I'm very new to working on any British bike. So my tools are totally metric. Iv found some cross overs and iv ground out a couple of old open ended spanners. Any idea as what sizes I should get and what types is whitworth, cycle thread etc
I'm totally unprepared apart from a couple of adjustables but will get what I can if You guys can point me me in the right direction thank you
Correct spanners
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Rick Hughes
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Re: Correct spanners
Rick,
BSW, BSF and CEI threaded fasteners all use the same spanners - they all have the same hex sizes. Have a look here:
https://draganfly.co.uk/product-categor ... ies/tools/
There are sets of spanners, sockets and tube spanners available from Draganfly and many others - most of mine come from eBay. You might find a set of BA spanners useful if you work on electrical equipment. I wrote this guide years ago for a book the Bantam Club decided they didn't want...
https://ariel-square-four.blogspot.com/ ... reads.html
BSW, BSF and CEI threaded fasteners all use the same spanners - they all have the same hex sizes. Have a look here:
https://draganfly.co.uk/product-categor ... ies/tools/
There are sets of spanners, sockets and tube spanners available from Draganfly and many others - most of mine come from eBay. You might find a set of BA spanners useful if you work on electrical equipment. I wrote this guide years ago for a book the Bantam Club decided they didn't want...
https://ariel-square-four.blogspot.com/ ... reads.html
Last edited by simon.holyfield on Mon Aug 17, 2026 9:35 pm, edited 1 time in total.
cheers
Simes
Machine Registrar (registrar@arielownersmcc.com)
'51 Square Four,
'58 Huntmaster,
'42 W/NG,
'30 Model A
https://ariel-square-four.blogspot.com
Simes
Machine Registrar (registrar@arielownersmcc.com)
'51 Square Four,
'58 Huntmaster,
'42 W/NG,
'30 Model A
https://ariel-square-four.blogspot.com
-
Rick Hughes
- Posts: 18
- Joined: Wed Jun 10, 2026 4:23 pm
- Contact:
Re: Correct spanners
Thanks Simon it's for wanderings about car boot sales really rather buying custom sets
Thank you I will have a good look
Thank you I will have a good look
Re: Correct spanners
Hi
All you need to remember when walking around boot sales is you are looking for spanners marked, 'BSW', BSF' and 'BA'. BA sizes are quite small and you don't need the sizes below about 4BA, (note the number increases as they get smaller so you don't need 5 BA and up), BSW and BSF are normally both marked on appropriate spanners as they are compatible. Buy what you fancy and make a list so as you can fill in any missed sizes as you find more.
They are not that expensive new, for example:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sealey-AK2676- ... r=8-6&th=1
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Siegen-S0870-8 ... 69&sr=8-44
I can vouch for the quality of both of the above sets
Regards Mick
All you need to remember when walking around boot sales is you are looking for spanners marked, 'BSW', BSF' and 'BA'. BA sizes are quite small and you don't need the sizes below about 4BA, (note the number increases as they get smaller so you don't need 5 BA and up), BSW and BSF are normally both marked on appropriate spanners as they are compatible. Buy what you fancy and make a list so as you can fill in any missed sizes as you find more.
They are not that expensive new, for example:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sealey-AK2676- ... r=8-6&th=1
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Siegen-S0870-8 ... 69&sr=8-44
I can vouch for the quality of both of the above sets
Regards Mick
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