General Discussion Anything SuperHawk Related

Favorite/Handiest Tools

Old 03-06-2009, 09:56 AM
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Favorite/Handiest Tools

I was wondering what other folks find really useful while working on their VTR. My choices are a palm ratchet for working on the fork caps and a flexible socket extension for reaching those hard to access spots like spark plugs and valve cover bolts.
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Old 03-06-2009, 10:55 AM
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flashlight
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Old 03-06-2009, 11:35 AM
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haha yes a flash light is a must, especialy when a bolt is dropped and its one of those OH **** moments. other than that i just have a tray i keep my often used tools in. get decent snap on socket sets tho, nothing worse than taking the bloody edge of a bolt... cringe!
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Old 03-06-2009, 12:12 PM
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Flashlight, forceps, pen magnet taped to para cord.
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Old 03-06-2009, 12:16 PM
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magnet on a stick, closely followed by needle nose pliers
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Old 03-06-2009, 12:29 PM
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WOW! I always feel like an idiot when I drop a bolt and it "disappears" in the bowls of the bike. I'm not the only one. I feel better!Magnets, forceps, needle nose... does anyone lean the bike from side to side maybe role it a bit on the off chance the errant bolt will drop to the ground? works for me - um maybe one in ten times.
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Old 03-06-2009, 01:34 PM
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instead of a magnetic extension grabber I like my claw grabber
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Old 03-06-2009, 02:01 PM
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The 'off' switch on the cell phone.
The 'on' switch on the garage stereo system.

Plus all of the above mentioned tools.
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Old 03-06-2009, 02:45 PM
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[quote=PUSHrod;204098]The 'off' switch on the cell phone.
The 'on' switch on the garage stereo system.


+5 That said it all unless there is a off button on the girlfriend that I have not found yet.
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Old 03-06-2009, 02:49 PM
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Originally Posted by Stevebis1
WOW! I always feel like an idiot when I drop a bolt and it "disappears" in the bowls of the bike. I'm not the only one.
I call the low spot in the middle of the cylinders "the valley of lost parts". I have tried to lean the bike over while at rest, and sometimes that works. the magnet works best.

You know what they say about guys with big hands, they drop a lot of bolts.
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Old 03-06-2009, 04:01 PM
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Originally Posted by Stumpy
Originally Posted by PUSHrod
The 'off' switch on the cell phone.
The 'on' switch on the garage stereo system.


+5 That said it all unless there is a off button on the girlfriend that I have not found yet.
I have found the "mute"... It's somehow wired into the max volume on the garage stereo... Unfortunately there is a delay on a few hours then the girlfriend reaches max volume... Win some loose some...

Magnet on string and a good set of sockets are my weapons of choice...
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Old 03-06-2009, 04:19 PM
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Originally Posted by PUSHrod
The 'off' switch on the cell phone.
The 'on' switch on the garage stereo system.

Amen to that.

I thought all you need to work on a Honda is a 10mm socket. I'm betting the guy over in Japan who makes those bolts is a rich man.
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Old 03-06-2009, 04:37 PM
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AH ....

Air compressor
Air tools
Measuring tools
Lifts, jacks, stands
All special tools
Mirrors, magnets and extraction tools
Pullers of all kinds
Hydraulic press
Drill Press
Cutting tools, saws all, torches and welders

I think My point is that once you commit yourself to the path of mastering the mechanical universe (as if you could) every tool is your favorite when you need it; start collecting them today (don’t forget a leverage multiplier)!

Last edited by Jim TT; 03-06-2009 at 04:40 PM.
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Old 03-06-2009, 04:49 PM
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Beer bottle opener
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Old 03-06-2009, 06:08 PM
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-the LED headlamp the outdoors crowd uses - once you use it to work on the bike you will never go back. especially as your eyes 'age' - just try it.
-torque wrench
-impact driver
- shop manual
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Old 03-06-2009, 06:18 PM
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http://www.solve-itmarketing.com/torq.htm
and hemostats (various sizes)

+ the carb pilot screw adjuster I made

fiber-optic flashlight extension and magnet on a telescoping rod

a hypodermic and IPS Weld-On 2354 ABS cohesive solvent

a drill press and belt sander + bench/grinder polisher

a MC lift (Western MFG "Handi-Lift") + F&R Pit-Bull stands

Mity-Vac brake fluid bleeder
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Old 03-06-2009, 06:18 PM
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hammer...
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Old 03-06-2009, 06:38 PM
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Magnet and U-joints are just my favorites !!
But nitrile gloves... maybe if you have clean hands the girlfriend issue may become rewarding...
I would have said the bottle opener, but now days you can just twist the cap.
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Old 03-06-2009, 07:54 PM
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i love this forum ,,it's got it all ,,,lol,,,
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Old 03-06-2009, 07:56 PM
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Metric crescent wrench.
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Old 03-06-2009, 08:53 PM
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Originally Posted by VTRsurfer
Metric crescent wrench.
a must in every toolbox...
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Old 03-07-2009, 04:26 AM
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Originally Posted by VTRsurfer
Metric crescent wrench.

Did you get the elbow clicking torque attachment? It's a must have.
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Old 03-07-2009, 04:48 AM
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Originally Posted by VTRsurfer
Metric crescent wrench.
I've heard that the British Whitworth works as well.
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Old 03-07-2009, 07:24 AM
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I'd agree with almost everything above.... but 1 nice 1/2" breaker bar for those stubborn bolts makes a world of difference.

J.
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Old 03-07-2009, 03:04 PM
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Here's an odd one - I used an old sock to stretch over the brake calipers when removing them, or the rear wheel, to avoid getting nicks in the rims if they happen to meet.
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Old 03-07-2009, 07:05 PM
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Originally Posted by chickenstrip
Here's an odd one - I used an old sock to stretch over the brake calipers when removing them, or the rear wheel, to avoid getting nicks in the rims if they happen to meet.
Good tip.
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Old 03-08-2009, 06:20 PM
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Everything above and a pocket screw driver as well. If you think thats wierd, just go get one and you will realize how useful that small tool is.
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Old 03-08-2009, 06:38 PM
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I just like having the "right" tool for the job. Nothing worse than trying to mickey mouse something with the wrong equipment. Over the years I have found that a good set of easy outs and an impact driver are a must when wrenching bikes..
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Old 03-08-2009, 07:47 PM
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+1 on impact driver.
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Old 03-08-2009, 08:22 PM
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Volt meter
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