Help - toolless in dallas

[starcruiser(aka downn2)]

Ok, all warchilds pics on FJRTECH has gotten my curiosity up and trying to do basic maintenance on my FJR........You need to understand that when I was 15yrs old, I tried to disassemble my honda 160 and after a week of screwing with it, i couldn't get it back together, so I ended up putting all the parts in a bag, throwing the motor in the trunk and going down to the honda dealership......as I watch the mechanic spend about 20 minutes reassembling it, it became apparent that I was mechanically impaired...I'd already had my guitar instructor ask me what I really like to do, and after I told him RIDE MOTORCYCLES he told me "I should sell the guitar and buy a motorcycle" cause music ain't my calling....well, I guess mechanics wasn't my calling either...but having to show the head mechanic at the dealership that you had to pull in the brake lever to start the JFR I figured , these guys are dumber than I am,,, So I might as well give it a try again...the worse thing that can happen is I have to slip one of the mechanics a couple of $100 bills to drop by my house afterwork to put it back together, and I willing to live with that....

Anyway, I want to buy some tools this weekend...yea, I got a screwdriver and a hammer, but that's about it....

If you have any suggestions on what tools I need to have (no I'm not changing tires), I'd appreciate it....as I'm gonna print it out and just hand it to the tool salesman and say "FETCH"

Lost in space

Starcruiser

 

[radman]

Thats a toughie, as it depends on how much ya wanna spend, and deep ya wanna wrench. For starters, grab a Craftsman Tool Catalog at the local Sears. They have sets available, keyed somewhat to specific trades. Pick a lower end of the rung Mechanics set, spend $500-$600, and that will make an excellent start. You'll find as your skills and applications warrant, the set will grow. Thats how I have set up a couple guys now, and it made for a good start for them.

Sears Tool Sets

 

[nusman68]

Hmmm..how far is up? Depends on how 'dirty' you want to get.....But seriously, if I was in your position I would probably consider one of the 'all-in-one' mechanics tool kits that Sears sells that includes a full metric socket set in both 3/8'' and 1/2'' drive, in addition to open end wrenches. They're a good value for the buck, and fairly complete. Depending on the kit you end up with you (might) would have to add:

torque wrench, 1/2" drive, and a smaller one, 3/8" drive

hex-bit socket set, (metric)

plastic mallet

universal-joint/'flex' metric socket set

A large 'kit' along with the above items would probably be a good starting point...

EDIT: I see Radman had similar ideas....uh oh!

 

[chickey191]

beginners tool kit

start with

1. Set of metric sockets - say 1/2" drive or if you have the money and tool box go for 1/4, 1/2 and 3/4"

You need Metric - but typically you will get both metric and SAE

2. Set of metric allen keys or T-handles - might as well buy the set instead of just getting a 4mm and 8 mm. I would suggest you get a set that plugs into your socket wrench, too. I like the t-handle ones, but also have Ball-ended Allens - that I love. They let you get a little off center instead of being directly on top or straight on to a allen headed bolt.

3. T-handle sockets - I use them a LOT. don't fit into everything, but when they do - they are fast and convenient.

4. Drop Chord light of some sort. Great flourescent ones out there, but you can find the old light bulb in a cage type for cheap.

5. Assorted flat and phillips headed screw drivers - make sure you get the short stubby ones, too.

6. Metric Wrenches -

7. small volt-meter - get this at Rat Shack (TM - dumb looks for free) - they have several models of cheap and portable digital volt meters.

8. Dikes (diagonal cutters) - a small and larger size

9. Mill bastard file - might come in handy

10. Spark plug wrench

11. Socket driver - they is a very cool one at sears that the handle is on an elbow. it allows you to get into some tight spaces - mine is a 1/2" drive. I use it constantly

12. Extensions for the varous socket drivers - maybe a 2" and 6" extensions

13. Torx heads - probably find them in an assortment or in a small package together with a driver or wrench.

14. hate to say it - but a couple of crescent wrenches different sizes

15. Needle nose plyers

16. hemostats -

17. Wire stripper

18. soldering iron - portable butane ones work for smaller jobs - stay away from that cold soldering iron you see on tv. it will work on VERY small jobs - but that is about it.

19. torque wrench - expensive - but you should probably use one especially if you aren't that comfy around tools.

20. Big ASSED HAMMER - you just never know.

21. hack saw

22. depends on how far you want to go - a vice perhaps

and a very cool tool box to put it all in

Craftsman aren't the best - but they have a great warranty and plenty of places to return them to if they break. Snapon - pretty damned expensive - Facom - very damned expensive but they have the best ratchet I've ever seen (maybe just buy the one wratchet and watch your friends try to steal it).

it is a start

 

[Geezer]

You'll need the basic stuff. If you live near enough to a store where you can buy tools in the middle of a job you can get by with a small set and build it up as the need arises.

Some basics to start with:

A set of metric combination wrenches, or a set od box wrenches and a set of open wrenches. I rarely use open end wrenches, but there are times when they are necessary.

A set of half inch drive metric socket wrenches. Look for six point sockets. Some sets have both regular depth and deep sockets in the same set.

A spark plug socket - I thing the FJR uses the 5/8 inch size. This will be included in some socket sets. If it isn't then the one you buy will probably fit a 3/8 inch ratchet handle, so you'll need the handle and an extension bar.

You'll need metric hex wrenches (allen keys or socket wrench style). If you get the socket wrench style, which is preferred, they will most likely come with a 3/8 drive so you'll need a 3/8 drive ratchet handle.

Since you are a beginner you can not get by without a half in drive torque wrench. I use a very old inexpensive Craftsman beam type wrench but I don't know if they even sell them anymore.

A good quality set of screwdrivers.

Some wire cutters.

I'm sure others will add the stuff I didn't think of.

There are a lot more that you can get to make life easier for you, and some specialty tools that you'll need for certain jobs, but those, along with the tools that came with the bike, will be a good start.

I have mostly Craftsman tools. They are no better than most other brands, but come with a lifetime guarantee and are easy to return for replacement if they break.

 

[JimLor]

And most importantly, a nekid woman calender for the garage

 

[panthercity]

About 80% of the tools I've accumulated in the past 40 years are Craftsman. Two tools I stear away from are their allens and star-drives (torx). They are not precise enough, particularly for fasteners that require much torque, and will quickly lead to eaten-out fastener heads.

I purchase about 10% from Snap On (precision stough including a couple of torque wrenches) and the other 10% comes from the Harbor Freight/Northern Tools for one-time need tools.

Of course, over the decades I've accumulated a small drawerfull of OEM "special tools". Most of the oddly shaped bastards I no longer have a clue as to what they are for...

Oh, and somebody just mentined Facom. I think I just peed myself a little...

 

[pawtracks]

Here's my $0.02

I took just about my entire bike apart with the below list of tools.

95% of them are from sears.

I just threw them all in a quick shopping cart and the grand total came to: $485 (before tax & shipping)

Great thing about sears is you can tell them to "Fetch" from your couch, then drive down to the store and pick them all up at the counter where they are waiting for you.

Tools:

Search by part number here (https://www.sears.com)

Part Number

00946755000 (13pc Metric Allen set)

00934448000 (6pc Metric Allen set for Torquing)

00947045000 (9pc Metric combination wrench set)

00934081000 (27mm socket for rear wheel)

00950752000 (36mm Socket for stem stand)

00934122000 (122pc ratchet set)

00941822000 (30pc Screwdriver set)

00950159000 (3 ton jack stands)

00944595000 (1/2" drive torque wrench)

00944594000 (3/8" drive torque wrench)

Oil filter wrench

Don't forget your 10% discount from Sport Bike Effects

Tool for throttle body sync

Tool to take off front wheel (19mm)

Build yourself a cheap but effective front end stand from Lowes or Home Depot and you are set for just about anything

Happy wrenching

 

[Joe2Lmaker]

... these guys are dumber than I am...

You should start a thread: Top Ten Reasons to Work on Your Own Bike and put that at the top. Number two would have to be: I'm not going to pay somebody else...

To answer your question, Sears is not a great place to buy tools. The upside is that when the tools turn to shit, you can exchange them for shiny new ones. The downside is that they so often turn to shit.

I've been watching Fastenal grow in leaps and bounds. If you aren't familiar with Fastenal, Google them. I just did, "Fastenal dallas, tx" and there are three locations.

Disclaimer: I do not work for Fastenal, I am not related to anyone who works for Fastenal. I don't even know if Fastenal is publicly traded, so I don't own any stock in it. Blah, Blah, ...

Go to Fastenal now. Find the one nearest you, get over there and introduce yourself. They can get anything you want. If you have your heart set on Craftsman, fine. They will sell you that. If you would like higher quality they can get you that too!

Buy quality. I know from personal experience that it does make a difference and the job will go more smoothly if you use quality tools!

I am going to love watching this!

 

[nusman68]

They are not precise enough, particularly for fasteners that require much torque, and will quickly lead to eaten-out fastener heads.

Bonus points to Panthercity for using 'eaten out' and 'head' in the same sentence! :lol:

Facom? Schwing! Yeah, but they're too pretty to actually use! B)

 

[starcruiser(aka downn2)]

Here's my $0.02
I took just about my entire bike apart with the below list of tools.

95% of them are from sears.

I just threw them all in a quick shopping cart and the grand total came to: $485 (before tax & shipping)

Great thing about sears is you can tell them to "Fetch" from your couch, then drive down to the store and pick them all up at the counter where they are waiting for you.

Tools:

Search by part number here (https://www.sears.com)

Part Number

00946755000 (13pc Metric Allen set)

00934448000 (6pc Metric Allen set for Torquing)

00947045000 (9pc Metric combination wrench set)

00934081000 (27mm socket for rear wheel)

00950752000 (36mm Socket for stem stand)

00934122000 (122pc ratchet set)

00941822000 (30pc Screwdriver set)

00950159000 (3 ton jack stands)

00944595000 (1/2" drive torque wrench)

00944594000 (3/8" drive torque wrench)

Oil filter wrench

Don't forget your 10% discount from Sport Bike Effects

Tool for throttle body sync

Tool to take off front wheel (19mm)

Build yourself a cheap but effective front end stand from Lowes or Home Depot and you are set for just about anything

Happy wrenching

Thanks, a hundren times THANKS,,,,,,,,,,,,,....this may well be the beginning of the end for my FJR....but, I got an Air Conditioned garage with a fridge full of beer and a snow cone machine in it, so why not give it a whirl.......

If anyone lives in Dallas, you're always welcome to drop in....assuming you ain't that kid mechancic at the YAMA dealership that is!!!

SEARS IS GONNA LOVE YA!!!!!!!

 

[nusman68]

Okay JimLor, how 'bout this?

 

[pawtracks]

I got an Air Conditioned garage with a snow cone machine in it

I think I would do more wrenching than riding

Mmmm Snow cones! :dribble:

 

[GunMD]

A little bit more 'spensive than Craftsman, but I really, really like these:

Snap On hex key set

They are priceless when it comes time to remove plastic.

I got an Air Conditioned garage with a fridge full of beer and a snow cone machine in it,

Holy shit, I'll be right over!

 

[JimLor]

nusman - that'll do! Is it hot in here?

 

[Tim05fjr]

Don't forget the most important tool of all.

A service manuel. Have one in hand before you go to touch anything on the bike. Worth its weight in gold when you get stuck. Or at least print out the page off Warchilds site before you start so you don't have to touch your keyboard with greasy hands.

Tim

 

[GunMD]

And I just realized that the guy who claims to have A/C, a ton of beer, and a freakin' sno-cone machine in his effin' garage doesn't have his location listed in his profile! Coincidence? I think not.

:huh:

 

[RonBB]

Generally agree with the above. Would add to get Craftsman not the Champion line. IMO the Champion line (which are a cheaper line) are not a good investment.

 

[jcyuhn]

HD and Lowes also sell mechanics tools. They typically have less selection than Sears, but I find the quality comparable to the Craftsman brand .Prices are much better. You could pickup the basic sockets/combination wrenches/screwdrivers at a big box store, then fill out the more esoteric pieces at Sears.

In Dallas, don't forget Elliots Hardware. They have an amazing collection of tools. I needed to adjust the freeplay in the steering gearbox on one of my old Mercedes, a rather fiddly operation with little working space. I walked into Elliots and told the older gentleman I required a 6mm allen key with a ball drive on the longer side of the wrench. He had three different brands to choose from. A bonus at Elliots is staff that actually knows what they are talking about. They also have the best collection of nuts & bolts this side on an industrial supply house - handy when something unusual disappears or breaks.

My $.02,

- JimY