Tool Kit
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 13,456
Likes: 10,452
From: Sunshine State
Interesting some say the tool brand doesn't matter. Budget always matters to most of us but sometime it's best to grab a decent brand. I have craftsman, MAC, and Snap On, in my tool box. Craftsman wrenches, ratchets, sockets, were for the kids growing up. There is a difference in tools, anyone been turning wrenches for any amount of time knows that Snap On tool fits that bolt or torx screw precisely where the craftsman's specs fall short.
The manual, as pointed out above, should be one of first purchases. My suggestion is decide what maintenance you are comfortable with and buy tools for that project and add tools as you go. Forget about HD's tool kits, waste of money.
The manual, as pointed out above, should be one of first purchases. My suggestion is decide what maintenance you are comfortable with and buy tools for that project and add tools as you go. Forget about HD's tool kits, waste of money.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,961
Likes: 245
From: Triune, TN
Interesting some say the tool brand doesn't matter. Budget always matters to most of us but sometime it's best to grab a decent brand. I have craftsman, MAC, and Snap On, in my tool box. Craftsman wrenches, ratchets, sockets, were for the kids growing up. There is a difference in tools, anyone been turning wrenches for any amount of time knows that Snap On tool fits that bolt or torx screw precisely where the craftsman's specs fall short.
The manual, as pointed out above, should be one of first purchases. My suggestion is decide what maintenance you are comfortable with and buy tools for that project and add tools as you go. Forget about HD's tool kits, waste of money.
The manual, as pointed out above, should be one of first purchases. My suggestion is decide what maintenance you are comfortable with and buy tools for that project and add tools as you go. Forget about HD's tool kits, waste of money.
Snap on isn't what it used to be, lots of their new stuff is simply rebranded Williams and Bahco tools.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 6,067
Likes: 1,121
From:
The first tool is the FACTORY service manual as explained before.
It will allow you to visualize the job to be performed.
Then use something like a parts finder so you can enter year , then model and then area you are working on.
That will allow you a view of how things are assembled and you can better study on how to perform the job.
Then review tools required.
Most people that are DIY already have some basic tools.
There are numerous tools that can be used to do a job.
You can use an inexpensive china $30 USA dollar set or a $30,000 Snap-on set but it really depends on the job you will tackle.
The ONE tool that just about every tool kit does not have is the T27 torx.
That star shaped bit is required for several access points and one of the reasons people strip heads on bolts.
Her is a parts link that helps you to better see the parts on your bike.
http://partsfinder.onlinemicrofiche.....asp?make=hdmc
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 932
Likes: 14
From: CENTRAL IL
One of the best tools I ever bought is the Harley made by / Snap-On 8-in-1 Screwdriver-94669-00 . Around 20 bucks but has the most common torx bits and screwdriver bits to tighten adjust your bike. Haven't found any others multibit screwdriver that include the torx bits. Always keep one on my bike.
as far as the rest of the tools you will need, as Christmas get closer you will see Craftsman running sales on tool sets , you can often buy a set for around 75 to 100 bucks that will have pretty much everything you will need for service, and minor repairs and usually come in a handy case to keep them all together, but probably a bit large to keep on the bike. As other said no matter how big of a set you buy you still going to find a few tools you need not included, like torx bits , (make sure any set include a t27). Other will argue but for light duty/occasional use there are some surprisingly good tools at harbor freight too.
as far as the rest of the tools you will need, as Christmas get closer you will see Craftsman running sales on tool sets , you can often buy a set for around 75 to 100 bucks that will have pretty much everything you will need for service, and minor repairs and usually come in a handy case to keep them all together, but probably a bit large to keep on the bike. As other said no matter how big of a set you buy you still going to find a few tools you need not included, like torx bits , (make sure any set include a t27). Other will argue but for light duty/occasional use there are some surprisingly good tools at harbor freight too.
Last edited by SIDECAR BOB; Sep 18, 2016 at 09:36 AM.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 151
Likes: 3
From: Kentucky
Will I need SAE and metric tools? I have the service manual, I have worked on cars and bikes all my life but the last time I worked on a Harley it was my 1981 Low Rider so it's been a while. 
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 13,456
Likes: 10,452
From: Sunshine State
Not saying that brand doesn't matter, you get what you pay for. The average guy will use his tools a few times a year, no need to go overboard on price when a number of brands will last a lifetime and do the job. My box has Snap on ratchets and sockets bought in the 80's, SK sockets bought in the 80's, IMO Mac made the best 1/4" air ratchet in the 80's so that's what I bought...used the crap out of it tearing down wrecks, no issues. My wrenches are Snap On and Proto Professional, bought in 80's. Various other Mac, Proto, SK and even some Cornwell when money was tight. I have a Blue Point impact that will break your arm.
Snap on isn't what it used to be, lots of their new stuff is simply rebranded Williams and Bahco tools.
Snap on isn't what it used to be, lots of their new stuff is simply rebranded Williams and Bahco tools.
You sound a lot like me, come over to the house to borrow a wrench, good chance you're getting one of the craftmans unless I know you well...lmbo
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 13,456
Likes: 10,452
From: Sunshine State
You'll need both depending on where you go with the maintenance. Like I said, take your time and buy accordingly.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,961
Likes: 245
From: Triune, TN
Not to hijack the thread but I have to mention this for those who may read... I work for an American tooling manufacturer, who I will not mentuon, as a tool maker so I take tools way too seriously. I actually make the tooling that is used to make tools. Not all of the Snap On line is rebranded, much of it is. This is not to say the tools are low quality. The company I work for and many others (including Snap On) have altered the way their tools are manufactured in order to maintain profit margins. The strength is still there but the fit and finish are not as good. The process used to include a lot of finish and hone operations that ensured tight tolerances for fit. The forging process is better now and tolerences have been widened to allow companies to omit the finish operations. The tools are still high quality and will last, the fit and finish just are not as good. Sorry to ramble...
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 13,456
Likes: 10,452
From: Sunshine State
Not to hijack the thread but I have to mention this for those who may read... I work for an American tooling manufacturer, who I will not mentuon, as a tool maker so I take tools way too seriously. I actually make the tooling that is used to make tools. Not all of the Snap On line is rebranded, much of it is. This is not to say the tools are low quality. The company I work for and many others (including Snap On) have altered the way their tools are manufactured in order to maintain profit margins. The strength is still there but the fit and finish are not as good. The process used to include a lot of finish and hone operations that ensured tight tolerances for fit. The forging process is better now and tolerences have been widened to allow companies to omit the finish operations. The tools are still high quality and will last, the fit and finish just are not as good. Sorry to ramble...
Thank you, I found your post interesting.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,961
Likes: 245
From: Triune, TN
If you will post the specific tasks that you wish to perform I am sure the guys here could tell you exactly what you need.