Tools for working on 18+ Softails
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 965
Likes: 297
From: NoVa
Tools for working on 18+ Softails
Since it keeps coming up, I thought it might be good to start a thread with tool recommendations that are useful for working on our '18+ Softail motorcycles.
First off is this kit of Torx (Star) bits and Allen (hex) bits and wrenches from Sears. A Craftsman screaming bargain for only $25!
https://www.sears.com/dewalt-4-1-8-i...1&blockType=G1
.
Harley seemed to use a lot of fasteners that require long bits. This $17 kit is unbranded, but I haven't broken one yet
.
For the hex wrenches, this Neiko kit is working well for $15
.
Ball end wrenches are worth their weight in gold. Just be sure to use the flat end to break screws free or torquing down. My Bondhus wrenches must be 30+ years old and still going strong
It's good to buy the metric set, not that much of anything is metric on Harleys but occasionally a metric wrench fits better. I also have the Neiko kit - very good , has more sizes, and is a little cheaper, but the Bondhus are USA made and are very good quality.
Ok, that was just to get the ball rolling. What are some of your favorite tools for your Softy?
First off is this kit of Torx (Star) bits and Allen (hex) bits and wrenches from Sears. A Craftsman screaming bargain for only $25!
https://www.sears.com/dewalt-4-1-8-i...1&blockType=G1
.
Harley seemed to use a lot of fasteners that require long bits. This $17 kit is unbranded, but I haven't broken one yet
.
For the hex wrenches, this Neiko kit is working well for $15
.
Ball end wrenches are worth their weight in gold. Just be sure to use the flat end to break screws free or torquing down. My Bondhus wrenches must be 30+ years old and still going strong
It's good to buy the metric set, not that much of anything is metric on Harleys but occasionally a metric wrench fits better. I also have the Neiko kit - very good , has more sizes, and is a little cheaper, but the Bondhus are USA made and are very good quality.
Ok, that was just to get the ball rolling. What are some of your favorite tools for your Softy?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 5,815
Likes: 2,555
From: UK
A good set of SnapOn Torx bits, Imperial sockets and Imperial hex bits.
Wera Joker Imperial ratchet wrenches.
Good quality Metric 10mm wrenches and sockets. There are a few other Metric sizes as well, but I don't recall them. 10mm is mainly for brakes.
Can't remember the dimensions - but certainly working on Dynas you needed some dog bone adaptors to be able to get the rocker covers off. It's probably still the same. SnapOn makes them as do the German Stahl Wille. Good investment.
High quality torque wrenches
Long, ball end hex wrenches.
Bottom line is, buy the correct, good quality tools once and they will pay you back many times over. I can't remember how many times I have either broken low quality tools or destroyed fasteners by using them. It's always a ball ache and not worth it.
Wera Joker Imperial ratchet wrenches.
Good quality Metric 10mm wrenches and sockets. There are a few other Metric sizes as well, but I don't recall them. 10mm is mainly for brakes.
Can't remember the dimensions - but certainly working on Dynas you needed some dog bone adaptors to be able to get the rocker covers off. It's probably still the same. SnapOn makes them as do the German Stahl Wille. Good investment.
High quality torque wrenches
Long, ball end hex wrenches.
Bottom line is, buy the correct, good quality tools once and they will pay you back many times over. I can't remember how many times I have either broken low quality tools or destroyed fasteners by using them. It's always a ball ache and not worth it.
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Chance Harbour N.B.
I bought the filter drain funnel H-D part # 62700199 . Haven't used it yet but hopefully it will save the mess of oil on bike and floor while trying to catch the flow when removing the filter . . specific for Milwaukee 8 according to the parts catalog , I actually don't see why it wouldn't work on older twin cams as well
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 965
Likes: 297
From: NoVa
I bought the filter drain funnel H-D part # 62700199 . Haven't used it yet but hopefully it will save the mess of oil on bike and floor while trying to catch the flow when removing the filter . . specific for Milwaukee 8 according to the parts catalog , I actually don't see why it wouldn't work on older twin cams as well
Club Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 10,734
Likes: 3,755
From: SWFL
I dip into the recycling bin for a 1L soda bottle. Cut the end off and half the cylinder of the bottle, leave the cap on, slip it under the filter, punch a hole at the top then the bottom of the end of the filter and let the majority of the oil drain into the bottle, then remove it. Stick some folded paper towels under the filter near the base and off it comes with barely a drop or two on the paper towels. Never a drop on the bike. And nothing else to store along with all the other things I shouldnt be storing lol.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,307
Likes: 195
From: Ohio
Didn't know there was a Harley version of this. Was planning on buying the Ernst Mfg. funnel. Good video here. Should work fine with the HD version.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17S6Yo_l6uw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17S6Yo_l6uw
Club Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 10,734
Likes: 3,755
From: SWFL
My disposable 1L bottle method works on every bike I’ve owned... I can’t see why that wouldn’t .
Last edited by Mchad; May 20, 2019 at 08:44 PM.