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Specialty Tool advice

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Old Dec 5, 2014 | 01:27 AM
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Default Specialty Tool advice
As some of you know, I'm currently deployed and buying my first Harley when I return. I'm no master mechanic but I am mechanically inclined and plan on doing most of my own maintainence and upgrades within my abilities.

That being said, what tools do you guys recommend. I'm not talking the basics like a socket set and a set of wrenches or hex keys. I want to know the uncommon tools that have made things a little easier for you. Even those weird tools that are home made that take the place of the more expensive tools. Pictures would be appreciated if not easily described. Thanks
 
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Old Dec 5, 2014 | 01:13 PM
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Not specialty but get a good jack. The others I have found to be a big help are a quality true RMS multimeter and a set of ratcheting box wrenches. They make getting into the many tight spaces much easier. As for specialty and home made tools go, those tend to be as needed items. Oh, and the shop manual! The BEST $60 you will ever spend for the bike. Thanks for your service! Get home safe and enjoy the ride!
 
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Old Dec 5, 2014 | 01:39 PM
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I find that a good set of T-handle ball hex wrenches come in handy.
 
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Old Dec 5, 2014 | 02:53 PM
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1/4"drive inch/pound Torque Wrench
Thank you for your service
 
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Old Dec 6, 2014 | 05:22 AM
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Originally Posted by Little Mike
Not specialty but get a good jack. The others I have found to be a big help are a quality true RMS multimeter and a set of ratcheting box wrenches. They make getting into the many tight spaces much easier. As for specialty and home made tools go, those tend to be as needed items. Oh, and the shop manual! The BEST $60 you will ever spend for the bike. Thanks for your service! Get home safe and enjoy the ride!
Would one of the cheap ones at harbor freight or sears be good enough or should I look to spend a little more?
 
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Old Dec 6, 2014 | 05:26 AM
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Originally Posted by prostar
1/4"drive inch/pound Torque Wrench
Thank you for your service
No problem.

Is there a specific reason for 1/4" drive as opposed to 3/8" drive?
 
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Old Dec 6, 2014 | 05:28 AM
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Originally Posted by Misbehaven
I find that a good set of T-handle ball hex wrenches come in handy.
Good call. Already had those on mind. Thanks
 
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Old Dec 6, 2014 | 05:53 AM
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Originally Posted by Little Mike
Not specialty but get a good jack. The others I have found to be a big help are a quality true RMS multimeter and a set of ratcheting box wrenches. They make getting into the many tight spaces much easier. As for specialty and home made tools go, those tend to be as needed items. Oh, and the shop manual! The BEST $60 you will ever spend for the bike. Thanks for your service! Get home safe and enjoy the ride!
http://www.discountramps.com/discoun...cks/p/BW-0101/

Thoughts?
 
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Old Dec 6, 2014 | 09:36 AM
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Originally Posted by 2ndAmend
I don't have any personal experience with that particular jack but unless you're planning on opening a shop and lifting 5-10 bikes a day it will probably work just fine. I picked mine up, some no name 1,500 lb lift at Sam's Club, and it has served me just fine for years.
 
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Old Dec 6, 2014 | 01:39 PM
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Buy special tools as the need arises.

Consider a good table lift if you have some space, you will never regret it, and you will wonder why you waited so long to buy one.
 
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