tools question

[JenTay]

guys,

what are the most common wrench and socket sizes you usefor these cars? i can't imagine using all the sizes all the time. i look through the sears catalog and see these 'sets' of tools for sale. half the stuff i would not know how to use so i'll stick to the most commonly used tool sizes. please help if you can.

thanks.--j

[whunter]

8 - 19mm plus 22mm.
A metric Allen wrench set.
A full screw driver set.
A basic Craftsman set is good enough.

[engatwork]

Pretty much agree with whunter. Get a good quality set and they will last you a lifetime too. The sizes I use the most are 13, 15, 17 and 19 sockets. Don't remember the size allen socket I use the most but it is the one that removes oil pan fasteners on the 617. My last new tool purchase was a Proto 17 and 19 mm $$ allen wrench. You shouldn't need anything like that.

[oldnavy]

So do you use a 27mm combonation wrench or shocket to remove the injector's? I would hazard a guess and say not the socket.

[engatwork]

oldnavy - I have the socket that is made for the injectors - forgot about that one. If she gets the socket for the injectors she will then need the proper torque wrench and maybe pick up a 1/2" drive socket wrench and breaker bar. I got alot of tools and was just trying to remember the ones I use the most.

[Brian Carlton]

If you have an extra $20. for a set of metric hex socket bits that will fit a ratchet wrench, you should do it. Once you use these bits, instead of the very springy allen wrenches, you will never go back.

I have saved some screws, that would otherwise required drilling, by using these bits. You can "crack" the screw loose with them. This is not possible with an allen wrench.

[oldnavy]

Do they make special socket for removing the injectors? I'd be afraid of having a bobble and breaking the barb(s) using a common deep well socket. Or am I worrying about nothing?

[Richard Eldridge]

The cheapest source for tools I have found are flea markets.
Just write down the sizes (8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,17,19)
regular and deep sockets. 1/2 and 3/8th inch ratchets, drives, extensions and adapters.
The same for combination wrenches (box and open end)
I have found the best brands for $1 - $4 each: S-K, Proto, Mac, SnapOn, Craftsman. These are indestructible and appear surprisingly often in rummage boxes, on sale by immigrants who are unaware of their original cost.
The only wrenches I have ever manage to break were made in Sri Lanka and Pakistan, in the smaller sizes.
Harbor Freight has good prices on sets of wrenches and such.
Also, all manner of tools appear on e-bay.

Good quality Vise grips and crescent wrenches are often indispensible.

The drain plug on my Diesels is a 13 mm.

[Brian Carlton]

Originally Posted by oldnavy

Do they make special socket for removing the injectors? I'd be afraid of having a bobble and breaking the barb(s) using a common deep well socket. Or am I worrying about nothing?

Navy, a deep 1 1/16 socket will be perfect for this. However, it must be one of the thin wall sockets without the extra reinforcement on the inside. I have not purchased one yet, but, I likely will do that soon to remove the injectors on the SD.

[oldnavy]

Not having looked at the injectors yet, I guess they are not that close to the edge of the injector then.

I do need to upgrade to a new torque wrench for sure, as mine is a deflection beam type that's about 20 years old.

[1985 300SD Sady]

Originally Posted by Brian Carlton

If you have an extra $20. for a set of metric hex socket bits that will fit a ratchet wrench, you should do it. Once you use these bits, instead of the very springy allen wrenches, you will never go back.

I have saved some screws, that would otherwise required drilling, by using these bits. You can "crack" the screw loose with them. This is not possible with an allen wrench.

If I ever have an allen screw that I cant get with the regular wrench, I go to my box and pick out the deep well socket that corresponds with the size of the wrench, and add an extention. This works very well for me.

[BrierS]

What about 27mm for turning the engine over? Just adjusted the valves on the 617 (Thanks Brian) and used it to turn the engine over.

I agree with Brian on the set of metric hex socket bits. Via eBay and Sears I bought sets taking me up past anything needed on the Mercedes. Ended up with some Proto and some Craftsman and didn't spend that much. Between 3/8" and 1/2" drive ratchets . . . life is good.

[Brian Carlton]

Originally Posted by BrierS

What about 27mm for turning the engine over? Just adjusted the valves on the 617 (Thanks Brian) and used it to turn the engine over.

That 1 1/16 socket is also perfect for this, if you don't already have the 27mm.

How'd those wrenches work out? Seems, upon initial observation, that he did a nice job with them. Did you need to grind one of them?

[BrierS]

Originally Posted by Brian Carlton

That 1 1/16 socket is also perfect for this, if you don't already have the 27mm.

How'd those wrenches work out? Seems, upon initial observation, that he did a nice job with them. Did you need to grind one of them?

Okay wise guy . . . after I bought a couple 27mm sockets you have to spoil my accomplishment by telling me I could have used one I already had.

Those wrenches worked great. Grind one . As I read that part of your post outloud I was told the expression on my face was headed toward horror!! Guess I had better not play poker . . .

They worked great as I expected. If I remember correctly number 11 (cyl 6's exhaust valve) was the only one where there was some interference. Still worked. I almost e-mailed you once I got started. Did them cold and all but one were too tight to get either the 0.10mm (intake) and 0.35mm (exhaust) in.

[Brian Carlton]

Originally Posted by BrierS

Grind one . As I read that part of your post outloud I was told the expression on my face was headed toward horror!!

Since they are standard wrenches, I thought that one of them might have been too thick and that you may have needed to grind it thinner to get the both of them in there.

Glad it worked out for you.