Posts
181
Joined
5/5/2019
Location
Moncks Corner, SC
US
Edited Date/Time
9/18/2019 2:29pm
It’s the off season, I’m nursing an ACL reconstruction, and need something to do with my free time. Decided I’m gonna actually spend the money and build a toolbox I want. So what’s everyone’s “I wish I had this long ago” tool and other random stuff. Bonus for pictures of your setup.
This box is gonna be strictly for bike maintenance and rebuilds. Plan is to buy a new chest that can roll around the shop and foam drawer inserts so each drawer has an organized purpose. Will still have a smaller version for bringing to the track.
This box is gonna be strictly for bike maintenance and rebuilds. Plan is to buy a new chest that can roll around the shop and foam drawer inserts so each drawer has an organized purpose. Will still have a smaller version for bringing to the track.
https://www.facebook.com/dcmxtools/
I'm in the middle of a similar project, putting together a new box at home.
Short list of things I had been wanting and finally sprung to grab.
New Snap-On digital torque wrench to do ft lbs, nm, etc....
Torque spoke wrench from Fasst Co
While I carry my millimeter measuring tape every where, I don't usually have anyone to help me set sag. So I always keep a Slacker in the bottom of my box: https://motool.co/
Long/skinny tipped flatblade screw driver for suspension adjustments, get in some of the harder to reach setups.
A lot of the newer bikes are moving to a clamp-style shock lock ring, having a long 4mm allen t-handle makes those things a breeze.
A quality spring puller is always helpful...
Ratchet end wrenches can eat up a lot of space if you couple them with standard end wrenches but I really like at least having a 8mm ratchet end wrench. They're really useful when trying to get shift levers off on most of the Japanese models.
Guys, don't overlook the US General boxes at Harbor Freight. I own both Snap On boxes and US General and love the new box from Harbor Freight. It is much less in cost and unless you are using it as a status symbol, buy one and be happy! Hey, I was a tool snob and I was even converted.
The Shop
Luxon 4-Post Bar Mounts
$189.95 - $239.95
Free shipping: VITALMX
DeCal Works Huge Plastic Inventory of UFO and Polisport kits.
The one box is mine lol
I’ve seen the reviews, but do you use yours only when you’re solo? Wondering if your results with the Slacker are close enough to what you’d get when you have help that you’d recommend it.
Thanks,
Ratcheting 12mm wrench for rim locks is a must.
Small syringes filled with grease keeps box clean makes applying it cleaner also
I've had the Craftsman tool boxes for about 12-13 years now, no issues. I assume you have metric socket t-handles and I would also recommend allen and torx t-handles if you don't have them.
The first random stuff I have can stay in the travel box.
Pit Row
They sell this thing called a level...
For the box....I started out with HF and slowly moved on to a Snap On Classic 60, then a SO Wide Guy 96, then the current KRL1023 with top box and hutch. All used, and 90% of my tools are used as well. Hell, most of all I own is used stuff---- including the black beer fridge in the pic--- but thats another story! Posted about the box before, and of course vitards blasted me on it! LOL! Thought dudes liked tool boxes??? LOL
Anyway, I think HF fits many many peoples needs. Cheap, stout, and nice array of sizes- and now, more colors. For me, this is my one and only box, and it covers all of my home needs which is a basically a small farmette and the need for lots of space and deep drawers is a must for the bigger tools that I have. A bike only situation would be much smaller, cheaper and easier.
For my favorite tools, Motion Pro T handles are the staple everyone needs to start with, the Snap on digital torque wrenches are worth the coin. Snap on screwdrivers are quite nice to have. So are nice tire spoons. My favorite tools are actually either made by me, or modded by me. Made some rad spring pullers which I absolutely love, and chopped and welded some motion pro tire spoons that makes tire changes fast and half way enjoyable. Also is a nice tire changing stand, as working on a 5 gallon bucket is not worth not spending a hundred bucks on a stand IMO. Oddly I have several tool truck brand side cutters, and always ALWAYS reach for my harbor freight ones for some reason! An honorable mention is for some decent safety wire pliers. If ONLY working on bikes, buy quality of just what you actually need and you will be set. Look at factory mechanics tool boxes at the races--- they are pretty minimal.
If on a budget, buy a cheap or cheap used box, and spring for better/top tools. I foamed all of mine with foam factory foam for cheap, and it makes a world of difference too. Perhaps some shots of drawers depending how nice/mean the discussion goes!
Cheers!
nch209
Also, for folks who are considering building a box for home shop use, it may also be a consideration to use peg board. I have a big box and space to spare, but still prefer many of my tools to be hanging in hands reach at the bench. Ample electrical and air outlets are a bonus too... Bottom line, dont have to spend a lot for a nice setup... practicality, quality, and organization goes a long way!
Follow me on Instagram @dcmxtools and @dancolvin633
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