Evening all
So, got the oil and antifreeze sorted out, now the tools required for general serviceing. Nothing came with the car; no jack, wheel brace or any form of tool. I know I will need a plug spanner! But what size? and can they be bought from our local Motor World etc. Do you use old tools or is there a modern set that can be used for all occasions? 'I've got to start somewhere, can you please advise what to buy?
Before the internet, this kind of information could take ages to put together, especially when you live
in the 'sticks.' I do have a copy of the handbook;
re tools it mentions... the plug spanner! and lists box spanners! Do you still use them?
Regards
Peter

Peter,

You'll need no more than half a doezen spanners for everyday use. Incidentally I use an ajustable for the plugs. I use two fairly cheap 8 piece combination sets I bought at the great Dorset steam fair, 1/4 to 9/16 BSW. I also have a rook of old tools, some austin, some king dick, some 'snail' brand, all are proper british imperial, not AF. Also a home made set of second hand sockets, though I don't use them much on the Austin.

If you want to buy new you can get ELORA BSF/BSW spanners via Snap-On dealers, not cheap, but bloody good tools.

Specialist tools that will be usefull will be a hub puller, and if you get into engines, a flywheel puller.

You can always track down or assemble a tool kit as per the handbook but for practical maintenance I would suggest a Whitworth/BSF socket set. You need to shop around a bit for these but they are still available. At a pinch this will do for most jobs, even changing a wheel.
One really essential tool is a hub puller as they are needed for any work on wheel bearings or changing brake shoes.
As to spark plug spanners, it depends on wether you have 14mm or 18mm plugs. If the former then these are still available from motorists shops, if the latter then The Green Spark Plug Co have new ones.
If you are interested, I have a surplus home made hub puller and also a (rusty) spark plug spanner which you can have for the cost of the postage.
No doubt there will be lots of other suggestions also.

Peter,
I would agree with the comments so far, a note of caution though!

If you find ( or just look at autojumbles ) a set of open ended spanners with the 'Austin' script on you will see these are fairly short in length. You can use the length of these spanners as a guide on how much force to put on the nut or bolt. If you are using sockets I would recommend a 3/8" drive ( smaller and lighter ) and use the handle half-way-up when working on 1/4" bolts as they shear very easily, especially the sump bolts.

Are you really in the sticks or do you have a local A7 club. All clubs have a wealth of advice.

The Seven Workshop does a good set of BSF/Whitworth sockets for about £14. http://www.sevenworkshop.com/

Nick

.

Peter

Before you commit, have a look on eBay. There are a host of cheap/secondhand offers available as we speak, for not a lot. Search on Whitworth spanners or sockets.

Malcolm's advice to go for 3/8"sq drive is good, and the larger 1/2" kit is too cumbersome for most jobs on Sevens in any case.

In passing, 14mm plugs need a 7/16"W spanner or deep socket, whilst 18mm call for 9/16"W.

Finally - the autojumble/rally sales season is just about to come upon us, and there are normally many good deals to be had on tools.

Mike

Two other tools not mentioned if you ever pull the engine apart are:
> That clutch plate alignment tool
> A small cold chisel for opening and flattening the tab washers

I have also found a couple of good wire brushes are essential for getting dirt of bolts before you try and loosen them.
Pat

The most usefull tool I have is the roll of tank tape I carry!

Malcolm may remember the mudguard falling off at Mabe last year, which was swiftly repaired with some electrical wire and tank tape.

For the record I carry.....

Whit/BSF spanners.
Assorted sockets as above.
Plug spanner.
Various screwdrivers to suit.
Pliers.
Side cutters.
Tyre Levers.
Hammer for precision adjustments.
Electrical wire.
Tape.
Points/condenser and dizzy cap.
Plug.
Emery cloth.
Tie Wraps.
Spare tube.
Pump.
Water.
Oil (engine).
Oil (axle).
Small rope.
Scissor jack.

Others more experienced may add to this list, especially if you are goiong on a long journey?

Steve

A word on plug spanners. The "18mm plug spanner" is no longer a one size fits all job. Old 18mm plugs wre indeed 9/16 Whit but the modern Champion D16 plugs are 7/8" AF

Martin

Why on earth do you need a specialist plug spanner?? You can get a normal spanner on them very easily.

you dont need a specialist plug spanner, but you do need a spanner of the right size.

Martin

Reading the recommendations, it strikes me that the only thing missing is a valve spring compressor. I hope you won't need one soon, but in my opinion it's worth finding an original Austin example (or a good pattern version).They're small, which helps.

Regards, Stuart

Stick a wooden wedge in too for good measure. No point having your nice car messed up, or yourself injured if it decides to fall off the jack.

Good thought, Reckless. Similarly, I made from sheet steel a hinged affair (with flanges for strength) that forms a triangle when needed for chocking, takes up less room/weight under the seat when folded flat (6" long, 4" wide, 1/2" thick). Might be an idea for others? Cheers, Bill in Oz.