Tools - Quality, Special, Dodge, MB, Mercedes

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220629

Well-known member
Jon said we need a tool thread. This is a place to make comments about special or specialty tools for Sprinter work, quality tools, cheap tools that work just as well (Sorry. I can't resist a bargain.), a particular model number which fit just right.... any of that stuff. Maybe this would be a good place for someone to post a comment about a tool that works to remove fan pulley bolts?

Here's a thread that's worth reading. It's related to VW's but also about hand tools in general.

http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=3536561&postid=45618401

I think this is the proper picture to start a tool thread:

800px-Acme_threadSm.jpg

Please feel free to add to this tool information.

Edit:
jdcaples Jon suggested more information will help. "I also think it'd be helpful if the user names model year, generation (T1/T1N/NCV3/the next big thing) the region (Europe, South/Central America, NAFTA, Australia etc), the tool and the purpose."

I agree completely. If you add tool information and you know it applies only to a specific model please include that in your post. Thanks goes to Jon for the suggestion.

There must be a bunch of tools that work well for Sprinters out there. vic
 
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2

220629

Well-known member
Re: Tools - Quality, Special, Dodge, MB, Mercedes, Hose Clamp

Tool Discussion Transmission Dipstick Check Transmission Fluid Level

The Sprinter does not come with a transmission dip stick to check the level. The MB style dipstick comes calibrated for temperature. There is some information in this thread.

Text from the post:
"Further info for people with the Miller Tools service dipstick-Do NOT use tool
#9336 in the German NAG1. It could become jammed under that valve body plastic
guide tube because it lacks a limit step. The correct Miller Tool number to use
is the #8863B which will correctly fit and stop in the guide tube as does the
OEM MBenz service tool. Doktor A"

Single post is here:
https://sprinter-source.com/forums/showpost.php?p=81345&postcount=65

Thanks goes to Doktor A and all contributors. vic
 
2

220629

Well-known member
Re: Tools - Quality, Special, Dodge, MB, Mercedes, Hose Clamp

My apologies up front to the professional technicians who may be offended by this post, but with me around you know it had to come to this. Remember that these comments are really intended for new owners.

Some Cheap Tools I Found I Need To Work On My T1N

Most private owners don't use their tools in service which requires the most expensive and highest quality tools. I personally recommend buying a good quality set of basic hand tools. Craftsman will fit the bill for most of your basic set because they are easy to return if they do break and the quality is reasonable.

Screwdrivers - A good assortment of flat blade and Phillips screwdrivers. Don't cheap out on these with bargain store items. It is much easier to strip out a screw head with cheaper design. Keep an eye on your Phillips tips. Even good quality tools can wear out and lose their effectiveness.

Metric and SAE Box/open end wrenches - Again good quality on these in the smaller sizes. IMO. After about 19 mm or 3/4" sizes you can go cheaper. Six point have less tendency to round off fasteners than 12 point style. 12 point style will fit in more easily and are a bit more universal for use. I was told that the history of the 12 point style sockets is that early on the railroad used special 12 point head fasteners. The 12 point sockets were very effective on those and didn't strip. Mechanics being the inventive types they are learned that the 12 point tools would also fit 6 point hex fasteners. Hex fastener heads are more easily/cheaper manufactured than 12 point, so guess why hex won?

Metric and SAE Sockets - Same idea as for the wrenches. Sears has traditionally had a great sale on tools every Thanksgiving W/E. $9.99 gets you a 1/4" drive 6 point deepwell metric or SAE set with rachet and extension. A nice small set that is easy to carry in a toolbox/bag and useful for most work.

ViseGrip Pliers - Don't cheap out on these. For the most part by the time you need them you are already sinking into the sh*t. Go for the name brand. It's also best to have both the parallel and curve jaw type for different applications.

Slip joint (Channellock) Pliers - go for quality here too. I recommend the straight parallel jaw style. There are special shaped jaws, but normally they aren't usually effective for general work.

Multimeter tester - Sears sells a decent basic meter for as little as $15 - 20.00 on sale which will have everything needed. Harbor Freight often has sales on meters for $2.99 each. Probably not worth buying. The meter itself would be OK, but the leads and connectors fail by loosening or the metal connector actually cracks. The last thing you need is intermittent readings caused by cheap leads during testing.

Enough pontificating. Here's a partial list of "specialty" stuff I've found I need. Much of it purchased at Harbor Freight. Be patient and wait for the items to go on sale because they seem to do that often.

***
2011/01/25 edit: My apologies. I've tried to keep up with the links to the specific tools I've shown, but Harbor Freight makes changes too often. The best I can offer is to use the tool descriptions above the pictures to search within Harbor Freight for what you need.
***

9 Piece 3/8" and 1/2" Drive Metric Hex Bit Socket Set
http://www.harborfreight.com/6-piece-38-drive-metric-hex-bit-socket-set-67891.html

http://www.harborfreight.com/9-piece-38-and-12-drive-metric-hex-bit-socket-set-67880.html

98229hexset.gif

9 Piece Star Bit Socket Set - 1/4" and 3/8" Square Drives
http://www.harborfreight.com/9-piece-38-drive-star-bit-set-67887.html

91238starset.gif

4 Piece Socket Adapter Set (nice to have around)
http://www.harborfreight.com/4-piece-socket-adapter-set-1793.html

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3/8" Offset Oxygen Sensor Wrench (very optional, but inexpensive)
http://www.harborfreight.com/3-8-eighth-inch-offset-oxygen-sensor-wrench-97177.html

97177o2wrench.gif

6 PC. 3/8" DEEP WELL FEMALE EXTERNAL STAR SOCKET SET
(Harbor Freight no longer stocks? Worth a search there though.)

http://www.harborfreight.com/6-piece-38-drive-e-socket-set-68016.html

http://www.harborfreight.com/

http://www.kmart.com/shc/s/search_10151_10104?keyword=external star socket set&kmaxext=1


http://www.google.com/products/cata...og_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CEAQ8wIwAw#

95395ExtStar.gif
 
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220629

Well-known member
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220629

Well-known member
Re: Tools - Quality, Special, Dodge, MB, Mercedes, Hose Clamp

Using Air Pressure For Filling Oils

JD Caples appropriately posted this in the Cheap Tricks thread. It's a great Cheap Trick.:thumbup: I think it is also a tool that should be included here. Many times I have had trouble filling differentials with oil DIY. This looks like a great method. Just don't blow up the jug full of oil.:eek: I think that could be just a wee bit messy.:hmmm: I'm thinkin' maybe one of the safety relieved blow guns might be the thing to try before using an old style full pressure type blow gun. That said, I guess a properly regulated pressure source would be best.:professor: (Jon will probably use laboratory grade nitrogen to avoid contaminating the oil.:bounce: Sorry Jon. Couldn't resist.:hugs::cheers:)

Thanks goes to Jon for the YouTube link.

jdcaples said:
For those rare moments when you'd prefer fluid flow up hill:

Pushing Hydraulic Fluid UP using Air Pressure

[youtube]D9OTQ6Ipf8s[/youtube]

-Jon
Click to expand...
 
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jdcaples

jdcaples

Not Suitable w/220v Gen
Re: Tools - Quality, Special, Dodge, MB, Mercedes, Hose Clamp

Wright Tool Company: Not cheap but more cost effective than other High Quality Brand Names

Most of us need nothing from SnapON, Stahlwille or Hazet.

Regardless, in posting number 6 of this thread, Vic (Aqua Puttana) mentioned some tools that you shouldn't skimp on and I think most highly- or moderately-experienced weekend wrenchers would agree, too. This is especially true if you're the one taking care of multiple transports: your vehicle, a spouse's vehicle, recreational toys, maybe the car your daughter drives to and from college three or four times a year; the one that can't break down on her; the car you have to trust to go and and to stop; the one that has to last two or three more years because you're not replacing for her.

Wright Tool is a US manufacturer of a sizeable collection of upper-end tools.

For the "don't skimp" category, Wright's worth considering, esp 1/2" drive (and larger) tools, 12 point box/open end wrenches.

For basic maint, repair and personalizing the interior of a Sprinter, most of us don't need "a set" of anything from Wright.

It's more cost effective to keep track of which tools you use and then decide which tasks warrant a higher quality tool purchase.

-Jon
 

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220629

Well-known member
Re: Tools - Quality, Special, Dodge, MB, Mercedes, Hose Clamp

Cheap, but effective Oil Filter Wrenches

Harbor Freight has this filter wrench set on sale.

94096filterwrenchpic.gif

http://www.harborfreight.com/4-piece-end-cap-oil-filter-wrenches-94096.html

6oilwrechset.jpg

You can copy the coupon and present it at the store until April 5, 2010. If the coupon is void and you're in no hurry, just give it some time and the sale price should return.

I know the quality of Harbor Freight tools is often suspect, but if you break even the cheapest oil filter wrench you're really doin' something wrong. vic
 
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220629

Well-known member
Re: Tools - Quality, Special, Dodge, MB, Mercedes, Hose Clamp

Fuel Injector Replacement Tools


Replacing the injectors can require special tools. A couple cautions I've heard are: It's easy to crack the hollow top chamber of the head casting if too much pressure is applied prying on the injector. The seats should be resurfaced. Anyway, here's a way to get some info on what is needed.

The thread:

Gotta love it!! Injector failure leads to piston failure!
https://sprinter-source.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13997

The injector replacement discussions begin around post #30

Thanks goes to Doktor A.
https://sprinter-source.com/forums/showpost.php?p=127577&postcount=102

The tools are available for rental at Europarts-SD

http://store.europarts-sd.com/search.aspx?find=tool&log=false&category=250

Waynerodd also mentioned possibly renting the tools, but doesn't do that as of 2011/01/13.

Have fun. vic

20110608 Edit: My experience changing injectors. Apparently it has gone better for some.

T1N OM647 Fuel Injector Change
https://sprinter-source.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16068

Oxygen Sensor and Diesel Injection Socket Set
(It looks like the cut-out socket needed to disassemble the Sprinter injector top is included.)

http://www.harborfreight.com/oxygen-sensor-and-diesel-injection-socket-set-99850.html

O2Injector%20Socket%20Set.jpg
 
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220629

Well-known member
Altered Sprinter

Altered Sprinter

Happy Little Vegemite
Re: Tools - Quality, Special, Dodge, MB, Mercedes, Hose Clamp

Never been a shortage of top end quality tools in my little getaway Sprinter tool box of trick-treats.:smilewink:
Tin and most fit the NCV
Innovation/Quality Think out side of the square.
Get rid of dirt behind your screen,
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Results zero rust. over the life of your van. simply run a mouse down the vein channels.
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What comes in a Box Festool expensive and beyond the reach of an average wage earner. But Oh so neat.
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Altered Sprinter

Altered Sprinter

Happy Little Vegemite
Re: Tools - Quality, Special, Dodge, MB, Mercedes, Hose Clamp

Festo rules my world for Quality
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Glow plug carbon extraction and thread restorer.
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MB Glow plug socket set-absolute perfect fit.
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reset to 20Nm and forget .
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​
 
Altered Sprinter

Altered Sprinter

Happy Little Vegemite
Re: Tools - Quality, Special, Dodge, MB, Mercedes, Hose Clamp

Click and re-use Filter clamps never fail if you use the perfect tool
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Think smart ! Be smart.
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Just a few of my favorite toys.
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Altered Sprinter

Altered Sprinter

Happy Little Vegemite
Re: Tools - Quality, Special, Dodge, MB, Mercedes, Hose Clamp

Ya' all need a tool thread more toys from sprinter-land down under.
They just keep on keeping on.

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Need to remove that pesky wiring loom ?
There 's the tool tha;'s just right, unless your a freak who uses a coat hanger cause your on the cheap.
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T handle Both metric and SAE
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Power built for life.
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Handy for Andy beats the heck out of the basic tool kit that comes with MB Sprinters.
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More toys for the Boyz Don't forget the wobble for that awakened place on your NCV
Heck I can show it on TV.


​
 
Altered Sprinter

Altered Sprinter

Happy Little Vegemite
Re: Tools - Quality, Special, Dodge, MB, Mercedes, Hose Clamp

Save time, save knuckles:tongue: use a he man tool :rad:
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Range M@M to T the Torx
----------------
Time for a Kit Kat or Java script break
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Powered by Waeco
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More than 44 beans in a cup of Java juice.



​
 
E

expeditor

New member
Re: Tools - Quality, Special, Dodge, MB, Mercedes, Hose Clamp

Aqua Puttana said:
Tool Discussion Transmission Dipstick Check Transmission Fluid Level

The Sprinter does not come with a transmission dip stick to check the level. The MB style dipstick comes calibrated for temperature.
Click to expand...
Which tool do you use to check the tempurature and where dos it connect?

Drive Safely
Joe
 

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220629

Well-known member
Re: Tools - Quality, Special, Dodge, MB, Mercedes, Hose Clamp

First let me thank Jon for answering the previous question. I missed it.

June 8, 2011

I have some on-line coupons from Harbor Freight. I think I can forward them. PM if interested. These items may be something Sprinter owners might be interested in.

Orings_5973.jpg

397 Piece Metric O-Ring Assortment


http://www.harborfreight.com/397-pi...dium=email&utm_campaign=2311a&utm_source=1002

Nitrile rubber which is listed for diesel and oils.

$5.99 w/ coupon


Rapid Pump® 3 Ton Heavy Duty Floor Jack

jack_9593.jpg

http://www.harborfreight.com/Rapid-...dium=email&utm_campaign=2311a&utm_source=1002

$79.99 w/ coupon

Harbor Freight ain't the best quality, but it's worked fine for my DIY tool use over the years. YMMV. vic
 
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