DIY Wrenchers Unite!

[BlAikenstein]

Rebuilding this thread on NAM3 to get a collection of tools you’ve bought or made for working on cars that makes you more effective.

Flir one pro - thermal imaging camera attachment. I’ve been eyeing this for a while and recently had some electrical issues crop up on our LR4 (shocker). Other uses will be checking cooling system, excess wear on moving parts, hot and cold spots on the engine, strategically insulating the cabin and components.



Milwaukee m12 fuel wrench - I’ve got the 3/8 version. The fuel is pretty bulky but it’s not been a problem and it has extra ump to pull out crusty diff and subframe bolts.



Esco Jack stands - pricy but they go high enough to pull a subframe and are strong enough to hold a Land Rover no problem. I haven’t had an issue with my HF Jack’s but the idea of having an issue with Jack stands is terrible.

Pittsburg low profile Jack - gets low, goes high and it’ll lift the rover no problem

[Tbonem3]

Here's a lot of little things I often use:

(wrenches on the right were ground down to be only 1/8" thick)


I also collect random metric hardware and clips/rivets/plastic things

[Fresh1179]

Tbonem3 Great thread idea! I second the Esco jack stands! Don't forget a 2x8's to reach the center jack point in the front of the car unless you have a SUPER low profile jack.

A lot of the power tools will depend on your current "system" ie. are you a Dewalt Guy with Dewalt batteries etc. I would definitely go with Milwaukee if I had I could do it all over again based on their power ratchet and low profile "stubby" impacts. That being said, some of the more basic tools (or toolish items) I have been happy with. I will add the more specialized tools soon:

Schwaben Power Bleeder --Put your distrust of Schwaben away on this one. It works well.


https://www.ecstuning.com/b-assemble...xoC-WIQAvD_BwE

Mechanix Grip Gloves and Dexterity Gloves


I reach for the grip gloves every time I work on the car. Dexterity gloves if I am doing fine work. IMHO no need for the impact gloves as they increase the footprint of your hand.

https://www.amazon.com/Mechanix-Wear...0126142&sr=8-1

Creeper
I would look for one with a slot for tools that is the lowest profile possible. Quality casters are a must.

Socket Adaptors
Take off the belly pan in 45 seconds.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/3pcs-set-...-3-8/279612509

Nitrile Gloves--Harbor Freight to the Rescue
7 mil is the perfect thickness in my experience.

https://www.harborfreight.com/safety...rge-68505.html

Lights
I don't think this can be underestimated. I have tried about every headlamp in the world (hunting). You do NOT need the big 40000000 light lumen one advertised on Amazon. They are bulky and break easily.


Yep. It is Harbor Freight....but you can buy 4 of them for about 100 bucks and use two at a time while two charge, or hang all four and light up your engine bay like the Fourth of July



Relatively Cheap...effective and strong.


Whatever works with your system. You can't have enough lights.

Reserved to Add

Boroscope
Pyrometer
17mm Protected Socket
Inflator/Deflator
Various Magnetic Pickup Tools
Feeler Gauges
Ratcheting Screwdriver with Flexible Extension
Cooling Vest
Plastic Razor Blades
Various Mirrors
VOC Mask (I like to use with Brake Cleaner)
Miracle Wipes (Not Tub O' Towels)
Torque Sticks
Trim Removal Set

And More!
(A ton more tools and specialty tools I reach for every time to be added)

[mrgizmo04]

Recently I've been spoilt by the Schwaben 6.5L fluid extractor. I can do an entire oil change (including filter) on both M3 and s2k without getting under them. No mess, no need to get them up on wood blocks and jack up, no worries about stripping the oil pan. They also apparently have a separate attachment that can be purchased to bleed each brake caliper (I haven't tried this because I just gravity bleed).

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[timmo]

Milwaukee recently released a new generation of mid-torque impact wrenches. I have the previous gen (2860) but it's still a frikkin awesome gun. It's as compact and light as most other guns from other manufacturers barely pushing 200 ft-lbs, and 450 ft-lbs torque is more than enough for my needs.

I also have a Motive bleeder for brakes, makes for super-fast brake fluid flushes which is handy since I do brake fluid once or twice a year with FCP warranty.

I've been thinking about a fluid extractor for oil changes but decided against it. I change my oil once a year when my car comes out of winter storage, and I don't want the first startup to be on old oil so I change it on the spot. As a fluid extractor requires the oil to be warm-ish, using one on cold oil would take forever.




Also, not so much general-use tools but I made all of these in support of suspension-related work (particularly so I can DIY alignments):

1) Spring seat wrenches for my GC DAs - I bought them used and the PO couldn't find the wrenches, so I just waterjet, bent them in the press, then rattle-canned them:



2) String alignment jig, made from recycled aluminium extrusion:



3) TMS steering rack alignment tool, just machined my own replica:



4) Corner scale leveling pads with integrated grease plates (currently WIP):

[cbean]

This is a great thread . . .

I just picked up the Milwaukee Ratchet & Torque wrench . . . pretty amazing.


"the center jack point in the front of the car"

I would love the definitive answer on this, as I see filks post that there is no center jack point, and vice versa

[heinzboehmer]

I would love the definitive answer on this, as I see filks post that there is no center jack point, and vice versa

??

Never heard that. It's the black thing in the middle of the metal reinforcement plate.

[r4dr]

Like this, black donut but on an E46M.

[Thoglan]

??

Never heard that. It's the black thing in the middle of the metal reinforcement plate.

At least on my car it appears to have been removed by a previous owner for whatever reason, could be the same for cbean. Part number looks to be 51717894027 for the pad and 07119903402 for the rivet holding it on.

[FBloggs]

Once in a while...

[BlAikenstein]

Once in a while...

What is that? I’ve *tried to use a kit for all the rear end bushings but it only worked for the front diff and ball joints. I Have yet to press out subframe bushings.

[r4dr]

https://www.bimmerworld.com/Tools/BMW-Wheel-Hub-Bearing-Axle-Tools/Genuine-BMW-Front-Wheel-Bearing-Installer-83300491905.html

This, I'm guessing.

[r4dr]

Also I picked up a set of Gearwrench ratcheting wrenches from Costco. Metric (though they also had SAE) and pretty cheap. Those can be lifesavers IMO in tight quarters.

[cbean]

r4dr I feel like I am getting to see up the skirt of that beautiful car

The e46 one looks a little different, more hockey puck, and sits directly behind the first plastic body cover underneath ( sorry do not know technical name ) . . . But I see posts that this is not a jack point on the e46 M3, so I get freaked out...just wanted confirmation from folks I trust

@thogian great point, I may have overlooked my hockey puck, it may not be there . . . I am gonna go check that out ASAP .

[Phoenix///M3]

It's most certainly the front center jack point. You're lifting directly under the front subframe.

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