Advice needed: Comprehensive Tool Set

[Dogma]

I don't see that anyone mentioned the Suzuki valve shim tool...

Heh. That thing isn't well liked. Just about all of us prefer the zip-tie method.

[1MoreX]

"As someone already said make sure you get 6 point sockets."

Thanks, will do.

[Nessism]

The higher grade Harbor Freight tools are pretty good these days, and they are cheaper than Craftsman. Sears sold off Craftsman a while back and most everything is made in China anyway.

One of my most used sets is a 1/4" ratchet with a rack of metric sockets.

[eil]

The only way to know all of the tools you're going to need for a job is to first buy a crystal ball.

But if you want to be well-prepared at least, I heartily recommend Harbor Freight for hand tools. No, they aren't the best thing that you can possibly get. But they are cheap, will last longer than you think and they have a lifetime warranty. Shy away from their power tools and anything that requires precision, however.

Here's a list of tools that I use almost all the time:


Metric socket set, 1/4" drive (around 4mm to 12mm)
Metric socket set, 3/8" drive (around 10mm to 24mm or so)
Metric socket set, 1/2" drive
1/4" ratchet
3/8" ratchet
1/2" breaker bar
socket extension set for all three sizes above
Metric cominbation wrench set, 8mm to 24mm or so
Spark plug socket set (or metric deep-well set)
Adjustable wrench ("crescent wrench")
vice grips, three sizes
dead-blow hammer
putty knives
impact driver
A set of decent phillips and standard screwdrivers
A pick and hook set
left-hand drill bits


Other tools that you'll have to buy online or elsewhere:


JIS driver (or just grind about 1mm off the end of a #2 phillips bit)
metric feeler gauges
carb synch tool
carb adjustment screwdriver
auxilliary gas tank
multimeter
torque wrench

[hannibal]

You have a pretty comprehensive list so I won't try to add anything. Props to you for taking a course in experience. You will be amazed at what you can accomplish. 18 months from now, you'll look back and laugh at all the things you thought were too difficult that you can now do in your sleep.

Let the journey begin!

[Hinermad]

Heh. That thing isn't well liked. Just about all of us prefer the zip-tie method.

Just about. I still use the "official" tool. (Although it's a pain in the seat pan. I've been lucky to not crack a shim yet because it slips off of the edge of the shim bucket easily. But I don't trust my dollar store zip ties to not come apart inside the cylinder.)

One thing I'd suggest, but that won't fit in a tool box, is a way to hang a fuel bottle and / or vacuum gauges during carb adjustment. An IV pole would be ideal but they're not very common and aren't very useful for other things. I improvised by putting a screw in a piece of 1x2 lumber and clamping it in my Black & Decker Workmate.

[sam000lee]

If your bike didn't come with it, I would grab a factory tool kit from ebay. I use mine all the time and it is good backup to carry with you on the bike, although the screwdrivers are a bit useless so just swap them out.

This is the "gs750" one but I'm pretty sure they are all the same: http://www.ebay.com/itm/81-Suzuki-GS...5XlUpT&vxp=mtr

[1MoreX]

You have a pretty comprehensive list so I won't try to add anything. Props to you for taking a course in experience. You will be amazed at what you can accomplish. 18 months from now, you'll look back and laugh at all the things you thought were too difficult that you can now do in your sleep.

Let the journey begin!

Thanks for the encouragement Jordan! So far I am enjoying the journey. Firing parts of my brain not yet accessed (always a good thing!)...And as you indicate, there is much more to learn. Terry

[1MoreX]

The higher grade Harbor Freight tools are pretty good these days, and they are cheaper than Craftsman. Sears sold off Craftsman a while back and most everything is made in China anyway.

One of my most used sets is a 1/4" ratchet with a rack of metric sockets.

Thanks Ed. Frankly, before I started this thread, I did not know about Harbor Freight. I had never heard of the company before. It turns out there is a store less than 10 miles from my house (Doh!). Based on the helpful and excellent input from all on this thread, I have a very good idea about where to start in terms of tools I need. I will go to HF this week to start my tool set. Next step for me, after I get the tools, is to remove my seat and gas tank. I will start rust removal in the tank per BassCliff website instructions. Then remove and clean and rebuild Carbs. Currently the bike has cheap air pods...I have a complete stock airbox from a GS Resources Forum member on the way as well. I am excited to dig into this part of the project...my first attempt to improve this bike's overall function... When I get that started, I will start a new "project" thread in the appropriate place in the forum.

Thanks to all for the advice on this thread. It is all very helpful. Based on the input, I have a clear idea how to build a tool set that I need to get started.

Best, Terry

[Big T]

Terry,

Before you go to Harbor Freight, go to their web site and register. You'll start receiving discount coupons and notices of sales (with more coupons).
You can save 10%,20% or more on items.

Plus, +1 on the quality of HF tools. Many are good, some are still flimsy.

[1MoreX]

Terry,

Before you go to Harbor Freight, go to their web site and register. You'll start receiving discount coupons and notices of sales (with more coupons).
You can save 10%,20% or more on items.

Plus, +1 on the quality of HF tools. Many are good, some are still flimsy.

Done, thanks!

[1MoreX]

Thanks again for all of the help on this thread. i just ordered most of these tools, etc. from Harbor Freight. Also, they currently have a "parking lot sale" on many items on their website (ends tomorrow), including the 1000lb Motorcycle Lift which I picked up for $289. Couldn't resist at that price! Terry

[Steve]

Thanks again for all of the help on this thread. i just ordered most of these tools, etc. from Harbor Freight. Also, they currently have a "parking lot sale" on many items on their website (ends tomorrow), including the 1000lb Motorcycle Lift which I picked up for $289. Couldn't resist at that price! Terry

Just so everyone else knows (too late for you ), that lift will be $279 on their Black Friday sale.

.