What tool can't you live without?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 5,286
Likes: 3,431
From: Idaho Panhandle
Aside from the knife, selecting one tool to rule them all is very difficult as there are so many different tasks. One day, it might be my lift, another a set of rackets or wrenches. Still, the air compressor runs tools of all kinds including the paint sprayer. Specific tools make me happy, even though I might not use them very often. I have 4 torque wrenches, I’m real happy when I use one. Impact driver, yup, there are times it “makes my day!”
Having a favorite tool is even harder than having a favorite gun. PP, hunting, competition, how could anyone chose one firearm unless they just did one thing. A concealed carry if you live dangerously, a hunting rifle if you eat anything from rabbits to moose, a shotgun for clays, ducks or upland.
So, to answer your question, you need to be more specific! such as, you are changing your cams, painting your tins, fixing your forks, chasing an electrical gremlin, or just adding new handbars. How about a code reader for these new bikes, can’t do anything without a code breaker. So, I think the question is unanswerable. Of course, I’m an analog guy living in a digital world, and as such I’m not afraid to be wrong and try again.
Having a favorite tool is even harder than having a favorite gun. PP, hunting, competition, how could anyone chose one firearm unless they just did one thing. A concealed carry if you live dangerously, a hunting rifle if you eat anything from rabbits to moose, a shotgun for clays, ducks or upland.
So, to answer your question, you need to be more specific! such as, you are changing your cams, painting your tins, fixing your forks, chasing an electrical gremlin, or just adding new handbars. How about a code reader for these new bikes, can’t do anything without a code breaker. So, I think the question is unanswerable. Of course, I’m an analog guy living in a digital world, and as such I’m not afraid to be wrong and try again.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,347
Likes: 2,061
From: Phoenix
I'd say my Leatherman. It's always on my belt so it gets the most use.
Even in the garage full of tools it's used a lot. Saves many trips back and forth to the tool box.
Knife, needle nose pliers, dykes, phillips/strait screwdrivers, file, and bottle/can opener all in one.
The build quality of a Leatherman is well worth the extra cost of the cheaper knock offs.
Even in the garage full of tools it's used a lot. Saves many trips back and forth to the tool box.
Knife, needle nose pliers, dykes, phillips/strait screwdrivers, file, and bottle/can opener all in one.
The build quality of a Leatherman is well worth the extra cost of the cheaper knock offs.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,801
Likes: 2,329
From: WI
Really 2 extra posts? Get a new gimmick, you let your go rotten.
But at least I am posting on topic.
I get the idea of using impact, but not on derby. That seems a waste. Plus I think you need to be careful with small fasteners,not to strip.
Going fast can heat threads too.
I can see on some big stuff though .
But at least I am posting on topic.
I get the idea of using impact, but not on derby. That seems a waste. Plus I think you need to be careful with small fasteners,not to strip.
Going fast can heat threads too.
I can see on some big stuff though .
Beginning of the job I loosen all of them, then swap the bit onto the cordless ratchet and take them off. Then I'll get them started by hand and tighten all of them until they're almost done, then finish it with the regular ratchet.
Does it save a lot of time? Maybe not, but it sure makes it easier on the wrist lol
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,191
Likes: 2,423
From: USA
Working on bikes type tool, my Vessel JIS #2 screwdriver. i can't believe how long I lived with god awful phillips screwdrivers. Now, instead of stripping out phillips screw heads, I can successfully just snap the heads off.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,772
Likes: 1,803
From: Newnan, GA
I paid $200 for this.... Worth every penny, at this price I might go buy a back up today
Milwaukee cordless ratchet
https://www.walmart.com/ip/M12-12-Vo...caAk3-EALw_wcB
Milwaukee cordless ratchet
https://www.walmart.com/ip/M12-12-Vo...caAk3-EALw_wcB
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 1,204
Likes: 1,619
From: TX
The internet. Can find videos to diagnose and fix just about anything. Especially for a 18 year old vehicle I own.
Last edited by Rocking_it; Aug 7, 2025 at 07:23 AM.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 10,291
Likes: 7,773
From: West Central FL
Guy should have a knife. I wasn't including that in this topic cause I was thinking more mechanical, and my daily carry
I was carrying a mini mag lite. They got expensive though. Need to find a new pocket light
Light in the garage is more important as I age. A head light gets used a lot now. So, for garage a head lamp is climbing list, besides typical stuff
I was carrying a mini mag lite. They got expensive though. Need to find a new pocket light
Light in the garage is more important as I age. A head light gets used a lot now. So, for garage a head lamp is climbing list, besides typical stuff
