Recommended Tools

What tools would y'all recommend I get for working on my Commando?

For example, the first thing I wanted to do was drain the oil from the crankcase. I realized a normal socket (whatever size) wouldn't fit. It looks like the previous owner had been using pliers to take this on and off which really has messed up the hex. I don't want to continue that tradition.

Tad

As a general rule (eg not 100%) the cycle parts use SAE spanners eg AF across flat, and the engine uses Whitworth headed hardware which means you need a set of whitworth spanners, I use the sort with an open on one end and a ring on the other.

Note even though the heads are whitworth the threads arn't, they will be cycle and BSF threads. Normally cycle for the nut and BSF in the case. The later bikes start to use UNF/UNC on the studs.

Thanks for those info!

I'm looking more for specialty tools needed for restoration.

The special tools I have are as follows

Clutch spring removal tool (the spring will kill you otherwise)

A very robust puller for the engine sprocket (most wont do it)

1.5" socket which fits gearbox sprocket nut and the large sump nut (not fitted to all), also when machined a bit removes big end nuts on some BSA's

Exhaust ring tightener tool (a must or your head will be mince)

Tool for servicing caliper and removing lockrings on hubs (a big ling thing with pins on each end which engage with holes)

Have a look at the tools page on the RGM Motors site. I'd go along with what Kommando says. If you intend to delve deeper then the points oil seal guide is useful and you will need a timing pinion extractor.

I find a 3/8" drive 1/4" Whit. socket invaluable for cylinder head nuts and a ground down 1/4" Whit. ring for the rear head nut (I actually use one marked "Triumph" )

Don't bother with one of those little Amal box spanners. If you try to change main jets via the float bowl drain then 9 times out of 10, the jet holder will unscrew .

The tool for holding the clutch operating mechanism in the gearbox is handy but not essential.

A standard ohv valve spring compressor.

Most of the rest can be improvised.

What I do find useful but which doesn't really come under the heading of tools is a case with a selection of the oil seals, copper washers, small gaskets etc. The big sump filter for instance has a copper / composition ring which is reusable but which won't last for ever. I always buy two or three at a time just in case plus a selection of bolts and nuts for the common applications.

To quote: What I do find useful but which doesn't really come under the heading of tools is a case with a selection of the oil seals, copper washers, small gaskets etc. The big sump filter for instance has a copper / composition ring which is reusable but which won't last for ever. I always buy two or three at a time just in case plus a selection of bolts and nuts for the common applications.
Just a couple of items to this list clutch cir-clips and Kick starter pauls and springs.Head gaskets-Copper for road repair better for carrying -composite always on hand for the answer to why? The O-rings for carb adjusting screws.