Trolley jack and tool kit recommendations

[mossy7]

hello all... 

I am seeking recommendations for a low entry trolley jack for the 7 that is reasonable quality but not top of the range and hidelous​ly expensive plus also a tool kit that will cover most of my needs. Lots available from DT and Clarkes/ machine mart but wanted some guidance if possible.

cheers

Andy

[Jonathan Kay]

For the toolkit I'd start by looking at the Halfords Advanced range: lifetime guarantee (on the tools), frequent sales, Club discount, and Members seem pretty happy.

As an amateur I discovered that smaller socketry is faster unless bigger is needed. And that T shaped hex wrenches are nice.

All of the tools I've bought at Aldi and Lidl have been good quality, with the exception of a folding workbench.

Currently recommended multimeter: Draper 60792 (but you can get it a lot cheaper elsewhere), and treat yourself to some additional leads with croc clips.

Jonathan

[Jonathan Kay]

Trolley jacks: lots in the archives, and you have to make decisions on:

• Entry height
• Maximum lifting capacity (what will you use it on apart from the Seven?)
• Mass (aluminium structure is lighter but more expensive, do you want to take it to eg trackdays?)
• Cost.

Jonathan

PS: Mine's a Sealey Yankee 2.25 tonne steel structure. Works fine but I have no reason to think it's better or worse than any other.

[Nick Bassett]

Yes I'd agree on the Halford Professional range of tools - good quality kit and as JK says, with a lifetime guarantee. Not often I recommend Halfords, but I do on this occasion.

[Jonathan Kay]

Just edited the post... do I mean "Advanced" or "Professional"?

Jonathan

[SM25T]

Clarke lightweight aluminium low entry trolley jack for me from Machine Mart.

[Nick Bassett]

JK - you're right, it's 'Advanced' range I was thinking of.

For the amateur mechanic, IMO they are ideal

[ChrisC]

The lightweight jack from clarke for me as well, no need for the extra lifting weight, it just adds weight to the jack you have to lift when moving it around while working on the car. 

Tools are something I have built up over years, and a lot depends on your standards.  I.e. I won't use a metric spanner on an imperial bolt, and yes there are imperial bolts on a metric chassis.    I even found a witworth fitting on the flexible rear brake lines supplied by CC a few years ago.     If you genuinely have no tools, CC do a draper tool kit.  I assume this will get you a fair way, but be prepared to add when needed. 

 

[mossy7]

Some great advice thank you. 

Its true, I have few tools. The CC supplied Draper tool kit seems to have everything I could need in one handy place. How does it rate as value for money? 

Andy

[Jonathan Kay]

IIRC it was very expensive.

... seems to have everything I could need in one handy place.

This phenomenon has never been reliably observed. :-)

Jonathan

[mossy7]

Not unlike Schrodinger's cat perhaps.....  

[Frosty]

The CC supplied Draper tool kit is often on sale, over 40% off last year, at that price I’d say it was reasonable value. I’ve used it a fair amount and so far I have no complaints.

[Jim 123]

I would give a big vote for the CC Draper kit.  With the exception of a small sub-50Nm torque wrench, it is very comprehensive.  CC can provide a detailed inventory of what is included which may help in making a value comparison.

[Neanderthal]

I would echo making sure jack is low enough. Mine isn't and so every time I lift I have to run tyres up on planks or similar to get car high enough off the ground for the jack.

[z7]

+1 for machine mart jack - will be looking at their offerings to replace my current, Clarke, one.

Don't pay "full" price for Halfords skt sets.  They have them on sale, with significant reduction, a few times every year.

 

[z7]

Halfords have their "sale" on again.

 

[Gsk 275]

Have a look at SGS Engineering. Low profile 2t Jack, will be half price in the next 7 days