Tools for a wannabe

[Hayabusa Wannabe]

I am considering a socket set for all things home. I have always purchased piecemeal tools and am also unhappy with the quality of what I have. They rock...but literally.

I would like to know if a deep 1/4" socket set (5-15mm) would handle all socket needs in this size range on the Hayabusa. You may include context for the VFR800 if you know. I need to know the gaps: Would these have any clearance issues where a shallow socket substitute would be required? My current thought is to get this set and acquire large sockets piecemeal in 1/2".

A general question for which I cannot seem to find a robust answer: Are chrome sockets cut more accurately than impact sockets? I understand that impact tools flex. I am leaning toward chrome for the thin build and weight. I would like to know if the dimensions are a particular advantage or if the accuracy is exactly the same between them.


@captain Even meaningful and generic tags cause this error. I am always trying to help the site but this is a roadblock.

 

[Bumblebee]

You know, I've never thought of this before....I have several socket sets none are the big name brands such as "Snap On" or such...

Craftsman makes a good set, you can get a package set for not a bad price...

I use Mastercraft generally as I got an entire set worth a few thousand given to me....I have both black impact and chrome and haven't noticed any difference in tool tolerance. I also have all three sizes of sockets and ratchets and socket lengths which is handy....

Having both shallow and deep sockets is important as there are indeed clearance issues in some cases...I also have ratchet wrenches for those really hard to reach areas...

 

[Vanishing Point]

Take a look /search for KS TOOLS and BRILLIANT made by KS TOOLS
MUST HAVE is kstools.com monster 1/4" # 935.1490 100Nm lenght 125mm

 

[sixpack577]

One thing to look for in sockets, is where they contact the fastener.
Snap-on set the standard years ago, but today, several companies have followed their lead.
A regular 6-point socket fits directly over a hex fastener, and this puts most of the force on the 6 edges, which can result in rounded corners, and/or a damaged finish on the fastener.
Snap-on's 6-point socket design(and some others if you look) does Not contact the fastener evenly around it's outside diameter and edges, but rather in the middle of each of the 6 flats, and no contact on the 6 edges.
The 6 contact points are smooth and rounded, more like 12-point socket teeth.
I would also advise against only a quarter inch drive set, as you Will need 3/8 and 1/2 drive for motorcycles.
You can get a nice set of those 3 drive sizes if you shop around, with 3 ratchets and shallow and deep well sockets.
Do you have other tools as well?
Or are you trying to build a set of most everything that you'll need to work on your bikes?
We can make a list if you need that, as there are things like a 32mm 1/2 drive socket to fit the front sprocket and rear axle nut.
A set of metric allen wrenches or allen sockets, and a few specialty tools, like clutch basket pliers, depending on how much you actually want to do yourself.
I see no reason why you cannot do any of the work your bikes could potentially need in the future either.

 

[captain]

I am considering a socket set for all things home. I have always purchased piecemeal tools and am also unhappy with the quality of what I have. They rock...but literally.

I would like to know if a deep 1/4" socket set (5-15mm) would handle all socket needs in this size range on the Hayabusa. You may include context for the VFR800 if you know. I need to know the gaps: Would these have any clearance issues where a shallow socket substitute would be required? My current thought is to get this set and acquire large sockets piecemeal in 1/2".

A general question for which I cannot seem to find a robust answer: Are chrome sockets cut more accurately than impact sockets? I understand that impact tools flex. I am leaning toward chrome for the thin build and weight. I would like to know if the dimensions are a particular advantage or if the accuracy is exactly the same between them.


@captain Even meaningful and generic tags cause this error. I am always trying to help the site but this is a roadblock.


View attachment 1669852

 

[captain]

I am considering a socket set for all things home. I have always purchased piecemeal tools and am also unhappy with the quality of what I have. They rock...but literally.

I would like to know if a deep 1/4" socket set (5-15mm) would handle all socket needs in this size range on the Hayabusa. You may include context for the VFR800 if you know. I need to know the gaps: Would these have any clearance issues where a shallow socket substitute would be required? My current thought is to get this set and acquire large sockets piecemeal in 1/2".

A general question for which I cannot seem to find a robust answer: Are chrome sockets cut more accurately than impact sockets? I understand that impact tools flex. I am leaning toward chrome for the thin build and weight. I would like to know if the dimensions are a particular advantage or if the accuracy is exactly the same between them.


@captain Even meaningful and generic tags cause this error. I am always trying to help the site but this is a roadblock.


View attachment 1669852

I added all three of those words to a test post and they were added as tags so I think we have a process or browser challenge going on. You should be able to type the first work as when you hit the comma button it will convert to a tag if you are entering one at a time.

 

[Hayabusa Wannabe]

I added all three of those words to a test post and they were added as tags so I think we have a process or browser challenge going on. You should be able to type the first work as when you hit the comma button it will convert to a tag if you are entering one at a time.

They were converted to individually recognized tags but then rejected when I attempted to post. Thinking like software, I cut them down to one single tag but it was still rejected at post time.

You may see my test post in this forum. My test indicated that Firefox on both WIndows & Linux did that rejection of any tags. I tried Chrome and did not get the error. So I suspect you are right in that this is a response to browsers. How odd for such a specific authority error "you may not create new tags".

Thanks!

 

[MonkeyButtRides]

I would also advise against only a quarter inch drive set, as you Will need 3/8 and 1/2 drive for motorcycles.

100% even for basic stuff like oil drain plugs 1/4 is too small.

 

[MonkeyButtRides]

A general question for which I cannot seem to find a robust answer: Are chrome sockets cut more accurately than impact sockets? I understand that impact tools flex. I am leaning toward chrome for the thin build and weight. I would like to know if the dimensions are a particular advantage or if the accuracy is exactly the same between them.

If you are not going to use air tools I wouldn't waste time and money on impact sockets. Impact sockets are designed to take the torque and vibration from air tools like impact wrenches. If you are not planning on using air tools I wouldn't waste time on impact sockets they aren't going to offer you anything. For me I use air tools for breaking things loose like front sprocket nuts, clutch hub's, steering stems, etc.. so it pays to have a set of impact and alloy sockets. You can use alloy sockets with air tools but they will wear out much faster if you do it often.

 

[Bumblebee]

If you are not going to use air tools I wouldn't waste time and money on impact sockets. Impact sockets are designed to take the torque and vibration from air tools like impact wrenches. If you are not planning on using air tools I wouldn't waste time on impact sockets they aren't going to offer you anything. For me I use air tools for breaking things loose like front sprocket nuts, clutch hub's, steering stems, etc.. so it pays to have a set of impact and alloy sockets. You can use alloy sockets with air tools but they will wear out much faster if you do it often.

I have air tools but find my electric (plug in) impact to be far superior in breaking things loose....instant torque.

 

[MonkeyButtRides]

I have air tools but find my electric (plug in) impact to be far superior in breaking things loose....instant torque.

Yeah, those work great to...sadly I don't have any.

 

[Hayabusa Wannabe]

Craftsman makes a good set, you can get a package set for not a bad price...

My first turn of my 6-point Craftsman box wrenches made me wonder why for the high price they were so sloppy. I have always felt somewhat defeated using these. I resolve to upgrade to professional-level tools, for all of my home work.

 

[Hayabusa Wannabe]

One thing to look for in sockets, is where they contact the fastener.

I resolve to purchase Snap-On Flank Drive sockets unless I hear of a good strong objection.

 

[mabupa]

I have air tools but find my electric (plug in) impact to be far superior in breaking things loose....instant torque.

My air compressor is only started when I need to air up a tire these days. Battery operated tools are amazing! I don’t know how we all lived so long with hand tools. LOL! My Milwaukee battery ratchet and old set of ridgid power tools I inherited from a friend are my best friends in the garage. Only thing I did was add a big battery impact and high output battery to my tool box and rotating tires is now a breeze too, just need to be careful and only snug up the lug nuts with the impact and then torque to spec.

 

[mabupa]

My first turn of my 6-point Craftsman box wrenches made me wonder why for the high price they were so sloppy. I have always felt somewhat defeated using these. I resolve to upgrade to professional-level tools, for all of my home work.

I have never used the very high end brand tools but most of my tools are craftsman purchased over a decade ago and I really don’t have any complaints and I have not broken anything yet, even though, I’ve done a fair share of transmission, engine, transfer case, suspension swaps and many other jobs on a lot of different vehicles.

 

[Hayabusa Wannabe]

I would also advise against only a quarter inch drive set, as you Will need 3/8 and 1/2 drive for motorcycles.

100% even for basic stuff like oil drain plugs 1/4 is too small.

Note from my initial post:

My current thought is to get this set (1/4") and acquire large sockets piecemeal in 1/2".

On my cars I always use box wrenches for drain plugs. So it is a challenge not understanding bike work but having to select the ratchets and sockets. Why does a 16 ft-lb drain plug necessitate a 3/8” ratchet over a box wrench/speed wrench or a 1/4" breaker bar?

 

[Bumblebee]

My air compressor is only started when I need to air up a tire these days. Battery operated tools are amazing! I don’t know how we all lived so long with hand tools. LOL! My Milwaukee battery ratchet and old set of ridgid power tools I inherited from a friend are my best friends in the garage. Only thing I did was add a big battery impact and high output battery to my tool box and rotating tires is now a breeze too, just need to be careful and only snug up the lug nuts with the impact and then torque to spec.

Pretty much the same for me, I haven't used my air tools in years....I mainly use my air compressor for tires and blowing things clean...I use it all the time on my garden tractor...I rarely if ever use water on that.

 

[Hayabusa Wannabe]

Do you have other tools as well?
Or are you trying to build a set of most everything that you'll need to work on your bikes?

We can make a list if you need that, as there are things like a 32mm 1/2 drive socket to fit the front sprocket and rear axle nut.
A set of metric allen wrenches or allen sockets, and a few specialty tools, like clutch basket pliers, depending on how much you actually want to do yourself.

Thanks a lot buddy. I rely on you guys. I did want to initially keep the scope of this focused on the selection of ratchets and sockets as that is causing analysis paralysis. The specialty tools will fall in place easily based on need. That said I definitely appreciate references to required tools.

I am thinking of the latter, collecting all necessary tools for my bikes. I will subsequently use them for all things at home. Today my thinking is that if I can pull the trigger on tools then I would follow through and begin my own bike work.

"clutch basket pliers"? This cannot be a real thing. Please refrain from making up tool names just to confuse me.

In an ideal world I open the clutch this winter and override the back-torque Rube Goldberg machine Suzuki installed, bleed the hydraulics, and also replace the stator cover damaged in the down. This also relies on a stand. I have the Sky Lift on the list. Right now, realistically, I am still somewhere in the dream.

I have a 3/8" and perhaps 1/2" Craftsman ratchet, piecemeal Craftsman and Sunex sockets and box wrenches for lugs and drain plugs for prior cars. I have a 3/8" T-handle and extension. I have never owned a full socket set. I bought them as I needed them in "good consumer" models and now feel like trashing all of it. I have a set of Craftsman metric open-end wrenches. Another one for the garbage! I have JIS screwdrivers. This year I bought a bit set, perhaps recommended here (Pozidriv, torx, hex, AKM TOOL 41Pcs Magnetic Nut Driver Set.) I have nut drivers, I am sure a Chinese outsourced set from Sears, another refuse filler as they rock to and fro. I have a 3/8" breaker bar and torque wrench from Tire Rack (I know the 80 ft-lb range by feel.) I have pliers in mini nose, regular, tongue-and-groove with teeth, needle (are any of these used on bikes?) and too many duplicate crescent wrenches. I am unsure if of the zillions of Allen wrenches I have that there is a single metric one..maybe a set of small ones. I have a manual measuring caliper.

I am prepared that pro sockets may not work with existing ratchets/breaker/T-handles due to a tight fit, that is on my radar. It is on my list to get a T-Handle hex set. With the Hayabusa purchase, I had immediately gotten an Elkind 6mm for the seat bolts and I see the allure of these, they are awesome! A deep 32mm socket is already on my Snap-On wish list. So is a 24mm Fork Topcap Socket for the steering stem nut (which is on my radar only because the original is badly marred.) I see that front wheel hex tools are a specialty item for some reason, how obscure.

Do you think the T-handle 1/4" torque wrenches that are reasonably priced appear good for the 1 to 2 ft-lb plus on the bike?

 

[Hayabusa Wannabe]

If you are not going to use air tools I wouldn't waste time and money on impact sockets.

This is where opinions, knowledge, and recommendations are needed to make the selections of the socket-related tools. Can the sprocket and wheel nut be heated? Will I be using a breaker bar or should I get a consumer impact wrench? I have read opinions all over the place, that the impact wrench is the smart and modern method, or the opposite that with proper prep like heating, impact tools are never required.

 

[michael parris heuberger]

Note from my initial post:


On my cars I always use box wrenches for drain plugs. So it is a challenge not understanding bike work but having to select the ratchets and sockets. Why does a 16 ft-lb drain plug necessitate a 3/8” ratchet over a box wrench/speed wrench or a 1/4" breaker bar?

Hi. You need a good set of 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 and some 3/4 drive sockets in 6 point and 12 point. 6 point for the 3/4 drive. Also a lot of other tools too.