Nuts & bolts, hand tools, measuring, power tools, lifting, etc. These are very important things to learn about. They are some of the most basic things and most essential to working on vehicles and motorcycles. Understanding these commonly overlooked items can save you in the long run. NOT understanding them can spell DOOM for you. You think I'm going overboard, don't you? Well, I'm not. I'm speaking from first hand experience. Things that I learned as an auto technician. Let me explain in detail what I mean.
Bolts
Let's start with bolts. I don't expect you to know every little detail about using bolts, but a little understanding of the different types of bolts and screws go a long way. There are a few basic things you need to know about bolts. The size and type of "head", the amount of "threads", the "thread pitch", the bolt length or "shank", diameter, and the type of bolt. You can't just put any bolt anywhere. Now, I'm not going to get into detail about every single aspect of bolts. I'm going to talk about the basics just to get you by.
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| Torx head bolts |
There are different types of threads and thread pitch. To get to the point, the main thing you really need to know is "standard" or "SAE", and "metric". "Standard", to sum things up, is basically anything American made. This is about 95%-99% of the time. In the real world, some American cars and bikes have metric bolts (either by design or someone put them there). "Metric", is basically anything not American made. Examples are European and Asian vehicles and motorcycles. Almost all of the time, you can never fit a standard bolt where a metric bolt is supposed to be, and vice-versa. Putting it simply, know what type of bolt to use.
Knowing the "shank" (length) is also important. You need to know how long of a bolt you need so you can make sure you have fastened the bolt securely. If the threads are deep into a block, and you only use a short bolt, you are not properly securing whatever it is you're bolting down.
Diameter is simple. This is basically the size of the hole that you are putting the bolt in. If you know that, you know what size diameter bolt to use. Again, you also need to know the shank and type of thread.
Hand Tools
Hand tools are your most trusted ally when working on anything vehicle or motorcycle related. Using the correct tool for a particular task is essential in order to perform that task fast, efficient, and safely. Always make sure you use the correct tool for the job, and never use a tool in a manner that it wasn't made for. That being said, everyone, including myself, uses tools incorrectly. The most common is using a flat head screw driver as a pry bar. Although it works and you might get away with it, that's not what the tool was made for.
So what tool do you need to use? Here are some basic tools in the industry that is a must have:
- Ratchets
There are 3 main types of ratchets. 1/4" drive, 3/8" drive, and 1/2" drive. A good reliable ratchet is essential.
Basic 3/8" Ratchet Basic 12 point socket set w/ratchet
- Sockets
Sockets come in standard and metric sizes. A basic set of each is essential. They come in 6 point and 12 point. Most socket sets come with a ratchet, but not always.
- Wrenches
Wrenches also come in standard and metric. Sometimes wrenches are more practical than a ratchet. They can be used to get into tight spaces or to keep a nut from turning. There are different type of wrenches. Box end, open end, and combination are the most basic types just to name a few. Below is a set of combination wrenches. Notice one end is open (open end), and the other end is closed (box end).
Power Tools
Sometimes you simply can't perform a task without enlisting the help of your best friends; power tools. I love power tools. They are real convenient when used in practical applications and are sometimes necessary. There are three ways power tools are powered. Air, electric, and battery. Air tools are most commonly found in shops. Shops have air compressors that provide enough air to the tools to keep running. Electric and battery tools are self explanatory. They either get plugged in or have a charged battery.
No matter which way a power tool is powered, they can be very dangerous. For that reason, I'm not going to be talking much about them here. I'll be doing another segment on them getting into real detail about the types of power tools, safety precautions and hazards, and use of the tools. Just know that the right tool must be used for what it was made for.
All in all, there are a million "little" things that contribute toward the "big" picture. These are just a few things that just scrape the surface. Maybe in time I will cover most of them. However, in order for you to fully understand and learn them, you might want to start thinking about going to school for automotive. Of course, that is if you're interested in becoming an automotive technician. If not, then search online if you ever need to know something about anything you are working on. There are advantages and disadvantages (dangers) to getting information online rather than actually learning it. I really hope this article stirs up some discussion, and I welcome it.
Thanks for reading, and be safe with whatever you do,
Cesar.
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