mossy7 Posted May 24, 2018 Share Posted May 24, 2018 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 hidelously 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.cheersAndy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonathan Kay Posted May 24, 2018 Share Posted May 24, 2018 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonathan Kay Posted May 24, 2018 Share Posted May 24, 2018 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.JonathanPS: 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Area Representative Nick Bassett Posted May 24, 2018 Area Representative Share Posted May 24, 2018 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonathan Kay Posted May 24, 2018 Share Posted May 24, 2018 Just edited the post... do I mean "Advanced" or "Professional"?Jonathan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SM25T Posted May 24, 2018 Share Posted May 24, 2018 Clarke lightweight aluminium low entry trolley jack for me from Machine Mart. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Area Representative Nick Bassett Posted May 24, 2018 Area Representative Share Posted May 24, 2018 JK - you're right, it's 'Advanced' range I was thinking of.For the amateur mechanic, IMO they are ideal Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisC Posted May 24, 2018 Share Posted May 24, 2018 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mossy7 Posted May 24, 2018 Author Share Posted May 24, 2018 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonathan Kay Posted May 24, 2018 Share Posted May 24, 2018 IIRC it was very expensive.... seems to have everything I could need in one handy place.This phenomenon has never been reliably observed. :-)Jonathan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mossy7 Posted May 24, 2018 Author Share Posted May 24, 2018 Not unlike Schrodinger's cat perhaps..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted May 24, 2018 Share Posted May 24, 2018 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim 123 Posted May 25, 2018 Share Posted May 25, 2018 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neanderthal Posted May 26, 2018 Share Posted May 26, 2018 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Area Representative z7 Posted May 26, 2018 Area Representative Share Posted May 26, 2018 +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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Area Representative z7 Posted June 4, 2018 Area Representative Share Posted June 4, 2018 Halfords have their "sale" on again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gsk 275 Posted June 4, 2018 Share Posted June 4, 2018 Have a look at SGS Engineering. Low profile 2t Jack, will be half price in the next 7 days Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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