GStwin.com GS500 Message Forum

Ok..time for my FIRST set of tools...not just new..  :icon_lol:

Here (http://tinyurl.com/2eoze9) are the three choices. Which would YOU buy...or would you buy something entirely different??  :icon_mrgreen:

More, More, More...

Well..these are a good start for me....  :icon_mrgreen:

I actually have the 95 piece set.  It's not quite "enough".  For the money and currently the 137 piece is on sale, I'd opt for it if I were buying today.

DLW

Actually, I was just comparing the 137 set against the 117 set again (the list of items included is down below the pics and prices), and the 117-piece set has hex keys, extensions, and quick-release ratchets that the other two sets don't have.....

Of the 42 extra prices from 95->137, 30 are sockets and 4 are extra wrenches. I would consider those invaluable for bike work. My guess is that you wouldn't be able to find all that extra stuff for 40 bucks, so go for the 137 piece set.

The 89.99 one is good, I like the options of three rachet sizes. Also I would get a torque wrench, it doesnt have to be a clicker type, the one with the bar scale works just fine, craftsman's is only something like $24.99. If you have a Craftsmans card you can possibly get even a greater savings. The card is free you just fill out a little app and send it in. Craftsman has treated me well, if I were some serious mechanic maybe I would invest in better, but the only thing I really work on is my GS and my lawn mower and such. Tools are fun anyway. take it easy :thumb:

Thanks for the tip on the Craftsman card! I'm going to go look for it! And I'm definitely adding a torque wrench to the list. Arrrgh...so many choices (http://www.sears.com/shc/s/search_10153_12605?vName=Tools&keyword=craftsman+torque+wrench&sLevel=0&sid=IDx20070921x00003a), though!!  :2guns:

Do any of you often use this (http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00947641000P?vName=Automotive&keyword=47641&sLevel=0&sid=IDx20070921x00003a)?

137 piece looks like the best deal of the 3.  It would be better if the sockets went up a little higher (like to 19mm), but it looks like a pretty good set overall.  You don't really need 3 different socket wrenches though, as you can use an adapter from 3/8 down to 1/4 and up to 1/2.  It's definitely a decent starting set.

I would look for a more inclusive set of sockets (deep and regular) with a ratchet, and then get another set of sockets in the opposing system (either metric or SAE) without a ratchet if possible.  A less involved set of tools will sometimes have better accessories, like longer extensions,  swivels, and adapters.  You could get the wrenches seperate and also pick up a torque wrench as well, and then buy the allen wrenches/allen head sockets and a screwdriver-handle type driver seperate.

This way would most likely cost more, so if you are looking for a more economical alternative, go with the 137 piece set and buy the stuff you end up missing seperate (i.e swivel attachment, long extension, torque wrench)

I was warned that buying tools would become as addictive as riding..... I'm finding this to be true, because this all started with my need for the proper Allen wrench to install my new spools for the Pitbull rear stand a friend is selling to me today.... I don't even have a decent Allen wrench..... this shamed me into started the quest for my starter tools...   :laugh:

Thank you ALL so far for the great advice and tips. I'm reading every word!!!  :bowdown: :bowdown: :bowdown:

Quote from: pandy on October 17, 2007, 10:50:03 AM
Thanks for the tip on the Craftsman card! I'm going to go look for it! And I'm definitely adding a torque wrench to the list. Arrrgh...so many choices (http://www.sears.com/shc/s/search_10153_12605?vName=Tools&keyword=craftsman+torque+wrench&sLevel=0&sid=IDx20070921x00003a), though!!  :2guns:

Do any of you often use this (http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00947641000P?vName=Automotive&keyword=47641&sLevel=0&sid=IDx20070921x00003a)?

Impact drivers are awesome.  My dad recently got one and has found it invaluable for seized screws, etc.  I'd assume the craftsman one is good quality, but the bits kind of make me wonder.  As long as the bits are high quality, I'd say it would be alright.

On the topic of torque wrenches, the 3/8 drive one is probaby better suited for working on the GS.  It should be in inch/lbs, while the 1/2 will be in ft/lbs.  Most of the torque specs on bikes will probably be in in/lbs, while cars that I've seen tend to be ft/lbs.  I'd like to pick up a 3/8 torque wrench along the way, as I've already got a 1/2 one.

Pandy,  I wouldn't go by the 'list' under pictures because if you look at the actual pictures both 117 and 137 sets have hex keys, extensions and ratchets.  Besides, right now the 137 set is $10 cheaper than the 117 set.

DLW

For working on bikes, an impact driver and a torque wrench reading in in/lbs are invaluable. You'll also want to find a set that has 6 point sockets, or add a set of those asap. I regularly check the local Sears Hardware store; the manager's specials to clear out leftover sales items can find you extra tools for pennies on the dollar.

Ask yourself  the question...will I actually use most of the gear in the kit?. I have bought big flash socket sets in the past and only ever used 1/4 of the contents. Your never gonna find imperial or SAE sizes on a jap bike or a modern car so why waste money on them. I buy tools individually and think it better to buy several versions of 1 popular size i.e 10mm in shallow, deep, 6 and 12 point in 1/4 1/2 and 3/8 drive rather than pay for a kit full of obsure and unpopular sizes that you will never come across unless you are a hydraulic or aircraft engineer.

Quote from: sledge on October 17, 2007, 12:53:57 PM
Ask yourself  the question...will I actually use most of the gear in the kit?. I have bought big flash socket sets in the past and only ever used 1/4 of the contents. Your never gonna find imperial or SAE sizes on a jap bike or a modern car so why waste money on them.

Yeah, a common theme from all sources is that the set should be as much metric as possible. I probably won't even use a quarter of the kit presently (at the moment, chain cleaning and oil changes are my only--and dubious--talents). Using the whole set...well...that's probably going to depend on how much munchies I can take over to scratch's house so he'll let me watch everything he does!  :icon_mrgreen:

I figured that Sears would have the list right....thanks for pointing that out, DLW.... yeesh!  :icon_rolleyes: :kiss3:

I'm going to be haunting the local Sears tool shop. I just submitted my Craftsman Club info, so I'll hopefully get some discounts that way, too. I've added the impact driver to my list....and I'm working on figuring out the torque wrench (I'll have to pick scratch's brain s'more  :icon_mrgreen: ). I'll take a look at the 6-point sockets, too!  :thumb:

Thanks again, everyone! My credit cards are going to hurt.... I just ordered a new Crackhead helmet and leather pants...and now the tool collection is going to start... Who needs to eat anyway!  :flipoff: :laugh:

I have the 137 and rarely use all of it.  Of course, I bought it for $45 during a brief stint working in the Auto Shop at a sears so I got a good discount :icon_mrgreen:

The 137 is obviously the best deal, but my bet would be the 95 will do everything you are capable of and then some.

Funny thing talking about tools, but I realized the other day I was tightening the valve cover, actually I was just making sure the valve cover bolts were snug down and I didnt want to take the tank off, but I only had the folding hex wrench you know the kind that fold into the handle. There was no way I was going to get that darn thing in there, after digging around the garage I finally found the individual metric hexes. When I bought that little handy folding hex set I totally wasted my money because the individual ones are easier to get into small places. One thing I like about having the 1/4 in socket wrench is that I am less likely to over torque the smaller bolts like the case cover bolts. Having the SAE has always proven useful for me because I find that alot of stuff around my house still uses standard size bolts, like my garbage disposal unit and my lawn mower. Really I would have liked it if we went to all metric, it sure would have cut down on the money I have spent so far. Everyone has a lot of good input here, great post.

why did people vote for the 117 when the 137 has everything the 117 has(i assume) plus more and for less money ???

I buy tool "sets" in a more broken down format than you get there. As Sledge said soon everything will be metric, and nearly every car or bike produced now is in metric so imperial will be useless in no time.

I think you first need a good set of spanners.

I have a set of normal ring and openended (together) spanners ranging from about 6mm to 24mm and then in larger incriments up to 30 or so.
I also have a similar set but with rachet ring ends - these rule for laboriously long undoing of things you can't get to with a socket.

2 Adjustable wrenches, and one pair of stiltons.

Socket set from about 6mm all the way up to 30 odd. Also have swivel head and extentions and adapaters as well so i only have 3 wrenches for em. Also have a screw driver head box and adapter to fit that to sockets.

Mmmmm basic combi screwdriver, usually just screwdriver handle with 3 swap out duel ended driver bits.

Other than that i have torque wrench impact driver.

These are the basic tools i could make do with in my garage/workshop when working on cars and bikes.

However i have lots of toys like air tools! mmmm air tools!

Buy the stuff separately.

I zoomed in on the picture of the 137 piece set, and it has the socket sets you will want. It doesn't matter if you never use half the tools in it. Buying smaller sets of sockets in order to get what is in that set will cost more than buying one big set that you won't fully utilize. Besides, having tools is like having money; some is good, more is better.

Quote from: CndnMax on October 17, 2007, 02:34:22 PM
why did people vote for the 117 when the 137 has everything the 117 has(i assume) plus more and for less money ???

I was looking at the 117-piece set because I thought it had more *useful* stuff than the 137-piece set, but it was pointed out here that the 137 set has the same and more, but Sears just didn't list everything properly.  :icon_mrgreen:

Quote from: jp on October 17, 2007, 05:26:24 PM
Besides, having tools is like having money; some is good, more is better.

:laugh: :thumb: Yeah, I'm figuring a good starter set will start me off well, and then I'll add individual pieces as my mad wrenching skillz develop...if I find that the set isn't as useful as I was hoping, I can always sell it and replace it with one of those huge rolling drawer toolboxes with 60 bazillion tools....  :icon_twisted:

137 pc. the more the merrier.

^^^ +1 you can never have too many tools, didn't someone here use sockets as fork spacers?  :laugh: :laugh:

Just my Opinion but here is the set I basically started with. :thumb:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00934245000P?vName=Tools&cName=Tool+Sets&sName=Mechanics+Tool+Sets (http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00934245000P?vName=Tools&cName=Tool+Sets&sName=Mechanics+Tool+Sets)

I used the Hell out of it.It's not much more than the 117 piece set you looking at and Has Just about everything you'll need.. :thumb:When you do get the Sears Card you will get a slightly better deal.When you pay off you balance several times you more than likely receive a Craftsman club Card and a Sales Catalog Once a Month. :thumb: :thumb:

If your in no Hurry to get a Set wait until Right after Thanksgiving when the Christmas Sales Start.Then go to your Local Sears Store.You can Actually More than likely get the same set Above for Around $150.Thats when I waited to get mine and Paid a Little less than that. :)

Quote from: pandy on October 17, 2007, 10:50:03 AM
Do any of you often use this (http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00947641000P?vName=Automotive&keyword=47641&sLevel=0&sid=IDx20070921x00003a)?

I have one of those and haven't used it but a hand full of times.I wouldn't use it on a bike.You basicaly put a driver bit or impact socket on the end,put it on the fastener to be removed and wack the end of it with a dead blow hammer.It's the manual version of an air impact gun like they use to remove wheels from cars.It's also a good tool to crush your hands with when you miss wacking the end of it.

Quote from: ben2go on October 17, 2007, 09:08:20 PM

Quote from: pandy on October 17, 2007, 10:50:03 AM
Do any of you often use this (http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00947641000P?vName=Automotive&keyword=47641&sLevel=0&sid=IDx20070921x00003a)?

I have one of those and haven't used it but a hand full of times.I wouldn't use it on a bike.You basicaly put a driver bit or impact socket on the end,put it on the fastener to be removed and wack the end of it with a dead blow hammer.It's the manual version of an air impact gun like they use to remove wheels from cars.It's also a good tool to crush your hands with when you miss wacking the end of it.

But when you need one they come in Handy. ;) Those are #1 Priority when working on OLD bikes. I had several Chinese ones and they broke within a few whacks and I had to drill the Heads off of the Screws,Pull the Cover and then turn what was left out with vice grips.Either way you'll still need new Hardware.I finally sprung for a New KD Model and haven't had any Problems Since.

Quote from: pandy on October 17, 2007, 10:50:03 AM
Do any of you often use this (http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00947641000P?vName=Automotive&keyword=47641&sLevel=0&sid=IDx20070921x00003a)?

they work nice for rusted bolts- the impact breaks the rust little by little. used one to take off some old rusted brake rotors.

Pandy?
All the screwheads on your bike, for instance the brake fluid reservoir tops and the carb bowls are made to a japanese industry standard, otherwise known as JIS. In Europe and the USA we use are own standards for fixings, i.e SAE BS or DIN. Asia, japan, etc use the JIS. Despite looking the same there are differences and the upshot of this is that our phillips/pozi-drive/cross-head screwdrivers dont fit the JIS screwheads very well and if they are overtight the screwdriver will cam-out and damge the screwhead. If you are going to use an impact driver on your bike always use JIS bits in it otherwise you may do more harm than good.

JIS screwdrivers are a must when working on any Jap bike, they are not common but they are about if you look hard enough. .....There is an article on Wikipedia about it but I cant link to it for some reason.

more tools!

Quote from: Jughead on October 17, 2007, 08:14:00 PM
Just my Opinion but here is the set I basically started with. :thumb:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00934245000P?vName=Tools&cName=Tool+Sets&sName=Mechanics+Tool+Sets (http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00934245000P?vName=Tools&cName=Tool+Sets&sName=Mechanics+Tool+Sets)

I *do* like this tool set, and I'm definitely going to see what prices are offered for the holidays. Right now, I'll borrow an Allen wrench from my boss to tighten my spools if I can't find an el cheapo one at Cycle Gear (I need to get Locktite before I put the spools on anyway).

Never in a million years did I think I'd get this excited about starting my tool collection!  :laugh: :laugh: :cheers: :thumb:

I started with the 137 piece set, it was ok for a while. But eventually the case became junk and if you picked it up all the tools would shift around making it impossible to find what you need. I ended up having to put a cargo strap around it every time I wanted to move it. I also spent untold amounts of money buying all the stuff I needed that the kit didn't come with, like wrenches.
This is the kit I ended up getting to replace it. Got it on sale for a bit less, worth every penny.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00934245000P?vName=Tools&adCell=A3 (http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00934245000P?vName=Tools&adCell=A3)

Really Pandy you won't be Disappointed with that set. :thumb:

I keep that set in my Shop but have since Bought a Small set of KD Brand that I haul in my Vehicle.I've added several things to it since I bought it.I used to Keep everything in .50 Caliber Ammo Cans but have since Upgrade to an old Craftsman Drill box that I cut the Blow Mold guts out of .It fit Behind the seat in my old dodge but Works Perfect in my New Ford. :thumb: I found some different Truck tool boxes designed to fit behind the seat so I may try one of those. :)

pandy, check out the 144 piece set that they had for 99 bucks.  Way better kit, more useful stuff instead of random hex bits and crap you won't really use.  Then go to harbor freight, get a bunch of their gear wrenches, wobble joints, extensions and stuff that will eventually break, and you'll soon figure out what you need and what you don't.   O0

IMO what really need is:

a set of metric gearwrenches in 8-19mm:

(http://imagehost.vendio.com/bin/imageserver.x/00000000/broadstoneproducts/KDT9412.jpg)

a set of 1/2 metric sockets in the same, a good 1/2" socket wrench (SK, Proto, or Craftsman Professional, the Craftsman "raised-panel" standard line is junk), a few extensions and swivel joints, and a good set of ball-end allen wrenches and screwdrivers.  Wiha (German) makes good affordable versions of these. 

I don't really see a reason to get a set of sockets in 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" and 3 different wrenches when 1/2" covers it all.  Better to spend the money on a good socket wrench because the cheap ones don't hold up well when you have to apply a lot of torque.  On that note, a 1/2" breaker bar is a good thing to add to the list too. 

Yeah I don't use Craftsman Ratchets.I usually bust the guts within a Month or so.I started using KD Ratchets. :thumb:
Gear Wrenches are the Dogs Balls. :thumb: :thumb:

Darnit...now I want ALL those tools.... I can see why buying tools does terrible things to the budget!  :cookoo: :icon_mrgreen:

Tools

(http://world.guns.ru/handguns/para_p10-45.jpg)

http://www.thearsenal.us/SP89%201.jpg

Now these are expensive tools.

Those look fun, too!  :laugh:

(http://www.thearsenal.us/SP89%201.jpg)

Is that an M4A1 tactical rifle in the right of the pic?

I dunno just a random pic from tjhe web of what a good friend of mine picked up this weekend. $4300 for the SP89, H&K is so damned expensive since they were banned by executive order of president clinton. But it makes a great tool good for knocking those stubborn bolts loose when you don't have a hammer handy  :thumb:

Quote from: bettingpython
it makes a great tool good for knocking those stubborn bolts loose when you don't have a hammer handy  :thumb:

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

uhh crapsman and husky tools are unreliable, I have no idead how many wrenches and ratchets I broke from craftsman and how many husky sockets I cracked just working on car on a daily basis. I gave in and started buying snap-on, matco and mac and never had a problem since.

pandy

just don't buy cheep tools !!!!

Pandy I went to Lowes Last Night and was Looking at the Kobalt Sets that they sell.Everything that they sell is made by the Danner tool Group which makes Armstrong and KD.Great Tools and the Ratchets don't bust like Craftsman.I Always Had a Hard time Keeping 15mm Craftsman Sockets since they always Split Since I switched to KD I haven't had one bust since. :thumb:

Jughead, so the lowes stuff is good ??? cos I have tons of craftsman from 10 years ago, and I never had them bust ... but then again my mechanic has claimed that "I hit it with a flower" so maybe I am super delicate really ... anyway, if Kobalt from lowes is good, I'll buy their bored through ratchets and spinner wrenches.
I also haven't busted my stanley, popular mechanics (though these are my brothers) or some husky stuff I got.
Cool.
Srinath.

Yeap Srinath Lowes Tools are Great from the Looks of it.Same thing as Armstrong,Allen and KD. :thumb: The only thing I have Against Craftsman is the Ratchets.Usually within a Month the Direction Switches will Switch on there own right in the Middle of Tighening something up.For me it's Usually in a Spot where I can't tell that it's Switched and I have Something Either Falling on me or I'm trying to Loosen it up Again. :mad: Several Years Ago I would Bust the Guts out of a 3/8 Ratchet without a Cheater bar.I Have stripped the 1/4's but have never busted a 1/2. :dunno_white:

I'm still working on deciding. A fellow girlie rider bought me my first widget and thingie to wrench on my bike with! The widget is a ratchet w/ the proper size allen wrench on the end so that I can FINALLY put my spools on, and the thingie will remove the oil filter and screw it back on...... I'm on my way to the dark side!  :cheers: :icon_twisted: