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Home > General Chat > Finally found a use for the "sidewinder" ratchet that has sat in my toolbox for 8 years...

TurboDave16V
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SouthPark, Colorado

29th Aug, 2013 at 08:11:28pm

In case anyone doesn't know what it is: http://www.ebay.com/itm/140757303024

I got this as one of those "impulse buys" - thinking it'd be usefull. I have never once used it.
Until today. And I'll now be using it a lot more often!

The wifes Bini is one of the worse cars I've worked on for managing to cover the socket, extension, my hands, everything else, in oil when remving the sump plug. Other cars do it to more or lesser degrees, but her Bini is the worse ever IMO.

So, it is to make this job easier, that this tool finally has a use! In one pass, I can crack the sump plug loose, then use the t-handle (with ratchet horizontal) to spin the plug free. Socket still gets oil on it, and so does the head of the ratchet, but none all over my hands / gloves / sleeve.

I still hate changing the oil in these Binis though. I cringe every time I have to pull the expansion tank out the way to get at the filter....

I also found my turner nibbler last week in a random cardboard box. Unlike the "Sidewinder" - this was one tool I really enjoy using and have been frustrated by its absenteeism many times!

On 17th Nov, 2014 Tom Fenton said:
Sorry to say My Herpes are no better


Ready to feel Ancient ??? This is 26 years old as of 2022 https://youtu.be/YQQokcoOzeY



stevieturbo

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Northern Ireland

29th Aug, 2013 at 10:06:38pm

Always thought about buying one of those, and have had occasion where it would be handy.
You just never see them on the shelves anywhere here.

9.85 @ 145mph
202mph standing mile
speed didn't kill me, but taxation probably will


Alex

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Woolavington, Zummerzet

29th Aug, 2013 at 10:26:53pm

Yeah, I bought one of them too thinking it would be an excellent addition to the toolkit.

Like you, not used it in 9 years...

Metric is for people who can't do fractions.

BENROSS

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Mitsi Evo 7, 911, Cossie. & all the chavs ...... won no problem

29th Aug, 2013 at 10:37:02pm

you cant have enough tools dave, looks a nice bit of kit and now you have found a specific use for it ......... the bini sump plug is a shite job to say the least marigolds bring to mind for me in the past






Tom Fenton
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Fearless Tom Fenton, Avon Park 2007 & 2008 class D winner

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TM legend.

Rotherham South Yorkshire

30th Aug, 2013 at 02:28:10am

I bought the modern day equivalent thinking it would be massively useful, I have used it only a couple of times.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B002IKBU68

Same idea as the sidewinder, the plastic part of the handle can be twisted in a ratcheting fashion to drive the socket on the end.


On 29th Nov, 2016 madmk1 said:

On 28th Nov, 2016 Rob Gavin said:
 I refuse to pay for anything else


Like fuel 😂😂

Turbo This..

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Previously josh4444

Australia, brisbane

30th Aug, 2013 at 04:47:11am

looks handy to have


paul wiginton
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Milton Keynes

30th Aug, 2013 at 07:13:18am

Well Id say if you buy a Bini you deserve to get oil all over your hands, lol

I seriously doubt it!

apbellamy

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King Gaycharger, butt plug dealer, Sheldon Cooper and a BAC but generally a niceish fella if you dont mind a northerner

Rotherham, South Yorkshire

30th Aug, 2013 at 07:43:42am

Temptation is a bitch...

On 11th Feb, 2015 robert said:
i tried putting soap on it , and heating it to brown , then slathered my new lube on it

*hehe!*

TurboDave16V
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SouthPark, Colorado

30th Aug, 2013 at 11:43:46am


On 30th Aug, 2013 paul wiginton said:
Well Id say if you buy a Bini you deserve to get oil all over your hands, lol


Well therein is the problem. I didn't buy it. The wife did. But I get to change the oil as I'm not paying Bini dealer prices, and no-one else toches them as they are "european" ...

You know what though, it's not that bad of a drive, and it's been mecanically reliable. Only issues we've had is the moonroof (cluman S model) has quit working, and the drivers door handle creaks when you pull on it to close the door. Compared to many vehicles with 80K on them, I can't really complain. My own focus is getting a bit tired now, so when that dies, I might even take on the Bini as the daily driver, as aside from the focus ST, there aren't many vehicles that really take my fancy that don't scream "midlife crisis" lol.

Edited by TurboDave16V on 30th Aug, 2013.

On 17th Nov, 2014 Tom Fenton said:
Sorry to say My Herpes are no better


Ready to feel Ancient ??? This is 26 years old as of 2022 https://youtu.be/YQQokcoOzeY


Home > General Chat > Finally found a use for the "sidewinder" ratchet that has sat in my toolbox for 8 years...
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