Is it worth buying a set of tools for doing little jobs on your car?? I've just won the football dreamteam league at work and i've got 170 quid winnings. I'm thinking of getting a jack, axle stands, torque wrench and fault code reader. They will be budget ones at that. I'm quite handy with mechanical things, have never done brakes before but would like to learn. Is it worth getting your own tools or is it wiser/cheaper to go to a garage in the long run?? Black MY2013 SD4 GS Auto, Wood Company Armrest, Freel2 sticker.
Gone MY2010 Freelander 2 Manual TD4.e S, Alaska White.

If you're thinking of a trolley jack I'd try to spend that little bit extra to get something well built and with plenty of capacity. The FL2 is a fairly heavy car, and whilst a 1.5 tonner should be enough in theory I'd look for a minimum 2 - 2.5 tonnes. Quick lift jacks have a mixed reputation too, so may be best avoided, particularly the lower priced ones.

This is the one I have: http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/...l-garage-j - it has a good reputation and plenty of capacity, and it's not that much more than a budget one. Be warned, though, that it sometimes feels like 3 tonnes refers to the weight of the jack, which could be an issue if you're planning to move it around much!

I can recommend this torque wrench too: http://www.screwfix.com/p/teng-tools-drive-torque-wrench/22796

I don't know about the fault code reader, and would be interested in recommendations myself.

As Pab says but I would also check the extended height of the trolley jack you decide on. The car is high and if you are not careful, the jack will be at its limit with the wheel still on the ground! In my opinion the axle stands are a must as is the torque wrench.

wizking wrote:

... check the extended height of the trolley jack you decide on ...

Hi all,

Was thinking of this jack from Halfords

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/...yId_255207

It has an offer on for half price axle stands. Black MY2013 SD4 GS Auto, Wood Company Armrest, Freel2 sticker.
Gone MY2010 Freelander 2 Manual TD4.e S, Alaska White.

Whoa, don't get the Machine Mart 3t jack, it's been mentioned over on Disco 4, the same jack is also being sold by SGS in Derby at a lot better price and free delivery, they are saying it is an identical jack to the MM one just a different colour.

http://www.sgs-engineering.com/hydraulic-j...olley-jack


http://www.disco4.com/forum/topic94480.htm...p;start=15


It seems a good bit of kit, and quick delivery  p****d off with a Digital Keyboard Warrior

The SGS jack and axle stands combo look good. 84 quid for the set. Might get these. Black MY2013 SD4 GS Auto, Wood Company Armrest, Freel2 sticker.
Gone MY2010 Freelander 2 Manual TD4.e S, Alaska White.

ad210358 wrote:

... the same jack is also being sold by SGS in Derby at a lot better price and free delivery, they are saying it is an identical jack to the MM one just a different colour.

I've seen both, I know which I felt was better  p****d off with a Digital Keyboard Warrior

I will have to look at the MM jacks too. On the subject of socket sets, are long sockets better than the shorter type? Also, what is the size of the wheel nuts? Black MY2013 SD4 GS Auto, Wood Company Armrest, Freel2 sticker.
Gone MY2010 Freelander 2 Manual TD4.e S, Alaska White.

Steve, that Halfords one you linked too is the one I use. Great jack which I have had for a couple of years.

As I remember, the wheel nuts are 22mm.

Halfords do this combo set for £50,

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/...yId_255207

Looks a good price for what you get - anybody on here took the plunge? The weight bearing capabilities seem ok, not sure about the max height of the jack though? MY2010 TD4 HSE Santorini Black, 19" Alloys, Almond Leather, Lux Pack, Rear Spoiler, Adaptive Xenons

That yellow Halfords jack looks like my other one. It isn't quite high enough without sitting it on a piece of wood.

Cheers Wizking - Wood underneath it goes without saying, wouldn't want to ruin the brand new block paving.
I'll just use a thicker piece instead  MY2010 TD4 HSE Santorini Black, 19" Alloys, Almond Leather, Lux Pack, Rear Spoiler, Adaptive Xenons