This is probably a really silly question, considering some of the more technical, involved questions here but ... I need to change a brake light on my 2005 X-Type. I can see there are three bolts that need to be removed in order to pull out the light housing, but I can't figure out what size socket to use to remove the bolts. I tried 3/8 ... to small. I tried 7/16 ... too big - so what should I use that will be just right?
Thanks!

 

Something metric.

Almost all fasteners on Jaguars are metric. You will also find a set of TORX bits helpful as you get further into ownership.

I highly recommend deep six point sockets for small size work in 1/4 drive, and for larger sizes, 3/8 inch drive. All in deep six point.

The "classic" Craftsman brand are nice.

You get to go tool shopping!

 

Martie, like Plums said, it is metric. Sounding like it is a 10mm bolt.

Like he also said, getting a good set of 6 point sockets is the way to go. The other series that I would go with are the kind of sockets that grip on to the side of the hex, not the points (like the 12 points tend to do). By going with either the 6 point or the side grab sockets, you will be garanteed to not round any portions of your bolts off and have longevity with the vehicle.

 

BTW, the best deals in the Sears Craftsman are the "starter sets". You *cannot* beat the pricing ... especially if they are on sale.

Get the biggest one you can because if you start with a smaller one, you are always confronted with the problem of needing one more size, but not being able to justify a bigger set because you already have one.

Take care of them, use them properly, always get back what you lend, and they will last you a lifetime.

 

Thanks for the quick answers - will definitely go with the Craftsman ... my father would haunt me if I ever considered buying anything else! (He was a little ahead of his time and insisted his daughters know their way around the Sears hardware/tool department)

 

Thank you again for the help. Strangely, my nearest Sears did not have a set of the smaller sizes metric deep sockets. So, at least for the time being, I picked up an inexpensive set at the hardware store. Worked like a charm! Broke a couple of nails in the process, but got the brake light changed. Such a simple thing that most people in this forum could do in ten minutes, but I'm feeling pretty accomplished right now!

 

Martie, the 10mm socket wrench/standard wrench is going to be one of those things that you are going to want as many different variants of it as possible. 10mm is common with a lot of fasteners. So, having a "spare" set is not going to be bad at all. I hate to think how many variations I have in my toolbox.