Tools for Buddy maintenance

anthony · Post by **anthony** » Thu Apr 18, 2013 8:45 pm

Hey all,

While I'm not necessarily mechanically-inclined, I'm not not mechanically-inclined either, and it is my goal to learn more about maintaining my scooter myself. That said, I'm wondering what less common tools I might need to acquire for future maintenance tasks. I have all your basic tools, but what are some that I might not have, but need? Referring mostly to more basic to intermediate maintenance, nothing crazily complicated.

PeteH · Post by **PeteH** » Thu Apr 18, 2013 9:13 pm

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

At home:
- Basic set of screwdrivers
- Metric socket set (up to 19mm, plus spark plug).
- Larger sockets for variator/clutch (don't know the sizes offhand)
- Torque wrench that fits your sockets (1/4, 3/8, etc.)
- - best to get a 'smaller' one (20-200 lb-in) rather than a monster one (10-80 lb-ft), because most of your frequent torquing (oil bolts & filter) will be in the 12 lb-ft / 144 lb-in range, and the smaller wrench will be easier to dial in to those values. Most of the smaller ones are 1/4" drive, so adapters may be needed. Can be tricky for 150cc oil filter work.
- impact wrench to REMOVE (not retighten) transmission parts - this is next on my list
- funnels for motor oil, gear oil
- 100ml syringe for gear oil
- feeler gauge (.08mm) for valve adjustment

On the scoot:
- adjustable wrench
- tire pressure gauge
- screwdrivers
- spare spark plug
- spark plug wrench from scooter's toolkit
- tire patch / plug kit
- inflator: bicycle pump, compressor, or CO2 kit
- rags and/or rubber exam gloves
- spare fuses
- multi-tool

easy · Post by **easy** » Thu Apr 18, 2013 10:56 pm

A cheap electric impact wrench from harbor freight will work fine. I paid 30 or 40 dollars for mine and it's been over a year since I've had to pull out the air compresser

anthony · Post by **anthony** » Fri Apr 19, 2013 6:09 pm

Wondering if anyone else has any opinions on this? I was hoping multiple people would weigh in so that I could get a better idea of what a good number of people consider essential (but less common/obvious) tools for basic maintenance. anyone else have thoughts?

Throwback7R · Post by **Throwback7R** » Fri Apr 19, 2013 6:17 pm

TORQUE wrench .. and know how to use it : ) I suggest a small one 1/4 drive most of the torque specs on the buddy are really low.

And for an oddball.
And A GOOD JIS screwdriver set
http://www.rjrcooltools.com/shop_item_d ... cat_ID=138

lovemysan · Post by **lovemysan** » Sun Apr 21, 2013 2:14 am

A large crescent wrench works perfect for the clutch nut. http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=aEDdglsl ... EDdglsl9PM

Scooterboi · Post by **Scooterboi** » Mon Apr 22, 2013 12:46 pm

Peteh's list is a good one. Some of the items are choices rather than definitive. For example the tire patch kit can be a string plug or "mushroom" plug or internal patch, but if you go with an internal patch you will need to learn how (and have the tools) to un-mount and mount tires. There are very few absolutes and part of the mechanic thing is the research to figure out what you prefer. IMHO this list is a good starting point.

PeteH · Post by **PeteH** » Mon Apr 22, 2013 1:05 pm

Yep, should have just said 'tire plug kit'. Patches work a lot easier for tubed tires, especially with splittable rims like on Stella.

I think I was thinking of the three types of tire kits: patches, 'old-school' plugs (the rubber strips that you pull back with a hook) and the 'new-school' mushroom plugger kit (Stop 'n' Go). The Stop 'n' Go kit is pricier, but from what I read it does really good repairs.