Tool advice?

[Caveman1989]

Hey all,

I am currently a student for motorcycle mechanics and have about a year until I will be out and looking for work in a shop. I am obviously trying to use this year to build up a solid tool collection, knowing I will be required to have my own once I am (hopefully) hired somewhere.

Being a student, it goes without saying that money is pretty tight, and I am not looking to sign on for 18%+ interest for SO or other big names for tools.

I know I will start out doing simple jobs, oil changes, tire changes, fork seals, etc. I figure during that time I can save a little more easily to get brand name/better quality if needed.

I have had several people tell me to go CM for a starter set, but they are also older vets in the field, and from what I keep reading on reviews, CM has gone down hill over the years with quality.

What are some decent brands that will hold up for daily use in a shop, but also not break the bank?

I have found a 150+ piece BP socket/rachet set for about $300 w/ shipping, and will probably jump on that deal. Will still need some good solid wrenches, Allens/Torx, drivers, etc.

Any advice is appreciated!

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

Go on Craigslist and buy a roller box with tools for a about $150. Be patient, check often, and you can do pretty well.

this is a bargain https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/APA39327

 

[shawndp]

When I first started out, most everything I used was Canadian Tire's Mastercraft stuff. It was cheap enough to afford but got the job done. When you do an oil change or pull a tire, you don't need the latest and greatest. I eventually found a few things at Princess Auto /Harbor Freight that worked for me too. It isn't a popular opinion around these parts, but there's a lot of decent tools out of Taiwan. If I could do it over again - I would probably start with Gearwrench ratchets and Carlyle screwdrivers and Pittsburgh / Mastercraft impacts. Once you advance as a mechanic, you can consider higher quality tools to match your skill level, but for now try to keep your overheads low. All the best!

 

[Cummins_Tech]

Just my opinion, but Kobalt or Huskey will get you by for a while until you can afford premium tools. And then you can take them home and use them around the garage. They won't hold up to heavy duty work like what I do now, but for motorcycles, they'll be fine for the time being.


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[cherrybomb]

I applaud your studying the situation of buying tools before you need them.You will find a lot of people who are are on this site with the desire to help you.I would pick the brains of older techs in your field.I would buy a good used tool box that would work at least a couple of years.I would talk to the dealer on the truck and get a feel,of how that works.I would check online to see how a purchase there would work,can you wait for a delivery?I would have a solid list of tools needed to start,and the cost,used or new,truck,dealer or online.IMO ,Proto or SK,Professional tools,good all around, not to cheap,not budget breakers,made in USA,pride in ownership.Good Luck.

 

[Bacon Man]

When I started out, I had a portable tool box from Harbor freight, with a mix of craftsman, gearwrench and pittsburgh. It takes time.

like it was said SK, Proto, Wright, Gearwrench, along with the tool truck brands.

If it was me, I would start with a roll cart. Homak makes a nice 7 drawer roll cart that will not break the bank.

Also, when you do get a job ask the other techs if you can see there tool and make a list. Prioritize it and buy something every pay.

I still have a huge list.

 

[Eslader]

The craigslist suggestion is good. Especially around the end of fall semester. I often see rolling tool chests full of tools being sold for pennies on the dollar because someone went to trade school and bought them all before deciding they didn't want to do that trade after all.

Don't dismiss Harbor Freight either. They have some good hand tools in there if you know what you're looking for, and for a lot less than you'll spend elsewhere.

If you have time, crawl garage and estate sales too. I often see old Craftsman stuff that someone bought back when Craftsman was good. Gotta get there early though - you aren't the only one targeting that stuff.

 

[Cummins_Tech]

I will kinda vouch for HFs wrenches. Sure, they're not the BEST, but I have a still have sets that I bought in high school (11 years ago) that still get used at home.

Craftsman wrenches aren't terrible for the money, several guys here have them as back ups.


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[General Geoff]

Pittsburgh Pro from HF, Tekton and Sunex from Amazon. They should be able to satisfy 90% of your needs as a starting tech, and fill your toolbox on the cheap.

 

[fivespdcat]

I don't mean to derail this thread but I would also consider diversifying your career path. The MC industry is in a serious depression and will stay that way for the foreseeable future.

On the front of tools, it's going to depend on what bikes you service,

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[Jacobson]

Smart of you not to take an 18% loan on something that is worth 60% overnight.

 

[uncwstudent]

I would personally look at going to local pawn shops and flea markets for secondhand tools. Sometimes you can find great tools that are barely used for next to nothing.

 

[Jacobson]

He may have already diversified.
Based on his user name, 1989 means he is 28 years old.

 

[Dingleburry]

Over buying cheaper then more expensive tools, theres some you can go cheap on. And some you just cant.

Sockets and wrenches, just a chunk of steel, you really dont need the best. I have mastercraft gear wrenches that have held up just fine for years with moedrate to heavy use, and some abuse. Using dead blows on them etc stanley fat max sockets doing just fine aswell.

Some its not worth it to go cheap. The smaller stuff screwdrivers, cutting edges (side cutters, wire strippers etc), and allen keys especially. Picks ive had some cheap ones that are terrible and some that are good. Powerfist picks ****, titan picks are pretty good. Ill never buy expensive picks they are consumables to me.

Have fun buying tools!
I love buying tools.

 

[ptgarcia]

Since you'll be working on motorcycles you won't need the majority of the tools that come in most sets. I work on Japanese bikes and could probably fit all the tools I use into a small carry box. Be selective and start with buying what you will actually use: seal drivers, various bearing tools, T-handle wrenches, small (8mm-14mm) metric wrenches and sockets, good screwdrivers. I have rarely come upon nuts and bolts larger than 14mm, and when I do they're for the axles, countershaft sprocket and steering stem, in which case they'll jump up well over 20mm. If you anticipate working on dirt bikes or similar adventure/dual sport bikes you want to buy a chain breaker and press, maybe some tire spoons, cable luber comes in handy, as does spoke wrenches. Oh, and good hex keys, too. Spend the money on the specialty tools and buy inexpensive wrenches/sockets and extensions, although I do like a nice ratchet.

 

[Caveman1989]

Thanks! While I am a student, I am lucky enough to get roughly 50% off Snap On purchases from the dealer on campus. I will kee your advice in mind and use that "perk" to acquire the ones that I do not want to go cheap on.

 

[Tennessee Cattleman]

Buy whatever Snap-on Dual 80 ratchets you need while you can get a 50% discount, they are very nice to use and are very durable.

 

[crewchief888]

from what i understand from the OP's 1st post, is he's not required to have tools at the moment while he's still a student, but tools are provided.

take a step back and see what you are using for not just the daily tasks, but any "special" or "oddball" tools that you may be using.
what you are using now while still in school will probably get you a good idea what you'll NEED once you graduate.

i'd be willing to bet that everything would fit in a HF black or red cart...

i work on const eq, my most used, everyday tools fit a in a small toolbag that i can easily carry.

 

[jimindm]

I kind of agree with the not buying at 18%. But I know SO gives great deals to students, and I would buy them when you can do it for 50% off.

The manufacturers of good tools always want to get you into their brands in school. They give very good discounts to get that done. If a manufacturer is not doing that, then I would steer clear of them.

I guess I would think if you will need to pay as you go for tools, I would look even closer at SO. Cash and a school discount goes a long ways. Quality tools are going to cost you. If I could spend a little more and get SO, I would.

If you want to be in the repair industry, then buy tools that are designed to be used by professionals. In most cases you buy them once and never again.

 

[mudflap]

I don't mean to derail this thread but I would also consider diversifying your career path. The MC industry is in a serious depression and will stay that way for the foreseeable future.

On the front of tools, it's going to depend on what bikes you service,

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Whats depressed here ..are people trying to get their Harley in for service...Every Dealership around here is hiring Factory certified HD techs.

 

[SilverBulletZ06]

Wrightgrip wrenches.
Gearwrench ratchet sets.
HF cart.
Pitts Professional screwdrivers.

That will go a long way and we a quality tool you can use for years without coming near breaking the bank. Get Husky tools for anything else until you identify what you need AND what isn't working by using non-truck tools.

 

[Gittgo]

I'm a bike guy too. One tool at a time, as needed. In 5 years you'll have piles but to start....bikes don't need much. Buy quality....not necessarily SO. Someone link him to the S.O. "equivalent" thread so he doesn't get bent over

 

[joseywales]

STOP! This is so simple a cavemen can do it. (I seriously typed that, before I saw your user name!)

Craigslist - your tools don't have to be pretty or brand name, they just have to work.

I wondered into a mechanic job, because I was in college and the plan was for me to run several shops and stores for the owner. I had only household type tools, so I had to buy or borrow everything I needed. I didn't have money for tools, so I started out with a Craftsman mechanic set of sockets. I bought impact sockets one at a time, as I needed them. Same with impact tools, as I needed them. I had tunnel vision when Snapon and MAC salesman came by. Nice guys, but i had no money. Lenny was my tool guy, lots of SK, knockoffs, all generic stuff.

Get generic and use it until it breaks, or you want to spoil yourself.

There are certain tools where you want top shelf or near top shelf. At the time, that was line-wrenches, for brake lines, etc. That might have changed over the years and maybe there are others that compete with Snapon. But at the time, I was told to buy Snapon line wrenches and I never regretted it. I have to say, reading this forum, it appears that there are MANY more off brand choices now then when I was wrenching.

Leave your pride on the workbench and use whatever tools you can get your hands on. You'll appreciate new tools later on. You'll also learn that it's the mechanic, not the tool.

 

[Crazyjake8493]

I've been in RV service for a short while and have a mix of cheaper tools at work. Had to start with what I had/could afford, I'll upgrade as I see needed.

wrenches - Husky
ratcheting wrenches - GearWrench
flex head wrenches - Pittsburgh (HF)
ratchets - Gearwrench, Pittsburgh, Craftsman
sockets - Gearwrench, Craftsman, Kobalt
impact sockets - Pittsburgh
screwdrivers - Klein, Ideal, Lenox
allen keys - Tekton
hammers & prybars - Tekton, Craftsman
cordless - Milwaukee M18 (hopefully adding some M12 soon)


Haven't had a problem with any of these. I really like Gearwrench stuff, a great value at a decent price.

 

[JohnDeere1]

Go Blue Point I have alot including the 100pc+ set I paid $1 a tool or less for. They are fine tools i tell everyone to get my buddy just took my advice and bought the 100pc set with deeps for $500ish off the truck and that's alot more tools than you can get for $500 in Snap on, I just spent $435+ on 3 ratchets 2 3/8 and a 1/4 with hard handles.

Another option is to get nice ratchets and cheaper sockets like CM. Think about it you and I hear so many people calling the new China made tools junk but how many people complain about breaking them sockets especially.
Not a soul!!!! He'll buy snap on ratchets and blue point sockets or buy used snap on or blue point they are common as white trucks cheap.GL to ya

 

[BikerDad]

Metric. Metric. Metric. Motorcycles have basically been completely metric for a generation or more now. The only use you'll find on 'em for SAE is either pre-90s H-D or accessories. So if you're given the choice currently between buying a good quality metric tool and crappy SAE tool, or fair quality for both, go for the good/crappy.

(Note: S&S motors may or may not be standard rather than metric, I've got no ideer, don't travel in those circles.)

 

[Empty Pockets]

I'm surprised that nobody mentioned Tekton tools. Their wrenches are very good for the money, and they have really good customer service

I am personally a fan of SK and Wright. Good quality tools, more expensive than Husky, Kobalt or Craftsman.

Good luck in your new trade

 

[Thax]

Amazon and Tooltopia are your friend. Brands such as SK, Wright, Proto and Williams are the best investments. These are very high quality tools at a fraction of the price of the truck brands. For starters , do not cheap out on you core hand tools. Wrenches , sockets , screwdriver and ratchets need to be high quality. These tools if purchased right will last your career and more , enable you to perform at a high level and make you money. Another thing is many potential employers will judge a tech's dedication to their craft based on their tools, I dont agree with this but its reality. Personally I would recommend to focus on high quality core tools , and save money at HD, HF ,Sears for consumables. HF and HD have very good impact tools that wont break the bank as well. Screwdrivers , I would suggest Witte or Williams for flat head and Philips. Get a set of JIS stadard screwdrivers for Japanese bikes, brands like Vessel come to mind. Hope that helps and good for you for not taking a big loan before you start turning a wrench and earning.

 

[kb1982]

My experience from owning 3 bikes, my most used tools for maintaining them are metric hex keys. Sometimes you need short for confined areas, but other times you may need long ones to get into tight spots that the socket holder wont allow fitment. For this reason I have a set of long bits that I can swap with the short bits into the same socket.Of course, Im not working flat rate, so the extra time needed doesn't cost me anything. Ive never used any Bondhus brand hex sockets, but I have read that they are great quality. The best part, you can find good deals on them usually at Amazon Warehouse Deals. Next on the list is a good chain breaker that does exactly the opposite of breaking. I dont have any recommendations for that tool. Alot of them claim to be heavy duty and can break a chain without of the need of grinding the rivet of a master link, but Ive broken a few doing just that. Maybe someone can chime in on that front. Also a laser chain alignment tool is a nice thing to have. Last but not least, my favorite tool of them all. The big stupid thing just works. Its a motion pro hex axle socket.

 

[Jacobson]

Thanks! While I am a student, I am lucky enough to get roughly 50% off Snap On purchases from the dealer on campus. I will kee your advice in mind and use that "perk" to acquire the ones that I do not want to go cheap on.

You might like this thread I started

The one tool never to cheap out on?
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=318678

I remember flare nut wrenches and snap ring pliers were 2 big answers.

many potential employers will judge a tech's dedication to their craft based on their tools, I dont agree with this but its reality.

A tough balance, I am sure. If he has a few selected tools from a top brand, and basic tools from basic brands, he might look like a guy with a brain. As opposed to an indebted slave who now needs to steal from work or overbill clients to pay his loans.

My experience from owning 3 bikes, my most used tools for maintaining them are metric hex keys. Sometimes you need short for confined areas, but other times you may need long ones to get into tight spots that the socket holder wont allow fitment. For this reason I have a set of long bits that I can swap with the short bits into the same socket.

I'd rather have 4 variant types of tool X than only 1 version of the best kind.
Often, diversity and depth of your tools trumps absolute quality of a limited set of tools.