Urgent - Need a THIN 18mm spanner, where from?

Raj · Post by **Raj** » Thu Jul 19, 2012 12:22 am

Basically started to strip the air suspension out of the X this evening. Control module is out and near side front shock/airbag is out also but the drop link bolt requires a thin spanner to hold the bolt in place so as to be able to undo the nut. Need to pick one up today to carry on.

Anyone?

Thanks.

macky1986 · Post by **macky1986** » Thu Jul 19, 2012 12:24 am

I would either grind down an old one if you have one or try getting vice grips onto it.

Raj · Post by **Raj** » Thu Jul 19, 2012 12:30 am

[quote="macky1986"]
I would either grind down an old one if you have one or try getting vice grips onto it.
[/quote]

Don't have a grinder and vice grips think are still too wide. Hmm.

weirdfish · Post by **weirdfish** » Thu Jul 19, 2012 8:15 am

You must have a small engineering shop/garage around you, they will do it for a few bob.

Raj · Post by **Raj** » Thu Jul 19, 2012 8:26 am

[quote="weirdfish"]
You must have a small engineering shop/garage around you, they will do it for a few bob.
[/quote]

Little search has highlighted its actually 11/16" needed for the back of the drop link. Just ordered a new pair of lemforder drop links from ECP with the TEST31 code and will head to Machine Mart to pick up a spanner suitable for the job. Always good to have specific tools...lol

dirtymonkey29 · Post by **dirtymonkey29** » Thu Jul 19, 2012 8:27 am

Are you able to wedge a flat blade screw driver between the nut and something to stop it spinning?

Raj · Post by **Raj** » Thu Jul 19, 2012 8:47 am

[quote="dirtymonkey29"]
Are you able to wedge a flat blade screw driver between the nut and something to stop it spinning?
[/quote]

Unfortunately not as it's just way to tight a gap. Tried some pinch grips I had but that ended up popping the rubber boot off... :'( hence now deciding to replace the drop links (but not a bad thing really).

dirtymonkey29 · Post by **dirtymonkey29** » Thu Jul 19, 2012 10:29 am

Break out the hammer lol

Raj · Post by **Raj** » Thu Jul 19, 2012 11:54 am

[quote="dirtymonkey29"]
Break out the hammer lol
[/quote]

That's the first tool that is always brought out at the beginning of any job...lol

shadrack · Post by **shadrack** » Thu Jul 19, 2012 2:33 pm

while your up at machine mart why not invest in a grinder as well, very useful to have and cheap

X5Sport · Post by **X5Sport** » Thu Jul 19, 2012 2:44 pm

[quote="shadrack"]
while your up at machine mart why not invest in a grinder as well, very useful to have and cheap

[/quote]

If nothing else, you can have fun finding the bits 'launched' by the grinder to the furthest corners of your workshop......

)

)

Remember to change the head next time you're doing a machine polish though..... :'( :'(

Raj · Post by **Raj** » Thu Jul 19, 2012 4:08 pm

[quote="shadrack"]
while your up at machine mart why not invest in a grinder as well, very useful to have and cheap

[/quote]

Never really needed one before so not sure it's a worthwhile investment at present.

nigelwall · Post by **nigelwall** » Thu Jul 19, 2012 10:15 pm

I would buy a cheep 18mm spanner and put it on a grinder and grind it to the width I need.
Cheers Nigel

shadrack · Post by **shadrack** » Thu Jul 19, 2012 10:56 pm

[quote="Raj"]
[quote="shadrack"]
while your up at machine mart why not invest in a grinder as well, very useful to have and cheap

[/quote]

Never really needed one before so not sure it's a worthwhile investment at present.
[/quote]
honestly it is, i bought a grinder brand new once for £5 cant remember where from tho

Raj · Post by **Raj** » Fri Jul 20, 2012 12:19 am

Sorted thanks to Zamir off here. Got an 18mm cone spanner (kind used for bicycles) from the decent chap at Halfords. £5 deposit and away I go.

Coilovers are here but after a slight mix up and misunderstanding I'm missing a small BMW suspension component which I'm going to have to order in the morning.

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