How To Build A Custom Tool Kit For YOUR Chopper

It's time to build the Tool Kit your chopper deserves.
In this video, I'll take you through the FIVE most common breakdown issues you're likely to see out on the road. I'll show you the tools I carry in my tool roll to fix those issues, and you can plug in the appropriate sizes for YOUR bike to come up with a BOMB PROOF tool kit that'll get you out of a bind.
Choppers are sketchy enough, and we all like to play fast and loose with the way we design them. The least we can do is have a highly customized tool kit at the ready to fix what goes wrong.
Keep in mind, this is designed to be an EDC type Tool Kit...something that never leaves the bike. A set it and forget it type deal. I designed this list to be lightweight and lean, because if things get too heavy they end up getting left on your workbench.
So head down to the garage, grab a notebook and BUILD THAT TOOL KIT!
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HOW I FILM THESE VIDEOS (affiliate links)
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Action Camera (Amazon) amzn.to/3XiI5XJ
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[@greasesgarage]

What tools weren’t included that you think need to be in everyone’s tool roll?

[@denimjez]

Penlight/flashlight a phone just isn't the same. Spare fasteners. You don't just try to have matching fasteners to limit your tools. You can have a couple nuts and bolts for things that like to rattle loose, and not let you kit become a junk draw. I also carry an IFAK with medical gloves, tourniquet, trauma shears, and an Israeli bandage. Same kit as I carried in combat.

[@greasesgarage]

@@denimjez great choices

[@BGouthierPhoto]

My addition.... Electrical wire, wire nuts, and after breaking down in front of a meth house yesterday... a pistol.

[@GKnee72]

@@BGouthierPhoto dude glad you made it out alive! Yup I'm getting my conceal carry just for that reason! You never know when you may need it!

[@colinjohn4557]

Bailing wire is the one thing that has helped me the most. From cables to exhaust pipes to loose covers to brake stays. Wire for the win.

[@greasesgarage]

Absolutely. It’s a lifesaver

[@BGouthierPhoto]

I have ridden a shovel for the last 25+ years. Your kit is a bit more extensive than mine and I may add a couple things based on your recommendation, maybe not. But, the key thing you said was know your bike, understand the most common failures and be prepared to get off the road. Buddies should not have to stop what they are doing to pull your butt off the road because you don't want to carry tools and spare parts. I just picked up a legacy panhead showbike a friend built in the early 2000's and he crossed the country with 3 times. I ran out of gas yesterday. Not because it was out, but because of the angle of the tank and a broken petcock that only goes to reserve. I am learning the bike, making tons of short trips, getting used to the way it handles and the foot/jockey setup and figuring out the things that will leave me stranded and fixing what I can in the shop, not the side of the road. Your putting up good stuff and I would love a community that was full of like minded people who ACTUALLY RIDE these old bikes. My addition.... Electrical wire, wire nuts, and after breaking down in front of a meth house yesterday... a pistol. It got sketchy and I pushed away as soon as I got the opportunity.

[@greasesgarage]

Love all of this. You’re spot on man, all about knowing your bike and it’s issues and weak points. Great call on the electrical wire and wire nuts. I have since added some spare nuts and bolts for common fasteners on the bike as well. I’m looking to build that community now with a fb group called greases garage. Join if you’ve got fb.

[@pastorbobncc365]

I no longer change tires period, however a good can of tire fix-it works good.

[@loctites_chop_shop]

Bic lighter is a must have

[@bennieuwenhuis150]

I always like to keep a shop rag with me as well. Find its always nice to have to either clean my visor, check my oil etc.

[@greasesgarage]

Great point, definitely belongs in the kit! Thanks 🙏🏼

[@davidmcmahon5991]

Blue streak all the WAY, quality before cost, or🤔 you'll pay in the end👍😎

[@huimotorco]

Like how you broke it down by area. Will definitely use these tips building mine. And now I know it’s important to get the right angle for that reach around on the post lol

[@greasesgarage]

Thanks man, was torn on how to approach it with choppers being so unique. I figured grouping them by breakdown type would give us all a common ground to start from. And lmao, gotta make sure you can get that reach

[@justinbooth489]

I feel the same way about the extended float bowl screws! 20$ is the price point in my opinion.

[@greasesgarage]

It’s not just me then! Haha. One of these days …maybe

[@hayfero]

video came recommended.. I don't even ride. still watched the entire thing, very informative. Thanks!

[@greasesgarage]

Haha that’s awesome! Thanks for checking it out 🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@Rif_Leman]

I have a length of electrical wire in my tool kit along with a headlamp and additional batteries. Refrigerator magnets for securing small parts and fasteners.

[@laurentruesdale4088]

Interesting. I used to carry a plastic cateen for emergency gas on long trips. Helpful information, the wooden blocks on guard rails are just big enough to add slide under a frame to get the rear wheel off the ground.

[@greasesgarage]

Great tip about the guard rail blocks!

[@ecuz3]

Great video for noobis like me. These tools will help me repair my sig saucer too

[@xzouix]

Vise grips for the win! (Also, I replaced a non-transparent fuel filter with a transparent one, and that's how I was able to diagnose a fuel delivery issue on a freshly rebuilt motorcycle... With the old one I wouldn't see that there was no fuel coming in, even tho the fuel pump was making the noise.)

[@greasesgarage]

You’d be proud I finally bought a clear one after putting it off for two years lol. Gonna give that a shot this weekend

[@xzouix]

​@@greasesgarage Right on! It's the little things that often save a lot of time.

[@GKnee72]

I used to only use the clear glass filters, in line and none in the tank and you could just replace the filters.. I gave my buddy my last one cuz I wasn't using it.. Recently, I had my husband pick one up for me but, it's not the same, it's plastic, he said he was told they don't the glass ones anymore.. I hope it's not true, just haven't had time to check it out!

[@xzouix]

@@GKnee72 There are multiple brands available on the market, you only need to ensure you're picking up the right size (fuel inlet/outlet diameter). There multiple kinds of filters, turns out the ones that have a paper filter inside are the most efficient.

[@GKnee72]

@@xzouixbasically I had a glass case with a replaceable filter... I had my husband pick me up one and he said he could only get the plastic ones where you replace the whole thing.. I liked the glass better then the plastic ones . Then you can see so much better.. Anyway thank you for the information, I appreciate it.. I planned on going on the Internet and seeing what I could dig up.. I'm having a hard time thinking they don't make or sell em anymore..

[@stevegappa2959]

hi there- just started watching your videos and I like them. Have rode nothing but choppers for almost 50 years (I'm 73 and still my chop is my everyday ride) and my wife rides an ironhead as well. In any case, agree with your basic tool kit for a chopper, but you missed 2 things which I thought should be included. One is a short length of electrical wire. Its come in handy a time or two for me and always carry it. The other is a small collection of bolts, with washers and nuts. As you mentioned, so many of the bolts are common to other places on the bike, so 5 or 6 different bolts covers 99% of what you would ever need on side of road, and I've used them multiple times over the years on my bikes and others that needed them. Might not be exact right one you need, but will work in a pinch. Ride safe.....

[@greasesgarage]

That’s a great point Steve! I will add those to my kit, thanks for the tips and for checking out the vids. Please share with a buddy who could use the info 🙏🏼 what’s your 73 chop?

[@stevegappa2959]

My ride is a ironhead, Andrew's tranny, rigid frame, SU carb, EI and altinator conversion. My wife's is a 80, 57' hard bags,, EI and altinator. we both ride them everywhere. Also have a 72 Norton Combat that we restored.

[@greasesgarage]

@@stevegappa2959 that’s awesome man, what a rad pair! If you’re on instagram send me some pics I’d love to see them

[@stevegappa2959]

@@greasesgarage just Facebook. are you on facebook?

[@greasesgarage]

@@stevegappa2959 yes. Same handle

[@yinyanglovebomb]

Awesome vid again Grease. Guys make sure you run Stage 8 fasteners for your exhaust header bolts!!

[@greasesgarage]

I’m not running those currently, got a link? I’d be down to try em out

[@denimjez]

I just started trying outctge orange lock tight for my kids gas bicycle. I'm happy so far. Those 2 cycle engine rattle themselves apart. It's advertised as a maximum hold without needing heat to release it. I haven't used it enough to recommend it to someone. Im just mentioning it as a potential option if your worried about taking things apart without access to heat or damaging fragile fasteners.

[@greasesgarage]

Good tip thanks man!

[@davidmcmahon5991]

Blue streak all the WAY, quality before cost, or🤔 you'll pay in the end👍😎 11:52

[@davidmcmahon5991]

Great Information 👍😎🤔

[@greasesgarage]

Thanks brotha!

[@tugboat66]

Great videos, straight to the point and no rambling on bs. Great job!!!

[@greasesgarage]

Thank you Rob!

[@antdiggydotcom]

Solid video. I’ve been geeking out on making tool kits for my bikes over the last two years. You’re the first person I’ve seen who broke it down by top 5 common roadside issues. Keep on, keeping on.

[@greasesgarage]

Thanks man! It was easier for me to conceptualize what I should have by breaking it down based on issue vs just thinking about everything that’s on the bike haha

[@williamanthony5021]

Hello from Moultonborough NH yes Laconia 2023 nice video AND THANSK WILD BILL

[@skyjac92]

Excellent info

[@greasesgarage]

Thanks Mike!

[@jacobellis9820]

Zip ties also come in stainless, but they're a little pricey.

[@victorauletta7699]

I carry a lot of the same tools but, the one thing I always have in my tool bag is, a spare kickstand spring. I’ve had a few break over the years. Something no one ever thinks of until it breaks.

[@greasesgarage]

That’s a great tip! I’ve never lost one but I did take a ride to Lowe’s with a buddy of mine who lost his, they carry one that works in a pinch but it was funny watching him ride up onto the mulch to lean his chop against the light pole like a kid on a bicycle haha

[@GKnee72]

I keep a fingernail file and used spark plugs in my tool bag..

[@bondvagabond42]

They make these screw drivers called "hollow ground" screwdrivers, and the difference is, on edge the screw driver blade is a rectangle instead of a taper. They are nice for stuff that wants to strip out, like brass jets on a carb on some project that you rescued from a swamp, hah. They twist the screw from the root of the slot where it's strongest, instead of the top. You can make them out of a regular screw driver with a grinder, just keep it cool, so you don't soften the temper.

[@matthewlinton]

Lol! Same, #1... ain't got no gas in it. 2... points tied with 2a. battery/electrical 3, 4, 5, 6, - 99... operator incompetence (Can't fix stupid)

[@mossycup6974]

Dont forget a headlamp

[@user-gl5kr2ko2q]

Find you a plug caddy . Keeps plugs dry and looking new plus doesn't let them get bumped out of gap set . Just food for thought

[@greasesgarage]

Good call I’ll google it and see what I can find. I actually wanted to find a place on the bike to mount something like that separate from the roll

[@user-gl5kr2ko2q]

I raced cross country on atv we used them under seat there mostly plastic . But never had a plug look dirty or out of adjustment. And that's in ruff and bounce ride .

[@881qyk]

Keep ‘em coming Gease! They’re getting better and better. Have you done a basic how to video on using a multi meter? Gonna go thru all your videos just in case 🙏🏽

[@greasesgarage]

I haven’t yet but I definitely can! Tins are out for paint so I’m searching for videos I can shoot that don’t involve the bike running. That’s a good one

[@chopperdave1]

My number one breakdown is no gas in the tank 🫠

[@greasesgarage]

Hahah that one made my list too! We’ve all been there

[@ThaSniggs1]

I always pack a few pairs of latex gloves so my hands don’t get too dirty.

[@Rif_Leman]

Good point.

[@sonnyrico]

Cotter pins, i lost one and the nut fell off my springer rocker. Almost eat shit at 70 because of it

[@greasesgarage]

Good call! Adding that to mine. Thanks

[@SolidFoxHoundSF]

Literally include everything you need to take the entire bike apart. Sounds like a lot but it’s not hahah Adjustable Crescent wrenches cover most everything.

[@greasesgarage]

Definitely good to have more, as long as it doesn’t get so big that you have to decide not to bring it on certain occasions 👍🏼

[@connorchops710]

Bro it’s so weird watching you talk cuz I listen to the podcast all I’m familiar with is the voice …. BRING BACK KICK IN THE DICK!!!

[@greasesgarage]

Hahah I recognize your handle! Yes I remember listening to podcasts and seeing the person after years of hearing the voice and it’s never what you picture

[@881qyk]

Fuel delivery

[@greasesgarage]

👍🏼👍🏼

[@MegaBruceC]

Fuses don't just blow, there's got to be a reason!

[@greasesgarage]

Exactly

[@davidmcmahon5991]

Blue streak all the WAY, quality before cost, or🤔 you'll pay in the end👍😎

[@davidmcmahon5991]

Blue streak all the WAY, quality before cost, or🤔 you'll pay in the end👍😎

[@davidmcmahon5991]

Blue streak all the WAY, quality before cost, or🤔 you'll pay in the end👍😎

[@davidmcmahon5991]

Blue streak all the WAY, quality before cost, or🤔 you'll pay in the end👍😎