Karting Tool Set

[Rick]

I'm putting together a portable set of tools for karting. Most of this is based off of Martin and Phil's tool set. I really like Phil's set because it seems so minimalistic and efficient and it all fits into one portable tool box. So far, I have the following:

3/8" drive socket
1/4" drive socket
3/8" drive extensions
1/4" drive extensions
3/8" swivel
Metric hex T Handle wrenches
3/8" drive metric socket set
1/4" drive metric socket set
10mm deep socket 3/8" drive (for lug nuts)
3/8" Torque Wrench
Anti Seize
Machine Wire (for RPM pickup)
File
screw drivers and ratchet screw driver
Metric ratcheting wrench set
Tape measure
Craftsman Portable Rally 4 Tool box
Zip Ties
Loctite
2 Needle nose pliers
2 Pliers
2 Duck bill pliers
2 Wire cutters
2 black permanent markers
extra brake pads for CRG DD2 kart
2 boxes of spark plugs for CRG DD2 kart
Quick set Epoxy

The whole thing weighs about 50lbs. I think the only thing I'm missing is a couple of the larger sockets for spark plug and bowl plug (for DD2) because I don't know the sizes. I'm contemplating whether or not I need a hammer, chisel, and hacksaw. I'll eventually add an electric impact wrench.

Any other recommendations?

[rct25]

Get a set of BETA tools....you dont need more than that to work in a kart!

Roberto

[Rick]

Roberto, Beta sells a lot of stuff. Which tool set are you referring too?

[j oyen]

A metric adjustable wrench is always handy.

[Rick]

A metric adjustable wrench is always handy.

I have one that adjusts to both metric and english units in almost infinitely small increments.

[MPIGP - Phillip Gordon]

You may want to consider adding the following:

small vise grip
3/8" drive metric hex socket set
19mm wrench for carb bowl plug
1/8" flat tip screw driver to remove pilot jets
rubber mallet or dead blow hammer to remove axle
cordless drill
high quality drill set
bicycle shop 3 way allen wrench 4-5-6
valve core tool
box cutter
scissors
electric tape
blow gun
ez out
tap and die set

[rct25]

Rick,

Take a look at this;

http://www.franklinkart.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=638_55&osCsid=565e68a91d7df7ee0625e7717369c302


Roberto

[Adam Andrea]

About how much does a complete set of tools for karting cost?

[MPIGP - Phillip Gordon]

About how much does a complete set of tools for karting cost?

Adam

What do you consider a 'complete' set of tools? Are you looking to include things like alignment tools? tire changing tools? or are you looking more along the lines of a 'complete' trackside tool box?

The other big question is do you want high quality tools such as Snap-on/Armstrong/Beta or will Craftsman/Stanley/Husky do?

Let me know and I can work up a price list.

[Rick]

About how much does a complete set of tools for karting cost?

I'm using mostly Craftsman stuff and I've spent about $550-$750 for all the stuff I listed. Snapon would probably be about $950-$1250. I'm sure you could get all the same tools from Harbor Freight for $300-$400.

[Adam Andrea]

Adam

What do you consider a 'complete' set of tools? Are you looking to include things like alignment tools? tire changing tools? or are you looking more along the lines of a 'complete' trackside tool box?

The other big question is do you want high quality tools such as Snap-on/Armstrong/Beta or will Craftsman/Stanley/Husky do?

Let me know and I can work up a price list.
I was thinking of a 'complete' trackside tool box like you mentioned, but I'm also interested in how much the other tools would cost, too (ie: alignment & tire mounting).
Craftsman tools have a lifetime warranty, don't they? If so, they'll do.

[Rick]

Craftsman is pretty good stuff and it they do have a lifetime warranty on all their tools.

[Martin Lenick]

Any other recommendations?

Bottle Opener
Corkscrew


But seriously...
Snap-On and MAC are tops in tools, but Craftsman will never fail you, either.

Harbor Freight has its purposes, but I wouldn't skimp on hand tools. Good tools will last far longer than your body will put up with racing karts. You'll give them to your kids when you're done.

I have a big chest of tools at home that belonged to by grandfather (who was born in 1898); most of them are Craftsman. If I break one tomorrow it will be replaced for free - no questions asked.

Watch your Sunday paper inserts - some Craftman set or individual tool is always on sale.

[MPIGP - Phillip Gordon]

I was thinking of a 'complete' trackside tool box like you mentioned, but I'm also interested in how much the other tools would cost, too (ie: alignment & tire mounting).
Craftsman tools have a lifetime warranty, don't they? If so, they'll do.

I'll put a price list together and post at an later date...(got a few things I need to get done before the race on Saturday)

Something to keep in mind: Craftsman will work for most stuff. However there are a few cases where a more streamlined wrench such as a Snap-on or Armstrong will fit and the thicker Craftsman won't.

[Rick]

I think Craftsman has the streamlined tools as well. I have the normal tools. But Phil is right, Snapon is a little better with tolerances, finish and size. Snapon is also about %30-%50 more expensive for an equivalent tool.

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?cat=Mechanics+Tools&pid=00930796000&vertical=TOOL&subcat=Sockets&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes

[JET Karting - Andy Finke]

Dont forget the 22mm socket for the front axle nut. We like to put it on a breaker bar so that you can go on and off without haveing to switch the ratchet. Most of the time the socket is 1/2 drive, so a 1/2 to 3/8 adapter woud be in order.

Other than that, the list looks good. You'll come up with more as you need it, but you'll not be stranded this way.

As for the Snap-on/Craftsman debate: Look at both of them. If you can't see what the big deal with snap-on is, buy the craftsman. You'll save a lot of money!


Andy

[Martin Lenick]

Craftsman is lacking a good ratcheting wrench (or they were, anyway) in fact, at the time I bought mine they weren't even Craftsman, but "Gear Wrench". They weren't reversible, forcing you to flip the wrench over for loosening versus tightening, and therefore didn't have an offset angle on the end. I looked at Snap-On's set but they were insanely expensive. Anyway, it's a handy tool.

Craftsman has polished-finish sets, but I prefer the rougher finish; they don't slip out of my hands as often.

A set of stubby wrenches are also very handy. Especially for getting at the lock-nut for the motor position jack screw.

For you socket set, Allen wrench "sockets" can save a lot of time, and for the larger ones provide extra leverage through a long-handled ratchet.

I've heard there's a special "spring" tool which might make removal/reinstallation of the flex and side-pods a bit easier.

The flat type of opener that bartenders commonly have in their back-pockets is a must.

[MPIGP - Phillip Gordon]

I was thinking of a 'complete' trackside tool box like you mentioned, but I'm also interested in how much the other tools would cost, too (ie: alignment & tire mounting).
Craftsman tools have a lifetime warranty, don't they? If so, they'll do.

Adam

I use alignment plates and a tape measure to set my toe/caster/camber. If you want something more high tech, take a look at the Sniper or Exac-toe. Most people seem to like the Sniper. You can check it out at lsrmotorsports.com. The tire changer shown on their website (the one that Rick uses) I stock. They are $265 and will dismount and mount the tires. It works great and the part I like best is, I don't have to kneel down to change tires. However, you will need to purchase a bead breaker in addition to the tire changer. I use the one sold by American Power Sports. It sells for $29.96 and works great. It has one weak point which if you purchase one I can show you how to rectify. I've been using mine for a couple years now since I fixed the problem, and it has worked flawlessly.

I did a rough estimate of my trackside tool box contents and with a mix of Armstrong, Snap-on, Beta and craftsman tools, I have approx $1800 invested and that includes my bead breaker, tire changer, alignment tools and impact wrench. I have double of quite a few pieces so I believe Rick is pretty close with his estimates for just what's necessary.

[Martin Lenick]

Most anyone selling tires at the track will mount them for about $10, which means the tire changing equipment doesn't pay for itself until you've gone through about 28 sets of tires. In addition, they do the work and do it more quickly than you will, at least for your first several sets. This gives you much more time to do other things.