Sprinter hand tool list w/brand suggestions

99sport

Well-known member
On my Japanese cars, 95% of repairs can be made with 5 sizes of sockets / wrenches (8, 10, 12, 14, 17mm). I was surprised when doing a simple repair on my BMW that I seemingly needed every metric tool in my tool box. (Apparently this has something to do with the Japanese vs German Standards for bolts). For Japanese cars, I carry a very small toolkit in the car (or I take it to the Pick ‘N Pull junkyard) and know that I can perform every possible repair with that small kit.

When I recently replaced the engine and trans in my Sprinter, I was careful to note which hand tools sizes were needed. These are the sockets / wrenches I used. My intent was to determine which sizes to carry with me, however it seems it may be easier to take everything as the list is quite extensive. I hope others find this useful.

6 point:
6mm (hose clamps mostly)
7mm (hose clamps exclusively)
8mm (hose clamps mostly)
10mm
11mm (but this was the license plate only, so I am guessing these were not the original bolts as 11mm was not used anywhere else)
13mm
15mm (trans to driveshaft only)
16mm
17mm
18mm (motor mount)
18.5mm (one fitting on the power steering line for the rack was too large for 18, but 19 was loose – I used a 19mm to remove it – note that this is an open end or flare wrench, not a socket)
19mm
22mm (power steering rack fitting – open end or flare wrench)
27mm (crank bolt)

12 point socket: I needed something largish for the serpentine belt tensioner and a 6 point won’t work – I’ll double check the size and edit this post.

Regular torx:
T15
T25
T30
T45
T47 (this one is important – it seems someone tried a T45 in one of these and stripped it and I had to remove it with vice grips)

External torx:
E8 (sheet metal bracket on rear of trans mount only)
E10
E12
E14

Hex (Allen key):
5mm (injector cover, trans drain pan, I think this is also the same size for the torque converter)
6mm (oil pressure sender plug behind AC compressor)
 

Patrick of M

2005 T1N 2500 (NA spec)
Re: Sprinter hand tool sizes

On mine the headlight retaining screws are T20 so u can add that. I agree a full arsenal of sockets etc required to do repairs on the road.
Also the turbo resonator bolts are best served with a 1/4” ,2 “ extension and a 3” extension and of course the female Torx E8 socket.
 
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99sport

Well-known member
Re: Sprinter hand tool sizes

Can't figure out how to edit the above post so repeating with updates here:

6 point:
6mm (hose clamps mostly)
7mm (hose clamps exclusively)
8mm (hose clamps mostly)
10mm
11mm (but this was the license plate only, so I am guessing these were not the original bolts as 11mm was not used anywhere else)
13mm
15mm (trans to driveshaft only)
16mm
17mm
18mm (motor mount, rear sway bar bolts)
18.5mm (one fitting on the power steering line for the rack was too large for 18, but 19 was loose – I used a 19mm to remove it – note that this is an open end or flare wrench, not a socket)
19mm (lug bolts, plus others)
22mm (power steering rack fitting – open end or flare wrench)
24mm (strut top nut)
27mm (crank bolt)

12 point socket: 17mm for tensioner (or use T60)

Regular torx:
T15
T20
T25
T30
T45
T47 (this one is important – it seems someone tried a T45 in one of these and stripped it and I had to remove it with vice grips)
T60 (tensioner - or use 17mm 12 point)

External torx:
E8 (sheet metal bracket on rear of trans mount only)
E10
E12
E14

Hex (Allen key):
5mm (injector cover, trans drain pan, I think this is also the same size for the torque converter)
6mm (oil pressure sender plug behind AC compressor)
 

220629

Well-known member
Re: Sprinter hand tool sizes

License plate 11 mm hex is likely a 1/4-20 fastener.

7/16" and 11 mm are basically interchangeable.

18 mm hex or 12 point is also needed for the brake caliper frame.

vic
 
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Patrick of M

2005 T1N 2500 (NA spec)
Re: Sprinter hand tool sizes

Basically a full metric socket set with a couple of extra big sockets, set of male and female torx, Allen keys.
I’ll add that the engine bay has some tight spots so, arsenal of 1/4” and 3/8” socket extensions and some socket u joints.
If u really want to be set, a small in/lb torque wrench so u can service the transmission contact plate. That aluminum case is delicate and expensive. ( I had to service the transmission solenoids valves last year at the cottage). These vans are old, if you want to get where u are going some spares are in order.
 
Re: Sprinter hand tool sizes

There was a poster that had roadside tool kits for sprinters. I bought one and it has served well for my 2 sprinters and my cayenne and even the wife’s 2019 crv that I hit a raccoon in at 80!!

I would like to give the OP credit but can’t find his info, it’s the Dekopro 140 piece. Only wrench I didn’t have that I have needed was a 15 box open. Bought a snap on off eBay and threw it in with it.
 

markxengineering

Active member
Re: Sprinter hand tool sizes

I travel with the same Dekopro kit as recommended by MillionMileSprinter- compact and way easier than buying individually. To that kit I added pliers, side cutters, electrical stuff (multimeter, crimper, connectors, tape, etc), a hammer, a pry bar, adjustable wrench, a magnet on a stick, a mirror on a stick, rubber gloves, paper towels, brake kleen. I'm thinking of adding a 12V drill and a nice soldering iron.

The only thing I don't like about the kit is that the plastic housing doesn't always hold the tools in place, but small complaint for an overall amazing selection of Sprinter tools. I use it daily and am very thankful for the recommendation.
 

Fletch9871

Active member
Re: Sprinter hand tool sizes

Morning Fellas...I meant to post this a while back in another thread. I found this kit on ebay: https://ebay.us/v7B92i

It has sockets, spanners and torx. I've been using it whenever I work on the van and haven't found anything I've needed to add yet.

Its a little more expensive than the Deko kit but last I checked the Deko was sold out everywhere.

Keep Rolling...Chris
 

99sport

Well-known member
Re: Sprinter hand tool sizes

I finally put together my travel tool kit. I wanted something relatively cheap, so I wouldn’t worry about having my good tools stolen, and comprehensive (as noted in earlier posts, MB uses just about every size) – including the very small and very large. Here is what I ended up with:

Tekton 3/8 metric only socket set with regular and deep sockets. Ratchet is fine tooth, which is nice. The case is actually really handy – I had planned on getting rid of it, but it holds everything securely, is well laid out, and small enough to fit under the seat. Made in Taiwan. It was on the expensive side, but they are nice and I reach for these instead of going to the garage for my made in USA tools. $67 https://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-6-Point-Ratchet-43-Piece-SKT15201/dp/B07TGPPP3C

Dewalt ¼ inch metric and SAE socket set. Ok tools. The ratchet isn’t as nice as the Tekton. The case is compact, but only one side holds the tools in place so you have to leave that side down when you flip it over. I’ve already dumped all the tools out on the ground twice, which is getting old. $20 at Costco, but price seems to be $30 now. Too good to pass up at $20. At $30 I might look for something with a case that didn’t dump the tools on the ground. https://www.costco.com/dewalt-14"-drive-50-piece-mechanics-set.product.100507819.html

Tekton 15 piece metric combination wrench set. I really wanted something that included 16, 17, 18, and 19 and this was one of the few sets that had them all. It is also nice that it goes down to 8mm, which is also used on the T1N in quite a few places. Made in Taiwan. Also more than I wanted to spend at $44 for an Asian-made set, but it is comprehensive and the tools are nice. https://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-Combination-Wrench-Keeper-Metric/dp/B00OZJN3PQ

Wrench roll. It fit the above wrenches. $12 when I ordered. Made in India. I thought it was overpriced, but it fit the Tekton set. No complaints. https://www.amazon.com/BULL-TOOLS-BT-18-107-LAMINATED/dp/B078VNM64D

Tekton 10 piece Allen/hex keys. I think these were made in Taiwan. On the expensive side for Asian-made tools. Look nice and work well. The socket holder was a pleasant surprise – you twist the sockets to lock and unlock them, which I have never seen before. $24 https://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-Drive-Socket-10Piece-SHB91102/dp/B07RLXW4HS

Tekton 9 piece Torx sockets. Look good and work well. I believe these were made in Taiwan. Great price at $12. https://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-8-Inch-Drive-Star-Socket/dp/B000K2IMI0

No-name external torx sockets. Made in China. Work ok, but these are very low end tools. I don’t remember why I got this over Harbor Freight, but I am sure there was a reason. $10 https://www.amazon.com/eHomeA2Z-Torx-Female-Socket-Steel/dp/B079ZP2FM1

Husky Torx driver (used ALL the time). I am pretty sure these are made in the USA. Same price as Asian imports. $10 https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-Torx-Screwdriver-Set-5-Piece-H5PCTORXSDS/302347531

icarSoft MB II (the old edition). I liked this better than the newer MBII and Autel because the UI is faster / quicker loading. All 3 worked equally well and did all the same functions. Can usually be found on eBay for $135. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015DNAMT2

No-name Transmission dip stick. I think this works properly, but I don’t have anything to compare it to. It does have the “ears” to seat on. Price was right. $10. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075SVZB4B

Craftsman DMM. Sears has a manual one that is $10 every holiday and a much nicer auto ranging one for $20. I have so many of these I’m not even sure which one is in the tool set. Great value. These $10 Craftsman ones work well and reliably – unlike the $5 Harbor Freight one that just had me confused because it didn’t seem to work right and feel like they would break if you drop them. https://www.sears.com/craftsman-multimeter-034821410000/p-A028300107

Everything fits nicely under the passenger’s seat. Total price was higher than I expected, but I also needed a lot more tools than for my Japanese cars. And these are (with one exception) high-quality tools that are satisfying to use.

Also included: a Craftsman truck tool box, tool bag, screwdrivers, light bulbs, fuses, rag, zip ties, empty plastic bags.

Likely future additions: electronic version of factory service manual, hand cleaner, pliers / vice grips, knife, wire strippers, breaker bar
 

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kofe

New member
Re: Sprinter hand tool sizes

There was a poster that had roadside tool kits for sprinters. I bought one and it has served well for my 2 sprinters and my cayenne and even the wife’s 2019 crv that I hit a raccoon in at 80!!

I would like to give the OP credit but can’t find his info, it’s the Dekopro 140 piece. Only wrench I didn’t have that I have needed was a 15 box open. Bought a snap on off eBay and threw it in with it.
Is this the right Demo kit you referenced?
DEKOPRO 228 Piece Socket Wrench Auto Repair Tool Combination Package Mixed Tool Set Hand Tool Kit with Plastic Toolbox Storage Case

 

tom2turbo

Active member
The DEKOPRO 140 piece set is similar to the kit I bought from MMS. This compreshesive kit unfortunately was stolen Sunday night, along with my 300 ah Lion battery pack and most of the main electrical system pieces. Sigh, living in Portland has some challenges.
 

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