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[YZ250]

Why do the German car manufacturers insist on using XZN/Triple Square bolts on places that don't require high torque? I can understand it on cylinder heads etc but come on, is it really necessary to use them on belly pans. 
I believe I need an 8mm XZN/Triple Square bit but haven't got one in my tool box so thought I'd pop out and buy one. Should be simple enough but oh no, " have you tried eBay or have you tried Amazon". I don't want to try eBay or Amazon, I want it NOW. Googling hasn't really helped, it just comes up with .....err eBay or Amazon.    Shame I'm not at work this week, I could have borrowed one. 
Any suggestions where I might be able to pop in to a real store and buy one.     Thought I'd ask on here as I know how you all love to discuss the German vehicles.     

[Doctor Gollum]

A decent factors should be able to supply...

https://whiterosetools.com/products/sealey-42-piece-trx-star-spline-hex-bit-set-3-8-and-1-2-drive

 

[dave the builder]

machine mart £22 draper set
plenty of shops scattered about 

[Andy B]

I had the same problem when I wanted a 9mm Allen key for the rear brakes on my R Class (I already had a 7mm from years back for the fronts) I tried a few proper motorfactors & drew a blank

[YZ250]

A decent factors should be able to supply...

https://whiterosetools.com/products/sealey-42-piece-trx-star-spline-hex-bit-set-3-8-and-1-2-drive

 

Thanks for that Al. We seem to be lacking motor factors around here, with the exception of euro car parts ten miles away. In saying that I don't mind travelling if someone has one on the shelf. Have to be careful as spline is 60 degrees between spline and triple square is 90 degrees, although they look the same'ish. 

machine mart £22 draper set
plenty of shops scattered about 

Thanks,  I'd looked at machine mart, nearest to me is Swindon or Luton I believe. 

[YZ250]

I had the same problem when I wanted a 9mm Allen key for the rear brakes on my R Class (I already had a 7mm from years back for the fronts) I tried a few proper motorfactors & drew a blank

And did you not order a couple from the Snap-On or RS catalogue, in the interest of the company department kit obviously. 

[biggriffin]

I had the same problem when I wanted a 9mm Allen key for the rear brakes on my R Class (I already had a 7mm from years back for the fronts) I tried a few proper motorfactors & drew a blank

9mm is what fords use on focus, fiesta etc front calipers.

[Andy B]

I had the same problem when I wanted a 9mm Allen key for the rear brakes on my R Class (I already had a 7mm from years back for the fronts) I tried a few proper motorfactors & drew a blank

9mm is what fords use on focus, fiesta etc front calipers.

Was that not 7mm?  It was originally bought for my brother's MKIII Escort's brakes.

Like this one .... https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/7-mm-Brake-Caliper-Key-275-Long-Hex-Allen-Key-with-Handle/291497510668?hash=item43de9b070c:g:YukAAOSwwPtTv-3e

[biggriffin]

I had the same problem when I wanted a 9mm Allen key for the rear brakes on my R Class (I already had a 7mm from years back for the fronts) I tried a few proper motorfactors & drew a blank

9mm is what fords use on focus, fiesta etc front calipers.

Was that not 7mm?  It was originally bought for my brother's MKIII Escort's brakes.

Like this one .... https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/7-mm-Brake-Caliper-Key-275-Long-Hex-Allen-Key-with-Handle/291497510668?hash=item43de9b070c:g:YukAAOSwwPtTv-3e

  Ar that's correct, got one of them in me tool box..     Just remember always having to hunt for such a Stoopid size key.

[Andy B]

....
  Ar that's correct, got one of them in me tool box..     Just remember always having to hunt for such a Stoopid size key.

I felt smug when I knew where the 7mm Allen key was ... not sure how I acquired it from my brother  ... but then discovered front & rear caliper sliders were different. Arghh!

[biggriffin]

....
  Ar that's correct, got one of them in me tool box..     Just remember always having to hunt for such a Stoopid size key.

I felt smug when I knew where the 7mm Allen key was ... not sure how I acquired it from my brother  ... but then discovered front & rear caliper sliders were different. Arghh!

 Good marketing by Ford, as how many of them Allen bolts snapped, rendering the caliper useless,  as they never copperslip the threads, 

[YZ250]

I had the same problem when I wanted a 9mm Allen key for the rear brakes on my R Class (I already had a 7mm from years back for the fronts) I tried a few proper motorfactors & drew a blank

Whilst perusing for the XZN bit I came across a few threads on other forums which were complaining about the Mercedes rear Caliper slider being 9mm. It's almost like "let's come up with a size that nobody normally uses", ... Yeh that's had them nasty job robbing DIY'ers up the arse. 
Tried the next town today but either no luck or couldn't park anywhere near the tool shacks. Machine Mart would be my best bet but we don't have one anywhere near to us. Nearest one is 33 miles away. Looks like an online order coming up, which means I've got to wait. 

[biggriffin]

I had the same problem when I wanted a 9mm Allen key for the rear brakes on my R Class (I already had a 7mm from years back for the fronts) I tried a few proper motorfactors & drew a blank

Whilst perusing for the XZN bit I came across a few threads on other forums which were complaining about the Mercedes rear Caliper slider being 9mm. It's almost like "let's come up with a size that nobody normally uses", ... Yeh that's had them nasty job robbing DIY'ers up the arse. 
Tried the next town today but either no luck or couldn't park anywhere near the tool shacks. Machine Mart would be my best bet but we don't have one anywhere near to us. Nearest one is 33 miles away. Looks like an online order coming up, which means I've got to wait. 

 Look for a tool van near a garage, eg snap on, mag or such, might have one, Halfords did a set from 5mm up to 10mm, that had all the odds in. Might be worth a try.

[YZ250]

Look for a tool van near a garage, eg snap on, mag or such, might have one, Halfords did a set from 5mm up to 10mm, that had all the odds in. Might be worth a try.

Cheers. I went to Halfords this morning, they do the spline bits in the 200 piece socket set but not as individual replacements. I think they were normal spline and not triple square though. If the weather clears up and I decide to work on it I can always pop around my mates garage up the road, slacken them off and then carry on at home. That way I won't be held up. 

[Andy B]

I had the same problem when I wanted a 9mm Allen key for the rear brakes on my R Class (I already had a 7mm from years back for the fronts) I tried a few proper motorfactors & drew a blank

Whilst perusing for the XZN bit I came across a few threads on other forums which were complaining about the Mercedes rear Caliper slider being 9mm. It's almost like "let's come up with a size that nobody normally uses", ... Yeh that's had them nasty job robbing DIY'ers up the arse. 
Tried the next town today but either no luck or couldn't park anywhere near the tool shacks. Machine Mart would be my best bet but we don't have one anywhere near to us. Nearest one is 33 miles away. Looks like an online order coming up, which means I've got to wait. 

I've buckets full of various Allen keys 20 odd mm to 1mm ..... but had to order the 9mm (which obviously came with another 7mm)

[YZ250]

machine mart £22 draper set
plenty of shops scattered about 

Just had another look at the link and might make the trek to get them, if they have them in stock.    They'll deliver but it takes up to five days. Five days is forever. 

Andy B --- Note the absence of a 9mm hex. 

[Andy B]

....

Andy B --- Note the absence of a 9mm hex. 

I've got one now 

[YZ250]

....

Andy B --- Note the absence of a 9mm hex. 

I've got one now 

I assumed you were sorted. My observation was merely to point out that it's not a common size, as you said. 

[Andy B]

....

Andy B --- Note the absence of a 9mm hex. 

I've got one now 

I assumed you were sorted. My observation was merely to point out that it's not a common size, as you said. 

I was tempted to modify a 3/8" ..... only 1/2mm too big 

[YZ250]

Just had another look at the link and might make the trek to get them, if they have them in stock.    They'll deliver but it takes up to five days. Five days is forever. 

Machine Mart Click and collect...... 8-9 days availability.    Not having much luck am I.  I'll just order the bloody things for delivery. 

[dave the builder]

Just had another look at the link and might make the trek to get them, if they have them in stock.    They'll deliver but it takes up to five days. Five days is forever. 

Machine Mart Click and collect...... 8-9 days availability.    Not having much luck am I.  I'll just order the bloody things for delivery. 

phone up and ASK if they have stock at the branch near you 
if they say "yes" ask if someone has physically checked they have one before setting out

[YZ250]

phone up and ASK if they have stock at the branch near you 
if they say "yes" ask if someone has physically checked they have one before setting out

Thanks for the suggestion Dave.    My nearest Machine Mart is 33 miles away (Luton) so I was going to do as you suggested. Click and collect was 8-9 days wait so no quicker. I then remembered that I've got to go to Luton on Monday for my Aunts funeral, so thought it a bit annoying having to go twice within a few days. I was going to do a pick up from Luton but ordered them for delivery instead. I'd be a bit overdressed for Machine Mart on Monday.    They are due to arrive on Monday, the same day as the funeral so I won't be home. They will then be taken to some obscure location, like Milton Park mail depot, which is nearly as far from me as going to Luton. 

[TheBoy]

Helfrauds sell the 7 and 9mm allen sockets, for those poor souls with Ford/Teves callipers, which makes it easy.

[Andy B]

Helfrauds sell the 7 and 9mm allen sockets, for those poor souls with Ford/Teves callipers, which makes it easy.

I never gave them a thought .... doh!

[Diamond Black Geezer]

But it is Halfords, ask for an allen key and you'll hear the lad/lass shout to the stock room 'got a bloke here is looking for "a lenky"? never heard of one of them' 

[YZ250]

I've since established via Google that if I lived in America I could just waltz in to my local tool shack and pick up the tools I need, whereas over here we have to google who sells them, phone them to confirm actual real stock, be told we have to order the tool and then wait for it to arrive. All of the Old School places have gone around this way. I also learnt that my order would have been considerably quicker if I'd ordered from an eBay site. 

[Sir Tigger KC]

I've since established via Google that if I lived in America I could just waltz in to my local tool shack and pick up the tools I need, whereas over here we have to google who sells them, phone them to confirm actual real stock, be told we have to order the tool and then wait for it to arrive. All of the Old School places have gone around this way. I also learnt that my order would have been considerably quicker if I'd ordered from an eBay site. 

Yes if you'd ordered it on Monday you'd have it by now. 

Not applicable to Eboy..... Obviously! 

[STEMO]

I've since established via Google that if I lived in America I could just waltz in to my local tool shack and pick up the tools I need, whereas over here we have to google who sells them, phone them to confirm actual real stock, be told we have to order the tool and then wait for it to arrive. All of the Old School places have gone around this way. I also learnt that my order would have been considerably quicker if I'd ordered from an eBay site. 

Yes if you'd ordered it on Monday you'd have it by now. 

Not applicable to Eboy..... Obviously! 

He doesn't understand that, if you order stuff from China, it won't be next day delivery. 

[YZ250]

The irony is that I don't need it now as I've done the job on it. My mate runs his own garage so I borrowed his complete rack of triple square bits. Just as well, as it was the M10 that I needed, not the M8. 

[TheBoy]

I've since established via Google that if I lived in America I could just waltz in to my local tool shack and pick up the tools I need, whereas over here we have to google who sells them, phone them to confirm actual real stock, be told we have to order the tool and then wait for it to arrive. All of the Old School places have gone around this way. I also learnt that my order would have been considerably quicker if I'd ordered from an eBay site. 

Yes if you'd ordered it on Monday you'd have it by now. 

Not applicable to Eboy..... Obviously! 

He doesn't understand that, if you order stuff from China, it won't be next day delivery. 

Ah, is that why Amazon Prime can't seem to deliver the next day.

[STEMO]

I've since established via Google that if I lived in America I could just waltz in to my local tool shack and pick up the tools I need, whereas over here we have to google who sells them, phone them to confirm actual real stock, be told we have to order the tool and then wait for it to arrive. All of the Old School places have gone around this way. I also learnt that my order would have been considerably quicker if I'd ordered from an eBay site. 

Yes if you'd ordered it on Monday you'd have it by now. 

Not applicable to Eboy..... Obviously! 

He doesn't understand that, if you order stuff from China, it won't be next day delivery. 

Ah, is that why Amazon Prime can't seem to deliver the next day.

Every, and I mean every, one day order with prime has arrived on time. I'm talking hundreds of items here.

[TheBoy]

Every, and I mean every, one day order with prime has arrived on time. I'm talking hundreds of items here.

In reality, mine usually are. Its just they failed twice this week to deliver on time, and also a third with half the stuff missing due to the courier wrecking it and re-taping it back up. Last time they failed was ages ago, and that time it was several days late.

[TheBoy]

And normally its also a non issue as I'm often here. But as I needed to be in Lazydocker land earlier in the week, it arriving a day late meant the possibility of it being left in the rain.

As it happens, they didn't even deliver a day late. It was 2 days late, and I was back home

[STEMO]

I can't see how that happens. I order during the day, get a confirmation of order email immediately. Later I get a 'your order has been dispatched' then, usually on the morning of delivery, 'your parcel is out for delivery before 9pm', then a map to track it on.
I'd know on the evening before if it was delayed for any reason.

My 'safe place' is the shed and it's there if I'm out.

[TheBoy]

One was the replacement for the missing items on a previous order, and didn't get any of the notifications.  The other, the "its been dispatched" didn't arrive until the next day (despite being ordered before midday). Yet still didn't turn up until even a day after that.

Mongs.

[STEMO]

One was the replacement for the missing items on a previous order, and didn't get any of the notifications.  The other, the "its been dispatched" didn't arrive until the next day (despite being ordered before midday). Yet still didn't turn up until even a day after that.

Mongs.

How can the notifications be different for you to me? I can only think that you use a lot of sellers from the marketplace, most of my orders are direct from Amazon.

[TheBoy]

One was the replacement for the missing items on a previous order, and didn't get any of the notifications.  The other, the "its been dispatched" didn't arrive until the next day (despite being ordered before midday). Yet still didn't turn up until even a day after that.

Mongs.

How can the notifications be different for you to me? I can only think that you use a lot of sellers from the marketplace, most of my orders are direct from Amazon.

Try never to use Marketplace, unless I have to. Marketplace is as crap as egay.

If its a replacement item - ie, you've called Amazon, spoke to them, and they arrange a replacement that way, it seems you don't get any notifications in my experience. Nor is there any order visible on you account to cover the replacement to check and follow the track links.

[STEMO]

One was the replacement for the missing items on a previous order, and didn't get any of the notifications.  The other, the "its been dispatched" didn't arrive until the next day (despite being ordered before midday). Yet still didn't turn up until even a day after that.

Mongs.

How can the notifications be different for you to me? I can only think that you use a lot of sellers from the marketplace, most of my orders are direct from Amazon.

Try never to use Marketplace, unless I have to. Marketplace is as crap as egay.

If its a replacement item - ie, you've called Amazon, spoke to them, and they arrange a replacement that way, it seems you don't get any notifications in my experience. Nor is there any order visible on you account to cover the replacement to check and follow the track links.

Yes, but I thought we were talking just everyday prime deliveries, not replacements.

[TheBoy]

One was the replacement for the missing items on a previous order, and didn't get any of the notifications.  The other, the "its been dispatched" didn't arrive until the next day (despite being ordered before midday). Yet still didn't turn up until even a day after that.

Mongs.

How can the notifications be different for you to me? I can only think that you use a lot of sellers from the marketplace, most of my orders are direct from Amazon.

Try never to use Marketplace, unless I have to. Marketplace is as crap as egay.

If its a replacement item - ie, you've called Amazon, spoke to them, and they arrange a replacement that way, it seems you don't get any notifications in my experience. Nor is there any order visible on you account to cover the replacement to check and follow the track links.

Yes, but I thought we were talking just everyday prime deliveries, not replacements.

OK, in that case, they only oppsed up one prime delivery this week then . The other was a promised next day delivery.