Best wrenches for Motorcycles

[teagueo]

On bikes, you're not dealing with high torque, rusty fasteners. So really thick jaw, wide wrenches that are great for cars would be less than ideal.

I'm thinking Euro brands would be better for this?

I think the better motorcycle criteria would be:

1. Tight tolerance fit
2. Good access
3. Non-marring
4. Not crazy long

I have mostly Napa, some Snap-On, followed by Asahi Lightool and a single Nepros 10 mm.

I'm willing to spend some dough to get the best combo metric set out there.

Been checking out the torque test channel as he puts up some dimensions on the jaw thickness.

 

[HannibalLecter]

If you find the absolute best, let us know. We are still searching for it. Honestly though, I'd carry Asahi with me. as for the tightest tolerance, that probably is Snap on or Stahlwille or nepros. So, you have covered the bases. You could also consider a Knipex 180mm pliers wrench

 

[teagueo]

If you find the absolute best, let us know. We are still searching for it. Honestly though, I'd carry Asahi with me. as for the tightest tolerance, that probably is Snap on or Stahlwille or nepros. So, you have covered the bases. You could also consider a Knipex 180mm pliers wrench

I'm still searching, so I'll post up my findings here. I've heard Stahlwille was the absolute tightest fit across the jaws but then I've seen Beta was even better?

I'm in the minority on this forum, but for bikes I prefer an adjustable to the pliers wrench. If you're in-between sizes with the Knipex, they're not great. They're awesome for plumbing though...

 

[Pinemarten]

Also look at Facom and Hazet from Europe. KTC/Nepros, TOP, and Asahi from Japan. I'm guessing you are only working on metric bikes. I like the extra long zero offset style (where they fit) to supplement other wrenches.

The Japanese manufacturers omit the sizes you seldom need, staying with the JIS sizes. You may already have the oddball sizes covered with your existing wrenches.

 

[General Geoff]

On bikes, you're not dealing with high torque, rusty fasteners.

hold my beer

 

[General Geoff]

I'm in the minority on this forum, but for bikes I prefer an adjustable to the pliers wrench.

When I'm on a long motorcycle journey and feel compelled to bring a roadside toolkit with me, I bring a 7-inch Pliers-Wrench, 8-17mm hex and 3-8mm allen head 3/8"-drive shallow sockets, a flex head ratchet, 10 and 12mm reversible ratcheting combo wrenches, 1.5-6mm ball end allen keys, T8-T40 Torx keys (for trips on newer bikes), needle nose pliers, spare fuses, miniature DMM, and whatever large specialty sockets are required for pulling a front and rear wheel off the bike I'm on. Oh, and a tire patch / inflator kit. And zip ties. They all fit nicely into a tool roll.

 

[richfinn]

This guy is a motorcycle tech, seems like he keeps four or five different sizes in various styles, and lots of T-handles (possibly Motion-Pro brand)

The Saltus style wrench with a built in socket is a particularly good one to have (Snap-On make a good one)

Google Image Result for http://www.southbayriders.com/forums/attachments/438521/

 

[teagueo]

hold my beer

Holy **** my guy, what are we looking at?? Is that the top of a shock tube? Bust out the RBRT's

 

[NORTON'S SHOP]

When I built my last motorcycle, I assembled most of it with an adjustable wrench. Lots of chrome and stainless steel fasteners. Nothing got scratched or marred.

 

[teagueo]

This guy is a motorcycle tech, seems like he keeps four or five different sizes in various styles, and lots of T-handles (possibly Motion-Pro brand)

The Saltus style wrench with a built in socket is a particularly good one to have (Snap-On make a good one)

Google Image Result for http://www.southbayriders.com/forums/attachments/438521/

That's a very organized setup. He's got a serious set of hemostats for hose clamps I guess?




Here's it's counterpart in Hanoi, Vietnam from a bike rental place a few months ago:

 

[kyrbz]

I like my Facom 440's. They're thinner than a lot of wrenches and feel good in the hand. I also like the deep offset on the box end and the angle of the open end. A few of the following pics are comparing them to some older Craftsman raised panel wrenches.

 

[teagueo]

I like my Facom 440's. They're thinner than a lot of wrenches and feel good in the hand. I also like the deep offset on the box end and the angle of the open end. A few of the following pics are comparing them to some older Craftsman raised panel wrenches.

THAT'S what I'm talking about! Those look super nice. $101 on Amazon for a 14 piece set 7-24 mm isn't horrible.

Nice project you got going on in the background too.

 

[Jim greengo]

A 10mm and a Cresent wrench handle most motorcycle needs in my experiance anyway.

 

[kyrbz]

THAT'S what I'm talking about! Those look super nice. $101 on Amazon for a 14 piece set 7-24 mm isn't horrible.

Nice project you got going on in the background too.

Thanks, It's a 1952 Isomoto GT. Here's a pic of it before I started the restoration and the rebuilt engine

 

[richfinn]

That's a very organized setup. He's got a serious set of hemostats for hose clamps I guess?




Here's it's counterpart in Hanoi, Vietnam from a bike rental place a few months ago:

Always cool to see repurposed solutions that have been honed over time for a specific job/task

 

[General Geoff]

Holy **** my guy, what are we looking at?? Is that the top of a shock tube? Bust out the RBRT's

Yep. Cap nuts atop the forks of a 1990 Yamaha Virago XV1100. Fortunately I was able to scrape out enough garbage to get a big 19mm allen socket in there and bust em both loose with an IR W7150.



They cleaned up reasonably well after a few days in 'the dip'

 

[cherrybomb]

Stahwille #13 would do you well

 

[Wamsutta]

I like Snap-on combination wrenches. They fit my hand well and they're easy to maneuver.

 

[acer66]

That's a very organized setup. He's got a serious set of hemostats for hose clamps I guess?




Here's it's counterpart in Hanoi, Vietnam from a bike rental place a few months ago:

Did you catch what kind of bike the orange one was?

 

[teagueo]

Thanks, It's a 1952 Isomoto GT. Here's a pic of it before I started the restoration and the rebuilt engine

That's beautiful man! I almost tried to guess what bike that was and luckily I didn't

 

[teagueo]

Did you catch what kind of bike the orange one was?

Not sure... there are so many custom bikes over there, usually single cylinders or knock off Hondas. It looks like either a Honda FTR 223 or a Suzuki ST 250 based off the tank and big tires - "Big Bikes" as they call them in Southeast Asia.

I was on a CRF 250L and a CB 500X:










All these tools were made in Vietnam:

 

[driftpin]

I have a set of metric open-end wrenches and 3/8" sockets I've had since new, they're made by Wright for Montgomery Wards, Powr-Kraft. They're > 55 years old. I got them from the parents to do work on the VW Cabriolet Beetle they bought new. The ratchet is the famous 'Tootsie-Roll' thick rubber-covered handle. I think I can claim that every car, truck, or motorcycle using metric fasteners I've had since then has been touched by them, and probably the SAE or Imperial ones too, for the ratchet, extensions, spark plug socket and U-joint.

A few years ago, I ordered some Wright combo sets in various drives, in a blow-molded case, and some wrenches too. I decided to give the old set a rest, but the new ones still are sitting, 'cause they're 'too-pretty.' Rest assured that if they needed to be put to work I would use 'em. Guess you could say "I'm beholden to the old-'uns."

 

[M6erfan]

THAT'S what I'm talking about! Those look super nice. $101 on Amazon for a 14 piece set 7-24 mm isn't horrible.

Nice project you got going on in the background too.

You can't go wrong with Facom 440s. I like KTC too . . .

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001EQCD4U/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[wandrur]

Run-of-the-mill wrenches and tools have always served me well. Craftsman, etc get the job done.

 

[driftpin]

I have several hand impact drivers, the one I've used the most is a 1/2" drive one I bought to work on my first bike, a Honda 305 Scrambler. I bought it at the Honda dealership. I don't know whose manufacture it is, w/o looking, and I'm too-lazy to do that. A good comfortable hand impact is a 'get this off w/o destroying anything' tool.

 

[jmf535]

I have a set of Stahwille 14's as my main set, and they work very well...most of the time.

The fit on them is superb, which is my main priority, but the open end is a little too thick for some situations (especially on the smaller sizes). I've added in a mix of KTC, Heyco and Gedore 7's, which are all thinner, to fill in when the Stahwille's won't work, or when you need two wrenches.

If I had to do it over again, I'd go for the 13's instead of the 14's as my main set, since they are thinner, and the extra reach is not needed on motorcycles.

 

[JradM]

What kind of bike are you working on? I raced dirt bikes for years and have wrenched on many street bikes too. I'm not convinced you need "special" wrenches for motorcycles or even that you will use them much. Most fasteners are recessed and you need sockets - or more likely, T-handles.

T-handles are faster and give you a better feel. Especially if we're talking about bodywork or controls. It's not that you can't use wrenches on some fasteners, but there aren't many times when that's my first choice. I'm probably more likely to grab a Knipex pliers wrench than a combination wrench on the few times when that is necessary.

With sockets and T-handles, you get to use a six-point drive tool - that helps avoid damaging the coating, which is even more important than on a car since you're likely to see those fasteners.

 

[Samuel D]

I'm in the minority on this forum, but for bikes I prefer an adjustable to the pliers wrench. If you're in-between sizes with the Knipex, they're not great. They're awesome for plumbing though...

I don’t understand what you mean about “in between sizes” with the Pliers Wrench. Feel like elaborating?

 

[teagueo]

What kind of bike are you working on? I raced dirt bikes for years and have wrenched on many street bikes too. I'm not convinced you need "special" wrenches for motorcycles or even that you will use them much. Most fasteners are recessed and you need sockets - or more likely, T-handles.

T-handles are faster and give you a better feel. Especially if we're talking about bodywork or controls. It's not that you can't use wrenches on some fasteners, but there aren't many times when that's my first choice. I'm probably more likely to grab a Knipex pliers wrench than a combination wrench on the few times when that is necessary.

With sockets and T-handles, you get to use a six-point drive tool - that helps avoid damaging the coating, which is even more important than on a car since you're likely to see those fasteners.

Mostly a '99 Ducati Monster 750 and a '12 Panigale 1199. But really, a bunch of odd-ball engineering projects too.







I've gotten along completely fine with my current tools but just looking for an upgrade from my mostly Napa wrench set. Nothing really wrong with them besides chipped chrome, but I'd like to get something better fitting and nicer in general.

Believe me, especially before I had a garage, I made do with what I had. This is from way back, when I was living in South Philly. Same bike as above. Not a drop made it into the drain, don't worry.

 

[teagueo]

I don’t understand what you mean about “in between sizes” with the Pliers Wrench. Feel like elaborating?

I know guys on this forum really love their Knipex pliers wrench, so let me start off by saying I think they're WAY faster than adjustables for stuff like plumbing.

With the pliers wrench, if you're on the upper end of the adjustment range (handles spread wide apart), and not in a position to get a good grip on the handles, they don't really work nearly as well as usual. This could be a leverage issue mostly with the short handle XS pliers wrench I have. That's my experience at least.

Here's an example:

I realize these are being used "wrong" but in this situation, they only fit on one way. With limited space to get a good grip with the XS pliers wrench, and going the opposite direction of normal, you could barely generate any torque. I couldn't find my 16 mm flare nut wrench (or wrench) and had adjustables and a pliers wrench nearby.

More pictures....



The pliers wrench had an obstructed grip at this specific angle and used incorrectly they don't self-tighten, in their defense. But there wasn't a way to get a great grip on the tiny handle and apply torque at the same time.

With similar sized adjustables, I could lock on the adjuster and use a few fingers to bust the sensor loose. Once you lock on, that's it.



I don't normally use these tools unless nothing better is nearby, but I'd rather have the adjustables in my tool kit. They lock onto the fastener more accurately and work well in either direction giving you more options for access. This is just my opinion though.

 

[cherrybomb]

I have a set of Stahwille 14's as my main set, and they work very well...most of the time.

The fit on them is superb, which is my main priority, but the open end is a little too thick for some situations (especially on the smaller sizes). I've added in a mix of KTC, Heyco and Gedore 7's, which are all thinner, to fill in when the Stahwille's won't work, or when you need two wrenches.

If I had to do it over again, I'd go for the 13's instead of the 14's as my main set, since they are thinner, and the extra reach is not needed on motorcycles.

Yeah,That was my observations on the Stahwille exactly on the thickness.I have a double nut situation in my shop.I use two Stahwille's a # 13 and a Motor #10 which is a DOE.Stahwille has a big selection,you might make up a kit with box and doe's in just the sizes you need. And there open ends don't chew up the fasteners.

 

[Dave455]

I do a bit of bike work, mostly classics, but same factors apply.

I think you’re bang on with your criteria.

Short wrenches do seem to be about right. Sure, you don’t have enough leverage if you need to shift say a 19mm, but most times you don’t, it’s 10’s and 12’s or 10’s and 13’s.

The absolute best are probably the Snap On. I know you have some, but I reckon the short length are worth adding. Nepros are probably up there too. Here is a short Snap On, compared to regular length.


I must admit, I like short box ends. My Dad used these extensively so I’m used to them, but if ever I have to use someone else‘s tools, it’s these I miss.


You’re right about something “non marring”. Fasteners on bikes are exposed and look **** if they get marked. Plated fasteners even more so.

You want a decent finish inside the Jaws. Snap On are good for this, as are Stahlwille, and Facom as already mentioned. These Stahlwille No. 13’s are their shorter combo wrenches. The Facom 440’s have a very good internal finish, and are incredibly good value. If you wanted a shorter Facom wrench, it’s the No.39.


To minimise marring, consider 6 point wrenches. Both Snap On and Nepros offer these. The Nepros are particularly close fitting, and the internal finish is awesome too!

 

[rd65]

This guy is a motorcycle tech, seems like he keeps four or five different sizes in various styles, and lots of T-handles (possibly Motion-Pro brand)

The Saltus style wrench with a built in socket is a particularly good one to have (Snap-On make a good one)

Google Image Result for http://www.southbayriders.com/forums/attachments/438521/

So, what's with all the long 3/8" extensions? Motorcycles, I don't know, but if he is working on PWC...

 

[Trapps]

Consider adding Wera Jokers to your list to evaluate. Pricing is more friendly than some other mentioned.





I use these (plus other types of wrenches, T, Sockets), in my motorcycle tool kit.

 

[teagueo]

I do a bit of bike work, mostly classics, but same factors apply.

I think you’re bang on with your criteria.

Short wrenches do seem to be about right. Sure, you don’t have enough leverage if you need to shift say a 19mm, but most times you don’t, it’s 10’s and 12’s or 10’s and 13’s.

The absolute best are probably the Snap On. I know you have some, but I reckon the short length are worth adding. Nepros are probably up there too. Here is a short Snap On, compared to regular length.


I must admit, I like short box ends. My Dad used these extensively so I’m used to them, but if ever I have to use someone else‘s tools, it’s these I miss.


You’re right about something “non marring”. Fasteners on bikes are exposed and look **** if they get marked. Plated fasteners even more so.

You want a decent finish inside the Jaws. Snap On are good for this, as are Stahlwille, and Facom as already mentioned. These Stahlwille No. 13’s are their shorter combo wrenches. The Facom 440’s have a very good internal finish, and are incredibly good value. If you wanted a shorter Facom wrench, it’s the No.39.


To minimise marring, consider 6 point wrenches. Both Snap On and Nepros offer these. The Nepros are particularly close fitting, and the internal finish is awesome too!

You make the choices so easy.... Now I want those short box end Snap-Ons, the Facom 440's and the Stahlwille 13's. Then I saw those Nepros - damn they look awesome. Nice collection brother!

Thanks for the info on the jaw surface finish, that's something I hadn't thought about - I just knew I wanted to exclude any "grip" style wrenches for this application.

Something about these make them look really nice to use on bikes:



Bikes don't need special tools, but certain tools make maintaining them even more enjoyable.

 

[KSJeff]

Consider adding Wera Jokers to your list to evaluate. Pricing is more friendly than some other mentioned.

Consider adding Wera Jokers to your list to evaluate. Pricing is more friendly than some other mentioned.





I use these (plus other types of wrenches, T, Sockets), in my motorcycle tool kit.

I like these quite a bit but I've heard mixed reports about the sizing being accurate. Been good for you?

 

[Chrome Vanadium Cody]

Of my moped kit I assembled piecemeal my favorite wrench to use is an 8mm stahlwille 13 series. I would throw another vote that way.

 

[Dave455]

You make the choices so easy.... Now I want those short box end Snap-Ons, the Facom 440's and the Stahlwille 13's. Then I saw those Nepros - damn they look awesome. Nice collection brother!

Thanks for the info on the jaw surface finish, that's something I hadn't thought about - I just knew I wanted to exclude any "grip" style wrenches for this application.

Something about these make them look really nice to use on bikes:



Bikes don't need special tools, but certain tools make maintaining them even more enjoyable.

The garage journal solution is always to buy all!

My Dad rode bikes before he had a car, and I think that’s where he developed a liking for these short box ends.

Later on, maintaining the family cars, we always had both short and regular available, but I always enjoyed using the short.

They work just great on bikes, whether you’re working around wires or cables, or if you need to carry a couple of wrenches under the seat.

I must admit I have the short Snap On combination wrenches in metric, SAE, and BS sizes. I use them so much I have a spare set of BS ones, brand new, in case Snap On stop making them!


The best of the short box ends currently made are probably Snap On and Nepros. I own the Snap On in metric, and can’t fault them.

In SAE and BS sizes I have a lot of older British and American made tools, most long out of production, but the quality is so good I don’t need to replace them.

If I was buying new / metric again I would have to consider Nepros, I don’t own any so can only copy their pictures, but they are one of the few manufacturers offering a choice of flat or offset pattern in the short box ends.

 

[Trapps]

I like these quite a bit but I've heard mixed reports about the sizing being accurate. Been good for you?

I've had zero issues/concerns. However, I have not used every size, especially above 15mm. The set is 8, 10-19.





An added benefit, they 'feel' lighter. That's akin to a **** dyno statement, and compared to my Husky, Tekton and Craftsman wrenches. I do not own any SO, Stal, Nep, or other premiums. Still I'd be surprised if they weren't measurably lighter, which is a solid consideration for a tool kit on a bike.

 

[isb cornbinder]

My mind is not doing well, in my old age. I saw motorcycle and wrenches. My mind went off track and I thought I read wenches. My wife walked in the room and announced, "You never listen to me!" Well, that is what I assume she said.