A big fuckin' hammer !!!!
Tools for a beginner
I tried to find this addressed in the archives but could not. What are the basic tools that a backyard builder should have? I'm talkin' about the bare minimum that I could start with and move on from there. What hand tools and also what power tools would be the minimum that I should start with? I know a lot of depends on what I plan to do; I understand that.
XL
XL
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you use to be able to go to sears and get a great starter set for about 60.00 but last i checked their quality has gone in the crapper,you might try a pawn shop ,some times you can get a box full of tools for cheap.just look for good brands like old craftsmen,snap-on, mac,matco,cornwell. to get started you need the basics,sockets end werches,screw drivers,pliers,vice-grips and as stated above a big f-ing hammer! have fun
With no disrespect intended Lonan, How junior a member are you? Are you in a position to buy tools?
I say that because your tools are going to be a lifelong investment if done correctly.
You could go to the local Mart and have a set of Chinese crap tomorrow that will last damned near thru your first project until you get discouraged with the rounded nuts, stripped screw heads and other damage caused by the shit metallurgy.
Or...You could haunt the swap meets looking for good old stock Proto, snapon, Craftsmen, BluePoint tools and hundreds of other worn but sturdy brands that built this country.
You'll need a set of open and box end wrenches at the very least. Combination wrenches. For expediency you'll want an assortment of crescent wrenches. Water pump or Channellock pliers. Vise grips! No shit substitutes from Elshitistan. Buy only proper ViseGrips!
Screwdrivers are a lot more forgiving initially as you'll be abusing and ruining them constantly. We'll tell ya don't do it but humans still will. Just roll with it.
You'll want a good assortment of sockets and ratchets. Again, haunt the swap meets and buy loose ones one at a time as you build a set. Shallow and deep. Watch for 1/4" drive stuff as well as the good stuff still sells cheap.
Watch for a Milwaukee Magnum drill motor. It's a strong tool that will last your lifetime if 120 volt wall outlets survive.
I could probably go on, you probably detect my biases as well as experiences. Let's let some others expand and temper these thoughts. Good Luck, Steve
I say that because your tools are going to be a lifelong investment if done correctly.
You could go to the local Mart and have a set of Chinese crap tomorrow that will last damned near thru your first project until you get discouraged with the rounded nuts, stripped screw heads and other damage caused by the shit metallurgy.
Or...You could haunt the swap meets looking for good old stock Proto, snapon, Craftsmen, BluePoint tools and hundreds of other worn but sturdy brands that built this country.
You'll need a set of open and box end wrenches at the very least. Combination wrenches. For expediency you'll want an assortment of crescent wrenches. Water pump or Channellock pliers. Vise grips! No shit substitutes from Elshitistan. Buy only proper ViseGrips!
Screwdrivers are a lot more forgiving initially as you'll be abusing and ruining them constantly. We'll tell ya don't do it but humans still will. Just roll with it.
You'll want a good assortment of sockets and ratchets. Again, haunt the swap meets and buy loose ones one at a time as you build a set. Shallow and deep. Watch for 1/4" drive stuff as well as the good stuff still sells cheap.
Watch for a Milwaukee Magnum drill motor. It's a strong tool that will last your lifetime if 120 volt wall outlets survive.
I could probably go on, you probably detect my biases as well as experiences. Let's let some others expand and temper these thoughts. Good Luck, Steve
In addition to sockets, wrenches, etc., don't forget allen keys, telescoping magnet, and a small inspection mirror. You'll also want to get a lift as well.
Get the basics and then just buy what you need as you go.
Get the basics and then just buy what you need as you go.
Thanks ya'll! That's exactly what I was looking for. Let me hear your favorites, your biases, and especially what crap to avoid, especially stuff from "elshitestan". Is Craigslist a viable source for tools? Texas Rattler and GT6Steve, thanks for listing brands and makes to buy. That helps a great deal.
XL
XL
I was going to suggest CL. I would looking into a service cart instead of tool box, I got a great one from Harbor Freight for just over $100. Gives you easy access to your tools and allows you to roll up right next to the bike. I would also suggest a bike jack for about $50 I see alot of these on craigslist.
Beyond just a wrench and turning lefty - loosey.. righty - tighty.
Mild fab work requires some power devices like, angle grinder, dremel, cut off wheel. And don't under estimate those hand files your granddad had that you assumed were junk.
Mild fab work requires some power devices like, angle grinder, dremel, cut off wheel. And don't under estimate those hand files your granddad had that you assumed were junk.
Stinky Pete, thanks for the link. That was of tremendous help.
XL
XL
cant chop without a nice 4 1/2 inch grinder and some safety glasses.
As far as hand tools, pick over the flea markets. Lots of good deals on some old solid, quality hand tools there usually. I've picked up certain tools in a set like that before that I wouldn't have bought otherwise but found a time that they really helped me out and I was glad I had them. But one ratchet set I highly suggest you do purchase new is this. http://www.amazon.com/Wrench-8925-P...IY/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&qid=1320634725&sr=8-16 Of course, you don't NEED to purchase that but it's fairly cheap and they've held up great for me over years of probably putting more torque on them than they are designed to take.
1. A good set of wrenches (no need to get a huge set, just the common sizes through 1")
2. A GOOD adjustable wrench
3. A good 3/8" drive socket set
4. Screwdriver assortment
Those things should get you on your way if you're truly a beginner. A 4.5" angle grinder and something to stick it back together after you cut it, when you're ready for that.
1. A good set of wrenches (no need to get a huge set, just the common sizes through 1")
2. A GOOD adjustable wrench
3. A good 3/8" drive socket set
4. Screwdriver assortment
Those things should get you on your way if you're truly a beginner. A 4.5" angle grinder and something to stick it back together after you cut it, when you're ready for that.
I've found alot of tools at Garage Sales. Not all are the "BROKEN TOASTERS and USED SKIVIES" type. There are some goods ones every great once in a while. Like someone said. Pawn Shops are good along with resale shops. You can always upgrade.
Hey homes, just stay outa that damn Harbor Freight store over there.
I used to shop pawn shops till I figured out everything was stolen from somebody like me.. Economy the way it is now, maybe only half the shit is stolen from somebody like me.
I used to shop pawn shops till I figured out everything was stolen from somebody like me.. Economy the way it is now, maybe only half the shit is stolen from somebody like me.
As soon as you get a compressor, next tool should be an impact wrench.
If you are a novice, I would say that the first purchase should be a service manual, to get your work started. Right after you get a bike. Avoid any tool, that has "made in china", and you will do OK. Click type torque wrenches come in handy, but mainly for motor building. Air tools will come later, but they are absoutely necessary to get serious. Not to mention a bench grinder, with a wire wheel/grinder wheel, and eventually a cheap welder. You will end up doing wiring too, so with that in mind, a set of wire end crimping tools, solder gun, and a cheap multimeter. And the always needed tire pressure guage. By the time you are done, you will be to old to wrench or ride. So get ready for the long haul, when it comes to "buying tools for a beginner". When you get started, you will see, that there is always "just one more tool you need". It never ends.
Just to add to this:1. A good set of wrenches (no need to get a huge set, just the common sizes through 1")
2. A GOOD adjustable wrench
I'd say the exception to this would be pulling the axles. I wager you'll need two 14" adjustable wrenches to pull my rear axle...and you sure don't want to swing 14" wrenches for everything.
I'd say figure out what your axle bolt and nut sizes are and buy wrenches for those.
In addition to avoiding Chinese, stay away from made in India tools.
Y'all got a lot more patience than me...
XL; if you haven't started buying & using tools yet, then it's already too late. Tells me you've never owned a bike. Any bike.
Just do it.
XL; if you haven't started buying & using tools yet, then it's already too late. Tells me you've never owned a bike. Any bike.
Just do it.
Everybody starts somewhere. Where did YOU start? At birth? I think not. If you think like this, then I feel sorry for you, starting anything new. I don't care how old he is, or if he has ever owned a bike. His interest is in starting, not wondering why he is starting when he is. If you only have this to comment, why did you even waste your time making the statement? But then, I try to help, no matter what your experience level is, or how many tools you have in your shop.Y'all got a lot more patience than me...
XL; if you haven't started buying & using tools yet, then it's already too late. Tells me you've never owned a bike. Any bike.
Just do it.
I do agree with you on the last statement, "Just do it".
I do have a lot of patience, which is why I feel this way.
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