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I’m no expert on tools to bring, but I usually bring every thing I can to fix any issue on the kart; however I’m a bit anal about that. The good thing about these kart guys is they are willing to assist or lend you things you may have forgot to load up. As far as a trailer I see many different ways of transporting the kart to the track. A flat bed trailer is a good idea and you usually can find someone to help take it off. I’ve seen some folks just strap the tool box to the trailer and work next to the trailer when they needed the tools. Another thing that works well for me is a small plastic table that I picked up at from Sam’s Warehouse. These can run about $15 to $25 dollar and work very well to put the tools on you need for the race.
Joe, is correct on a table. Tools bring everything (metric & SAE). The best way is to come to a track on the warm weekend & talk to the guys & see what they have. When I started I would take my kart in my pick-up. Plywood riser and storage under the plywood with kart on top.
If you want to quiz me, call 303-827-3660
Nick:
You have a great start…I’ll list a few additional items below for you in addition to my personal list of ‘take to the track’ items. To answer your question, I have a medium-sized plastic toolbox which carries everything I need. The table is really a must…it’s a cliche’ but true, organization is the key to success and as karters we have too many small parts to let things get disorganzied in the pit.
Karting Tools:
– Metric open/box end wrenches
– Metric open/box end wrenches w/ ratched capability a huge plus!
– Metric socket set
– Metric allen set…t-handle w/ a long side and an allen in the handle is the best option for torque capability.
– BFH…Big F….. Hammer, 3 or 5 lb plastic-faced dead blow hammer
– Rubber Mallet…good for small ‘convincing’ jobs…you know, convince this part to move a little this way, etc.
– Set of dykes, pliers, needle nose pliers, small metal file, a set of picks (small ones work best), large~medium~small screwdrivers.
– Spark plug wrench.
– 22 MM socket for your front spindles.
– Tire gauge
– Supply of air (I used a small nitrogen bottle all last season and didn’t even put a dent in it – nitrogen is much better than compressed air (but not a “must”) as the source is controlled, thus the amount of moisture in the product is controlled and you always get a consistent expansion at temperature from the tires). You can rent (you can’t buy them) a bottle at any welding supply store and they will sell you the regulator (about a hundred fifty dollars) and hose.
– Supply of zip ties, multiple sizes.Things you need or your day could end quickly:
– Sprocket alignment tool. Available at any on-line kart parts supplier.
– Chain breaker (same availablility). Tag = 219 chain.
– Extra brake and throttle cables, spark plugs, chains, and sprockets. Brake pads are not a “must” but a good idea.
– Fluids: WD 40 (cleaner and moisture protectant), Simple Green (bio-degradeable cleaner), Chain Lube, Brake Cleaner (will damage painted surfaces on the kart, but as you have ATV’s you know this) 🙂 , Brake Fluid, Motor Oil, at least a gallon of water in case you need to drain the radiator at the track.
– Rags, lots of rags.
– Extra tires…karters typically utilize their used race tires for practice and you build up a supply/stock quickly. Post on the “General” forum and you will get people willing to give you practice tires for cheap if they charge you at all!
– Set of extra hardware (contact the guys over at Shockwave or Barry at Billet Performance and they can line you out or check online at http://www.wewantmetric.com).
– Safety wire tool & spool of safety wire (AAI Speedworks in Arvada, $20 for the tool, $17 for the wire).Track Stuff & Miscellaneous Thoughts:
You said you have ATV’s so I assume you know all of this, but as long as I’m typing, I’ll put it out there anyway…
– Track = Asphalt = much hotter than a dirt ATV track. I always bring a cooler w/ plenty of fluids and snacks.
– Sun, same way…easy up tents are great, about $100. Nothing like working on the kart in the direct sun… 😯
– Sunblock, some kind of hand cleaner (we have GREAT tracks here in CO but you will need to bring some basics for cleaning up), etc…
– A magnetized tray available at any auto parts store is great. With all the small parts, springs, etc…these come in very handy ~ you can clip it right to your frame and put all of your parts there (I’d recommend that you not get in the habit of using your seat as a tool/spare parts storage bin; you’ll find everything you own will get filthy quick and you will lose small parts (trust me on this one, personal experience) 😯 ). If you look online, some companies also make a tray which sets on your seatback and provides you with a flat tray to set things…not necessary, but very handy to have.
– Hose clamps…check your kart for sizes and grab a few.
– Batteries…if you plan on running a Mychron or other data acquisition computer.I think that about covers it. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Welcome to karting.
Best,
Troy
One thing that I did to prepare for Joey’s first race was to brake the kart down at home and make shore that I could get into anything I needed to with the tools I had. A good example I thought I could reach the motor mount bolts with a standard alien wrench but it took a socket to get in there.
I didnt see snap ring pliers on any of the previous post. They will pay for themselves the first time you use them by not having to get on your hands and knees to find where that darn ring flew off to. :bang Craftsman has a nice one that will do both internal and external rings.
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