So why doesn't he remove the camshaft to fit the smaller shims?

Sounds like whoever is doing this job is trying to make it more complicated than necessary.

He is replacing the camshaft. Camshaft had a worn lobe, he is replacing it and also the oil feed pipe.

then he dont need the tool when cam is off shims just come out with fingers or screwdriver/pointy thing

I get the impression that your "mechanic" is trying to get you to buy the tools for him unnecessarily.

As already said. If he's fitting a new camshaft, he doesn't need the tools.
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Hmm, not sure what to say to that. Will speak to him.
Thanks.

have you google the garage you are using to check their rep?

When measuring the shims does the camshaft need to be properly fitted? Might it be the case that it would be a time consuming pain to change the shims, refit the camshaft and then have to take it off to put the next and hopefully right size ones in? Only to have to do it again if they are wrong?
I'll see what he says tomorrow.

its quicker to pop cam off and on again rather than pressing each bucket down and getting shims out, thats why everyone is saying to do it that way

dave said:

have you google the garage you are using to check their rep?

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I'd take any recommendations for a garage in Hampshire / Surrey, the car's near Woking at the moment and I'm near Alton, hants.

Mr Selvis said:

I'd take any recommendations for a garage in Hampshire / Surrey, the car's near Woking at the moment and I'm near Alton, hants.

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the forums own list of good and bad is here https://www.fiatforum.com/garages/