Products

Must-Have Tools for the DIY Wrench Turner

"You can fix anything with the right tools"

January 6, 2016

Most off-roaders who turn their own wrenches have likely amassed a collection of tools over the years. Undoubtedly, every toolbox contains a socket set, some basic wrenches, a few sets of pliers and vice grips, and likely a fair share of screwdrivers. My Dad has all those same tools in his garage, but his go to line growing up was always, “if I only had the right tools I could fix _______”. Those countless tool/fixing scenarios have been an ongoing joke with my Dad over the years when it comes up in discussion. I think, somehow, I internalized those words and as such, have always found an excuse to buy that “right tool” whenever a need for it arose. I’ve been on the wrenching end of many ATV Rider and UTV Driver project ATV’s and UTV’s over the years. With that said, my philosophy has always been, if I can’t build it myself, how am I supposed to write about the products? So, below are some of my favorite tools that have helped bring many of those machines to life.

Electric Impact Gun: My newest and coolest new toy is my Dewalt electric impact gun. In a pinch, this little tool will spin lug nuts on and off all day long. The best part is I can accomplish all of this without having to fire up my air compressor at all. Almost every tool manufacturer makes one, so my advice is to pick one that can utilize whatever batteries you may already have in your possession.

Bead Breaker: I not only mount my own ATV/UTV tires, I dismount them. There are a number of different ways this can be done without the use of a tire machine, but the simplest way I’ve found is with a bead breaker. This particular model was made for 12” utility wheels. Over the years, I’ve fabricated my own special bolt on arms (with a simple grinder and a piece of scrap steel) that also allow me to break 8”, 10”, and 14” wheels. The first time you use it the tool will pay for itself.

Air Compressor: My air compressor is invaluable. I use it to inflate tires, run air ratchets, impact guns, air sheers, air chisels, and attach a blow gun to spray the dust and debris out the door. If you plan to mount your own tires, you’ll need a compressor. It doesn’t need to be big or fancy, just enough to pressurize the tire enough to seat the tire bead.

Assortment of Allen and Torx Wrenches: These fasteners seem to be everywhere and oddly, they always seem to be in the exact size you just don’t have in your toolbox. Therefore, I always keep a giant selection on hand and I often add to it. If I buy a part that comes with an allen wrench (like many do), I add it to my collection. Eventually that wrench will come in handy and you can thank me for the advice!

Screwdrivers: You can never have too many screwdrivers. Long, short, small, big, standard, philips...the list goes on. Almost every maintenance item or mod on an ATV or UTV will require screwdrivers. With that said, stock up so as to not screw your ability to finish.

Tap and Die set: If you spend enough time wrenching, you’ll eventually strip some innocent threads or snap a bolt off. Both situations suck, to be honest. However, with a little patience, ingenuity and a basic tap and die set, you can usually get yourself back in business in no time.

Giant Adjustable Wrench: Axle nuts can be a real pain in the neck to get tight. Some of these nuts are also gigantic, requiring a specialized wrench that might only get used a handful of times. I happened to notice this gigantic adjustable wrench at Harbor Freight one day, and for the $15 or $20 I paid for it at the time, it’s been one of the best tool investments I’ve ever made! I believe Brad's dad also called it "the attitude adjuster".

Ratchet Wrenches: For years I looked at these wrenches as a novelty tool. It wasn’t until I actually got myself a set that I realized just how great they are. There are certain bolts or nuts that you can’t possibly reach with a socket. Furthermore, some of those fasteners are in locations so tight that a basic wrench only able to turn a degree or two at a time is torturous. These scenarios are where ratchet wrenches are worth their weight in gold.

Torque Wrench

Torque Wrench: Over the years I’ve gotten great at tightening stuff too much and snapping bolts off. I’ve also excelled in not tightening things tight enough, resulting in even bigger and more expensive things falling off. A torque wrench combined with the specs for properly tightening bolts and nuts will do wonders with keeping your gear together.

Dead Blow hammer: It’s not uncommon to bend a factory aluminum or steel rim on your new ATV/UTV. If the wheel is stamped rather than cast, there’s a pretty good chance you can beat it back into shape. If you use the hammer you’d use to pound nails in, you’ll destroy the rim. However, with a decent dead blow hammer (which contains metal shot that keeps the hammer from bouncing upon impact) and some heat if it’s really bad, you can usually do a decent job of straightening the wheel back out.

Tire Irons: I mount my own ATV/UTV tires. I always have and I always will. I used to use large screwdrivers, which in a pinch will work. With that said, a good set of tire irons and a spray container with some Simple Green to spray on the tire carcass make quick work of mounting a set of tires.

Hand Impact Driver: If you’ve got a screw that you’re struggling to extract, do yourself a favor and buy a hand impact driver. Combined with a hammer, I’ve been able to remove even the most stubborn screws with just a few blows of my trusty hammer.

Tire Pressure Gauge: Tom Brady may not know his tire pressure, but you should. For a few bucks, pick yourself up a low pressure tire gauge. This will give you the ability to dial in your tires to whatever terrain you ride on.

Test Light: whether hooking up winches, wiring in electric power steering, or trouble shooting the reason my trailer lights won’t turn on, a good test light is both cheap and invaluable in diagnosing problems.