Yeah that's how NAM used to be, people helped one another out and made their own parts. Some still do!
I made mine from Andy's drawing spec's, right on the money. Well I didn't have to spend any money.

 

Has anyone thought of tempering the tool prior to using it the first time? If the metal is weak, wouldn't tempering it strengthen it?

Just a thought.

 

Better off starting fabrication with better steel.

 

That's the tools pivot point, I used a slice of 3/4 inch steel pipe, it fit's over the bolt head that the tensioner pivots from.

 

Thanks a ton I just got a 2005 s and the damper broke, I'll make the tool tomorrow before my new part arrives! Thanks again!

 

Thanks for tool diagram!

 

Wow - how much tension was there on your tensioner? Didn't seem to have to put much effort in to using my tool (bought from Mini dealer here in the UK) or are they really that weak. Anyone have experience of working on different tensioners? Do they vary much?