Below is a list of some of my favorite products I find myself using for each dirtbike I build. This list can vary and there are alternatives to most of these products, but these are the ones I tend to like using or thought had a good value. Feel free to email me or message me on Instagram @kincadep if you have any questions.
Cleaning and Prep Tools
- PrymeMX abrasive wheels: These are by far the most effective cleaning and polishing tools I use. Although a little expensive, they last a long time and make metal look brand new in no time.
- Scotch Brite pads: I use these for general cleaning and scrubbing. I also use them to rub a brushed looking finish into aluminum once polished.
- Scotch Brite drill attachments: I use these for general cleaning and scrubbing.
- Dremel flap wheels: These are great for removing paint and burrs. They are a great step one for metal that needs an aggressive treatment.
- Dremel buffing and polishing wheels: These are used to bring that shine back to metal components.
- Dremel wire wheels: These are used for polishing as well and can fit into tight spaces.
- Dremel cutting wheels: Used for cutting and grinding purposes
Fluids, Paints, Etc.
- I use brake and carb cleaner from AutoZone (any brand works fine) for removal of oils, cleaning components, and general shop upkeep such as wiping down my workbench.
- Heavy Duty Degreaser: This Harbor Freight special is an effective degreaser I’d highly recommend, and it’s cheap. Mix it 20:1 with water and it’ll eat through grime in hours.
- Decal Application System: This product by DeCal Works has been a game changer for applying graphics. It now takes half the time and looks twice as good. Worth the money. A set of this will last you around 4 sets of complete graphics from my experience.
- VHT Paints: These are the paints I use for pretty much every dirtbike application, including engine covers, hubs and frames. They’ve got a special solution for each application and you can find what you need at pretty much any local hardware store.
Specialty Tools
- Crankcase splitter: Essential when it’s time to split some cases.
- Crankshaft puller: Essential when installing a new crankshaft.
- Crankshaft bearing puller: Have only had to use this tool a couple times, but it’s been very useful when needed. I once had a crank bearing seized onto a crankshaft, and once had to pull camshaft gears on a 4 stroke KTM.
- Blind bearing puller: This Harbor Freight slide hammer is nothing special but gets the job done for pulling blind bearings.
- Impact driver: An absolute necessity. I’d recommend getting something even a little stronger, but this little impact has saved me countless hours.
- 3/8″ drive torque wrench: The Harbor Freight Icon torque wrench actually seems to be built with superb quality. It is very accurate and I’ve been incredibly satisfied with this torque wrench.
- 1/4″ drive torque wrench: This 1/4″ drive torque wrench has served me well over the years, but I occasionally question it’s accuracy on low-torque bolts.
- Feeler gauges: I needed tapered gauges for the 5-valve design of a 2001 YZ250F I rebuilt last year. These have done a great job and I use them for measuring ring end gap as well.
- Dremel: I’ve had this Dremel for a few years now and there hasn’t been a task it couldn’t handle.
- Buffer/grinder: I bought this recently from Harbor Freight. I can’t speak for its longevity, but it certainly works exactly as I hoped it would.
- Truing stand: This Tusk truing stand is a great value and works well for lacing and truing wheels.
- Engine stand: This is a budget engine stand. It works great, but if you plan to build engines often I’d suggest a stand that allows rotation as well. That said this has gotten the job done for me.
- Bench vice: Another Harbor Freight special that has treated me well. Very happy with this vice.
- Toolbox: You guessed it, Harbor Freight. This has been an awesome toolbox and I have 0 qualms with it. Would recommend. Best value toolbox around.