Storing your tools, best way?
 

Motorcycle overlanders need more than the average emergency tool kit. Travelling far and long, under tough conditions, and often far away from competent mechanics and available parts, often means that we will not only experience the most frequently encountered issues, but also those less frequently encountered. It also often means having to be self reliant in dealing with those issues. Further, travelling far and long also means that the different service intervals have to be carried out enroute, and as many of us opt to do this ourselves, we need the tools for the job. For those of us that also ride unreliable bikes, this may translate into a very comprehensive tool kit. I just weighed mine jesterday, and including all the consumables, bolts, nuts, etc., it came close to ten kg (not including spares)!

My question is the following. What are the best way to store your tools? How do you store yours? How do you secure it from theft? Other comments?

Some of my thoughts on this issue:

1. The most frequently used tools should be kept on the outside of the bike or in a separate compartment. Storing your tool kit in your panniers usually means that over time it works its way to the bottom, meaning you have to unpack everything to get to it (on the side of a muddy road in the pooring rain).
2. Tool kit should be divided into several sub kits
   1. A separate pouch/box holding your less frequently used tools such as your multimeter, etc.
   2. A separate pouch/box for your most frequently used tools, such as your spanners, etc.
   3. A separate pouch/box for all your consumables such as electrical wire, tape, glue, patent band, nuts and bolts, etc.
3. All compartments should be waterproof, and if kept on the outside of the bike, also secured from theft.
4. Rolls with pockets, with a place for everything, and everything in its place, is not for me. I'm simply not that tidy. I need something which I can stuff everything into and still have some sort of control.

I am considering using a large piece of soft durable leather for my tools. It needs to be large enough so that I can spread my tools accross it and still have enough material left over on the top and bottom to be able to completely fold the material atleast half way over with a small overlap (to keep water out), and with enough material left over to complete a roll. I would then roll it and compress it with some ties/belts/buckles and secure it to my bike. I'm thinking that when folded out, this large piece of leather will double as an excellent work surface on the ground, to set down parts etc. It would also give greater overview of the tools than tools stuffed into a bag.

Any comments on any of these issues would be greatly appreciated.

Good topic wheelie!

I'd use cordura nylon :thumbup1: instead of leather - more compact, adequately durable, and waterproof - which means that it will protect the tools instead of providing the damp, takes-forever-to-dry environment of leather. :)

I also DO like pockets - even if a pocket is crammed with 2, 3 or more things - it's easy to spot if something is missing/lost in the dirt, whereas when loose, it's impossible. A large work area created by a large sheet of cordura nylon is excellent though. I use two roll pouches with pockets and a large top flap for a work surface, plus a couple of plastic boxes for bits and pieces that are rarely used, and spares. You don't need a big super fancy multimeter - the one I use is very basic, and is only 75mm x 40 x 8, complete with leads.

Grant, that is some great advice. I never considered the issues you mentioned of leather, nor the cordura. Also, I think I'll actually make some larger pockets for each category of tools (one forspanners, one for screwdrivers, one for ratchets, one for wrenches, one for sockets, etc.). Then I can mark each pocket with a magic marker with the number of items that belongs there and the tool category (making it easy to count over). When I brake it down, there are not too many tool categories, and not too many within each category.

I guess this is an ok compromise between a separate place for everything and a complete mess?

I have had some tool rolls made by an upholsterer from remnants of canvas and nylon boat cover material .They work well in so much as each tool has a pocket and I can tell at a glance if something is missing when I come to roll them up again .Also they don't rattle and vibrate the tools .
Plastic welding rod holders can be used to hold tool rolls , they are waterproof and can be fitted anywhere on the bike that you choose .
An alternative would be to use a piece of aluminium electrical conduit [tubing] with threaded or welded end caps and a tab welded on for locking them .

Dodger
----------------------------------
" I'm the only Norton rider in the village "

Ten Kilograms! What are you carring anyway?

You could keep the stuff you rarely use in the bottom of your luggage. The tools you use all the time can be kept in a more accessible place.

Ten Kilos...

Don't overdo it.....
 

I know of someone who carries a FULL 3/8" socket set! and a FULL set of spanners WHY? I asked him if ALL the sizes were used on his bike and he had no idea. The standard tool kit gives you a clue. Most bikes only have a few different size fasteners so you only need tools for that size. I do carry a small 1/4" ratchet and a set of sockets I NEED and a set of Allen key sockets that I NEED. Combination spanners in the used sizes complete the main basis of my kit.

Dont carry sockets and spanners in sizes you will never need.

Roger

Tool kit stuff
 

Another thing I saw at the Colorado riders meeting was a small plastic tarp that someone spread out before they started working. That way any small parts that drop hopefully will be easier to find. And if something leaks you at least have a chance of containing the oil slick, there was this time in montreal changing oil at the curb where the police were called......

I've cut back to only the spanners and sockets that are used on my bike, but this bike is covered with just about every size fastener ever made, even M7's and M9s (impossible to find)! But, as the bike vibrates itself to pieces, making wheels come off and what not, requiering constant maintenance and attention, I need a lot of tools close at hand. Another unfortunate thing about my bike is that the service intervals are real short as it is an old air cooled, two stroke, one cylindered bike, using premixed oil (2000 km for decarbonisation of the piston for instance). The specialized tools that are used rarely, are few, small, and light weight, so little is to be saved by putting these tools separate from the others. Also, the bike is "Italian quality"..., meaning I even need to bring items such as a spare cylinder. In fact, my spare parts weigh about 13 kg, and I expect to use quite a few of them! I can comfort myself that we will be riding two identical bikes so the loads will be split.

I may leave the ball point hammer though, but I do use it frequently:blushing: (you wouldn't believe the things that can be remedied by banging the crap out of this vehicle). I also have a foot pump I may swap for a small bicycle hand pump. But, the tiny 10" wheels on my bike puncture much more frequently than your average motorcycle tyres... and pumping tyres with a tiny bicycle pump in the heat of Africa? There are also few other compromises I can make, but very few, as I need a LOT of tools. I might be able to cut back another two kilos. Even though I may peel back my tool kit a bit further, I will be using the tools frequently, and as tools being half the job so to speak, I'm bringing a bit more than the bare minimum. I must note that tools such as the air pump, etc, is part of my initial weight asessment, and will naturally be kept separate from the wrenching stuff.

http://www.gjolberg.com/mekkeblogg_a...urescoot11.jpg

Maybe I should go for the BMW F650GS Dakar after all? But what would be the fun and challenge in that??? We are after all "only" talking about a trans Africa trip here :biggrin:... Nah, the bimmer is for my next trip...

Sorry folks, I've aided in bringing this thread a bit off topic here, but felt that the questions raised needed answers. Let's bring it back on track? This topic will not only prove informative and useful to me, but to others as well as the issues of tool storage is universal, regardless of what type of bike one rides.

Other comments about ideal ways and places to store different tools? One of the issues that concern me the most for instance, is that I want to store my tools on the outside of the bike, but I don't want them stolen, lost or damaged. The pipe idea is a good tip, I'll look into that. For this ride, I may just opt to put all the tools inside the glove box, though I'd really want to reserve that space for my day gear/stuff.

http://www.gjolberg.com/mekkeblogg_a...urescoot12.jpg

Ah, what a topic.

Two cents of mine: try to find a way of securing as many heavy tools as possible to the bike.

Why? Because tools make up the bulk of the weight of your bags. I got mightily sick of humping all the gear up three flights of hotel stairs in 100 per cent humidity in India.

So I had a box on the bashplate made.

Simon

Hi

I got some neat but expensive ally boxes from KTM that bolted to the bash plate of my BMW GS for the heavier, less regularly needed tools. Pretty good security as they can only be open with a spanner and once covered in crud look part of the bike.

Sean

I'm curious what sort of tools you have. Got a list?

--Dave

like all bike problems I believe the solution lies in duck-tape and cable ties! I have all my heavy/irregular tools covered in duck tape and zip-tied (in the UK we call these cable ties, but I think in the states they are called zip-ties - can someone confirm?) onto bits of the frame/bash plate any random gap. Works really well for things like tyre levers, but once used you have to score more duck-tape and cable ties..... I probably have over a kilo of spares and tools attached very low in this way

Zip ties is common in the US. I can't remember if "cable ties" are common US slang or if I just know it from being on the Brit Iron mailing list.

Zip ties got my Duc around Australia. I wonder if I could've made a piston out of duct tape?

--Dave

Maybe for an enfield.....

They had a competition in the UK to make usefull things out of entirely duck-tape, someone managed to make a working boat!

Zip ties, Tieraps, Tyraps, Cable Ties
 

We call them Tieraps in the Netherlands but what's in a name.

http://www.cfi1.com/tieraps.html

As a kid everyone used old .50 cal ammo cans to carry a basic tool set in their 4x4. You could mount one someplace convient and have your tool kit in there. Also I have a small piece of plastic with magnets in it for holding parts. It rolls up and I use it when working on something since small parts will not roll away. I got it at sears.

thanks for the ideas about making a box that when covered with crud looks like part of the bike. the good thing about the burgman scooter is the 56 liters of storage under the seat. by making a box that will fit between Old Woman's backrest and the topbox all my tools are out of the way along with the drop cloth. if i paint the box blue to match the scoot it will look like it belongs there.

Saw a nice toolbox at Javiers shop in BsAs, a protective metal case for an artillery shell.

Waterproof top, tough and lots of space inside, ideal for bolting onto the bashplate & easy to fit a lock.

Hi folks!
Good topic, am still wondering about this one.
I had one of those narrow NATO ammo boxes bolted to the bash plate of my XT but found that due to the less than close fit of my home made bash plate it stuck out too far and low and kept crunching off rocks in Morocco. In the end I threw it away.
I must admit I'd like to sort something out where I could leave the tools on the bike securely, which means a lockable box. It seems unlikely that anyone would pinch your tools but imagine trying to replace all that stuff in the middle of Africa or S. America! In the end I carried my tools in my panniers and this did turn out to be a pain. For my trip to Norway later this year I have bought a slightly larger ammo box which I'm going to mount behind me as a sort of mini top box. It should be big enough to fit a couple of mars bars, a small first aid kit and some secret whisky amongst the inner tubes and spanners.
On a not totally unconnected note I have noticed that 3rd world mechanics are a fantastic source of information on how to 'make do' with basic tools not nessecarily designed for the use they are being put to! This can help cut down on tools. For this reason I have added a set of mole grips to my tool kit!
Of course, with an Enfeild, the gentleman traveller is equipped with two large toolboxes as standard, as was common in the old days. Not all advancement is improvement, eh?

Matt

Grant: Where did you get your mini-multi-meter and what brand is it? Mines a bloody monster!

bear in mind with mini-multimeters that you need to be able to change the battery. The one I took had tiny screws so I couldn't get the battery out, because I wasn't enlightened enough to take a mini-screw driver with me. It also had a protruding on/off switch which always managed to switch on. So the batteries always ran flat. Turned out to be one of the most useless things I bought pre-trip. I do remember thinking so, every time I un-packed and re-packed it.

I'd just take a testing lamp instead next time. Checking voltage is about the limit of my electric knowledge anyway.

Tool & Storage
 

Good day all, this is my first post here. Although I am not a world traveller.....yet, I have travelled around a bit in North America.

I am always striving to lighten my load, so to speak, so my way of managing my tools is to only take what I really need. First off, I am the only one that works on my bike, an '01 BMW 1150gs, nobody takes care of your stuff like you do. When I service my bike, I use the tools that I carry on the bike. I started with the factory tool kit. As I performed different maintenence procedures, I found that some of the tools in the kit were not satisfactory to me and there were others that I needed from my tool box. Any tool that I used from my tool box was added to my on bike kit. I don't carry a set of anything. I haven't done it yet, but will soon.....safety wire & locktite most bolts and nuts, this way I won't need to carry spare fastners. I believe that an ounce of prevention is worth pounds of cure, so I am very careful in checking the bike over before a road trip. I make sure that the things that are most critical should I need them are readily accessible, such as my first aid bag, tire repair tools with compressor and light bulbs. I also think it is wise to carry a piece of carpet, about the size of a door mat to kneel on, and a piece of plastic sheet to lay parts, pieces and tools on should I need to make a repair on the road.

Hope this helps, Dennis

thats why they call it MacGyver Tape in the Dutch army

Folks,
Just finished packing the old beast for Africa, and took photos and listed all the tools, spare parts that I am packing. This list has been honed over 2.5 years in North, Central and South America. Which only means its probably completely wrong for AFrica, Middle East, India....
Anyway, the link is here. www.renedian.com/Gear.html look at the Africa part.

Oh, and its Zipties. Or Zapstraps.
Cheers,
Rene

Rene, your website seems to have some difficulties, the pictures are over the text rendering the text unreadable. I realize you are either on the road or in last minute prep. Hope you can have someone have a look and fix it.

Good luck and be safe.
Dennis

Thanks Dennis, 10- 4.

Wowww Man back on track again!!!!
 

I will be reading your updates Rene.
Good luck and enjoy!
From BA
KH

[QUOTE=Deke in AK]Rene, your website seems to have some difficulties, /QUOTE]

Part of the problem is the picture size! 800 - 900 k for each image....

Thanks RedBoots, I will resize the photos and try that. I wanted them to be large enough so that interested parties could click on the photo and get a more detailed look at what was inside, but it may be that the size of the photos is getting me into all the placement issues.

Hi Rene,

640x480 is the normal web size. It will give you a picture about 1 tenth the original size, (in kbytes), but the quality/resolution should be acceptable for most things.
Maybe your maps will needto be a bit larger but always remember, not eveyone has ADSL/broadband and people can get fed up with waiting for the page to load and go elsewhere;-))

Cheers,
John

Sounds to me like you're putting your heaviest item - tools - at the worst place - high and rearward. :( I'd suggest a rethink to get them forward and low. :clap:

I have two, so shouldn't be too hard to find! One's a Micronta 22-171 and the other is a Radio Shack/Tandy. Both are at least 10 years old, so shouldn't be hard to find something even smaller. They don't have ALL the options you get on a big one, but more than adequate.

Matt,
Maplins are doing a basic multimeter for a tenner at the moment.
http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?...meter&doy=27m6

Thanks guys, will look into them.

Something that works for me that I thought I would share is color, bright colors at that. Spraypaint/paint your tools something like a HOT PINK. I actually use red and yellow, yessss, 2 colors on one tool. (Although most of the color will only be around the groves after a few years)

This is kind of hard to explain, but PLEASE bear with me.

As wheelie said: “Rolls with pockets, with a place for everything, and everything in its place, is not for me.” nor for me.

Grant was so so right saying: “I also DO like pockets - even if a pocket is crammed with 2, 3 or more things - it's easy to spot if something is missing/lost in the dirt, whereas when loose, it's impossible.”

This is where the two colors come in. I do carry my tools in two different bags/rolls/pieces a lot like Rene Cormier does with his tools.

http://www.renedian.com/Part2BikeToolsSpareParts.html

My tools (wrenches) that belong in the red pouch are ¾ red and ¼ yellow. The tools in the other pouch are painted ¾ yellow and ¼ red. This helps me keep it all organized and makes for quick visual double-checking of myself. (aka 5 red and 5 yellow) I also paint all my sockets and mark EVERY tool I have with bright colors. The two colors helps me when I do my idiot check before I leave (The two colors really stick out. I haven’t lost a tool in the sand or leaves yet (knock knock)). It also helps from getting other’s tools mixed up with mine.

Pick this up from big wall climbing where you use sub racks. If you have ever spent time on a wall you know what I am talking about.

Take care
WIESE

I think Tyvek (made by Dupont) has a use here as well. It is tear proof, waterproof, cheap (can pick it up free for a job site, Tvyek is a house wrap), packs up small, but mainly it is VERY WHITE. Everything shows up when using it as a ground cloth. You can use it as a ground cloth under you tent to protect the floor of you tent or even a small tarp (shade or water).

Cool idea Weise, I've managed to lose tools despite doing a sweep of the ground every time I have to get them out on the road.
Matt

This chap, does tool rolls and they are tough - I have one for my enfield - excellent.

John Muirden UNBEATENTRACKS Outdoor Gear And Travel Adventures

Stephen

Army link box
 

I found an old 7.62 link box from an Army surplus shop, got it cut down and welded a new bottom on it. Fitted a hasp through the opening device and was able to padlock it shut. The box is waterproof, just had to check the new botttom weld was watertight. Used four bolts to bolt it to the bashplate, also waterproofed these where i drilled holes in the ammo can. Sprayed it with hammerite slver paint.

The weight is down low and kept my tools in a tourtech tool roll, which has a magnet stitched into it handy for stopping bolts etc going awol. I also took along a small blue tarp for working on.

I aggree with Grant

best to keep the weight low down,that way you hardley notice the extra weight your carring.

I use a old Ex-Army mortor tube.
When fitting Make sure it does not foul your front wheel :thumbup1:

These have worked very well for me ,they are 100% water tight, and are long enough to take my long tyre levers.

Best of all they are strong and very cheap...:D

some on ebay at the moment ..number ...180290761572



photo of one fitted to my bike.


http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s...w/CIMG1762.jpg

i know its an old thread but hey its new to me
just wanted to say its a cracking read