Where is the best place to get tools to work on our MINIs? Just a local home depot/Lowes or auto mart/auto zone?

I want to start doing a few things/projects but need the right tools first.

Thanks

 

I'm not sure what kinds of projects you have in mind, but the only thing I needed to buy was a Torx wrench.

I got it at Home Depot if that helps any.

 

At a mini hardware store...

 

If you want to get some good tools and you have a sears around you, go and pickup a tool kit. Craftsman tools are good enough for the average user and offer a lifetime warranty. Torx wrenches is also a must as our minis use them everywhere! Also another tip, most if not all the stuff on the car is also in metric size. Sears usualy has deals on 100+ tools kits. Something to look into. Unlike for me, I love tools and have to many of them lol. Can never have to many tools.

Garrett

 

I dunno about things not being metric on our cars unless its something aftermarket but then I haven't torn too far into things just yet. But for starters, get yourself a Torx bit MASTER set available either at sears or home depot. There's a bunch of sizes in there you might never use but when you need them you'll have a heck of a time finding them without having to buy the master set and then you'll end up with two of a bunch of stuff (trust me i know this from experience) Next you'll want a set of metric sockets from at least 6-19mm (these aren't all necessarily for your MINI, just a good range to have) plus a 36mm for the oil filter. That last one you will probably not find at sears but try. If not, check online or if you have a screw and nut supply type store or other industrial supply store (eg. here in MI we have midstate bolt and screw), you're also gonna want a set of metric combo wrenches in probably 8-18mm or so. Lastly, for basic tools, you'll want a couple different size/length screwdrives in philips, and one or two different sizes/lengths of slotted screwdrivers (mostly for prying on things) At this point you've spent enough money to buy one of those nice sets of tools from sears BUT those don't always come with all the torx bits so check first and make sure you get those. Big priority on the torx bits. That list should get you through any basic maintenance as well as some more intensive disassembly. Remember tho, more tools is better .

 

OSH, which is owned by Sears, often has the Craftsman tool sets on sale...

 

For the 36mm socket, you can find one of these at a pepboys if you have one in your area. That is where I picked mine up and works great. It was like 9 bucks or something.

Garrett

 

Sears definitely carries the 36mm socket in 1/2 inch drive size as I picked one up at my local Sears store. Don't forget the floor jack and jack stands.

 

Another must have tool is the Bently Mini Manual!

Garrett

 

Do any of the Bentley Manuals cover the '05 and '06 MCS? ALL the ones I see go from 2002-2004.

 

The 04 will cover the 05. From what I read the 05 has no major changes for them to update the manual. So you should be covered.

Garrett

 

Thanks for all the input I'll be taking a trip to Sears harware and/or home depot or Lowes to get the Torx and metric wrenches.

Tannks again for everyone's contribution to the list.