The 12 Basic Tools Needed in Your Workshop
Buying tools is a decision most of us have to make at one time or another. If you purchase tools for your profession, you will eventually upgrade to higher quality and spend more cash once you've broke a tool or two. In this article, I suggest some tools that the novice or amateur mechanic may want to acquire. Especially if you just bought your first Harley, and are at this moment "tool-less", it's time to get started, shall we?
1. Combination Wrench Set
There is no particular order to which tools you purchase first, of course, but we all have to start somewhere - these are only suggestions, as personal preference rules.
Now for a little lesson: SAE stands for the Society of Automotive Engineers and refers to tools whose size is in fractions of an inch, such as 3/8". These are known as "standard" tools, as opposed to "metric" tools, which are measured in millimeters. Almost all the fasteners on a Harley-Davidson are in fractional inch SAE sizes. Perhaps your first tool choice should be an combination wrench set (one side is opened, one side is a box wrench). You can pick up a good quality set of Craftsman wrenches, like this 11-piece set, for about $15-20 at Sears.
2. Crescent Wrench Set
Next are crescent wrenches, also known as adjustable wrenches, which are very useful in a variety of applications, even your kitchen sink. Adjustable wrenches are great for holding a bolt in place while using a properly sized wrench to loosen the nut on the other side. Use caution with these, as they are not meant for precision work and can open slightly and slip, stripping the head of your bolt. This basic crescent wrench set from Craftsman contains 6", 8" and 10" sizes, and sells for $40.
3. Locking Pliers Set (Vice Grips)
For the next selection, buy a set of locking pliers, because they have a million uses and may even be used as a shifter or clutch lever in a pinch. These come in handy when you need to get a good grip on something that keeps getting away from you, like the nut you rounded off with the adjustable wrench. They are also known as vice grips, because that is pretty much what they do. A set of 3 different locking pliers at Sears is about $20.
4. Philips and Flathead Screwdriver Set
Probably the most basic tool you will ever need for your bike, or around the house, is the screwdriver. They are such a common tool to have, even my wife will pick up one (when I'm not around) and use it to unlock a bathroom door, like when my 3-year-old grandson locks himself in there. For difficult screws you need good screwdrivers, so don't be afraid to throw away the old ones when they become dull. A good Philips and flathead screwdriver set can be purchased almost anywhere. Harley-Davidson uses torx on some fasteners too, so you may want those as well.
5. 3/8" and 1/2" Socket Set
Wrenches are fine, but real mechanics prefer sockets for their ease of use, so how about a socket set? Most come with sockets of metric and standard types in all sizes, plus standard and deep sockets. Now, I like my sockets to last. I bought a 150-piece set of Craftsman over 25 years ago after I got married and I still have most of them today. You will use these numerous times around the house as well. You are going to want a 3/8" drive for the standard grunt work, and some 1/2" drive for the big, tight stuff. You can get a Craftsman set like mine (which includes wrenches and more too) at Sears for about $150, but keep your eyes opened for deals around Father's Day and Christmas, and it is sometimes 1/2 off!
6. Torque Wrench
Another good tool to get is a torque wrench, for tightening bolts to exactly the right amount of tightness. A torque wrench tightens a bolt with a socket like your socket wrench does, with the added feature of measuring the exact torque - or tension - you are putting on a specific bolt you're tightening up. There are two basic types, the one with a scale on it (pictured) and the type you set and it clicks when you get to the right torque. Your Harley Owner's Manual will specify the right amount of torque you need on each bolt on your bike. You most likely want a 3/8" drive one, with a lower torque reading for smaller fasteners, and a 1/2" drive one for stuff like axle nuts.
7. Torx Bit Set
As mentioned before, Harley uses quite a few star shaped torx fasteners. The plus side of these is that they are harder to strip out than a Philips head screw, or an Allen head. The minus is that they can be hard to find in exactly the size you need. Do yourself a favor and buy a set now, before you need them.
8. Allen Wrench Set
Of course, you are familiar with the hex head Allen wrench. These come in multi-tool type, T-handle, L-shape, and socket wrenches. The most useful are the L-shaped ones, for getting into tight spots, especially the type with a ball end. Get yourself a nice set or two, theses are easy to lose.
9. Air Compressor
An Electric Air Compressor can be an expensive item, but it doesn't have to be. Years ago, I bought a compressor with a red 28-gallon tank from Sears for about $300. It was a great compressor at the time, but you really don't need anything that big to air up your tires or just to air-jet clean your work area or shop. If you want to run an air impact gun, or paint your bike you will need a much bigger compressor. The one pictured is a basic Harbor Freight unit with is very useful for its low $120 price.
10. Digital Multimeter
For chasing electrical issues, you are going to want a good digital multitester. Don't skim on this one, because the cheap ones are seriously unreliable, and can give erratic readings. The free ones from Harbor Freight aren't even worth the trip. Spend at least $20, so you can accurately diagnose charging system and other issues.
11. Garage Rags (Red)
So, you dove into the job with both hands and both feet and are almost finished. Your clothes are full of grease and oil and so are your hands. This would be a great time to clean up. A box of the red garage rags are available at Harbor Freight for about $12.
12. GOOP Hand Cleaner
Now that you just completed your first oil change in the garage, and you're feeling pretty good about yourself, it's time to wash up. Your hands are full of oil so don't try going into the bathroom in the house. Enter the magic of the traditional old GOOP Hand Cleaner. Just a scoop with your fingers will easily get the grease and oil off your hands - so you are then able to go wash up with soap in the bathroom and keep the wife happy.
for help with service and maintenance of your bike check out the how to section of HDforum.com
