portable exhaust nut wrench ?

[nhmaf]

Rob, (or anyone else ?)

I think that in a past thread you mentioned that you had one of Ed Korn's
tools for packing along on the bike - would you happen to have a photo
of one ?    I've got one of Zee Authentic Bavarian models that might require
its own saddlebag if I decide to pack it along with me this summer, and I'm on the
lookout for good/packable tools.  

Many thanks,
Mike

[Justin B.]

Image courtesy of w6rec.com...

[nhmaf]

Aha !

Thanks, Justin.   I am usually one to help support the little/local guys and gals running small shops, etc.
and I was thinking of ordering one of these, and perhaps a few other special tools/kits from Mr. Korn,
but some of these prices seem really kinda steep - the list price is $34 for that piece alone.  I think I could
buy another full size one from Bob's and saw off the 18" handle or something for less than that..
And $21 for a turned down 27mm socket for the swingarm.   Hmm.
 :-?

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

Ed Korn has some nice tools that I would like, and whatever his prices are, they will usually beat having the same thing made for you at a machine shop.

But when I decide to purchase a turned-down socket, it will be this one for $11 +s&h.


kliky on da piky®

[nhmaf]

Thanks Rob !

I think that I may give some business to Joe's as well !

 

[Ed Miller]

What kind of roadside repair requires you to remove your exhaust nuts?  I have Ed Korn's tool, and like it, but the half inch breaker bar I use with it isn't readily portable.  

I'm grumpy about that topic now:  I've been removing and anti-siezing those things every year since I got the bike, but a month ago the left one started free, then stopped.  I don't like it when periodic maintainance doesn't work.  I did not force it, and have new ones coming next week, and I have several clever cutters to remove the old one.  I hope the threads on the head are still OK.  

My bike did pass over 50,000 miles this week!  

[msbuck]

So removing the exhaust nuts and putting anti-seize on them is a maintenance item???  Wow.  Haven't done that yet in over 60k.  Hmmm... I figure, 'if it's not broke, don't fix it!'  

[Justin B.]

If you've never done it then it's probably a give that you'll need to saw your exhaust nuts off if they ever need to be removed...  But, as Ed's experience shows that isn't even a given!

Since this is pretty much 100% technical/maintenance related I'm moving the thread to the tech section...

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

It can go either way.  Even amongst the "seasoned gurus" (You all know who you are...) there are those that say break them and clean/lube them every year, preventing the threads from galling.
Then there are those that say that is an old wives' tale, if they gall, they gall.  But they all agree that you need never-seize on those threads, and to do that, you need this tool in your kit.  

I would say that the small one has the disadvantage of needing a ratchet handle or breaker bar, but you could probably find one of those pretty easily in most any garage along your route, if need be, which is unlikely...


But if you own a airhead, you need a wrench.

[Justin B.]

I agree with Rob, if you own an Airhead you need a wrench, period.  Whether a "portable" one is needed is another discussion as I have been wracking my brain trying to come up with a scenario where I would need to remove the exhaust on the road.  Other than situations where you are going to be gone for a month touring the 4 corners (or something similar) I'm drawing a blank.  But, Ed's tool wouldn't take up much valuable toolbox real estate so that would be a plus