What tools do you own and have used?

[Landy Andy]

The problem I have is that I, in the majority of cases, know how a job should be done. Every now then I choose to get someone else to do something for me, and I’m always disappointed at the results.

 

[Mikerb]

I have always maintained my own vehicles having built race cars from a bare shell in the past and built race engines including doing the machining of block crank rods pistons etc. Once I gave up racing and then had a succession of company cars over many years I got out of the habit of DIY car maintenance. But as far as bikes are concerned I would not dream of letting anyone else do work on my bike except of course for things I am not allowed to strip like the motor, or where specialist tools required for a one off job are not worth the investment.

The forum seems to be split between those that rely totally on their LBS........even for servicing ( who knew that was even a thing!), whilst others prefer to do their own maintenance even if they have little or no knowledge; those with no knowledge using this forum very effectively to get advice.

 

[steve_sordy]

I only got that far and all I could think about was the flintstones ....

Yabbadabbadoo!!!

 

[steve_sordy]

I have always maintained my own vehicles having built race cars from a bare shell in the past and built race engines including doing the machining of block crank rods pistons etc. Once I gave up racing and then had a succession of company cars over many years I got out of the habit of DIY car maintenance. ......................

When I started car maintenance, there was so much room under the bonnet that I could almost get in there and stand by the side of the engine! Now the area under the bonnet (hood for the Yanks) is completely full, I can't even see the floor under the car FFS!

 

[Andy.M]

When I started car maintenance, there was so much room under the bonnet that I could almost get in there and stand by the side of the engine! Now the area under the bonnet (hood for the Yanks) is completely full, I can't even see the floor under the car FFS!

Yep, for certain jobs on the car I would sit on the wing with my legs dangling in the engine bay. Cant even get your hand in there now days let alone find a spark plug!

 

[RustyMTB]

I remember changing the air/oil separator on my Cayman which involved undoing two bolts via the inspection panel behind the drivers seat & fully three feet of ratchet extensions.

Say what you like about MTB's, the parts are generally very accessible.

 

[smtkelly]

Always liked making things, fixing stuff comes naturally. With Youtube its infinity easier to learn new skills (all of my wood working skills came from Youtube).

I found it far cheaper with better results to buy the tools and do jobs myself than most of the cowboys. I have a few exceptions if the price of a single fur cup is more than paying a trade to do the job, if its seriously danger such as my roof ridge tiles that need reseating or just too big a job for 1 person.

For bikes I'm happy to tackle anything short of wheel building the investment in time to learn the skill and tools isn't worth it.

 

[Andy__C]

Friday nights in the garage, a few beers, tunes on, bike in bits. It's a good time

(Well... especially the last year when there's nothing else on Friday nights).

I'd probably add circlip pliers and a strap wrench to your list if you like to get your suspension/seatpost in on the action.

 

[jk-]

I prefer to work on my own bikes. If I need a specific tool for the job I just go buy it usually.

 

[steve_sordy]

I'm surprised that almost 10% of those voting don't possess a shock pump.

 

[Giff]

????????

Yes but you need full set of sizes for when the problems get bigger !

 

[BushLevo]

2 weeks ago I liked to change my rear tyre on my MV Agusta Stradale.
The wheel nut sometimes get stuck, and it has to be set at 240Nm....and my own 2 meter long shaft was not enough.
So I went to the local tractor-tyre-shop to get it loosened.
He laughed at me.....that nut would soon be loose - he's used to work on tractors with great force.
But actually he broke his tool (1" with a massive air gun) and said: "that nut is stuck for good !"

So I had to get this bastard.....it loosened it like it was softice !

View attachment 57977

Similar deal with the rear wheel of my 2015 Ducati Diavel. The central locknut is set to 230Nm, but it can require 500-1000Nm to crack it loose. I do this with a 55mm 3/4" drive socket and a 1 metre long breaker bar. Leave the bike on it's sidestand, place a 12kg weight on the rear break pedal, and then put about 1/2 my weight on the breaker bar. Works every time.

 

[routrax]

I predict a large percentage of those who hasn't used a chain wear tool will post a thread asking why their gears are slipping in the smallest cogs at some stage.