Extremely Lightweight Hand Tools

[teagueo]

Any recommendations for super light tools, or motorcycle tool kits in general?

I've been piecing together lightweight tools for a motorcycle tool kit over the years. When off-roading, I usually pack super minimally, plus the rear subframe weight limit for my Honda CRF250L is around 25-30lbs. With camping gear, that only leaves room for the bare essential tools.

I know Koken makes a Titanium ratchet and socket set, but they're pentagonal drive and ~$4K. Motion Pro makes some pretty awesome Ti wrenches too.

Here are the lightest ratchets I've found, 3 are Aluminum:



Some really skeletonized Wrenches from Asahi, Japan:




A tiny adjustable wrench from Lobtex, another Japanese company.

 

[GeoBruin]

The Harbor Freight composite ratchet is probably pretty light.

Skeletonized wrenches are cool but 1 pliers wrench probably replaces a whole set and is still lighter.

 

[GeoBruin]

Delete.

 

[teagueo]

The Harbor Freight composite ratchet is probably pretty light.

Skeletonized wrenches are cool but 1 pliers wrench probably replaces a whole set and is still lighter.

I expected it to be light with a name like that too, but it's really just a plastic overwrapped steel 3/8" ratchet - it's 0.46lbs (208g)

That one Aluminum ratchet I posted is 73g in comparison.

 

[4xdog]

Gordon East of RRR Tool Solutions makes some interesting tool kits, mostly for the expedition crowd. He's focused on unique modular wrench and axle nut socket systems these days.



I have one of his older kits, which now lives in my Tacoma more than on my GSA. I don't think this kind is available any longer. It's not super-light, but for the weight brings a lot of capability.

 

[teagueo]

Gordon East of RRR Tool Solutions makes some interesting tool kits, mostly for the expedition crowd. He's focused on unique modular wrench and axle nut socket systems these days.



I have one of his older kits, which now lives in my Tacoma more than on my GSA. I don't think this kind is available any longer. It's not super-light, but for the weight brings a lot of capability.

That tool set is nuts! That's exactly what I was hoping somebody would suggest - some really cool, lesser-known companies. Thanks man

 

[Ton ton]

Napa has lightweight adjustable wrenches listed in the real deals catalog.

 

[bobg03]

Cruz Tools sells pre packaged kits in a variety of variations and applications.

 

[Dave455]

I think you are on the right track with the Asahi Lightool. I have used a few and they do seem to be minimum weight without losing much performance. There are some other designs that you didn’t show, which you probably realise.

30 lbs, including camping kit, is always going to be a struggle though. You might have to rethink some strategies altogether.

I’ve been carrying, and using, this little Wera set a lot. Only 1/4” drive, but by including bits as well as sockets, you can actually omit the screwdrivers or bit driver that you might usually carry.

For pliers, maybe think about one of the smaller Knipex Cobra’s. Quite a lot of grip for a small tool, but minimum bulk.

I’d probably ditch the adjustable in favour of a Knipex pliers wrench too.

 

[Odd-job]

Those Asahi tools look pretty nice.

If you really need to save some weight I am guessing you could drill out a pliers wrench some without compromising too much of the structural integrity.

 

[teagueo]

@Dave455 Looks like you've put together something similar to this before - is this your bike's toolkit?

I actually haven't seen those double-ended Asahi wrenches, thanks for the introduction! I've seen the super stubby versions but I think these are more useful without having to use another wrench for leverage. This guy from ADVrider is a fan of them :



@Odd-job This guy actually drilled out some vice grips, not a bad idea either!

That 1/4" Wera set looks perfect for motorcycles. You can do a ton with just that socket set and make quick work of it.

The Knipex pliers wrench seem super popular now, I've never used them before though. Are they that good? Not buggering up your nuts with pliers does make sense. The Mini version are only 105g! Not bad!

Lightest set of slip joint pliers I've seen yet at 130g : IGARASHI PLIERS IPS LPL-165 on Amazon

​

An alternative is a Multi tool with pliers, but those are never as good as the dedicated tool.

These look pretty badass too, 158g. They are spring loaded in 2 of the joint positions but loose in the center one. IGARASHI PLIERS IPS SF-165 on Amazon

 

[JradM]

The Knipex pliers wrench seem super popular now, I've never used them before though. Are they that good? Not buggering up your nuts with pliers does make sense. The Mini version are only 105g! Not bad!

Yes. The Knipex pliers wrench is life-changing. It is definitely "that good". It's more than an alternate adjustable wrench style. Excellent for gripping, squeezing, bending, etc. You will find more uses for it than you think.

I'd suggest the 5" if you need to keep it super light, 7" if you want more utility from it. The 6" is like a short-handled 7", so I'd skip that one. You will be surprised at how much work the 5" version can do, but if you might need to unscrew an axel nut - you need to step up to the 7.

Unfortunately the 7" isn't a super light tool. Maybe you can remove the dipped grips or add a few drill holes, but it's a regular tool made from steel. Maybe you can ditch the regular pliers if you have the pliers wrench instead?

There are times when the pliers wrench does not substitute well (it has flat jaws and the jaws don't move a lot relative to the handles - you have to click to the next position), but you might be able to use them anyway if you're patient. The situation that seems like a problem to me would be spring-loaded hose clamps. The pliers wrench might not move enough to open the band, yet you can't maintain tension to click to the next position. It might depend on what type of fasteners and hardware are on your bike.

Alternately maybe you can ditch just the slip joints and get by with a pliers wrench and needlenose pliers.

Also, what is that black ratchet from your first post? It looks neat.

 

[Odd-job]

@Dave455 Looks like you've put together something similar to this before - is this your bike's toolkit?

I actually haven't seen those double-ended Asahi wrenches, thanks for the introduction! I've seen the super stubby versions but I think these are more useful without having to use another wrench for leverage. This guy from ADVrider is a fan of them :



@Odd-job This guy actually drilled out some vice grips, not a bad idea either!

That 1/4" Wera set looks perfect for motorcycles. You can do a ton with just that socket set and make quick work of it.

The Knipex pliers wrench seem super popular now, I've never used them before though. Are they that good? Not buggering up your nuts with pliers does make sense. The Mini version are only 105g! Not bad!

Lightest set of slip joint pliers I've seen yet at 130g : IGARASHI PLIERS IPS LPL-165 on Amazon

​

An alternative is a Multi tool with pliers, but those are never as good as the dedicated tool.

These look pretty badass too, 158g. They are spring loaded in 2 of the joint positions but loose in the center one. IGARASHI PLIERS IPS SF-165 on Amazon

Thanks for sharing. Surprised he didn't drill out the tire levers as well. Those vise grips look like they are ready to fold in half

 

[seber]

My portable kit does not carry end wrenches any more. Instead I use a parrot beak wrench. HF has a pretty good one.

10 in. Multi Slip-Joint Parrot Nose Pliers

Amazing deals on this 10In Slip Joint Parrot Nose Pliers at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[teagueo]

Yes. The Knipex pliers wrench is life-changing. It is definitely "that good". It's more than an alternate adjustable wrench style. Excellent for gripping, squeezing, bending, etc. You will find more uses for it than you think.

I'd suggest the 5" if you need to keep it super light, 7" if you want more utility from it. The 6" is like a short-handled 7", so I'd skip that one. You will be surprised at how much work the 5" version can do, but if you might need to unscrew an axel nut - you need to step up to the 7.

Unfortunately the 7" isn't a super light tool. Maybe you can remove the dipped grips or add a few drill holes, but it's a regular tool made from steel. Maybe you can ditch the regular pliers if you have the pliers wrench instead?

There are times when the pliers wrench does not substitute well (it has flat jaws and the jaws don't move a lot relative to the handles - you have to click to the next position), but you might be able to use them anyway if you're patient. The situation that seems like a problem to me would be spring-loaded hose clamps. The pliers wrench might not move enough to open the band, yet you can't maintain tension to click to the next position. It might depend on what type of fasteners and hardware are on your bike.

Alternately maybe you can ditch just the slip joints and get by with a pliers wrench and needlenose pliers.

Also, what is that black ratchet from your first post? It looks neat.

Really? That's crazy. I guess they really must be that good, because I have only seen glowingly positive reviews that seemed almost like paid sponsors lol. Never had them in my hand so I assumed they'd be a little too bulky to access screw heads on a bike. Always liked the look of them though. I'm going to get a pair of the 125mm (5") long version - they open to 23mm across the flats so that covers a lot. Amazing design to be honest @ 105g. Knipex 86 03 125

You got me sold!

The black ratchet is an 3/8" drive Aluminum (7075-T6) ratchet I've been prototyping. It has a magnetized 1/4" hex bit holder in the bottom of the carbon fiber handle so you can ditch the screwdrivers as well. Weighs ~73g.



It's really just something I've wanted as I take long term moto trips while living in Thailand. I wouldn't want to carry a full size 300g ratchet country to country in my backpack. I feel naked without my tools haha, and I don't like relying on mechanics for basic maintenance.

 

[Dave455]

@Dave455 Looks like you've put together something similar to this before - is this your bike's toolkit?

I actually haven't seen those double-ended Asahi wrenches, thanks for the introduction! I've seen the super stubby versions but I think these are more useful without having to use another wrench for leverage. This guy from ADVrider is a fan of them :

Sadly not, I haven’t had a bike in years, but I fly with tools a lot so I’ve found a few tricks for keeping the weight down!

These days I’m usually just chucking a bit driver and a pair of Knipex Cobra’s in my suitcase, or in a light aircraft just a leatherman tool, but 20 years back I was carrying a bit driver, long nose pliers, 1/4” ratchet and sockets, and I needed it all every week.

A half inch socket and long extension were needed just to top up the prop oil (without skinning your knuckles) so 1/4” drive was a real weight saver when you have to carry all your kit everywhere!

Yes, Knipex Pliers Wrench are great! I actually favour the 6 inch if I’m pushed for space. As JradM said, it’s basically a short handle 7”, but I like the extra heft. The 5” feels a lot lighter.

I have the 7” and 12” in my workshop box, and the 10” in my road box. I tend to take them anytime I’m working away from base now. I’ve used them instead of an adjustable for changing propane cylinders, instead of an open ender for swapping hydraulic hoses, instead of a square socket for winding a machine vice, etc etc!

 

[JradM]

The black ratchet is an 3/8" drive Aluminum (7075-T6) ratchet I've been prototyping. It has a magnetized 1/4" hex bit holder in the bottom of the carbon fiber handle so you can ditch the screwdrivers as well. Weighs ~73g.

Damn. That looks sick! Will you sell these at some point?

 

[teagueo]

Sadly not, I haven’t had a bike in years, but I fly with tools a lot so I’ve found a few tricks for keeping the weight down!

These days I’m usually just chucking a bit driver and a pair of Knipex Cobra’s in my suitcase, or in a light aircraft just a leatherman tool, but 20 years back I was carrying a bit driver, long nose pliers, 1/4” ratchet and sockets, and I needed it all every week.

A half inch socket and long extension were needed just to top up the prop oil (without skinning your knuckles) so 1/4” drive was a real weight saver when you have to carry all your kit everywhere!

Well if you're flying, you're probably not missing the freedom of riding too much (or the speed really)

Interesting to get an aviators tool kit setup - going overweight on dirt bike subframe is nothing compared to a plane. Too much gear and you won't make it off the runway! If they made tools for flight, those would be the top shelf gear weight-wise....

Crazy you got it done with just a 1/4" drive ratchet. No spark plug sockets? If you have pics of your old and or new kit I'd be super interested. I'm going single minded in the persuit of minimum weight. Those Cobras you mentioned are actually incredibly light for pliers. I did not expect that just looking at them

 

[teagueo]

Damn. That looks sick! Will you sell these at some point?

I appreciate that man. The design is derived from topology optimization - it's a simulation that shows how stress travels through a part and where you can remove material. Doesn't get much lighter than that!

I might do a Kickstarter...it's a super niche product though. Most people are just like, "Why???" To me, it means I can carry my favorite tool around everywhere I go. I have a Titanium flex head version off to heat treating soon btw. The stubby version should be pretty nuts



Thanks for the pliers wrench recommendation again man. After re-reading your comments on it, it sounds like it might eliminate a tool or 2 from my kit. I've been dismissing those things for a while because of all the hype

 

[Dave455]

Well if you're flying, you're probably not missing the freedom of riding too much (or the speed really)

Interesting to get an aviators tool kit setup - going overweight on dirt bike subframe is nothing compared to a plane. Too much gear and you won't make it off the runway! If they made tools for flight, those would be the top shelf gear weight-wise....

Crazy you got it done with just a 1/4" drive ratchet. No spark plug sockets? If you have pics of your old and or new kit I'd be super interested. I'm going single minded in the persuit of minimum weight. Those Cobras you mentioned are actually incredibly light for pliers. I did not expect that just looking at them

Actually, I am missing riding. Always the same in the summer, but I lost two colleagues in bike accidents and it made me think. One was on his way to work on the same road I drive (through a forest) and hit one of the (numerous) deer. No second chances on a bike.

Weight tolerance depends on the aircraft. I wouldn’t be a pound overweight on most light aircraft, but big ones are more tolerant. Before the standard passenger weights were updated a few years back I reckoned we were generally 3 or 4 tons overweight anyway!

The tools I carried a while back are (more or less) what’s below. I changed the ratchet since then, and my original flashlight got nicked, but I “found” an identical one in the stores! I also carried about 4 SAE sockets, which are elsewhere now.

I moved away from a bit driver as the risk of losing bits was quite high. I only really needed 1/4” slotted and Phillips 2 anyway. Most used were the pliers. Chrome plated as I needed them in all weathers. Used to pull down the prism sticks for fuelling, and for cutting locking wire on any repair, and re locking it afterwards. Allen keys for the myriad of cockpit knobs held on by grub screws!

That knife was perfect. It had a screwdriver bit for accessing the fire bottle gauges on walkround, and a decent tin opener for oil cans!

What you carry depends on the aircraft. I needed that lot in an elderly turboprop. Modern aircraft much less, and I’ve never even had the engine cowlings open on my current one!

My late father had a similar setup to above, but with specific tools for specific problems (a sticking CSDS - Constant Speed Drive & Start unit - could leave you stranded if you didn’t). On DC3’s he carried duck bill pliers for changing radio crystals, but that’s unheard of now!

 

[teagueo]

Actually, I am missing riding. Always the same in the summer, but I lost two colleagues in bike accidents and it made me think. One was on his way to work on the same road I drive (through a forest) and hit one of the (numerous) deer. No second chances on a bike.

Weight tolerance depends on the aircraft. I wouldn’t be a pound overweight on most light aircraft, but big ones are more tolerant. Before the standard passenger weights were updated a few years back I reckoned we were generally 3 or 4 tons overweight anyway!

The tools I carried a while back are (more or less) what’s below. I changed the ratchet since then, and my original flashlight got nicked, but I “found” an identical one in the stores! I also carried about 4 SAE sockets, which are elsewhere now.

I moved away from a bit driver as the risk of losing bits was quite high. I only really needed 1/4” slotted and Phillips 2 anyway. Most used were the pliers. Chrome plated as I needed them in all weathers. Used to pull down the prism sticks for fuelling, and for cutting locking wire on any repair, and re locking it afterwards. Allen keys for the myriad of cockpit knobs held on by grub screws!

That knife was perfect. It had a screwdriver bit for accessing the fire bottle gauges on walkround, and a decent tin opener for oil cans!

What you carry depends on the aircraft. I needed that lot in an elderly turboprop. Modern aircraft much less, and I’ve never even had the engine cowlings open on my current one!

My late father had a similar setup to above, but with specific tools for specific problems (a sticking CSDS - Constant Speed Drive & Start unit - could leave you stranded if you didn’t). On DC3’s he carried duck bill pliers for changing radio crystals, but that’s unheard of now!

Unfortunately with bikes, not everyone makes it out alive. Out here where I live in LA now, you can't be too carefree - kind of ruins the spirit of motorcycling at times.

Awesome to see how little you needed! Perfect tool kit for that particular aircraft. A lot of Snap-On stuff for an Englishman Although I do own a King **** ratchet haha. Wonder if they make that knife anymore...

 

[Dave455]

Unfortunately with bikes, not everyone makes it out alive. Out here where I live in LA now, you can't be too carefree - kind of ruins the spirit of motorcycling at times.

Awesome to see how little you needed! Perfect tool kit for that particular aircraft. A lot of Snap-On stuff for an Englishman Although I do own a King **** ratchet haha. Wonder if they make that knife anymore...

No, you have no protection, so if you do have an impact it’s going to be bad. Some areas where I am are particularly bad for animal collisions. Big deer, boar etc are probably all going to be terminal if you’re fast enough, and they’re all prone to running out in front of you.

I have a lot of friends who ride, but good weather daytime only. The small Wera 1/4” drive sets are a very popular option for underseat stowage. Even the soft case is probably preferable to a metal box for that role.

Snap On are pretty much universal for aircraft work in the U.K. There are a few guys using Stahlwille, or some Koken, or older British makes, but the majority is Snap On. I do have a little more than that though…!

Yes, those knives are still made. It’s a standard military pattern here. The quality is a bit variable according to the manufacturer, but the good ones are superb value!

 

[DAustin]

Motion Pro TiProlight Titanium Combination 4 piece Wrench Set, 8, 10, 12, 14mm with Pouch 08-0466

Motion Pro TiProlight Titanium Combination 4 piece Wrench Set, 8, 10, 12, 14mm with Pouch 08-0466

www.advdesigns.com

 

[teagueo]

No, you have no protection, so if you do have an impact it’s going to be bad. Some areas where I am are particularly bad for animal collisions. Big deer, boar etc are probably all going to be terminal if you’re fast enough, and they’re all prone to running out in front of you.

I have a lot of friends who ride, but good weather daytime only. The small Wera 1/4” drive sets are a very popular option for underseat stowage. Even the soft case is probably preferable to a metal box for that role.

Snap On are pretty much universal for aircraft work in the U.K. There are a few guys using Stahlwille, or some Koken, or older British makes, but the majority is Snap On. I do have a little more than that though…!

Yes, those knives are still made. It’s a standard military pattern here. The quality is a bit variable according to the manufacturer, but the good ones are superb value!

Yeah that's the thing - even a 30 mph crash can be deadly, where in a car, you'll typically walk away. Most of my buddies have either sold their bikes or can't ride due to serious injuries. I used to ride with out a helmet in Pennsylvania which is still legal! It does feel incredible...as with most things unprotected haha.

I had no idea Snap On was big amongst A&P guys in Europe. I worked in Toulouse at Airbus for a bit and there was lots of Facom. I wonder if the American stuff is still expensive over there as well.

In my research for lightweight tools, I have been seeing those small Wera toolkits pop up. My goal is to be lighter than those then! I'm on track so far with the Knipex Cobra XS pliers and Pliers wrench included. I'll be posting up a tool list with individual weights if anyone is interested in travel kits.

Here's a setup I took on a few day trip (Mae Hong Son Loop in TH) with tools I cobbled together while abroad. Some of the longer pieces were confiscated at airports so I'm trying to keep it all <7" overall. The plan is to start taking quality essential tools with me - it has to be superlight because they will go literally everywhere with me for months on end.

 

[teagueo]

Motion Pro TiProlight Titanium Combination 4 piece Wrench Set, 8, 10, 12, 14mm with Pouch 08-0466

Motion Pro TiProlight Titanium Combination 4 piece Wrench Set, 8, 10, 12, 14mm with Pouch 08-0466

www.advdesigns.com

Thanks for the link - I have seen these before, they're definitely badass. I have to compare them weight-wise to those double ended Asahi Lightool steel wrenches. It might be a close one

 

[Dave455]

Yeah that's the thing - even a 30 mph crash can be deadly, where in a car, you'll typically walk away. Most of my buddies have either sold their bikes or can't ride due to serious injuries. I used to ride with out a helmet in Pennsylvania which is still legal! It does feel incredible...as with most things unprotected haha.

I had no idea Snap On was big amongst A&P guys in Europe. I worked in Toulouse at Airbus for a bit and there was lots of Facom. I wonder if the American stuff is still expensive over there as well.

In my research for lightweight tools, I have been seeing those small Wera toolkits pop up. My goal is to be lighter than those then! I'm on track so far with the Knipex Cobra XS pliers and Pliers wrench included. I'll be posting up a tool list with individual weights if anyone is interested in travel kits.

Here's a setup I took on a few day trip (Mae Hong Son Loop in TH) with tools I cobbled together while abroad. Some of the longer pieces were confiscated at airports so I'm trying to keep it all <7" overall. The plan is to start taking quality essential tools with me - it has to be superlight because they will go literally everywhere with me for months on end.

Pennsylvania sounds fun. I probably wouldn’t ride without a helmet, but I’d appreciate the freedom to do so!

I think there are probably some cultural differences in tools. British tastes are much like American - guys want red boxes and shiny chrome, especially if they are paying with their own money, which most airline engineers are!

The difference at Airbus is that I suspect all the tools are provided by the company, so you use what you are given! Yes, Snap On is expensive in Europe too, but often, if you buy the “aerospace” grade tools from firms like Stahlwille, it comes to Snap On money anyway.

If you are travelling with tools you will pretty much have to put them in hold baggage. Certainly in Europe. Rules, and their interpretation, are just too variable. Subject to that, I think your plan of taking quality essentials everywhere is very sound. With flying, as with biking, weight is always a consideration!

If I’m travelling as a passenger I always carry everything I need to evacuate the aircraft on my person (keys, wallet, passport, travel docs, phone, flashlight, etc). Anything I’d need for at least one overnight, together with anything valuable, goes in my briefcase. Everything else goes in my suitcase in the hold.

 

[charbar]

Just some food for thought here, and maybe it doesn't really apply to your situation.....but most tool 'kits' come with so much extra **** that you only use about 1/4 of the kit and the rest is just extra baggage. Especially if its just for one specific vehicle (bike in your circumstance).

If you go through the bike and figure out what size all the fasteners are you might only need about four different sizes of sockets and wrenches and a few bits......then you could really cut down on the weight even if it is 'normal' weight tools. Catch my drift?

 

[teagueo]

@charbar Absolutely. If you can tailor the kit to a specific bike, you can really pare it down. All you really need is a few Allen keys and sockets for basic maintenance. Pliers and the rest of it is more for "just in case". Definitely good advice making a bespoke kit.

Also, most times you aren't far away from a local who will bend over backwards to help out a stranger with a flat.

In my case, I'll be mostly on rented bikes but usually all Japanese - so I'll be carrying 8-14mm sockets, 2.5-8mm hex keys, JIS screwdriver bits, etc. But needing to carry it EVERYWHERE means it'll have to light, whatever I'm taking.

 

[seber]

I can't believe the love for pliers wrench. I finally broke down and bought one about six months ago. I always pull it out and put it on the tray for every job ever since. I still have not found a use for the damn thing. It is always way too awkward to fit anywhere. Even adjustable wrenches are more useful and I never use that unless in a real bind.

 

[tez929rr]

I’m carry one of the Cruz tools roll up kits when traveling but it’s too heavy for what you want. A Wera tool check plus and good slip joint pliers and that lightweight adjustable wrench might work.

 

[Wamsutta]

What's the brand name of the ratchet at the very top?

dsc_8829-jpg.1681494

 

[GeoBruin]

TRO Designs. It's made by the original poster of this thread.

 

[cargar]

Really? That's crazy. I guess they really must be that good, because I have only seen glowingly positive reviews that seemed almost like paid sponsors lol. Never had them in my hand so I assumed they'd be a little too bulky to access screw heads on a bike. Always liked the look of them though. I'm going to get a pair of the 125mm (5") long version - they open to 23mm across the flats so that covers a lot. Amazing design to be honest @ 105g. Knipex 86 03 125

You got me sold!

The black ratchet is an 3/8" drive Aluminum (7075-T6) ratchet I've been prototyping. It has a magnetized 1/4" hex bit holder in the bottom of the carbon fiber handle so you can ditch the screwdrivers as well. Weighs ~73g.



It's really just something I've wanted as I take long term moto trips while living in Thailand. I wouldn't want to carry a full size 300g ratchet country to country in my backpack. I feel naked without my tools haha, and I don't like relying on mechanics for basic maintenance.

I dream about that Breaker Bar

 

[KnurledNut]

 

[username2]

Cool stuff, but I always figured it would be easier to lose 10 pounds.

 

[bobg03]

I had 3 Harleys and a Suzuki at the same time, I strongly recommend Cruz Tools, they make different kits covering many applications. Good stuff at a good price in a complete kit.

 

[tez929rr]

I had 3 Harleys and a Suzuki at the same time, I strongly recommend Cruz Tools, they make different kits covering many applications. Good stuff at a good price in a complete kit.

They have a great range of sets, too. They even sell those minimal kits to replace the OEM kits. On my last two new bikes the tool kits were way underequipped. Maybe that’s a reflection on newer riders, but just the change from 15 years or so ago is shocking. These are the OEM tool kits from a 22 GSX-1000-GT and a 23 Ninja 1000SX.

 

[PZ 1]

Napa has lightweight adjustable wrenches listed in the real deals catalog.

I didn't find them there, but elsewhere. They look to be the same as Fujiya brand wrenches and seem to be better than the Lobtex at a similar price. They have flank drive teeth, and a deeper throat (for whatever that is worth) and they open wider. There are quite sharp edges that may be good to trim to prevent it causing damage when packed. I did not find a weight to compare that.

https://www.napaonline.com/en/search?text=carlyle adjustable wrench phosphate&referer=v2

 

[Steel_Rain]

Any recommendations for super light tools, or motorcycle tool kits in general?

I've been piecing together lightweight tools for a motorcycle tool kit over the years. When off-roading, I usually pack super minimally, plus the rear subframe weight limit for my Honda CRF250L is around 25-30lbs. With camping gear, that only leaves room for the bare essential tools.

I know Koken makes a Titanium ratchet and socket set, but they're pentagonal drive and ~$4K. Motion Pro makes some pretty awesome Ti wrenches too.

Here are the lightest ratchets I've found, 3 are Aluminum:



Some really skeletonized Wrenches from Asahi, Japan:




A tiny adjustable wrench from Lobtex, another Japanese company.

I know this goes way back to the 2022 OP, but thoughts on the Asahi light tool ratchets? I have a few of the “light tool” products, but these are just wrenches and not ratchets.

Good quality? Obviously light, but strength compromises felt? Not much about these online.

 

[tjansson]

I made this hex bit t-handle from an aluminum shank bit driver. I carry it for for backcountry skiing. I carry a few driver bits - torx & posidrive, to service touring bindings. I consider it a bit of a safety item to help me get back to the car if I have an equipment issue, which is why I made a lightweight tool, rather than omit such a tool entirely from my pack.