Recent content by Quercus

Oh man, that #3 spark plug hole on the 919 is a bear to get to, tucked in behind the frame like that. Mine came with a toolkit that contained a cheap wobbler socket that did the job...just. A set of wobble extensions would be more versatile.

Glad I got the HF flex head, after all. It was my first crack at changing belts, and I'm still picking the scabs off of my arms and hands! :rocker: The HF ratchet gave me just enough clearance to stuff down into the tiny space between fan and belts and pulleys, grab the bolts, and then get...

I enjoy my perhaps not-the-most-efficient Kowa Seiki t-handles. Great for all sorts of bike chores, removing plastics, getting under tanks, etc. I also find many, many uses for my hex handles (Matco). Lots of hex head bolts on metric bikes. It wasn't their intended use--these are snap-ring...

I have a set of metric Kowa Seiki t-handles, and I love 'em and use 'em often...on motorcycles. Very limited use on cars, given the cramped engine compartment quarters. I suspect that part of their popularity is just tradition. I apprenticed at an old-school motorcycle shop, and was taught by a...

Bumping this thread! I got into my Suzuki Grand Vitara spark plugs for the first time yesterday, and struggled mightily with (and tore 2) of the plug boots. Ultimately twisting with 2 pairs of needlenose pliers busted them all loose. New parts are on the way, but I should have checked this...

Depends on the person. I do love me some tools, but I live in a nice apartment in a big city, so there are definite space constraints; I'm limited to a bit less than I like. That said, I get satisfaction simply from well-built and aesthetically pleasing objects, and what's even better, the...

Great thread--I was inspired to take apart, inspect, clean and lube all my ratchets tonight. Would love to see the old photos too, if possible.

Great idea, but I can't get enough clearance and swing room in there with my 1/2" breaker bar. I think the cheapo Pittsburg Flex head ratchet will likely do it. Good to know other quality options for the future, as well.

Snap-On ratcheting screwdriver, how did I even live before you came along? Knipex pliers--so good I used them to pull the stainless pins out of my bones when it was time to remove them (with the doc's supervision). Loads of grip. The Cobra and the Pliers wrench are great as well. Kowa Seiki...

I'm fond of my Matco metric allen set. I wish the numbers were more prominent, but the grips are comfortable, the steel is hard, and they've been great for working on motorycles.

Thanks for the advice from everyone. I stopped by Harbor Freight on my way home from a motorcycle ride today, and they had one of the thin flex head double ratchets left on the shelf. The heads were pretty tight, not floppy, so I used my coupon, got over myself, and picked it up. The length...

Mmmm. Not a big HF fan, but something that low-profile would be awfully nice.

See, guys, this is perfect. Lots of options to browse. Thanks!

Hey y'all, I'm needing to replace the belts on my old Suzuki Grand Vitara, and the tensioner is loosened with a 10mm allen socket. Snug fit in there, as they all seem to be, as well as farther down than a regular-length ratchet can reach. I could just buy a serpentine belt tool, but I'd rather...

Interesting perspectives guys. I spent some time in independent motorcycle shops, but auto techs seem to inhabit a different world.