OK,

I need to get a set of tools to do some light maintenance, adding parts blah blah to my bike. I am not a professional mechanic by any means, but I am not affraid to do some tinkerin' either. Can you anyone reccomend a good set/ "somewhat complete" set that I can buy to get me started? I need to start customizing the bones, afterall she was just a down payment......

Thanks

 

The biggest things that I've identified as "tools that I don't have, but really need to work on my bike" are:
Atorque wrench or two-I really like the Craftsman ones, they run about $70 each, and you sometimes need both foot lbs and inch lbs, but get the foot lbs first, because you'll need it more http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00944594000P.
A complete set of allen wrenches, if possible get something like this http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00999486000Ptoo (you can get them at harbor freight for $10) in both metric and standard sizes (you never know what the aftermarket parts are going to come in).
A complete set of Torx head sockets (make sure you get all the way to 50!) http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00934217000PThese can also be purchased at harbor freight for $10, but you get what you pay for.
Other than that a complete set of combination wrenches (up to 3/4 in will do for most everything), and a good socket set should cover you for most jobs.

I'm not a complete set buyer most of the time, because I can never afford the set that I want. Instead I buy nicer groups of a single tool, as I find that I need them (like when sears has specials on their combination wrench sets).

The biggest thing is to make sure that you're using the correct tool for the job. It's really tempting to skimp on the one really expensive tool that you think you can fudge it with a pair of pliers, or something that almost fits, but I have never found that to be true. I really like Harbor Freight, because their tools are cheap (both in cost and manufacture) and they often have the wierd ones that cost 20 times as much any where else.

 

Allen head sockets come in handy at times as well. Regular and metric 3/8" and 1/4" drive socket set. Several length ratchet extensions. A socket kuckle. When you get a torx set, make sure it has a T27. If you ever do a brake job, you'll need a 1/4" 12 point socket to remove the pad pins.

 

Thanks mred1995,

I appreciate the info... I usually buy craftsman as well, and I too wait for the sales. I think I will head to Sears and see what's for sale...
The nice thing is, there is a Harbor freight right accross the street.....

 

Thanks oldgeezer,

I knew I could count on you guys for some helpful info........

 

I'm with oldgeezer and mred on the Craftsman tools. If nothing else they are decent quality pieces for home use and if you manage to break one a free replacement (except for the more expensive torque wrenches)is just a trip to the store away.
Just stay away from the Harbor Freight's Torx and Allen stuff, its often softer material and somtimes iffy sizing can make a simple Torx bolt removal an all day affair with you needing a replacement bolt at the end.

 

Just contact Schumacher the moderator on this board, he is a tool, he should be able to help.[sm=escape.gif]

 

If you plan on working on your forks get the socket designed for it. Do a search for "fork cap socket". Stay away from cheap tools. WIll also have to get som emetric tools as well. One that I had to search for was a 5.5mm allen wrench. [:@]

 

 

If you do not have one, the very first tool you need to get is a service manual.