so then what basic tools do i need
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,855
Likes: 3
From: North Carolina
Here are a couple of links. Do some searching around on here there have been recent tool type discussions.
36 piece
50 piece
The torx and hex sets are good start. You'll need some basic wrenches and 3/8" socket set will get you started.
I try to stick with Craftsman tools but there are other brands with warranties etc. Not sure how much work or what you intend to do, but check out Harbor Frieght for a motorcycle lift/jack. You can pick them up with a coupon for under $70. I purchased a low profile one from Sears that cost a little more. And of course there are many other brands that vary in price.
36 piece
50 piece
The torx and hex sets are good start. You'll need some basic wrenches and 3/8" socket set will get you started.
I try to stick with Craftsman tools but there are other brands with warranties etc. Not sure how much work or what you intend to do, but check out Harbor Frieght for a motorcycle lift/jack. You can pick them up with a coupon for under $70. I purchased a low profile one from Sears that cost a little more. And of course there are many other brands that vary in price.
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 712
Likes: 55
From: Punta Gorda, Florida
Craftsman inch (not metric) socket set, lifetime warranty which they have with all their hand tools. Inch size combination wrenches, 2 sizes of adjustable wrench.Multiple sizes of regular tip and phillips screwdrivers, make sure you use the right size screwdriver or you can bugger the slots of the screw. Torx drivers. Foot-lb and inch-lb torque wrenches. Allen hex wrenches. Blue and red locktite. Good luck.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 24,710
Likes: 9,212
From: Snow Hill, NC
If you need single size of Torx bits you can buy decent ones at Advance auto...they are lifetime and not too too expensive...You missed a good deal at sears around X-Mas ...it was a 75 piece for something like $55...I bought my Torque wrenches at Advance and Harbor freight. cheap but works. Cheap feeler gauges, , ratchet exptensions, 36MM socket.
Mine is pieced together from years of collecting...I started 20 years ago with a 100 piece set from sears at X-Mas...i like nice expensive tools but buy bargains... Saturday night auctions and yard sales are a good place to get a deal...
Oh... blue and red loctite...
Mine is pieced together from years of collecting...I started 20 years ago with a 100 piece set from sears at X-Mas...i like nice expensive tools but buy bargains... Saturday night auctions and yard sales are a good place to get a deal...
Oh... blue and red loctite...
Road Captain
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 507
Likes: 4
From: Wentzville, Missouri
I've not done any major surgery; pretty much just accessories installation and pipes A/C etc... A full set of Torx (up through T55) and allen wrenches is a must. A standard set of open end wrenches (plus an adjustable) and a set of sockets with a 3/8" drive is also a must. You'll need the various length extensions and a swivel attachment as well. Various size standard and phillips screw drivers, pliers or channel locks. If you're going to do any wiring work you'll need some diagonal cutters, wire stripper, soldering iron, solder, 14-16, 18-20 GA butt splices and heat shrink tubing. The rest I buy as I go. The H-D accessory instructions state which tools are required and you can download the instructions prior to purchasing anything, so you have an idea what you need. You'll still make a couple of trips to the hardware store in the middle of a mod, to buy those things that make the job easier. The above tools will get you through most maintenance as well.
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Road Captain
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 507
Likes: 4
From: Wentzville, Missouri
Yeah...lots of it. I have not had a project yet that called for red but I've used lots of blue.
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