Tool sets, starting from scratch
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 3,410
Likes: 143
From: Palm Desert,CA
In Canada we have Canadian Tire Stores, not sure of a US version. I never pay full price for their tools unless I absolutely need it. Their MasterCraft Maximuim pro wrench sets can go on sale for as high as 50-75% off. The sales rotate on a regular bases and if you can wait the set you want will come on sale within a few months.
I picked up the motorcycle jack there at 40% off for $70 a couple of years ago.
I picked up the motorcycle jack there at 40% off for $70 a couple of years ago.
this is a pretty good starter set of tools at a good price...
http://www.craftsman.com/250-pc-mech...1&blockType=G1
I've had my Craftsman tools for 42 yrs and now (a Retired Machine Repairman) I have 2 complete sets up to 1 1/2 in wrenches and up to 3/4 in sockets..
It takes yrs to put a complete set together or If you on an Apprenticeship as I was you can spend your tool allowance on them.. in all I have over $3K in everything in 3 boxes and 1 roll around...
http://www.craftsman.com/250-pc-mech...1&blockType=G1
I've had my Craftsman tools for 42 yrs and now (a Retired Machine Repairman) I have 2 complete sets up to 1 1/2 in wrenches and up to 3/4 in sockets..
It takes yrs to put a complete set together or If you on an Apprenticeship as I was you can spend your tool allowance on them.. in all I have over $3K in everything in 3 boxes and 1 roll around...
Thanks, picked up the manual yesterday. I don't know that I'll get into electrical but the service manual seems to have most of the wiring diagrams included?
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 3,410
Likes: 143
From: Palm Desert,CA
your Craftsman tools are about the same age as mine, and there is NO comparison between the old stuff and the new stuff, the new stuff is CRAP, the old stuff were good consumer grade tools that did not break unless you really abused them. 3 grand... hell that wouldn't fill my wrench drawers at this point. I think I have 6 drawers of wrenches between SAE and Metric
as for the 3000 piece sets, toss out the 15 cent tools that make up half the set.. allen wrenches are filler material, then figure out what you are really getting.
90% of your HD is SAE fractional hardware. so you are not going to need that 100 piece metric allen wrench set, you will need some of the fractional stuff though.
I will tell you a funny story, I was working on my 03 a couple of months ago, shortly before I added the 13 to the fleet... and I posted to my FB page that there is a certain pride in accomplishment in being to work on your own Harley, not because it is advanced piece of machinery (it isn't) but because if you can start a job and finish it, chances are you have the best set of tools in the neighborhood. IIRC I was swapping the 03 exhaust out for a newer set with O2 bungs for my attempt at installing a Thundermax (long story) and I was digging into drawers in the toolbox that had not been opened in years, getting out tools I had not used since the 1980's.
as for the 3000 piece sets, toss out the 15 cent tools that make up half the set.. allen wrenches are filler material, then figure out what you are really getting.
90% of your HD is SAE fractional hardware. so you are not going to need that 100 piece metric allen wrench set, you will need some of the fractional stuff though.
I will tell you a funny story, I was working on my 03 a couple of months ago, shortly before I added the 13 to the fleet... and I posted to my FB page that there is a certain pride in accomplishment in being to work on your own Harley, not because it is advanced piece of machinery (it isn't) but because if you can start a job and finish it, chances are you have the best set of tools in the neighborhood. IIRC I was swapping the 03 exhaust out for a newer set with O2 bungs for my attempt at installing a Thundermax (long story) and I was digging into drawers in the toolbox that had not been opened in years, getting out tools I had not used since the 1980's.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,666
Likes: 133
From: TEXAS
i worked for sears automotive around '99-'00 and we got a great discount on craftmans tools and i still have them all and they have held up well
for the last 10 years or so when i need something i usaully go to home depot, they have different grades of tools and the good stuff is "to me" pretty nice
if i had to start all over i would start with a simple combo from home depot or sears. just something with the basic sockets and wrenches standard pliers and a few srcew drivers, then id get some 3/8 drive allens and torx, add some standard deep sockets
from there, you can just pick up things as needed
for the last 10 years or so when i need something i usaully go to home depot, they have different grades of tools and the good stuff is "to me" pretty nice
if i had to start all over i would start with a simple combo from home depot or sears. just something with the basic sockets and wrenches standard pliers and a few srcew drivers, then id get some 3/8 drive allens and torx, add some standard deep sockets
from there, you can just pick up things as needed
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 23,399
Likes: 8,509
From: Spartan Country, Michigan
Parts manual is an also need in my book...great exploded views. And start small and work your way up. Wrench set from 1/4 to 3/4 good start. 10,11,12,13mm good start on metric. Not many, but there are metric on our bikes. Same on hex bits and torque bits. You can get sets in both. Look for sales. I love looking for and buying tools! Fortunately I was a mechanic years ago, and hag a lot of snapon, Mac, proto, sk....bought 30 plus years ago and over time. Get what you need as you need it.
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 3,410
Likes: 143
From: Palm Desert,CA
Thanks again,
A little confused on the parts manual which I assume is different from the parts catalog which I have from shopping. The service manual does seem to have exploded views of everything though albeit not aftermarket HD stuff.
They didn't offer me any other manuals at the dealer yesterday not that I asked. This book is pretty huge though and seems to cover most everything. Is it possible that some of these have been consolidated into one book (doubtful I know anything to make an extra buck!)
A little confused on the parts manual which I assume is different from the parts catalog which I have from shopping. The service manual does seem to have exploded views of everything though albeit not aftermarket HD stuff.
They didn't offer me any other manuals at the dealer yesterday not that I asked. This book is pretty huge though and seems to cover most everything. Is it possible that some of these have been consolidated into one book (doubtful I know anything to make an extra buck!)
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 23,399
Likes: 8,509
From: Spartan Country, Michigan
There is a service manual, parts manual, and electric manual. Service manual is an important tool
To have. I believe the parts manual provide a bit more...part numbers, exploded views of all the systems, and a number of fastener sizes. Ask if you could see one at stealership...
To have. I believe the parts manual provide a bit more...part numbers, exploded views of all the systems, and a number of fastener sizes. Ask if you could see one at stealership...
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