Special tools and devices (Transit 2)

Choosing the right tools is the key to good maintenance and successful car repair. For car owners who do not have such tools, purchasing them will entail a significant expense, which can only be partially avoided by making some of them yourself. However, if the tools you buy meet safety requirements and are of good quality, they will last for many years and will be an extremely useful purchase.

To help car owners decide what tools they need to perform the various tasks described in this guide, we've compiled three tool lists under the following headings: "Maintenance and Minor Repair Tool Kit," "Medium and Major Repair Tool Kit," and "Specialized Tools and Accessories." Owners with no previous repair experience should start with a maintenance and minor repair tool kit and limit themselves to simple tasks. Then, as your confidence grows and you gain experience, you can move on to more complex tasks, acquiring additional tools as needed. Thus, over a long period of time and without large one-time costs, it is possible to expand the set of tools for maintenance and minor repairs to a set designed for medium and special repairs. Experienced car enthusiasts may have a tool kit suitable for most repair jobs and supplement it with tools from a "special" list if they are confident that the cost of purchasing them is justified by the frequent use of these tools.

A set of tools for maintenance and minor repairs

This list provides the minimum set of tools needed for maintenance and minor repairs. We recommend purchasing combination wrenches (a box-end wrench on one side and an open-end wrench on the other); although these wrenches are more expensive, they have the advantages of both types of wrenches.

Set of wrenches:

• metric - 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 21, 22, 24 and 26 mm.
• Adjustable wrench - 35mm jaws (approximately)
• Oil pan and gearbox drain plug wrench
• Set of feeler gauges.
• Key for unscrewing the brake system purge nipples
• Screwdrivers:

with a flat end - 100 mm long and 6 mm in diameter,

with a cross-shaped end - 100 mm long and 6 mm in diameter.

• Pliers.
• Hacksaw (small).
• Wheel pump.
• Tire pressure indicator.
• Oil can.
• Tool for removing oil filter.
• Fine sandpaper on a cloth backing.
• Wire brush (small).
• Funnel (medium size).

A set of tools for medium and major repairs

These tools are essential for anyone undertaking any medium or major repairs to their vehicle and complement the list above. The list below includes a set of socket wrenches with interchangeable heads. Although it is expensive, it is very convenient for loosening nuts and bolts with different heads. We recommend a square head ratchet for these wrenches as it can be used with most torque wrenches. The tools from this list sometimes need to be supplemented with tools from the "special" list.

• A set of socket heads in the range of the previous list (including Torx type heads).
• Ratchet handle (for use with socket heads).
• Extension cord 250 mm long (for use with socket heads).
• A crank with a cardan joint (for use with socket heads).
• Torque wrench (for use with socket heads).
• Socket head for removing injector (27 mm).
• Clamps.
• Round-head hammer.
• Soft-faced hammer (plastic, aluminum or rubber).
• Screwdrivers:

flat-ended - long and strong, short (wide), narrow (for electrical work);

with a cross-shaped end - long and strong, short (wide).

• Pliers: long nose, side cutters (for electrical work); pliers for spring rings - external and internal.
• Chisel - 25 mm.
• Marker.
• Scraper.
• Kerner.
• Punch.
• Hacksaw.
• Set of hose clamps.
• Brake system bleeding kit.
• Drill with a set of drill bits.
• Steel ruler.
• Allen keys (as well as slotted and Torx type).
• A set of files.
• Wire brush.
• Car stands.
• Hydraulic jack.
• Portable lamp with extension cord.

Special tools and devices

The tools and accessories listed in this list are those that are used occasionally, are expensive, or are used in accordance with their manufacturer's instructions. The purchase of many of these tools will not pay off if complex mechanical work is performed infrequently. If this is the case, then you could team up with friends (or join a motorist's club), to buy such tools or rent them from specialists.

The following list contains only those tools and accessories that are commercially available, not those that the vehicle manufacturer produces specifically for its dealership. You may occasionally come across references to such tools in the text of this guide. An alternative method of doing the job without such tools is usually given. However, sometimes there is no alternative to them. If this is the case and the appropriate tools cannot be purchased or rented, then you will have to entrust the work to the company's dealer.

• Device for compressing valve springs.
• Device for grinding valves.
• Tool for removing/installing piston rings.
• Honing head for cylinder mirror machining.
• Ball joint puller.
• Suspension spring compressor (depending on the design).
• Pullers with two and three jaws for hubs and bearings.
• Impact screwdriver.
• Micrometer and/or caliper.
• Pointer indicator.
• Tachometer.
• Universal tester.
• Cylinder compression indicator (for diesel engines).
• Device for centering the driven disc of the clutch.
• Device for removing brake pads.
• Device for pressing out/pressing in bushings and bearings.
• Stud extractor.
• A set of taps and dies for cutting threads.
• A device for lifting loads.
• Rolling jack.

Purchasing tools

Supermarkets and large parts stores often offer excellent, high-quality tools and accessories at low prices.

Remember, you don't have to buy the most expensive tools, but avoid buying the cheapest ones either. Beware of "bargain" tool purchases offered in parking lots or sold out of car trunks. There are many good tools available at reasonable prices, but you should always try to buy products that meet safety requirements. If in doubt, consult with the store owner or manager.

Storage and maintenance of tools

Once you have purchased the necessary set of tools, keep them clean and in good condition. Before storing tools after use, always clean them of dirt, oil and metal particles with a clean, dry cloth. Never leave them scattered around after use. For tools like screwdrivers and pliers, a regular shelf on the wall is very convenient. Store wrenches and socket heads in a metal box. Any measuring instruments, indicators, etc. should be stored in places where they will be protected from damage and rust.

When using tools, take some time to care for them. Sooner or later, nicks appear on the hammer head and screwdriver blades become dull. A little timely sanding or filing will quickly restore such instruments to good condition.

Workplace

When talking about tools, we shouldn't forget about the workplace. If the work being performed goes beyond normal maintenance, a good work station is essential. We understand that many car owners, due to circumstances, are forced to remove the engine or similar components from the vehicle in conditions that are not as favorable as those available in a repair shop. Such work should always be carried out under a roof. Wherever possible, any disassembly should be carried out on a clean, flat workbench or table of suitable height.

Any workbench should be equipped with a vice with a jaw opening of up to 100 mm, which is suitable for most jobs. As mentioned above, it's essential to have a dry, clean storage area for tools, as well as for all kinds of lubricants, liquids, touch-up paint, etc. One of the most commonly used tools in the garage is a power drill with a chuck for drill bits up to at least 8 mm in diameter, which can be used for a wide variety of jobs. Such a drill, as well as a large set of drill bits, are absolutely necessary when installing various auxiliary equipment.

Last but not least, always keep some old newspapers and clean, lint-free rags in your work area and keep your work area clean.