Essential and useful tools list?

[TheRuffellator]

After adding a few things to my toolbox over the last couple of weeks it got me thinking about what people thought are essential or very handy tools to have when working on bikes and possibly cars.

I'll start a list below, add to the bottom a tool or piece of equipment you think everyone should have. Feel free to add more than one and explain why if it's not blatantly obvious. No repeating tools already on the list :)

hopefully this will help anyone wondering what to buy/borrow/aquire for starting to work on bikes..

• Allen key set

[EssexDave]

Flexi head ratchet spanners. So handy when you're working on those awkward to get to places (think exhaust headers) and you don't need to faff around with getting your spanner on and off - just get it on and work it like you'd work your.....

[squirrel_hunter]

Hammer.

[Red Herring]

I'll tell you what, I'll follow the instructions and keep the list going......

Allen key set
Flexi head ratchet spanners
Hammer
Decent metric socket set, ideally with 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 inch drives up to 32 odd for wheel nuts and swingarms.

[SIII]

Allen key set
Flexi head ratchet spanners
Hammer
Decent metric socket set, ideally with 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 inch drives up to 32 odd for wheel nuts and swingarms.
Set of quality screwdrivers - so you don't chew up cheap cheese suzuki fasteners
Sidecutters - again the best you can afford for clean cuts of cables and wiring

[embee]

I'll not add to the list, rather I'll second RedHerring's, specifically the best single item I have which gets the most use is a decent 1/4" drive socket set with six-sided sockets and a range of dedicated screwdriver and allen sockets, much better than loose bits and a bit-socket. I'd be totally lost without it. I have a Britool set (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Britool-EXPERT-42-Piece-1-4-Drive-Metric-Socket-Set-E030702B-/130825528079?pt=UK_Hand_Tools_Equipment&hash=item1e75cf230f) (I suspect the newer versions aren't quiet as nice as the older versions, obviously made in a different factory from the finish on them, but still a decent set)

[SIII]

+1 on 1/4" drive set being the single best piece of kit, THIS ONE (http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_17 7537_langId_-1_categoryId_255215) (But don't pay that for it, last time i paid less than £15 using trade card, on ebay for £25)

[twistednuts]

Allen key set
Flexi head ratchet spanners
Hammer
Decent metric socket set, ideally with 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 inch drives up to 32 odd for wheel nuts and swingarms.
Set of quality screwdrivers - so you don't chew up cheap cheese suzuki fasteners
Sidecutters - again the best you can afford for clean cuts of cables and wiring
Torque wrench.

[Red Herring]

Again without adding to the list as technically it's on there, but if your socket set includes a set of 3/8 drive allen key bits then you will find them far more adaptable than your typical allen key block set.

[atassiedevil]

Red Herring hits most of it on the nose.
I'd make the allen key set ball ended ones though, and i've have at least one torx ratchet set, as that saves a lot of time as well.

[Blueperson]

Compression tester.

[twistednuts]

Allen key set
Flexi head ratchet spanners
Hammer
Decent metric socket set, ideally with 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 inch drives up to 32 odd for wheel nuts and swingarms.
Set of quality screwdrivers - so you don't chew up cheap cheese suzuki fasteners
Sidecutters - again the best you can afford for clean cuts of cables and wiring
Torque wrench, so you dont over do it
Circlip pliers, both types. Saves fannyin with screwdrivers

[wideguy]

Allen key set
Flexi head ratchet spanners
Hammer
Decent metric socket set, ideally with 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 inch drives up to 32 odd for wheel nuts and swingarms.
Set of quality screwdrivers - so you don't chew up cheap cheese suzuki fasteners
Sidecutters - again the best you can afford for clean cuts of cables and wiring
Torque wrench, so you dont over do it
Circlip pliers, both types. Saves fannyin with screwdrivers.
Maintenance manual.
Multimeter.

[shiftin_gear98]

Allen key set
Flexi head ratchet spanners
Hammer
Decent metric socket set, ideally with 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 inch drives up to 32 odd for wheel nuts and swingarms.
Set of quality screwdrivers - so you don't chew up cheap cheese suzuki fasteners
Sidecutters - again the best you can afford for clean cuts of cables and wiring
Torque wrench, so you dont over do it
Compression tester.
Circlip pliers, both types. Saves fannyin with screwdrivers.
Maintenance manual.
Multimeter.
Abba Stand - or similar.

[NTECUK]

Allen key set
Flexi head ratchet spanners
Hammer
Decent metric socket set, ideally with up to 32mm for wheel nuts and swingarms.
Set of quality screwdrivers
Sidecutters - again the best you can afford
Torque wrench,
Compression tester.
Circlip pliers, both types. .
Maintenance manual.
Multimeter.
Abba Stand - or similar
Oil/Coolant drain pan,Don't tip it down the drain take it to the local dump

[andrewsmith]

Allen key set
Flexi head ratchet spanners
Hammer
Decent metric socket set, ideally with up to 32mm for wheel nuts and swingarms.
Set of quality screwdrivers
Sidecutters - again the best you can afford
Torque wrench,
Compression tester.
Circlip pliers, both types. .
Maintenance manual.
Multimeter.
Abba Stand - or similar
Oil/Coolant drain pan,Don't tip it down the drain take it to the local dump
Suzuki specific sockets (applies most bikes) for swingarm and engine


written with a brio

[Scoobs]

Something I always carry under the seat is a puncture repair kit - rubber plugs, glue and CO2 cartridges.

[thefallenangel]

Allen key set
Flexi head ratchet spanners
Hammer
Decent metric socket set, ideally with up to 32mm for wheel nuts and swingarms.
Set of quality screwdrivers
Sidecutters - again the best you can afford
Torque wrench,
Compression tester.
Circlip pliers, both types. .
Maintenance manual.
Multimeter.
Abba Stand - or similar
Oil/Coolant drain pan,Don't tip it down the drain take it to the local dump
Suzuki specific sockets (applies most bikes) for swingarm and engine
Battery Grinder for those impossible to remove bolts.
Ability to use a Multimeter
Good quality spares
Friends with expensive power tools to pinch

[Nutsinatin]

Allen key set
Flexi head ratchet spanners
Hammer
Decent metric socket set, ideally with up to 32mm for wheel nuts and swingarms.
Set of quality screwdrivers
Sidecutters - again the best you can afford
Torque wrench,
Compression tester.
Circlip pliers, both types. .
Maintenance manual.
Multimeter.
Abba Stand - or similar
Oil/Coolant drain pan,Don't tip it down the drain take it to the local dump
Suzuki specific sockets (applies most bikes) for swingarm and engine
Battery Grinder for those impossible to remove bolts.
Ability to use a Multimeter
Good quality spares
Friends with expensive power tools to pinch
Cable ties
Thread lock & copper grease
^Not strictly a tool but they live in the same box and are used at the same time as tools, stops bits falling off/reduces amount of penetrating oil and grinders used!

[Teejayexc]

Allen key set
Flexi head ratchet spanners
Hammer
Decent metric socket set, ideally with up to 32mm for wheel nuts and swingarms.
Set of quality screwdrivers
Sidecutters - again the best you can afford
Torque wrench,
Compression tester.
Circlip pliers, both types. .
Maintenance manual.
Multimeter.
Abba Stand - or similar
Oil/Coolant drain pan,Don't tip it down the drain take it to the local dump
Suzuki specific sockets (applies most bikes) for swingarm and engine
Battery Grinder for those impossible to remove bolts.
Ability to use a Multimeter
Good quality spares
Friends with expensive power tools to pinch
Cable ties
Thread lock & copper grease
^Not strictly a tool but they live in the same box and are used at the same time as tools, stops bits falling off/reduces amount of penetrating oil and grinders used!
Centrally heated garage,complete with bike lift.

[Alexander94]

I personally really like my allen key sockets, you can tighten and loosen bolts so much quicker than you can with normal ones and when it's loose enough just unclip it from the ratchet an turn it by hand.

Xi-On sockets look very useful too, I've never used them but if the claims about being able to handle highly damaged bolt heads are true then they could save you a lot of faffing around! Any opinions/experience with xi-on sockets anyone?

[Red Herring]

Allen key set
Flexi head ratchet spanners
Hammer
Decent metric socket set, ideally with up to 32mm for wheel nuts and swingarms.
Set of quality screwdrivers
Sidecutters - again the best you can afford
Torque wrench,
Compression tester.
Circlip pliers, both types. .
Maintenance manual.
Multimeter.
Abba Stand - or similar
Oil/Coolant drain pan,Don't tip it down the drain take it to the local dump
Suzuki specific sockets (applies most bikes) for swingarm and engine
Battery Grinder for those impossible to remove bolts.
Ability to use a Multimeter
Good quality spares
Friends with expensive power tools to pinch
Cable ties
Thread lock & copper grease
^Not strictly a tool but they live in the same box and are used at the same time as tools, stops bits falling off/reduces amount of penetrating oil and grinders used!
Centrally heated garage,complete with bike lift.
Telescopic magnet and a pencil torch, because you ARE going to drop that bolt in the hardest to reach space.....
A large adjustable spanner, not for use on nuts (we're better than that) but for holding things you don't want to turn (or straightening bent things ho hum....)

[NTECUK]

I personally really like my allen key sockets, you can tighten and loosen bolts so much quicker than you can with normal ones and when it's loose enough just unclip it from the ratchet an turn it by hand.

Xi-On sockets look very useful too, I've never used them but if the claims about being able to handle highly damaged bolt heads are true then they could save you a lot of faffing around! Any opinions/experience with xi-on sockets anyone?

Not heard of them.
But Flank Drive snap on idea has been around for decades
If it's mac tools they are called pro edge.

[zippie01]

Allen key set
Flexi head ratchet spanners
Hammer
Decent metric socket set, ideally with up to 32mm for wheel nuts and swingarms.
Set of quality screwdrivers
Sidecutters - again the best you can afford
Torque wrench,
Compression tester.
Circlip pliers, both types. .
Maintenance manual.
Multimeter.
Abba Stand - or similar
Oil/Coolant drain pan,Don't tip it down the drain take it to the local dump
Suzuki specific sockets (applies most bikes) for swingarm and engine
Battery Grinder for those impossible to remove bolts.
Ability to use a Multimeter
Good quality spares
Friends with expensive power tools to pinch
Cable ties
Thread lock & copper grease
^Not strictly a tool but they live in the same box and are used at the same time as tools, stops bits falling off/reduces amount of penetrating oil and grinders used!
Centrally heated garage,complete with bike lift.
Telescopic magnet and a pencil torch, because you ARE going to drop that bolt in the hardest to reach space.....
A large adjustable spanner, not for use on nuts (we're better than that) but for holding things you don't want to turn (or straightening bent things ho hum....)
Magnetic Tray (to place on tank and keep your bolts screws safe) (I'm sure i'm not the only one to have lost the odd screw !!)

[dirtydog]

Allen key set
Flexi head ratchet spanners
Hammer
Decent metric socket set, ideally with up to 32mm for wheel nuts and swingarms.
Set of quality screwdrivers
Sidecutters - again the best you can afford
Torque wrench,
Compression tester.
Circlip pliers, both types. .
Maintenance manual.
Multimeter.
Abba Stand - or similar
Oil/Coolant drain pan,Don't tip it down the drain take it to the local dump
Suzuki specific sockets (applies most bikes) for swingarm and engine
Battery Grinder for those impossible to remove bolts.
Ability to use a Multimeter
Good quality spares
Friends with expensive power tools to pinch
Cable ties
Thread lock & copper grease
^Not strictly a tool but they live in the same box and are used at the same time as tools, stops bits falling off/reduces amount of penetrating oil and grinders used!
Centrally heated garage,complete with bike lift.
Telescopic magnet and a pencil torch, because you ARE going to drop that bolt in the hardest to reach space.....
A large adjustable spanner, not for use on nuts (we're better than that) but for holding things you don't want to turn (or straightening bent things ho hum....)
Magnetic Tray (to place on tank and keep your bolts screws safe) (I'm sure i'm not the only one to have lost the odd screw !!)
Gear and bearing pullers
Sockets to remove damaged/rounded nuts. I have these http://www.screwfix.com/p/irwin-bolt-grip-nut-remover-set-5-pieces/96028?kpid=96028&cm_mmc=Google-_-Product%20Listing%20Ads-_-Sales%20Tracking-_-sales%20tracking%20url&gclid=CPnV4oz44bwCFQkEwwodqxIABw
Not a tool but I find patience is quite useful, I have run out of this many times and it just leads to making things worse!

[aesmith]

It's worth having a battery charger, since a car charger will probably fry a motorcycle battery. Something like the Accumate.

[Red Herring]

Allen key set
Flexi head ratchet spanners
Hammer
Decent metric socket set, ideally with up to 32mm for wheel nuts and swingarms.
Set of quality screwdrivers
Sidecutters - again the best you can afford
Torque wrench,
Compression tester.
Circlip pliers, both types. .
Maintenance manual.
Multimeter.
Abba Stand - or similar
Oil/Coolant drain pan,Don't tip it down the drain take it to the local dump
Suzuki specific sockets (applies most bikes) for swingarm and engine
Battery Grinder for those impossible to remove bolts.
Ability to use a Multimeter
Good quality spares
Friends with expensive power tools to pinch
Cable ties
Thread lock & copper grease
^Not strictly a tool but they live in the same box and are used at the same time as tools, stops bits falling off/reduces amount of penetrating oil and grinders used!
Centrally heated garage,complete with bike lift.
Telescopic magnet and a pencil torch, because you ARE going to drop that bolt in the hardest to reach space.....
A large adjustable spanner, not for use on nuts (we're better than that) but for holding things you don't want to turn (or straightening bent things ho hum....)
Magnetic Tray (to place on tank and keep your bolts screws safe) (I'm sure i'm not the only one to have lost the odd screw !!)
Gear and bearing pullers
Sockets to remove damaged/rounded nuts. I have these http://www.screwfix.com/p/irwin-bolt...FQkEwwodqxIABw (http://www.screwfix.com/p/irwin-bolt-grip-nut-remover-set-5-pieces/96028?kpid=96028&cm_mmc=Google-_-Product%20Listing%20Ads-_-Sales%20Tracking-_-sales%20tracking%20url&gclid=CPnV4oz44bwCFQkEwwodqxIABw)
Not a tool but I find patience is quite useful, I have run out of this many times and it just leads to making things worse!
Decent set of pliers, both bull nosed and pointed (can't believe these are so far down the list!)
Mole wrench/grips.
Set of punches (centre punch and drift)

[Red Herring]

Probably covered by the "Friends with tools" entry but the two jobs I get asked most to do by mates are tyre changing, and seized/stuck nuts and bolts.

Having tyre changing facilities is a bit of an investment, you need a bead breaker and balancer (I have Abba ones) plus an assortment of suitably prepared levers, however when you consider that you will pay between £20 and £30 per set to have them done at a dealer it doesn't take long to cover your costs, plus being able to change a tyre in half an hour when it suits you rather than having to take it somewhere means you can get a bit more out of them......

I've also got one of those electric wheel nut impact guns which I bought so I can do quick wheel changes on the car, however it's proved brilliant at getting sprocket nuts and clutch baskets off..... plus with a little heat just about any seized nut or bolt, and it wasn't that expensive.

[NTECUK]

For a home impact gun a cheap ni cad ones good enough.

[L3nny]

I only need one tool.

A credit card, used to pay someone who's less likley to make the problem worse than it was to begin with.

[Bibio]

I only need one tool.

is his name Y_C.. he's a right tool :D

[andrewsmith]

I only need one tool..

And you know how to use it ;)

is his name Y_C.. he's a right tool :D

Nah you mate. Your pocket sized too ;)

[L3nny]

http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc464/Zincde/oh-you-guys_zps32d9a892.jpg

[Red Herring]

I only need one tool.

A credit card, used to pay someone who's less likley to make the problem worse than it was to begin with.


http://www.mastermousepatrol.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/buystructuredsettlementsonline.com_.jpg

I've just remembered, we need to add overalls to that list.