So Christmas is around the corner, I am going to be doing all the work on my car myself. What are some good tools to have for a Cooper S? I have gloves and 2 more jack stands on for sure. What should I get also? I plan to buy a low profile jack soon just don't know when.

GOOD sockets - MINI is metric but save $ and just go ahead and get a set that includes both


GOOD box wrenches for when a socket just won't do


TORX drivers and or sockets (MINI uses a lot of TORX fasteners, all the way up to T-50)


Screwdriver set


Pliers


{can be accomplished by buying a good quality mechanics set from Lowes or Sears/Craftsman for around $100}


special socket for oil filter (big)


Torque wrench for wheels


air compressor for tires (don't think about air tools tho until you are ready for a big compressor)

floor jack/jack stands

shop light

Brake caliper tool (retracts and rotates rear caliper pistons)
Tensioner tool (so you can replace your s/c belt)

It depends on what kind of jobs you're planning on tackling. Basic jobs will really just require a basic metric socket set and wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers and torx bits. Plus various size torque wrenches and probably a breaker bar.

I would recommend getting jack stands that are locked with a pin, not the ratchet kind. I have a friend who bumped the handle of a ratchet jack stand, and had a car fall on him while he was working on it. He wound up getting his face reconstructed by a surgeon.

Pin-type jack stands are OSHA approved; ratchet-type jack stands are not. There is a reason for that...

MOST IMPORTANT if you don't have one


a garage big enuf to work in! Ideally with electricity and a small refrigerator . . .

Capt bj- I have a small garage.... use to a 3 stall now have a 2 stall which can only fit my mom's mini...
I pretty much have most of those listed, some new ones. I do need TORX for sure, and I have a ratchet gun, and I am getting some new sizes and a converter so I can use a ratchet gun basically on my whole car
I need driving gloves.... as non manly as that sounds I was touching my steering wheel and shifter as little as possible... it was 30 when I was driving...

um


so rather than starting from zero, you have a decent set of tools (including a compressor and basic air tools) and are only wondering about MINI specific stuff?


'needing driving gloves' is not what your original tag line asked for . .


checking out of this thread . . .

Mini also used e-torx (internal torx). You can buy the few that you need as you go. (i.e. right side motor mount E-12).

You will also need a long, narrow, 14 mm 12 point spark plug wrench to change the spark plugs.

http://www.waymotorworks.com/long-sp...-r61-mini.html

Dave

Only if you have a Gen 2. Gen 1's use conventional plug socket.

Tire pressure gauge
LED work light

Hmm.
Driving gloves? Tools?! I'm confused!!
And airtools can make a mess if you don't have the basic skills with ratchets, etc...
Have some anti-seize...get the BIG jar...dielectric greese, some penetrating lube, a prybar,...and a bit of common sense...

mmm...I've been looking everywhere for a jar of the "bit of common sense"...Amazon, ebay, Wal-Mart....seems to be out of stock...don't know when it will be available....

right next to the replacement LUCAS wiring loom smoke

That bottle can be put right next to this one





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