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Tools

Discussion in 'Maintenance' started by Joker, Apr 18, 2014.

  1. Joker

    Joker See "about me" for contact details. Contributing Member

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    Hey Guys

    Hopefully this is the right spot to ask a question about tools.

    I'm a bit uhh.. strapped for cash but I don't want to buy cheap crap (eg supacheap or chinese ebay stuff). Where do you reckon I could get a reasonable quality (and priced) torque wrench? A lot of the tool shops I've been to around melbourne are asking a bit more than I was looking to spend (admitting my expectations may not be entirely realistic)...

    Also I seem to be having trouble finding a set of offset feeler gauges in the right thicknesses. Specs for my bike are:

    Intake: 0.17-0.27 mm
    Exhaust: 0.20-0.30 mm

    Any help would be sweet.
     
  2. kiffsta

    kiffsta Senior Member

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    I know where you are coming from, good tools are not cheap. I have been buying a mix of force and Kinchrome tools and are generally pretty happy them, they are sold on-line or through Trade Tools, Bunnings etc, this is my torque wrench

    https://www.kincrome.com.au/product/MTW150F/micrometer-torque-wrench-1~2-square-drive

    I bought a Force socket set from Trade Tools and to be honest they are awesome, 5 years on still going strong and I use them a lot. Mine a bigger set than set than this, I cant find mine on their site https://www.tradetools.com/products/3302
     
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  3. risky

    risky risky

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    aldi tools are basic and cheap. if the tool is cr-v marked it is tough.
     
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  4. Mclaren

    Mclaren Well-Known Member Contributing Member

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  5. risky

    risky risky

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    warren and brown is the top of the range and costs accordingly. our friend wants quality at an affordable price so there is a trade off.do i have a w and b...yes ..but i also have aldi cr-v tools and jetech which are good quality chinese. the stuff i hate says hardenned steel and is from india. guaranteed to snap.
     
  6. Mclaren

    Mclaren Well-Known Member Contributing Member

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    I understand just my opinion I'm doing a second trade as a refrigeration mechanic and funds are tight but my rule is buy quality and only once there are good cheap brands but won't last and nothing more annoying then a broken tool on a sat arvo and everywhere closed any half decent wrench gonna cost so spending that bit more is worth I think also look on eBay a second hand w&b would be a good thing to

    Also I have super cheap gold sockets had for 10 years and haven't missed a trick even when thrown across a workshop so there are quality cheap ones but hard to find
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Apr 18, 2014
  7. GreyImport

    GreyImport Administrator Staff Member The Chief Contributing Member

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    I have a W & B torque wrench also ..... for something that has to do a precision job then u have to have something at least mid range ....... Ive had mine for I think 40 years and got it when I was repairing the Landrovers I owned in the day.

    Guess it depends on your budget and if u just fiddle with your one bike or have a shed full ....horses for courses I guess.

    My most used and well loved tool is my set of (40 piece?) Sidchrome socket set ..... Id like a dollar back for every time I have used them.
    A mate here had a patched bikie living next door to him many years back and he has a shed full of hot tools ...... I think they cost me $20 ...only wished Id bought alot more at the time .
     
  8. Murdo

    Murdo The Good Doctor Staff Member Contributing Member Ride and Events Crew

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    I also own the Warren and Brown torque wrench (bought 1978), but mine is 3/8" drive as are most of my sockets. Do not need a 1/2" drive for bikes and most car jobs. I use mainly a 1/4" socket set when working on my bikes, only reaching for 3/8" on tight bolts and the 1/2" for things like swing arm and wheel spindles. I find the 1/4" drive gives better 'feel' when loosening or tightening, and less likely to over tighten.
    The price of a 3/8" torque wrench will be less than the bigger ones and still have more than needed capacity.
     
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  9. Joker

    Joker See "about me" for contact details. Contributing Member

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    Hmm interesting. Thanks for the thoughts guys. I'll keep having a look around - I'm well aware I can buy "quality" tools but to be honest I've only wanted to reach for a torque wrench a handful of times. If I could borrow one I probably would. Just getting to the stage where I may have to take the cylinders off and look at the rings, wouldn't want to do that without knowing I could torque it back up to spec.
     
  10. mboddy

    mboddy Well-Known Member Premium Member Contributing Member

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    If you get a cheap one then it may not be accurate anyway.
    Buy the Warren and Brown 321500 to do the job properly.
     
  11. mboddy

    mboddy Well-Known Member Premium Member Contributing Member

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    Actually, I have just changed my mind.
    I have been using my W&B 321500 for over 30 years and has been excellent.
    I also have a smaller torque wrench I use for the smaller settings.
    If you want I will sell you the smaller one and I will replace it in my tool box with another W&B.
    $25 for a little used X-Tools 2-24NM 1/4" with a ratchet in box. Please check that 24NM is enough.
    http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/au/en/x-tools-torque-wrench-2-24n-m/rp-prod11142
     
  12. anthony

    anthony Active Member

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    Supacheap auto is having a 20% sale off everything this weekend ;)
     
  13. risky

    risky risky

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    aldi has air tools on special today and one of the tools is a 3/8 ratchet with sockets.
     
  14. Mclaren

    Mclaren Well-Known Member Contributing Member

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    For some stuff I use my arm as the torque setting just wait till my head goes click and I'm good hahahaha
     
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  15. Murdo

    Murdo The Good Doctor Staff Member Contributing Member Ride and Events Crew

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    Or do as my brother does. He tightens until the threads strip, then backs it off half a turn. :lolsign:

    And for a self locking nut he just cross threads it.

    As a bike mechanic he makes a good electrician (no not really, he's crap at wiring too). :headbang:
     
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  16. Phil

    Phil Senior Member Contributing Member

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    I take it you are very fond of your brother.:lolsign:
     
  17. Murdo

    Murdo The Good Doctor Staff Member Contributing Member Ride and Events Crew

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    Love him dearly, but only in small doses!
     
  18. Joker

    Joker See "about me" for contact details. Contributing Member

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    So which bike shop/mechanic do I need to avoid...? :confused:
     
  19. Murdo

    Murdo The Good Doctor Staff Member Contributing Member Ride and Events Crew

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    Dunno, brother was never a mechanic. Dad said he was good cutting meat!!! :lolsign:
     
  20. mboddy

    mboddy Well-Known Member Premium Member Contributing Member

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    Avoid them all Stu. Do it yourself.
     
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