Tools - where to buy

[MarinaFazer]

So I bought a pair of Shogun frame sliders at the Yamaha dealer (instead of the $110 Yamaha brand). Upon getting home, I find that I don't have the proper tool (not big enough) to do the job. Then I read that a torque wrench would be best to get the right tightness for the bolt. I like to do the job right the first time, so I guess I need a torque wrench.

Since I just moved out from the parental units house, I'm **** outta luck for tools (my pops had an awesome workbench), but I want to start my own collection of tools. If I buy a torque wrench, do a bunch of heads come with it that will fit the bolt for my sliders or are the heads sold separately?

Also, where is the best place to buy a decent tool...none of the crap? Sears, Osh, Kragen, generic hardware store?

Like Tim Allen (when I was little): "What time is it?" "IT'S TOOL TIME!!"

 

[IPilot]

I think I will be in the same position later this week when my new frame sliders get in the mail... I just ordered them a couple of days ago and have no decent tools to install them... I actually would go to a hardware store like Home Depot or Lowe's... They have all kinds of tools and fun stuff to start your new tools box..

 

[Fred]

Home Depot has quality torque wrenches.

Also, a lot of auto parts stores have a torque wrench as a loaner tool.

 

[reiobard]

if you are buying your own set of tools then Mac or Snap on are the best places to get them, but quite pricey, for normal go to and get it type of stores then you can't beat Sears and their Craftsman tools, lifetime warranty and they always seem like good people there..

 

[urbanj]

Get a quality torque wrench. For hand tools, get stuff you can afford. I used to buy snap on and mac but when it comes down to it, I could do the job with craftsman. I only go high end for the specialty stuff or for items you can't afford to strip/break/bend. Other than that why spend 5x the amount on something that can do the same job. Plus when you lose something it hurts.

Just get the craftsman professional stuff and you'll be able to do everything.

 

[bikerider]

I shop at harbor freight. I picked up my torque wrenches from them. Half the price of the name brand stuff and works good.

 

[FZ1inNH]

For the little amount of use I get out of it, I also bought my torque wrench at Harbor Freight. Saved a bundle of money! Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices for $18.99

 

[AJ_rider]

I shop at harbor freight. I picked up my torque wrenches from them. Half the price of the name brand stuff and works good.

+1

I go with Harbor Freight as well, good prices.

 

[wrightme43]

If its just you and your not ever going to work as a pro at it. Kobalt (lowes brand) and Craftsman (sears brand) are plenty fine tools.
If it just cant break cause you need it to work now, Mac, Snap-on, Cornwell are all great tools, that are very comfortable, and easy to use.


Craftsman 260 pc. Mechanics Tool Set with Lift Top Lid Chest - Model 33260 at Sears.com

This and a socket or wrench to fit the rear axle nut and steering head nut will just about do anything you will ever need to a vehicle. You will have to buy misc sockets and a few special tools over time but not many.

If you get a air compressor a 1/2 and 3/8 air impact, cordless drill, grinder, air hammer, and cutoff wheel, plus some impact sockets you will be good to go for 90% of all mechanical problems you will ever have.

 

[Hellgate]

As others have said Sears is great, good price and well made, not the very best, but very good. I've used their tools for years and they work great and last a long time. I don't buy the super cheap tools as they end up damaging the thing I'm working on, of they hurt to use because they are not shaped right, or they break.

 

[BranNwebster]

Sears for ratchets and wrenches.

Kline for various pliers, strippers, side cutters, and screwdrivers.

 

[Hellgate]

^^^^ Where do you find "Kline" at? I'm not familiar with that brand. Thx!

 

[teeter]

I stick with Craftsman. May not be #1, but they are close. And the lifetime guarantee doesn't hurt.

To answer one of your first questions, all of the torque wrenches I've used take standard sockets.

And somebody else mentioned the loaner program at auto parts stores.... What a fantastic system. It's an indeffinite loan (from Auto Zone at least.) You give them money up front (usually a fair price for the tool) and they give it back when you return the tool. It doesn't matter how long you have it. If you don't return it, they have the money so everybody's happy. I'm certainly happy with the disc break tool kit I borrowed two years ago. It's so much better than using C-clamps - which are never the right size or shape for the job.

 

[interactive3]

I'd suggest a Sears Craftsman Torque Wrench ($30). I happened to have one when I got my frame sliders the other week. I had bought the wrench along with a long socket for changing out my summer/winter car wheels. As luck would have it the same long socket was exactly what I needed for the frame slider bolts. My Sears Craftsman torque wrench is 1/2" drive (not 3/8) becasue the wrench goes up 150 ft lbs. If that's the one you get you'll need that size socket or extender/adapter.

Craftsman Beam Torque Wrench - Model 44642 at Sears.com

The frame sliders take 35 - 40 ft lbs.
My car wheels take 110 ft lbs.

Enjoy building your tool collection.

 

[wrightme43]

^^^^ Where do you find "Kline" at? I'm not familiar with that brand. Thx!

I think its Klien and I get them at Lowes. I also really like Channel lock brand nipers, and wire tools.

 

[oldtimer]

as an FYI, craftsman doesn't do lifetime guarantee on any torque wrench. They have a 90 day return policy if I remember correctly. I have 2 craftsman torque wrenches. Both have no issues.

 

[MarinaFazer]

ok, so I'll go to sears after work...but have you seen the bolt for these? I think it's hexagonal or so...

Is there an adapter for it? A socket doesn't go in it (I guess you could say it's a reverse socket with the hex shape inside the head of the bolt). Those of you who've done the mod, I'm sure all will be explained once I get to Sears, but yea, just wondering if you can tell me what to buy!

 

[madmanmaigret]

What you need is an allen head "socket".
I put socket in "" because it isnt a socket but has a 3/8" or 1/2" drive just like your sockets. Buy a whole set you will use them eventually.

Another tip when buying tools: Ask for sears (or lowes/home depot) gift cards for every holiday you will have your collection built up in no time!

 

[4fun]

I think its Klien and I get them at Lowes. I also really like Channel lock brand nipers, and wire tools.

It is Klien, they manufacture electrical hand tools, good stuff.

Craftsman tools are great for backyard mechanics.:thumbup:

 

[CrazyBiker]

Harbor Freight is great and cheap and gives quality tools plus they keep sending you discount coupons in mail/email every week or so which makes it even more cheaper.