Tools

[lkern]

When I turned 45 and became financially stable, I decided it was time to never, ever work on a car again. So the only thing I carry is the 800 number and a credit card. BUT for those who like to tinker, thanks for the list.

[JimDantin]

Does anyone have a list of the external torx sizes used in the 451?

I like the idea of the long-reach torx "L" keys -- I'll have to pick up a set.

[Old smart]

I started out here: Evilution - Smart Car Encyclopaedia and selected the jobs I thought I might do myself. I found that I probably wouldn't have a need for torx sockets (not planning to change brake rotors or do rear suspension work myself).

I didn't want to be buying "sets" and find that I only had a use for a few pieces, so I bought selectively from McMaster-Carr when needed.

[The Rigger]

I've posted this tip elsewhere, but since we're talking tools today I'll repost it here:

Given we tend to be fishing wires around for new audio/ScanGauge/cruise control/GPS/what-have-you, you'll be wanting a cheap "fish tape" to make that job easier...

Hie thee to the Locale Aulde Junke Yarde and obtain for yourself an old, used speedometer cable core. Could be broken, could be fine, long as it's 3-4' long it doesn't matter. Clean any old cable lube or rust off, and Bob's yer uncle. It's the perfect tool for snaking wires through whatever you need/want to snake wires through, and it'll cost you pennies, if that.

[Godfather]

Hey jetfuel, ya'll forgot the left handed monkey wrench.......

[gryphon]

Did my first oil change on my smart a few days ago and had to use my somewhat awkward Vise Grip Chain-Type tool to get a grip on the filter. Had intended to use a cap wrench and a socket wrench driver to do the job, but of course none of my existing cap wrenches fit the Mitsubishi filter. Went out afterwards and did some searching for the proper cap wrench and found the following:

The cap wrench is available from Pep Boys and is a RiteFit A256, $4.99 + tx. The filter is usable with a 3/8” drive socket wrench. The caps are manufactured in China (where else!) and are distributed by CTA Manufacturing Corp., Carlstadt, NJ 07072. The web address is CTA Automotive Specialty Tools.

Hope this is of some help.