The special tools thread

[the urban legend]

Like it or not,eventually your Raider will need some work,weather it's just routine maintenance,or a list of mods.But you need tools to work on any vehicle.While most jobs can be accomplished with a good set of socket wrenches,others require more specialized equipment that is usually harder to find,and most likely expensive.

But do we really need those tools?Maybe not.

I propose we use this tread to showcase tools the we either re-purposed,modified,or made ourselves to make a specific job easier.Hopefully we'll get enough ideas here to tackle any job.

[RoadStarRaider]

[Ares X]

Hope you don't mind, but I fixed the title of the thread.

[the urban legend]

I'll start this off

Fork disassembly

I'll start with this tool used to keep the fork damper rod from spinning when removing or torquing the bottom bolt.
I made it from ½"  galvanized pipe (threaded),a ½" T fitting,a 5/8" rod,and a ¼" rod.It's pretty tall at almost 50",and that was intentional.I wanted to be able to hold it down with both feet to keep it from spinning,and have the torque wrench around chest level for easy operation.

How it works...
                      Slide the tool down the fork,into the damper rod,and hook the pin into the hole in the damper rod.This will require some fishing around.

To be 100% honest with everybody,I haven't had the chance to try it yet.But one of our European members (marcelmot IIRC) posted the measurements for this a while back and he's successfully used it more than once.The second pic is the tip of the tool,as posted by marcelmot.This tool was just shy of $35 in supplies.

[Ares X]

The only "special" tool I have is a cut down open end wrench for oil changes.

[the urban legend]

Hope you don't mind, but I fixed the title of the thread.

I missed that...  You were fast on the trigger   

[Ares X]

Hope you don't mind, but I fixed the title of the thread.

I missed that...  You were fast on the trigger   

Sometimes!

[the urban legend]

Fork upper bushing and seal installation

My second tool is truly a gem,both in simplicity and in its low price.It is used to install the upper bushings,the seal,and the dust boot after reassembling the fork.It cost me less than $10

And yes,I did use this tool.It works great.Forget the special 46mm Yammy seal tool.

All it is is a 18" long piece of central vac tubing,and a coupler for that same tubing.The tube's inner diameter is just slightly over 46mm.How perfect is that?

How it works..
                            Use the tubing to install the upper bushing by sliding it over the upper fork tube onto the bushing,and tapping the top with a hammer until the bushing is fully seated.Install the big washer.

                         Then slide the seal down.Install the coupler on the tubing,slide the coupler down onto the seal,and tap until seated.

                        Slide the retaining clip down into the groove.If it doesn't seat properly,the seal isn't all the way down.

                          Slide the dust boot and seat it using the coupler once again.   

[wfm113]

Okay I have to say it, my wife likes my special tool way to much!!
Ride safe guys!

[Mr. T]

Made this a "sticky".... 

[Ares X]

Made this a "sticky".... 

Good idea