tool kit

scullyfu · Post by **scullyfu** » Thu Jun 20, 2013 7:19 pm

would like to do some maintenance/mods on my scooter (09 buddy 125), but i literally don't know where to start to put together a basic diy kit. i don't want to spend money on items i may not need. i'd really like to hear your suggestions for a basic tool kit. first order of business will be changing the tires, putting on a prima pipe, installing a windshield and maybe a front rack. thanks!

Throwback7R · Post by **Throwback7R** » Thu Jun 20, 2013 8:20 pm

Harborfreight is great for tools that are decent and cheap, that being said I would get a 3/8 socket wrench with a8,10,12,21 sockets, 5/8 spark plug socket a medium extension, 9,13,14 wrenches I like gear wrench style a 4 in one screw driver

For changing the tires you will need a set of tire irons
http://www.harborfreight.com/24-inch-ge ... 93230.html

scullyfu · Post by **scullyfu** » Thu Jun 20, 2013 9:06 pm

thanks, throwback. would those be sae sizes or metric? i'm really uneducated about tools.

MrChet · Post by **MrChet** » Thu Jun 20, 2013 9:53 pm

The sockets are metric:

8,10,12,21mm

Sparkplugs use a SAE 5/8" socket. These are specific for sparkplugs and are often longer than a "normal" socket. The sparkplug socket also sometimes has a rubber boot inside to hold a sparkplug when you are installing it. Many toolsets come with a sparkplug tool.

I agree with a 3/8" socket wrench. This is the size of the interface b/w the socket and the wrench. A 3/8" ratcheting wrench has a 3/8" square socket holder that fits into the back of the metric sockets listed above. Typically, you have 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" socket wrenches. The larger, the longer the handle and the more torque you can put on a bolt. 3/8" should be enough to losen and tighten most bolts on a scooter. I find a 1/4" metric socket and wrench set very useful for many projects. Most tool sets will also have a bitholder allowing you to use your wrench with allen wrench bits too which I think the Buddy has a few of.

The 9, 13, and 14mm wrenches are also metric. These are what you picture when you think of a wrench. You can also get wrenches that have different sizes at either end (i.e. 12mm on one end and 14mm on the other).

4-in-1 screwdriver is just a screwdriver that has 4 or more interchangeable bits on it so you can swap say Phillips, Flathead, Allen bits quickly and not have to carry a bunch of different screwdrivers.

I'd also recommend a torque wrench (e.g. 3/8" drive from Harbor Freight) to make sure you don't over tighten anything.

I think any "Mechanics" set should get you started. In addition to the Pittsburgh tools at Harbor Freight you can also look at Craftsman and Cobalt from Sears and Lowes, respectively.

Something like this has most of what you need:

http://www.lowes.com/pd_338513-22328-85 ... facetInfo=

The bigger sockets you will have to buy as singles. Likewise the torque wrench.

Throwback7R · Post by **Throwback7R** » Fri Jun 21, 2013 2:52 am

The torque wrench is a good add to my list. With that tool list i could fix just about anything on my scooter " what i take for longer trips."

feeler gauge set is also important if you plan on adjusting the valves, or checking the spark plug gap.

http://www.harborfreight.com/32-piece-s ... 32214.html

If your going to spend more money on something out of the set let it be the ratchet and the torque wrench.