/4" extension 
• 6mm hex drive 3/8" drive socket
• 8mm hex drive 3/8" drive socket
• Medium 3/8" drive socket
• Side cutters
• Needle nose pliers
• Tie wraps
• Gloves
• Spare fuses (selection)
• Leatherman

That said I can just remove the wheel bolts (but I can't jack my car) with my 3/8" drive ratchet, but that's only because I have torqued the wheel bolts correctly and not had them wound up with a windy gun.  

If I had to tackle on the the many imperial bolts on my metric car, the I will use the metric spanner and replace the fixing when I return. 

This set is about self help, because I still have my AA card :-) 

 

[Curly]

I went for a few Wera kits that cover most of the above

Wera 05056490001 Tool-Check Plus Tool Set, 39 piece

Wera 6004 Joker Set 1 Self-Setting Spanner Set, 4pc, 05020110001

Spare throttle and clutch cable

along with a Gerber and a couple of extension rods   but agree the AA or equivalent card is your best friend.

M

 

[Billy.Whizz]

#5 blimey Chris i don't want to take the engine out at the roadside, lol, just a basic tool kit for a simple repair to maybe change the fan belt, cables etc before calling for recovery. I'll take your advice on the spanners tho, thanks.

[jonsymons]

Agree with the Recovery Card (I use GEM - v good).

There is another option which I used recently...make sure you break down outside the house of a very nice chap polishing his classic car and borrow his tools to get you going again! It's certainly the light weight option although I accept there are shortcomings to it as a regular plan. My (very cold) passenger seemed happy with the solution although I've not managed to persuade her out for a drive since...

Enjoy your car when it arrives!

[JonT]

On my long euro trips, I'm more of the view that parts are more useful than tools (although perhaps taking availability of imperial tools for granted on the continent is risky). Garages/recovery drivers should have tools, but it will be things like cables (throttle/clutch), plugs, dizzy cap etc that you may struggle to get hold of. 

[Toughie]

"...a very nice chap polishing his classic car"

Is there a way of getting these to show up on a SatNav, so we can plan our breakdowns properly?

[Nigel B]

Haha! I had the same experience as Jonsymons last year. The Caterham 'failed to proceed' & came to a halt outside a house with a Porsche Cayman on the drive. The Cayman owner was absolutely thrilled to have a broken down 420R outside, asked loads of questions, leant me tools & water & made me a coffee.

The breakdown was my own fault, I'd loosened a hose clip to improve access whilst bleeding the clutch & hadn't tightened it up properly. 

Another vote for Wera tools here. I have a set of spanners & a set of sockets that fit neatly behind the driver's seat (assuming you're not TOO tall!). I also carry a can of tyre goo, a throttle cable, spare exhaust mounting bushes (I've had a couple fail), gaffer tape & cable ties (both very useful & versatile).

Welcome to the club by the way & a great choice of 7! 

 

[jonsymons]

#11 Nigel - I share your pain. I'd replaced a perished rubber fuel hose at the tank outlet and hadn't managed to get the connection to the pipe right so it came off - result was no fuel to the engine despite a full tank! Embarrassing.

I reckon there is a good Blatchat thread in this - "Self-inflicted break downs"...

 

[Nigel B]

I must confess Jon, it wasn't my first self inflicted break down! That's a great idea for a thread.