For the tool nuts! A recommended list of tools, and what my garage currently carries.
- Best tool brand: Snap-On Tools
- Craftsman
- Husky
- SK
- BlackHawk
- Proto
- Combinantion wrench set (6mm to 19mm metric or 1/4 to 3/4-inch fractional)
- Socket set, 3/8 winch drive (sized as above)
- 12-inch adjustable wrench and Allen wrench set, metric
- Screwdriver set (#1, #2, #3 Phillips and common slotted blades from 1/8 to 3/8 inch)
- Spark plug socket sized to fit the bike
- Common, needle-note, diagonal-cutting, and locking (Vice-Grip medium size #7) pliers
- 16-oz hammer and 16-oz plastic-faced hammer
- Impact driver
- Feeler, spark plug, and tire gauges
- Battery hydrometer and Antifreeze hydrometer
- Wire-crimping tool and test light
- Gasket scraper
- 16-inch pry bar or small crowbar
- Plastic rim protectors
- Two tire irons
- Valve-adjusting tool (if required)
- Drain-plug tool
- Fork-level tool
- Spoke wrench
- Adjustable hook spanner (a perfect tool for adjusting steering-head bearings)
- Carb synchronizer
- 1/2 or 3/8-inch drill
- Drill index (drill bits from 1/16 to 1/2 inch)
- Bench grinder (and safety glasses to wear when using it!)
- Timing light
- Torque wrench, starting with a 3/8 inch model
- Battery charger, suitable for motorcycle use
- Digital multimeter
- Air compressor with at least 5 horsepower, capable of 120 psi
- Small oxyacetylene cutting/brazing/welding outfit
- Soldering gun
- Motorcycle ligt
- Pressure washer
- Parts washer
- Tap-and-die set inthe appropriate thread sizes
- Single-edged razor blades
- Rags
- Paper towels
- Waterless hand cleaner
- Sandpaper
- Scotch-Brite pads
- Various weights of grease and oil (light, white lithium grease, heavy, copper-based anti seize compunds, etc.)
- Penetrating and moisture-displacing lubricants: WD-40, CRC-556, Bel-Ray 6-1;
- Polish & wax;
- Break, carb, and contact cleaner;
- Skin cream.
Popular Brands
All are excellent tools, carry lifetime, full-replacement guarantees, and are readily available seven days a week.
Tool List
Common Hand Tools
Motorcycle-Specific
Big Ticket Tools
Expandables
Click for the shopping list on Amazon
