Topic: Specialty tools

[Cowboy48]

Being reasonably mechanically inclined but new to the SOHC world I have a question concerning tools.  I have all the standard wrenches, torque wrench, multimeter etc...  But I don't have things like a timing light, oil pressure gauge etc...  Next to my kids and my wife I love tools more than anything in this world but unfortunately I have the standard budget restrictions of most Joe Taxpayers.  I would like to start assembling some of the specialty tools that are needed to work on these bikes and would like everyone's input on what tools to get, brands/venders to look for and brands/venders to avoid.  I know there is a list of tools in the manual but I want real world information of what works and what doesn't.  I think this could help a lot of newbies like me get off on the right foot and not waste money or destroy parts from using the wrong equipment.

Thanks everyone.

[MRieck]

Get the spanner socket necessary to remove the clutch nut. You can also get the rotor puller. That's about it unless you get into engine work and even then there are only a few tools necessary. The tools mentioned are available through Honda and are not that expensive.

[crazypj]

I'm guessing you already have various sockets? If not, when you need a specific size buy only 6 point sockets, particularly the sizes we use most (10mm, 12mm, 14mm, 17mm) normal and deep in 3/8th drive, plus wobble extensions and strraight extension, 2.00",3.00", 4.00" 10.00" ,impact sockets are thicker walled so last longer, but you cant use them to get at cylinder head nuts, get  cheap 1/2" impact set for the larger stuff, axles etc. There isnt anything wrong with the Harbour Freight timing light at around $20.00, inductive clamp type (its not like your using it in a shop environment, but even there, the 'expensive' ones break and you cant get repair parts)
A 1/2 inch air gun is very useful if you have a compressor, air ratchets are a waste of money IMHO
An Amp Meter is very useful for charging problems, frequently checking voltage isnt enough, no need for an expensive one, Pep-Boys or similar for less than $20.00, and you could probably find an oil pressure gauge for Import with metric adaptors, although I've rarely used one ( sometimes its too scary to see how low pressure a good system runs )
Its suprising just how little you actually need to work on these things.
Unless your a tool snob, buy what works.
You can use rear axle as rotor puller on most honda's, only special tool is the clutch nut peg socket, but thats available aftermarket ( K&L Supplies)
In a shop environment , customers expect to see certain things so a big tool box is expected ( due to TV)
$100,000 worth of Snap-On may look impressive but isnt necessary,
 But, like the signature says
'eighteen grand and eighteen miles doesnt make you a biker'
lot of expensive tools dont make you a technician.
PJ

[bill440cars]

                    pj, that's a good analogy on the tool thing. Back in the early 70's, I started work at a VW
      dealership and started building my assortment of tools (Snap-On, Mac & Craftsman). Later, I added
      Matco to that list and then SK. Now, quite a few years later, I've got the old Snap-On, Mac,
      Craftsman, Matco & SK but, they've been joined by Harbor Freight and a few other cheap brands and
      they do the job quite well and when the cheap ones break, go get another one. Yeah, the big
      fancy brand names look good and all but, with cheap tools, we can spend more on the bike and
      make it look better. Later on, Bill

[Zane]

... I don't have things like a timing light, oil pressure gauge etc...

I don't have a timing light either, but I think I'll get an inexpensive one sometime this season.....

If you use a points ignition, here's an (excellent) article encouraging purchase of both a dwell meter and a timing light.  (I took the writer's advice and bought a dwell meter - for around $30.00 or so - and I'm glad I did.  The dwell meter has really helped me matching both points - just as Mr. Nixon says it would.)

As for other tools (like a carb sync unit, for example - I'm lucky enough to have a friend who has offered to show me how to use his.  After that, I'll be better able to decide if that is a tool I want to invest in.

http://www.motorcycleproject.com/motorcycle/text/sohcign.html

I know the feeling of financial constraint, that's for sure.  At the same time I always remember the advice of an old timer whos locker was next to mine at the "Y".  One day I was complaining.  I needed a new(er) car, and I was whining about how much that was going to cost me, and how I couldn't afford it.  He told me that he thought that if I felt that way, that was the time for me to buy a car.  I was confused by that advice.  He said that when you're low on funds you tend to be very careful about whether or not you really need the thing you're considering, and if you do decide to proceed, having that "I can't afford it" feeling really encourages you to look for the absolute best deal.

Good luck with it all....

[Noel]

I wouldn't bother collecting specialty tools until you need 'em. IOW, why blow money on a valve spring compressor if you don't have any concrete plans to rebuild your top end?

IMO, the great majority of maintenance/repairs to an SOHC can be done with standard shop tools, ie. metric socket set, screwdrivers, etc.

An impact driver is a great idea for the phillips head screws that may not have been turned in the last few decades.

And a $30 multimeter is nice for tracking down gremlins in 30 year old wiring.

I personally have found that a long set of feeler gauges (ten inches rather than the standard two or three) makes valve adjustments easier.

I have DYNA ignition and never bother with anything more than static timing, so haven't found a pressing need for timing lights, etc.

So beyond that... ?

[Zane]

An impact driver is a great idea for the phillips head screws that may not have been turned in the last few decades.

And a $30 multimeter is nice for tracking down gremlins in 30 year old wiring.

I personally have found that a long set of feeler gauges (ten inches rather than the standard two or three) makes valve adjustments easier.

I have DYNA ignition and never bother with anything more than static timing, so haven't found a pressing need for timing lights, etc.

So beyond that... ?

Good post Noel.

I forgot about an impact driver.  I've only been at this for less than a year so far, but I wouldn't have been able to do much myself without the impact driver.

I like my little $30 buck multi-meter.  It is small enough to fit easily into my tool tray too, which is handy.

[pmpski_1]

The Impact Driver is the most important tool to have. They're cheap too. Once you use it to get those old bolts out, replace the bolts with allen head bolts.

Other great tools:
Rubber mallet (for your impact driver!)
Timing light (Harbor Freight)
10mm Offset wrench for adjusting valves (Sears)
Feeler guages (Sears)
Needle Nose pliers
I have a small ratchet that takes screwdriver bits. This has been very helpful to get into tight places. (Harbor Freight)
I made a static timing light out of an old taillight lamp, some alligator clips, and a couple of wires.

Bonus Tools:
Soldering gun and wire stripper\crimper.
Expanding magnetic picker upper. It's great when you drop something and it's out of reach
Dremel Tool

You don't need a lot of specialized or expensive stuff. If you're gonna maintain your own bike and take good care of your tools, Harbor Frieght rocks.

[pmpski_1]

One more that I forgot:

Carb float height measurement tool. Very nice to have.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/HONDA-CB750-CB350-CB360-CT70-CARB-FLOAT-LEVEL-GAUGE_W0QQitemZ4630160288QQcategoryZ35597QQssPageNameZWD1VQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[bill440cars]

             I just heard a new one, I've been using a hand impact driver since the 1960's and I have never
      heard  of anyone using a rubber mallet with one. In the 60's, it was my Dad's and I've been using
      mine since about 71' or 72' with a ball peen hammer and it still does the job today (and I expect
      for years to come). I wouldn't think it would operate as well with a rubber mallet, am I wrong?
      (I don't think I am, just thought I'd ask.)   To each his own, I guess.   Later on, Bill

[ofreen]

I just heard a new one, I've been using a hand impact driver since the 1960's and I have never
      heard  of anyone using a rubber mallet with one.

That's how I use it.  Works great.

[cb650]

The hammer I use is the first one I see.   Or suitable piece of pipe.



           Terry

[bill440cars]

I just heard a new one, I've been using a hand impact driver since the 1960's and I have never
      heard  of anyone using a rubber mallet with one.

That's how I use it.  Works great.

           Hey, what ever works, right?   Have a good one.  Bill

[cd811]

the only tool I wish I had is a carb synchronizer...I'm just waiting on that check from Ed McMahon

[skidpan]

The only thing I have in the toolkit is a strobe light. After 16 years and an engine rebuild, I don't think I need much else. I might live to regret that......

[pmpski_1]

Maybe it's the Impact driver that I have, but the first time I used it I had a regular hammer. It dented the hell out of where I was hitting it. The metal was thin and started to break. I could use a piece of wood in between the driver and the hammer, but I can get a lot more use out of the rubber mallet

[bill440cars]

Maybe it's the Impact driver that I have, but the first time I used it I had a regular hammer. It dented the hell out of where I was hitting it. The metal was thin and started to break. I could use a piece of wood in between the driver and the hammer, but I can get a lot more use out of the rubber mallet

              My 1st hand impact was ( and still is) a Snap-On and it's held up. I misplaced it once for a while
      and needed it so, I bought one from Sears and used ball peen hammers with both. I found my 1st
      one 1 day and sold the Sears one to a buddy. Maybe it's the difference in the quality, I don't know.
      If what you've got works for you, then that's all that matters. I'll be the 1st to tell you that I'm not
      proud, I'll put my Harbor Freight tools in a drawer right next to my Snap-On tools or whatever. When
      we work on our bikes, we use or do whatever it takes to get the job done, right?  Later on, Bill

[Cowboy48]

Thanks for all the replies.  I ordered and impact driver, some t-handle allen wrenches and a timing light from harbor freight today.

[crazypj]

 Buy the best  six point spark plug socket you can find and a short wobble drive to go with it. Makes life much easier ( especially around the rev counter cable)
 Havnt had an impact driver for years. Need a heavy hammer or it will just bounce and round out screw. I find a 3/8ths drive phillips with extension and breaker bar ( or sliding 't' handle) much more effective. You only put enough pressure to keep it tight on screw then whack on the breaker. Doesnt force screw to turn and get rounded out. never had it fail (even on screws rounded with impact driver)

[scunny]

 I find a 3/8ths drive phillips with extension and breaker bar ( or sliding 't' handle) much more effective. You only put enough pressure to keep it tight on screw then whack on the breaker. Doesnt force screw to turn and get rounded out. never had it fail (even on screws rounded with impact driver)
  I've never seen one of them, any chance of a photo ?

[mutters]

 Now get your hands on a shifting spanner ( or whatever yhey're called round your place )
 and throw the stinking thing as  far away as you can possibly throw the stinker!!!

 they are the only tool designed to fit nothing ! and if they worked nobody  would make spanners and sockets


 feel much better now

[bill440cars]

                       I use the hand impact because that's the way I was brought up and it seemed the
      best way to take care of business on 2-strokes (my 1st two bikes). True, if you're not careful, you'll
      round out the screw heads. I also believe in a torque wrench on some things, some people don't.
      That's their business. You should use what you're comfortable and what works for you. Some
      people tighten things more than they need to and that can cause problems too.

                        A tool I liked was a hinged standard length ratchet but, as time went on , the hinge
      got somewhat loose. Then I found another hinged ratchet, by MATCO (pricey but, worth it to me)     
      that you can lock in various positions. Again, it might not be good for some but, it works for me.   
                             
                                                             Later on, Bill

[Raul CB750K1]

My advice is: buy the tools as you need them, and try to borrow them if you foresee you will need them just once or twice on a lifetime.

Raul

[bill440cars]

My advice is: buy the tools as you need them, and try to borrow them if you foresee you will need them just once or twice on a lifetime.

Raul

         That's a good one Raul, I wonder how many of us have tools that we use once in a blue moon? I've got a bad habit of getting something that I know I'll not use that much and I should have checked around to see if I could borrow one. Later on, Bill