most important tools in your toolbox

just wanted your opinions.

what are the most important tools, or tool sets to have in your toolbox for working on bikes?

 

and please be specific with brand names if applicable. i'll probably have to buy some of your suggestions.

 

A good ratchet set, sometimes you get by with a cheep one but often it pays to get a good brand(craftsmen, snap-on, black and decker, ect.)

JIS screwdriver, basically a phillips but has sharp sides that grab the screw better. Look on screws on your bike for a dot on the head of the screw to see if you need one.

Screw/bolt extractor. The main one I use is used with a 5/32 drill bit. No specific brand go to the local small hardware store and make sure you have the correct drill bit to go with the extractor.

Shop towels(to keep the bike and tools looking good)

seafoam(many uses cleans everything metal inside and out)

penetrating oil or WD-40(to loosen the bolt so you don't have to use extractor)

This is by no means anywhere close to a full list, it's just what I have found helpful lately. I am waiting to see what others recommend as well.

 

+1 on buying quality tools when getting stuff like a socket set, wrenches or screwdriver set -- get Craftsman or Mastercraft or another big name with a lifetime warranty - you'll not be disappointed.

I'll add:
- Digital Multi-meter - very useful for almost everything electrical.
- Impact driver - if the fastener's stuck, this is what you need.
- A GOOD battery charger - for those times you need lots of 12v to work with

 

don't forget a set of ball-end metric allen wrenches...

 

Actually, your most important tool isn't in the toolbox. It's between your ears.

 

service manual for the bike you're working on will prove invaluable.

 

I was waiting for someone to say this.

 

A cell phone

 

[quote="Altus- A GOOD battery charger - for those times you need lots of 12v to work with[/quote]

Make that a 1-amp trickle charger. Using a battery charger designed for cars will overcharge a bike battery. These limited-amp versions are around $ 20 or so, money well spent to maintain smaller bike batteries (especially when you can't get it started for some reason, or winter storage).

Also, the very first thing you should buy is a service manual. The OEM version is always prefeable to the Haynes and Clymer versions, and worth the few extra $$ it might take. Get it and read it carefully to familiarize yourself with all the bike systems before you go and "improve" something on your bike. It will answer a lot fo questions in advance.

 

Nope - I meant a GOOD battery charger.

True, trickle charging is the preferred method, and is the best for the battery. However, 1 amp is useless for anything else, and takes forever to charge.

A good automatic automotive charger will have a 2 amp setting which is just fine for our batteries as well, plus higher amperages for automotive use, or when you need 12volt power for testing stuff. Mine has a 2amp, 15amp, and 75amp (boosting) settings, plus it's automatic and will decrease the charging as needed.

 

I Picked up a battery maintainer. It keeps the battery charged and automaticaly gives it a work out. cost was about 25.00. Nice to hook it up and forget it.

 

Altho I know I shouldnt say it, I do love my vise grips