. it only takes one hand to turn the wrench!
Specialty Tools
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Novice
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Newfoundland, Canada
Specialty Tools
Hey again guys.
To the guys who turn wrenches:
I'm just wondering if there are any special tools I should pick up for working on my future Harley. Looking at a dyna series, probably a Low Rider.
I am an aircraft mechanic/ and Avionics(aircraft electrical) engineer, so I have a significant collection of tools already, just looking for anything special or unusually I may want/need.
Thanks.
To the guys who turn wrenches:
I'm just wondering if there are any special tools I should pick up for working on my future Harley. Looking at a dyna series, probably a Low Rider.
I am an aircraft mechanic/ and Avionics(aircraft electrical) engineer, so I have a significant collection of tools already, just looking for anything special or unusually I may want/need.
Thanks.
Road Master
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,070
Likes: 9
From: Auburn Ohio
When you get your bike, buy a manual, there will be a list of specialty tools needed. At the minimum, a belt tensioner gauge, and it used to be a block, but now it is a metal fixture on new bikes to hold your drive in place in the primaries.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 27,097
Likes: 4,676
From: Frozelandia, Minnysota
A jack of course, I've got a couple standard styles and a hi-lift so I can sit on a stool and have the clutch at chest level, something my 67 year old back appreciates. A lot of "special" tools I get by without because I already have something that works; I was an aircraft mechanic, too, and picked up a lot of stuff that probably isn't in the average bike or car mechanic's toolbox. One thing I didn't get as an aircraft mechanic that you'll want is a good set of torx sockets, including #25, that some sets skip. Or is it 27... best to make sure both are in a set if you have to get one. And torque wrenches, including a 1/4" drive for the little stuff, like case screws, lotta guys on this forum have complained about stripping case screws, something even the average little girl can do. Blue loctite and never-seize, I usually use one or the other. When it's something you haven't done on a Harley, you can get some good tips from youtube videos, must be one for about anything you'd do on a Harley.
If you've worked on airplanes, you probably won't have much trouble with a Harley, and the manual is definitely worth getting (you can get digital versions on line, even on Amazon for some), but it's pretty vague about locations sometimes; taking pictures of something before and during disassembly is a good idea; might look like a no brainer before you take it off, and then suddenly it's complicated when it's time to go back together.
Be careful if you let a 4 year old work on the bike, sometimes they forget something...
If you've worked on airplanes, you probably won't have much trouble with a Harley, and the manual is definitely worth getting (you can get digital versions on line, even on Amazon for some), but it's pretty vague about locations sometimes; taking pictures of something before and during disassembly is a good idea; might look like a no brainer before you take it off, and then suddenly it's complicated when it's time to go back together.
Be careful if you let a 4 year old work on the bike, sometimes they forget something...
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 6,322
Likes: 2,500
From: Tennessee
I have a fairly large rollaway dedicated to nothing but Harley specific specialty tools.
I've always been a firm believer in using the "right tool" for the job.
I just put all new seals in my transmission and primary yesterday, the whole job took less than half a day.
You can do the work with makeshift tools and get away with it most of the time, but using the right tools makes the job go much more smoothly and reduces the time wasted trying to figure out how to get it done without them.
Lots'a places to buy the tools, I've had very good luck with a couple of vendors on ebay.
I've always been a firm believer in using the "right tool" for the job.
I just put all new seals in my transmission and primary yesterday, the whole job took less than half a day.
You can do the work with makeshift tools and get away with it most of the time, but using the right tools makes the job go much more smoothly and reduces the time wasted trying to figure out how to get it done without them.
Lots'a places to buy the tools, I've had very good luck with a couple of vendors on ebay.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,898
Likes: 67
From: Saint Amant, Acadiana
Never had any luck with factory recommended tensions for primary and drive belt. My primary chain has less slack than HD recommends and my belt drive has more. Any tensioner gauges would be useless for me.
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Novice
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 21
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From: Newfoundland, Canada
Thanks guys.
@Crex39 & Von_Zipper: I`ll pick up a manual for sure, and take it from there.
@Greezey Rider: I agree with you about using the correct tool for the job. Depending on what it is, sometimes I prefer to make it myself though
That usually gives me an excuse to buy a new "shop tool" that I don't currently own as well!
@Imould: I`ll pick up the torx sockets (currently I have 6 pt. and 12 pt. in 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 drive. I've never needed torx sockets before! Also, I appreciate the back saving tip, and I`ll be sure to pick up a hi-lift!
@Crex39 & Von_Zipper: I`ll pick up a manual for sure, and take it from there.
@Greezey Rider: I agree with you about using the correct tool for the job. Depending on what it is, sometimes I prefer to make it myself though
That usually gives me an excuse to buy a new "shop tool" that I don't currently own as well!@Imould: I`ll pick up the torx sockets (currently I have 6 pt. and 12 pt. in 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 drive. I've never needed torx sockets before! Also, I appreciate the back saving tip, and I`ll be sure to pick up a hi-lift!
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,898
Likes: 67
From: Saint Amant, Acadiana
In actuality there are three books well worth the money. Service Manual, Parts Catalog and Electrical Diagnostic Manual. I have all three for my bike, never regretted the $$.
Edit: I believe the only specialty tool I have is clutch spring compressor.
Edit: I believe the only specialty tool I have is clutch spring compressor.
Last edited by Von_Zipper; Jun 14, 2014 at 10:18 AM.
Thread Starter
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Novice
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 21
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From: Newfoundland, Canada
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