Filling in the new tool box

[Vortaku]

So I have been MIA for a bit on here. Was getting depressed with not having room for tools. Well I fixed that and bought a house with a garage. Got gifted this toolbox.
Now for my birthday I was told to spend 300 dollars on hand tools and I will get the money handed back to me.
So I am here for suggestions on what to get to fill out the box. I have came up with a priority list that makes the most sense to me given my current tool arsenal.
When I left or stopped being as active I saw a lot of gear wrench love for most tools. They still the fan favorite? I would love Snap-On but I could buy maybe a wrench with 300 dollars

Currently working on a 1988 Harley FXR, trying to her back on the road!

Another blabbering this is the list I have came up with so far.

In this order:
Adjustable wrench
Combo wrenches
Allen sockets
Torx sockets
Torque wrench(needed for head rebuilds)
Extra sockets

Now I know realistically even with buying bottom of the barrel stuff I can't really fill all those needs. I may throw another 200 to round it off at 500 so I can really get most of this knocked out, or do I even need to?

 

[MOTODOJO]

On the bright side ...Since the scooter is more than 10 yrs. old, you can spend mostly on SAE tools. Simply not the case for more current HDs. Metric adjustable wrenches are hard to find anyway.

 

[d.mcfarland]

Unless you say what all you currently have, nobody can realistically help you.

 

[619DioFan]

Without knowing what you have already 300 will get you a large assortment of ratchets , sockets , extensions and pliers from HF. Lifetime warranty and good quality ( I don't care for the hf pliers but the Quinn brand is good )

 

[David99]

Look at Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace and it's sale groups that are local to you, Offerup, local Flea Markets, yard/garage/estate sales.

On a torque wrench buy new or get a good used one and send it out for calibration - did that with a Snap-on about 2 years ago and it was around $70 (no parts needed, got the torque wrench for $25 at a yard sale).

 

[DSS]

Do you need new tools or are name brand second hand ok? 3 bills will go a lot farther on used stuff

 

[PFSard]

1. Make a list of the tools you have.
2. Make a list of what you'll probably be using tools to fix.
3. Make a list of what's missing to do the type of repairs you expect.
4. Figure out what quality you need for each tool you expect to acquire. And the price.
5. Prioritize your list for the most pressing.

 

[JradM]

Gearwrench and Tekton are both good mid-tier tool brands. You won't go wrong buying either.

For the adjustable, get a Channellock brand. Very high quality wrench, not a very high price. If you do want to spend more on an adjustable, just get a 7.5" or 10" Knipex pliers wrench. It's a better and more versatile tool than any adjustable, though explaining precisely why is difficult until you try one.

If you're working on a motorcycle, you could get some T-handles. Motion Pro are the industry standard. You don't need them though - they're just nice.

Combination wrenches - probably Tekton if you want non-ratcheting, Gearwrench if you do. I much prefer reversible ratchet wrenches, but to each their own.

What kind of "extra sockets" are you thinking of? No reason not to fill out a collection with Tekton or Gearwrench, however Williams is another not-too-expensive brand that I consider one step up.

Williams has two lines - Taiwanese and American. The Taiwan tools are a little cheaper. I feel like every time I mention that the Taiwan stuff is very good, someone else chimes in to say "no, buy Williams USA". Your choice - Williams USA is VERY nice - but so is the Taiwan line. Don't avoid it if you don't have Williams USA money.

BTW adding a nicer ratchet to an existing socket set can be a nice way to get an upgrade on the cheap. The Williams B52a (USA) is a fine tooth rough head that's cheap and has very little back drag.

What's your plier collection like? I can't abide working with cheap pliers. There's a huge difference between cheap and pro level pliers - a bigger spread than between any other tool in my opinion. I recommend the Channellock brand if you're looking for an upgrade. There are better pliers than Channellock, but Channellocks are great and nothing else seems to offer the same value.

 

[FMB4]

I don't think you'll need a whole lot of general mech tools for that FXR of yours. That said, you might consider buying what you find you need as you go. A few, if any, special HD tools might be required depending on what you're doing (again, purchase what you need when you need it). HDs of that era are somewhat easy to work on compared to many other makes that utilize more modern designs Good luck and keep us posted!

Note; not sure if you've worked on other MC brands, but HD often does things a bit differently.

 

[belvedere]

Tekton tools are generally a very good value. IMO, Gearwrench has taken a dive in quality...they have gone from Taiwan-made to Chinese, and it shows. Other good mid-level brands to look at are Carlyle and Williams.

 

[FuzzyTiger]

Go buy some WD40, some buffing and polishing supplies and materials. Then hop on your local classifieds ad and fill that toolbox with used tools. For $300 you'll have a toolbox full of sparkling tools.

Alternatively buy a set of sockets and a ratchet from Tekton.

If you already have all your basic tools - I say order yourself a Nepros ratchet in your most commonly used size.

 

[FMB4]

I'm looking forward to hearing more about you riding than you wrenching on that FXR. And yes, it can be done. Ride safe.

 

[Bubba Fett]

Metric adjustable wrenches are hard to find anyway.

No kidding. I can't find left-handed adjustable wrenches either.

Edit: I was kidding, but lo and behold...

Brisbane Tool Library: Inventory

brisbanetoollibrary.myturn.com

 

[Vortaku]

I am sorry yall, I put a list of what I am looking for in the initial post. As far as what I currently have that is going to be the following:
3 piece set of knipex cobras
Snap-on ratcheting hard handle screwdriver(green)
2 buddy blasters from trusty cook, the smaller 2
set of wera screwdrivers (all black handle)
set of felo screw drivers
kobalt set
impact sockets 3/8 and 1/2
pass through socket set
matco plier set SP11SET
gear wrench ratcheting wrench set
stream light stinger
Milwaukee 3/8 impact wrench
Milwaukee m18 fuel hammer drill and impact driver set
This set of gear wrench ratcheting wrenches

I am not opposed to trying to look around for used stuff. Just time isn't something I have a lot of.

 

[FMB4]

No kidding. I can't find left-handed adjustable wrenches either.

And I haven't found the long rumored 'muffler bearing' yet. But I'm still looking. Now if I could just remember 'righty-tightey' and 'lefty-loosey'. Or is it the other way around?

 

[FuzzyTiger]

I am sorry yall, I put a list of what I am looking for in the initial post. As far as what I currently have that is going to be the following:
3 piece set of knipex cobras
Snap-on ratcheting hard handle screwdriver(green)
2 buddy blasters from trusty cook, the smaller 2
set of wera screwdrivers (all black handle)
set of felo screw drivers
kobalt set
impact sockets 3/8 and 1/2
pass through socket set
matco plier set SP11SET
gear wrench ratcheting wrench set
stream light stinger
Milwaukee 3/8 impact wrench
Milwaukee m18 fuel hammer drill and impact driver set
This set of gear wrench ratcheting wrenches

I am not opposed to trying to look around for used stuff. Just time isn't something I have a lot of.

Without knowing any further - it seems like you don't really need any tools right now. This is just buying something nice for yourself?

In that case, I say get yourself a nice Nepros ratchet or two. They are selling limited run gold IP ratchets right now which would be in your budget. Its not actual gold plating, but a special plating process which is more durable than chrome. Yes, Snap-On makes some great ratchets which are functionally top notch, but the Nepros ratchets are just as good and -feel- nicer. It makes them more appropriate as a gift or something you buy to make yourself feel good rather than strictly as a tool if that makes sense.

 

[Vortaku]

Without knowing any further - it seems like you don't really need any tools right now. This is just buying something nice for yourself?

In that case, I say get yourself a nice Nepros ratchet or two. They are selling limited run gold IP ratchets right now which would be in your budget. Its not actual gold plating, but a special plating process which is more durable than chrome. Yes, Snap-On makes some great ratchets which are functionally top notch, but the Nepros ratchets are just as good and -feel- nicer. It makes them more appropriate as a gift or something you buy to make yourself feel good rather than strictly as a tool if that makes sense.

Well, I am missing on the bit sockets for working on the bike. Something I ran into this past weekend when trying to remove the carb. I snapped one of my allen keys and now I gotta replace it or get a socket variant LOL

But really I was told spend 300 dollars on the card on tools and it would be covered by my better half. So who am I to say no. Besides that tool box is pretty empty LOL

 

[Kscardsfan]

You’re basically set for the important stuff. Start looking for industrial brands (Proto, Williams, etc) or used truck brands. I use a complete hodgepodge of socket brands in my garage and I’m happy with them. You’re in Dallas for all practical purposes, there should be no shortage of supply houses nearby for you to look around in. Congrats on the upgrade and toy.

 

[JradM]

Knipex pliers wrench. You don't have one already? There's some quality tools in your kit - it belongs there.

Titan micro swivel-head bit driver is kind of neat - plus you didn't mention having a bit driver of any kind.

Specialty ratchets? There's an SK with a 3/8 drive in a 1/4 ratchet body.

Flashlight perhaps? OLIGHT I 5T.

Do you have torque wrenches in 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2" sizes?

Flush cut pliers for cable ties? Milwaukee makes a nice small one. Channellock if you want a larger size.

Through-blade Phillips driver? Bacho/irazola.

Do you have a manual impact driver? The Williams one works great and isn't too expensive.

Multimeter?

How are you keeping these tools organized? Tekton/Ernst or Lisle pliers racks are nice. Ernst socket rails and wrench/screwdriver grabber racks are too for that matter.

Maybe a Gearwrench 120XP XL 1/2 drive ratchet- the 120 positions makes a bigger difference on long ratchets. You'll need to break something loose eventually.

Bolt extractors? We all mess up eventually - or need to fix someone else's mistake. Don't use crappy extractors though. Proto's can really take a beating.

Do you have a good measuring cylinder? Lee Valley makes a good one.

 

[FuzzyTiger]

Well, I am missing on the bit sockets for working on the bike. Something I ran into this past weekend when trying to remove the carb. I snapped one of my allen keys and now I gotta replace it or get a socket variant LOL

But really I was told spend 300 dollars on the card on tools and it would be covered by my better half. So who am I to say no. Besides that tool box is pretty empty LOL

Could always splurge on some PB Swiss Allen keys or sockets.

 

[bobg03]

I would start to work on the FXR and see what you need or would like, is there an expiration date on the $300...

Confuscious say, he who spends budget money just to buy tools regrets it later when he realizes he purchased things he doesn't need and didn't purchase things he now does.

You have the rest of your life to fill that box...

 

[dimichele]

T-handles, because they're nice for bikes.
The bit sockets you need.
Multimeter, test light, crimpers if you don't have them.

 

[Vortaku]

Well, just got a replacement snap-on ratcheting screw driver, long story!
Just ordered the tekton combination wrench 50 piece set, standard length and stubby, sae and metric Hoping they are as nice as everyone states