Tools for the trade?

[Gazanimal]

I'll keep it short and simple but what tools do you lot recommend I have or get so that I can do the basic maintenance on my CBR600 Y-reg.

Only gonna do the basic stuff such as oil changes,air filters,possibly spark plugs & chain adjustment. I don't feel competent at doing anything else really.

A good torque spanner/wrench would come in handy I know,but which one?

Recommendations please! (Basic bike tool kit just is TOO basic me thinks! )

[tatters]

get your self a simple metric socket set like pro-tool (comes with differnt spark plug scokets), a metric allen key set or allen "T" bar set is a must have on jap bike for faring/casings, and a philps + flat head screw driver and say 8,10,12,14mm spanners/ringspanners and a adjustable spanner are all the basic tools you need.


then if you are doing serious pro work on a expensive bike its Snap-on tools only
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Past:NRG50,AF1125(x2),NSR125RR,ZZR250,CX500,VFR400,KR1S,ZZR600(x2),CB400N,YZF1000(x2),KH125,Z200,FX400R,CBR954RR(x2)GPZ500S,GT550,VFR750F(x2),RD350N,XR650R,CBR600F,CB250,KDX250,YZF750R,CRM250,400EXC,KLR650,TTR600RE,DR350S,R100GSPD,RGV250,VMAX1200,DL650,KZ750 Present:G650XC,C12,CRF450X,1190ADV

[Frost]

Alan keys
Socket set
Spanner set
Screwdrivers

[badlydamaged]

Loads of WD40, a really big hammer and an angle grinder .

When Im feeling in a constructive mood however, I use a decent socket set, screw drivers, spanners and more WD40
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[dibbster]

....and don't forget the gaffer tape!
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[divuk83]

Cable ties. They fix everything

Dave

[tatters]

the hammer is know in the trade as a "finishing tool"
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Past:NRG50,AF1125(x2),NSR125RR,ZZR250,CX500,VFR400,KR1S,ZZR600(x2),CB400N,YZF1000(x2),KH125,Z200,FX400R,CBR954RR(x2)GPZ500S,GT550,VFR750F(x2),RD350N,XR650R,CBR600F,CB250,KDX250,YZF750R,CRM250,400EXC,KLR650,TTR600RE,DR350S,R100GSPD,RGV250,VMAX1200,DL650,KZ750 Present:G650XC,C12,CRF450X,1190ADV

[Minky_monkey]

[Ste]

Basic set of allen keys is very useful, as is a basic set of both flat head and philips screwdrivers. A socket set will also be useful, it'd be worthwhile getting a bigger socket which will fit your rear wheel axle. Spanner set is also very useful. A torque wrench will also be quite useful, as you'll be able to check you do things up to the correct tightness which is always useful to be able to check.

Some zip ties and gaffa tape are also very useful, as is lockwire.

I'd say to get the basics as I mentioned above, and as and when you need any other tools go down to your local B&Q or Halfords or somewhere which sells what you need and just get them as and when needed. It is worth spending a bit more to get ones of good quality as they'll last longer. You don't need to spend huge amounts of money on brands like Snap On Tools, just get ones which are good quality and they'll not break on you. Remember if you bike is your only means of transport to make sure you have all the tools you're going to need to take it apart and put it back together safely and correctly before you take it apart, and even if you can get to a tool shop another way it is still a very good idea to make sure you have everything you need before you start as they might not have the tool you need in stock and tell you it's going to take a week to get one in.

Just start of with the basics and build up your tool kit as needed.

[Frost]

Well, I'm about to get shouted at for this but:

A couple of adjustable spanners.

Handy when bodging, or when you need 2 spanners the same size but only have the one.

[Ste]

Adjustable spanners are very useful, and are a good tool, but if you need a spanner size for anything of any importance it is a much better idea to use a proper spanner or a socket. There are lots of things which an adjustable spanner is good for, and fine to be used for but there are also lots of things which it is not a good idea to use them for. Not saying don't get one as they are a very useful tool, and can be used to bodge something to work (but you may depending on what it is need to replace it next time) which is very useful, but just don't over use it or use it instead of your normal spanner set.

Pah, speller checker doesn't know the word bodge.

[Frost]

meh, spellchecker doesnt work at all in my browser :/

I have one as i often have to work with non metric bolts from mine and otherpeoples bodge jobs

[Ste]

Sounds like a good plan, as you're then not as bothered about damaging the heads anyway as would always be a good plan to replace them with metric ones as then if you have a problem with your bike and get stranded at the side of the road and someone pulls over to help you (or even possibly the AA) and have tools with them, but not imperial ones so you're still stuck.

[stinkwheel]

The 'halfords professional' range are very good and reasonably priced for the quality of tool (made by Brittool so I am told, and I can believe it from the quality of the socket set my mate just bought). They do boxed 'kits' which are frankly, a bargain when compared to what you would pay for proper Brittool stuff (although they appear expensive). Buy these and you should never need to replace them.

If I had to name one thing to buy it would be a GOOD quality, 1/4" drive socket set. Not cheap shite, go for either halfords professional , draper professional (NOT normal draper, they are made of cheese) or teng. Brittool or snap-on if you are very rich (but they do come with a lifetime warranty). I use this more than anything else when working on bikes.

Add to this a decent set of spanners, some engineers turnscrews, a set of allen keys, feeler guages and a plug spanner.

Also consider a 1/2" drive socket set, an impact driver, a deadblow hammer (usefull!), a multimeter, circlip pliers and a set of drifts.
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[Ste]

yup, just to pick upon one of the above poitnant I agree,circlip plier and a hammer are also very very useful things to have. Hammer is a near must for any degree of mechanics as if in doubt hit it harder. Circlip are also very useful but aren't needed until past basic stuff, but that won't be long when you get started.

Feeler gauges as far as I know (please correct me if I'm wrong) are only needed for when doing the valves, so won't be needed until a fairly long way into home mechanics, so no point in even thinking about them now.

[Guest]

An oil filter socket saves lots of faffing about ........

https://www.bikers-cafe.co.uk/acatalog/ofw.jpg

[yohomiesmelly...]

My tool set consists of a 179pc tool box with 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 socket wrenches and an ample amount of sockets with them both deep and short. A load of screwdrivers negative, positive, long, short and the list goes on. Socket allens in long and short doubles with 3/8 and 1/2 drive converters. Hammers, hacksaws, molegrips another halfords 1/2 drive socket set mainly as a double up for removing that rear wheel. A magnetic stick always good for getting lost bolts out of awkward places and of course the fairing A small torch and a 150pc dremel mini drill for cutting down screws mainly and other little jobs which a mini drill could come in handy for. A 3/8 torque wrench generally for tightening engine bolts and various suspension bolts. A deep impact 22mm socket as i have the nasty br9es spark plug to take out a lot and although i think i should have got the 21mm version the 22mm one does its job tremendously. A large set of standard allen keys, adjustable spanners, about 10 various pliers and funnily one of the most used tools i have 3/8 to 1/4 and 1/2 to 3/8 converters for my socket wrenches as i always seem to need the socket from the other set

But from my stuff above i would definitely have a well sized 3/8 drive socket set deep and small. A good sized screw driver set about 10 or so of each type. 3/8 socket allen set (will save a lot of time and effort. A set of pliers three main ones (wide, thin pointed and wire cutters). A good sized spanner set. A pair of mole grips, the telescopic magnet that can reach far and thin places and a torch. And as long as you know that something in your kit fits everything you think you are ever going to dabble with on your own you can cut down on the sizes of stuff you are going to buy.

Hope this helps.
By the way i have all those tool and such a small tzr125r but funnily they weren't there before I bought the bike just goes to show how my problems with it

[kev]

You will find most of the jobs that you will need to do on your bike can be done using the tool kit which comes with the bike.
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[Trunecka]

Rags. Lots and lots of rags.

I normally use old t-shirts, or if in desperation, old socks. There's always something that needs cleaning on a bike (well there is on mine anyway). Use soft dishcloths for delicate stuff, otherwise just use whatever's closest.

I've noticed recently that even M&P now sell huge bags of rags to use in your workshop/ garage/ front lawn/ living room.
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[Big Pete]

As an inveterate tool junkie, I have far more kit than I need to service a bike. The Halfords gear is excellent (and affordable + guaranteed for life) Most of the service type work can be done with a 1/4" drive socket set and a few spanners. Be warned, tool buying is a slippery slope
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[jay12329]

As kev said the tool kit that comes with the bike can be, almost, all you need. He managed to remove my tank, air box and carbs with the standard honda set. Even more impresive is that he managed to get them back together again!
J

[yohomiesmelly...]