Tool recommendations

troyzer

Hi all,

I'm only a newbie to riding having got my IBT last week. One of the main reasons why I wanted a bike was the enjoyment of servicing it myself, tweaking it etc.

I have very little mechanical experience so I'm keen to learn. That also means I have no tools.

I know I'll need a metric socket set, spanners, etc. to get going. There are so many multi-tool kits at completely different price points.

I don't want to break the bank but I want to get a decent kit that'll last me a few years. It also doesn't have to include everything, I can always add to it.

Does anyone have any recommendations?

Would I go far wrong getting these two?

https://www.lidl.ie/en/p/discover-diy/mixed-socket-set/p32242

https://www.lidl.ie/en/p/discover-diy/tool-set-with-cordless-screwdriver/p32234

Cheers.

CJhaughey

The second one is more like a home handymans set.
I'd suggest that one like this would be better as a MC specific set.
You can add to it as you need.
You will probably want to get a set of axle spanners as well, in order to adjust chain tension.

H_Lime

https://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductMobileDisplay?catalogId=10151&langId=-1&categoryId=255215&productId=1483638&storeId=10001
Have one of these in the garage yrs and it's decent quality with a good warrenty.
Has all of what you need starting out and won't break the bank.

Del2005

troyzer wrote: »

Hi all,

I'm only a newbie to riding having got my IBT last week. One of the main reasons why I wanted a bike was the enjoyment of servicing it myself, tweaking it etc.

I have very little mechanical experience so I'm keen to learn. That also means I have no tools.

I know I'll need a metric socket set, spanners, etc. to get going. There are so many multi-tool kits at completely different price points.

I don't want to break the bank but I want to get a decent kit that'll last me a few years. It also doesn't have to include everything, I can always add to it.

Does anyone have any recommendations?

Would I go far wrong getting these two?

https://www.lidl.ie/en/p/discover-diy/mixed-socket-set/p32242

https://www.lidl.ie/en/p/discover-diy/tool-set-with-cordless-screwdriver/p32234

Cheers.

The 1st kit would be OK for basic servicing, you'll need to buy a oil filter removal tool also. But you'll need to get a 1/2" socket set for the wheels and other parts of the engine if you want to progress. Once you stick with know shops, and brands, then any socket set will do a DIY mechanic. You will more likely loose a tool than break it, providing you use them correctly, so no need to spend too much money.

zubair

Socket set would be a good start and is a decent price. You'll need other bits such as a few spanners and a hex set. Which are in aldi at the moment.

blade1

Get yourself a torque wrench when you can.
This would be a good all rounder for a bike.
Preferably one with the same size drive as your sockets.

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F233142580303

Max Headroom

Top socket set is like a Draper one i've had for years....Aldi /Lidl have other tools from time to time and theyre good quality..long allen/hex key sets,..ratchet spanners are ok but get a set of offset ones plus ring/open ones too..2 sets .rubber hammers, GOOD vice grips, adjustable wrenches and adjustable spanners..good screwdriver set is essential, and impact driver too...

Ask Santa.....make a list and etc etc............:P

blade1

Max Headroom wrote: »

Top socket set is like a Draper one i've had for years....Aldi /Lidl have other tools from time to time and theyre good quality..long allen/hex key sets,..ratchet spanners are ok but get a set of offset ones plus ring/open ones too..2 sets .rubber hammers, GOOD vice grips, adjustable wrenches and adjustable spanners..good screwdriver set is essential, and impact driver too...

Ask Santa.....make a list and etc etc............:P

Draper are Chinese ****e Max.
At least a lot of the ones these days..maybe not the one you have.

H_Lime

blade1 wrote: »

Draper are Chinese ****e Max.
At least a lot of the ones these days..maybe not the one you have.

Old draper were middling decent but alas new is not old as the sheared ball end of my draper expert t wrech Allen's testify lol.

Troy whats the bike you own? Perhaps someone here might be able to share some model specific advice on the basics.
I remember starting out I had a workmates head wrecked asking him to adjust my chain. Was scared I'd mess it up myself. But once he made me do it with his instruction I was sorted and always eager to learn since.
Just a note on trusting torque wrenches. I tend not to unless both threads are dry. Not a problem most times but I have had fine thread bolts strip even at the recommended poundage - if lubed. Rare to happen though but worth mentioning perhaps.

listermint

Get the Halfords professional set. It is excellent. I've had mine ten years and it's done everything from head gaskets to subframes , differentials and axle shafts. Most recent valve adjustments.

It's had a nice hard life and still going the same as it was new.

IrishGrimReaper

I second the torque wrench - class thing to have.

I got mine on Amazon when it was on a deal.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B076TDMS4H/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

two wheels good

listermint wrote: »

Get the Halfords professional set. It is excellent. I've had mine ten years and it's done everything from head gaskets to subframes , differentials and axle shafts. Most recent valve adjustments.

It's had a nice hard life and still going the same as it was new.

Yes, Halfords professional, very good reputation.
Wait for the christmas/new year sales if you can. Good deals on tool-boxes usually too.

Edit: There a set of screwdrivers in Aldi at the moment for about a tenner that is fine for DIY. Black case includes set for minature screws.

madbev90210

I literally just found the manual off my bike that happened to be in one of my side boxes (I only collected them last week).

There is a list, with pictures, of the tools they recommend for basic maintenance and repair up to specialist. Personally, I would love to be able to do some of it myself, and himself happens to have most of the tools mentioned which is grand! It mentions alot of things that I hope I never have to use, but would love if there was a bike maintenance course for newbies!

Is it worth getting a tyre pressure gauge for at home as it says to only check them when wheels are cool? I'll also need some sort of battery charger as already my bike wouldn't start twice last week due to cold :rolleyes:

blade1

madbev90210 wrote: »

I literally just found the manual off my bike that happened to be in one of my side boxes (I only collected them last week).

There is a list, with pictures, of the tools they recommend for basic maintenance and repair up to specialist. Personally, I would love to be able to do some of it myself, and himself happens to have most of the tools mentioned which is grand! It mentions alot of things that I hope I never have to use, but would love if there was a bike maintenance course for newbies!

Is it worth getting a tyre pressure gauge for at home as it says to only check them when wheels are cool? I'll also need some sort of battery charger as already my bike wouldn't start twice last week due to cold :rolleyes:

Lidl have chargers for under €20 from time to time.
Had them recently.
Have you something to pump your tyres at home?
If not, you may as well just check them at the garage.

madbev90210

blade1 wrote: »

Lidl have chargers for under €20 from time to time.
Had them recently.
Have you something to pump your tyres at home?
If not, you may as well just check them at the garage.

Garage it is for now. I'll keep my eye out in the shops from now on!

decky1

get yourself a good service manual for the model you have, don't get in too deep they can be delicate enough could end up costing you if for some reason you mess up. enjoy and safe riding.

Hotblack Desiato

H_Lime wrote: »

Just a note on trusting torque wrenches. I tend not to unless both threads are dry. Not a problem most times but I have had fine thread bolts strip even at the recommended poundage - if lubed. Rare to happen though but worth mentioning perhaps.

Honda torque values are for oiled threads, Triumph are for dry, dunno about other makes but something to look out for.

Using a torque wrench at the bottom end of its range is risky, the 'click' is too easy to overlook and any inaccuracy will be magnified. So don't use a big torque wrench to do a small job, get a smaller one.

Del2005

madbev90210 wrote: »

Garage it is for now. I'll keep my eye out in the shops from now on!

Garage gauges are notoriously inaccurate, all they get is abuse. Here a digital pump form Argos , with garages now charging €1 for a bit of air it'll pay for itself.

H_Lime

Hotblack Desiato wrote: »

Honda torque values are for oiled threads, Triumph are for dry, dunno about other makes but something to look out for.

Without doing a copper grease on calipers/wd40 as as chain lube thang I'm confused:):confused:
Owned 7 Honda and cannot for the life of me remember reference to lubed torque values in any of the manuals.
My blackbird which is a low miler and no spanner monkey has been at has dry threads most everywhere. Likewise the sp1 I had which was fresh from the factory.
Is it that the Honda torque references are post factory with the copper grease and loctite welding owner in mind?
Were did you get this info HBD?

blade1

H_Lime wrote: »

Without doing a copper grease on calipers/wd40 as as chain lube thang I'm confused:):confused:
Owned 7 Honda and cannot for the life of me remember reference to lubed torque values in any of the manuals.
My blackbird which is a low miler and no spanner monkey has been at has dry threads most everywhere. Likewise the sp1 I had which was fresh from the factory.
Is it that the Honda torque references are post factory with the copper grease and loctite welding owner in mind?
Were did you get this info HBD?

I think the effect is only about 1nm on an average bolt so not the end of the world if slightly out.

CJhaughey

I no longer trust torque wrenches except for critical torque values like Head bolts etc.
Especially with small fasteners the torque values given are IMHO way over what is sensible and will lead to shearing of fasteners.
Honda provide a torque value for all their fasteners in the Factory manual, not all are dry or wet, some are given with locking agent (threadlock) as well as grease or oil.
Example:

troyzer

There's some good stuff in here, cheers for all of the recommendations so far.

H_Lime

Hotblack Desiato wrote: »

Honda torque values are for oiled threads, Triumph are for dry, dunno about other makes but something to look out for.

Using a torque wrench at the bottom end of its range is risky, the 'click' is too easy to overlook and any inaccuracy will be magnified. So don't use a big torque wrench to do a small job, get a smaller one.

CJhaughey wrote: »

I no longer trust torque wrenches except for critical torque values like Head bolts etc.
Especially with small fasteners the torque values given are IMHO way over what is sensible and will lead to shearing of fasteners.
Honda provide a torque value for all their fasteners in the Factory manual, not all are dry or wet, some are given with locking agent (threadlock) as well as grease or oil.
Example:

To quote mister spock, factinating!:) Never did have a factory manual on any of my Honda.
Like yourself CJ I wait till the elbow clicks and call it good. 1.5 pitch threads are a bastard for doing it as clamping forces seem to ramp up with lubed finer pitch.
Ever days a school day;)

galwaytt

In a previous life, I used to sell torque tools, so to work on bike from top-bottom, I've found it takes 3:

1 - 1/4" drive - rocker head bolts, cam box bolts and similar (Utica)
2 - 3/8" drive - general purpose, anywhere on the bike, from engine to chassis (Norbar)
3 - 1/2" drive - larger items on the bike, axles, cranks etc. (Gedore)

I'll look up the values on them when I get a chance and post back up.

One thing I would say is that don't forget to back off your wrench when you've finished using it. Keep it in good condition - I kept mine in the house rather than a cold garage. I'd never use a torque wrench to crack off a fastener, many are uni-directional.

I once bought a LIDL one and put it on a torque test bench to see what it was like, and in the middle 80% of the range, was actually quite good. Like someone said earlier, don't use a torque wrench for anything in the top or bottom 10% of it's range - if you're there, take the next wrench up (or down).

Hotblack Desiato

H_Lime wrote: »

Were did you get this info HBD?

An official Honda workshop manual - a generic motorcycle workshop procedures manual, not specific to a certain bike. Someone let me photocopy their one years ago. May be out of date now. I think it dated from late 80s or early 90s.