Tools for Karts

devino246

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Tools/supplies for fixing a kart:

6-point socket set w/ deep wall sockets

12-point metric & standard combination wrenches

Several sizes of screwdrivers

Metric & standard allen wrenches (hex keys)

2 adjustable wrenches

Hacksaw

Set of pliers (dikes, channel locks, needle-nose, locking jaw, slip joint)

Electric drill (corded is best)

Good drill bits (titanium or cobalt are best)

Prybar(s)

File set (flat, curved, and round)

Cold chisels

Sparkplug wrench

Chain breaker

Wire wheel for a drill

Heavy-duty stapler (for fixing seats)

Feeler Gauge

Workbench (not required, but very helpful)

Bench vise

C-clamp

**Safety glasses and/or face shield**

Work gloves

Carb cleaner, (Liquid Wrench) White Lithium grease, PB Blaster or other penetrant (NOT WD40)

Fresh gas

A new quart of oil

Heavy hammer(THOR!)

Smaller ball pien hammer

a set of jackstands

Locktite

A toolbox for all your tools:thumbsup:

Now a few important pieces of info:

Use the right tool for the job! Don't use a little screwdriver to pry something appart; thats what a prybar is for.

Use 6 point sockets because 6-points have more gripping area and are less likely to strip old bolts.

Always wear safety glasses when your grinding/throwing about loose material. I've had too many close encounters.

Don't use adjustable wrenches on bolts smaller than about 5/8". Adjustable wrenches tend to slip and can strip smaller bolts. Use them on beefy bolts like the ones on spindles.

Use the box end of a combination wrench if you can. The box end is less likely to slip off and damage the bolt.

A shot of PB Blaster works great for loosening up old bolts.


All these tools, if purchased at a store like Harbor Freight, would start at around $250 (very rough estimate). If possible, buy good quality tools (like Craftsman). It can be quite the investment(Getting close to $1000:ack2:), but good tools will last long enough for your grandkids to see, and inherit.


Tools for kart building:
These tools are basically required for kart building:

Flux-core or stick welder (90amp minumum)

**ABC fire extinguisher**

Good welding helmet (not the crappy one that comes with the welder)

Angle grinder (4 or 5 inch)

Welding clamps/magnets

Cutting discs for the grinder (dont cut with a grinding disc)

Grinding discs for the grinder (dont grind with a cutting disc)

Carpenters square (to keep your 90* angles right)

Tap & die set


These kart building tools can start around $300 at HF. Shop around, because you can often find name-brand tools for a similar price.

Craigslist is a great place to find used tools for cheap. A name brand welder (Lincoln Electric, Century, Hobart, Miller) can give you better results and last longer. A good one can be found on CL for around $150.


Optional but helpful tools:

Bench grinder

Drill press

Tubing notcher

Air compressor

[air] Impact wrench

[Air] cut-off saw

[Air] hammer

Highspeed [air] sander

Dremel (rotary tool)

Any I left off? Mabe Ill add approximate prices later.
 

Bluethunder3320

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oh ok i didnt see them at first.

also if your welding just a suggestion maybe a small $20 fire extinguisher just in case. you never know if a house outlet will blow from using a high amp machine. my house breakers reset when my welder is on 90 amps.
 

redsox985

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Eh, idk. Not really something you'd use alot.

I was joking, they are relatively useless for kart maintenance and only seem to make small mistakes worse. I have found one practical application of one, making the adapters for a 3/4" to 1" motor shaft. Other than that, I screw stuff up and sand knuckles.
 

redsox985

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Oh, so this is all about ego and getting a stickied post! :p It's very informative and I think should be.
 

Briang701

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how bout a 1x42 bench top belt sander for building, I use mine for all sorts of things and there are a huge number of different belts for it. I didn't realize how much i actually needed the thing until I bought it.....
 

Briang701

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I've never seen one of those, thats a great idea though that it bet made someone quite wealthy, why couldn't I have thought of making such a thing :idea2:
 

Bluethunder3320

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lol ya i saw a youtube video. one reel mounts spring loaded clamped to the press then a reel bit with a belt in between.
 

Doc Sprocket

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Business card- for when you can't find yer dang feeler gauge at the exact moment you're trying to set up the mag! Seriously- I think I've done it with a gauge ONCE! I'm horrible for misplacing it!
 
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