The Essentials Of Setting Up A New Shop

We all start somewhere. Shops and garages are not built overnight; they are built over time, and your collection of tools will grow. When you w can justify a need for a new tool, then buy it! Not only will you add to your toolbox but to your skillset at the same time. Here is an overview of tools every shop/garage should have to get started. punches, Allen wrenches, and pliers. The basic stuff we all know. This will allow you to perform basic tasks such as tuning up your motorcycle, adjusting your cables, and even rebuilding your carburetors.

Shop vise, every shop/garage needs one. This is a shop staple and has lots of uses. Holding parts for disassembly and reassembly can also be used as a small light-duty press for bearings, pins,

Air compressor and air tools, these will be the most neglected tools you will ever own. Take care of them, and they will take care of you! The air compressor will power your air tools and allow you to perform many different tasks. Some of these tools are a grinder, cut-off wheel, and blow gun. Also, a die grinder can help you do cylinder head porting, airing Sturdy workbench. A clean spot to disassemble and reassemble small parts also a great place to mount your vise and bench grinder. The underside of your workbench is a great place for storage or organization. A great place for oil, gas cans, or just any parts. Shop Lighting…Good shop lighting is a must, whether it be fluorescent or LED hung from the ceiling, you want plenty of it so you can see what you’re doing. I would also suggest you put your best lighting over your workbench. A flashlight is also handy for those nooks and crannies in dark spots.

Floor jack… A scissor type jack is great for working on motorcycles. It will allow

you to do tire changes, oil changes, and chain or belt adjustments. This jack also works well to help you adjust your suspension properly. It is also nice to have a floor jack; these are used for auto repairs and will allow you to change your brakes and oil when needed.

Oil changing tools… You may only use these 1 or 2 times a year on your own stuff, but you can hustle a lil bit on the side for people and make some extra money. You will need a drain pan and a couple different sizes of oil filter wrenches. Electrical tools…Such as crimpers, cutters, and spare wire for electrical repairs. Connectors and terminals are also nice to have. Another route you could go could be to solder everything with a soldering iron. A volt meter is also very handy for diagnosing electrical problems.

Bench grinder... I like to have a stone wheel on one side of the grinder and a wire wheel on the other. The wire wheel works great for cleaning bolt threads. The stone wheel is used for deburring and sharpening. Sharpening lawn mower blades in the summer is another good way to make a couple bucks. Stool or chair… is a great place to sit or troubleshoot. You know, figure out what the problem actually is. They are also nice for coming up with the next plan of action for your project. But the best thing I found a stool or chair to be good for is having a cold one and admiring your progress. You did a great job and should be proud of yourself! In the beginning, you’re probably not going to have all the fancy tools, but with a keen and creative mind, you will be able to make it happen. Eventually will become comfortable with your tools, and will have learned to be creative with their use to accomplish the task at hand. Happy Wrenching!

If you have questions or an idea for a tech article please feel free to call me at the shop anytime 419-576-6812

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