The Side Benefits of a New FZ6

After buying the FZ a couple of weeks ago I realized I need to upgrade my work area a bit. I've raced bicycles for 25 years so I've always had a good set of tools, but the FZ was a good reason to go visit Sears. I picked up a new large toolbox, sockets, ratchets, screwdrivers, etc. I also installed new lighting in the garage so I can see what the heck I'm doing.

I went and got the long t-handle hex keys with the ball end, what a great investment!

Also, how did you do the lighting? my dad stole an idea from an automotive painter and installed flouresent lights in the walls so you got light around and under not just from above. when i get a worthy shop i will do the same

madmanmaigret said:

I went and got the long t-handle hex keys with the ball end, what a great investment!

Also, how did you do the lighting? my dad stole an idea from an automotive painter and installed flouresent lights in the walls so you got light around and under not just from above. when i get a worthy shop i will do the same

Click to expand...

That's a great idea on the lights. I went to Lowe's and bought 4 cold weather shop light and installed GE's T8 32W "Sunshine" bulbs. It is a nice bright light that is supposed to be similar to the noonday sun. I've got them set up in each quarter of the garage so the light is nice and even.

I love the long handle hex keys! What a great tool!

Biker Bill said:

Don't forget the larger sockets and wrenches...25mm, 27mm, etc. etc.

Click to expand...

Got 'em! Those are from the old P-Car days for doing wheel bearing.

Biker Bill said:

Don't forget the larger sockets and wrenches...25mm, 27mm, etc. etc.

Click to expand...

and if you dont already have it....................... TORQUE WRENCH!!!!!!!!



and not the old bar that bends type get a "clicker" or if you are rich a digital!

madmanmaigret said:

and if you dont already have it....................... TORQUE WRENCH!!!!!!!!



and not the old bar that bends type get a "clicker" or if you are rich a digital!

Click to expand...

I bought the bar kind, the digital were $100!

Hellgate said:

I bought the bar kind, the digital were $100!

Click to expand...

I initialy bought the bar kind and after using it a few times went out and bought the clicker type. The bar type seems OK for large torque values, but not realy for low values... thing is you really need the 3/8 and the 1/2" drive models to get the full range... Sears ussually has them on sale from time to time... I still want the 1/2" (bought the 3/8 last sale)...

What range do those digital ones cover? $100 seems OK for a good one -the clicker one I bought was around $80 less 20 or 25%.

C'mon folks, let's see some PHOTOS!! Tools inspire almost more gear lust in me than the "FZ-6 Show us your Baby!" thread!

Hellgate, your threads always put me in a good mood for some reason :thumbup:

I bought a bar-type t-wrench for $25 from sears...10 to 150 pound range. I sure wanted to get a $130 digital one but ****, I'm more worried about the big torque values than the small ones. You can kinda tell when you've sufficiently torqued down a banjo bolt at 12 pounds or so but when it comes to the rear swingarm pivot or the axles it's a different story.

I'll get a good one some day...

I know that i love sears as much as you guys but check out harbor freight for the "clicker" type. i got mine for like 15ish bux and i have tested it against my dad's sears digital and it is spot on!
Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices < 3/8ths
Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices <1/2 in

and if you didn't know you must calibrate them every once in a while.




p.s. be careful on harbor freight site you might spend more than you wanted to!

madmanmaigret said:

and if you didn't know you must calibrate them every once in a while.

Click to expand...

After you're done with your wrench, be sure to back the torque setting off to 0. This will take the force off of the internal spring, which helps the wrench keep its calibration.

Also, don't use the torque wrench as a cheater bar to undo a stuck bolt. Pushing the wrench past the point where it clicks will mess up the calibration.

Fred

thanx Fred, i forgot about setting it back to zero

And the bar type wrenches just wear out after a while? Any tips on those? How do you really know if they are off?

DefyInertia said:

And the bar type wrenches just wear out after a while? Any tips on those? How do you really know if they are off?

Click to expand...

i would say test it next to a friends torque wrench or your clicker etc.