what size allen socket for oil change? and other sizes??

[metroplex]

What size allen sockets will I need to change the oil and oil screen? It looks like 10mm works for the drain plug but I don't have a larger one for the screen plug. Is it 14mm?

On that note, what other sizes larger than 10mm will I need to typically service my 696?

[Slide Panda]

I'm not sure about the screen for a 696.

But a 10 is really the biggest you'll need for common stuff. Mostly it's 4-5 for 90+% of stuff, with the occasional 6 or 8 and on rare occasions 3 or under. If you go get a decent set, it'll cover all your bases.

[metroplex]

I bought several 3/8" sets from Sears about 2 years ago, but it didn't cover any of the larger sizes that use a 1/2" drive ratchet. I think the oil screen on my 696 needs a 14mm allen, but I didn't have time to measure it. The 10mm works for the drain plug on the bottom (I think it is the drain plug at least, there are too many plugs on the bottom of the engine).

[ungeheuer]

Yup, 14mm for the oil screen.   

10mm or 5mm for drain plug depending on model year.

I did a search and came up with the following which seems like it will answer your oil change questions >>

http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=50365.msg922583#msg922583

[metroplex]

I guess I have the older engine case because the filter is partially concealed and the drain plug takes a 10mm allen socket. Hopefully the crush washers I bought are the correct ones - I just used my 2009 696 parts manual for the number, but Ducati is known to change stuff around.

[Glass_Darkly]

What's the best thing to clean the screen with ?

[Howie]

What's the best thing to clean the screen with ?

I just wipe it with a clean cloth.

[DucNaked]

What's the best thing to clean the screen with ?

Blast it with compressed air and wipe down with a rag. 

[matmcd78]

Harbor Freight sells a complete 1/2inch allen set with a 10 and a 14 for ten bucks. Not name brand but still works.

[metroplex]

I hate going to Harbor Freight because it always takes 30 minutes to check out due to their horribly inefficient check out process. I will actually pay more to just buy the tools at Sears unless Harbor Freight is significantly less expensive.

I ended up ordering a Gear Wrench metric allen set. The reason is that I already have multiple Craftsman Evolv sets that are 3/8" drive, for Torx, SAE, and Metric bits. These came in VERY handy because cars are starting to go to the trend of using allen bolts for a lot of stuff, but not nearly as much as the Ducati.

The problem is that this 14mm metric allen is only available in 1/2" drive, and I already have a set in 3/8" drive, so I can either pay $10 for one 14mm socket, or just get another set. I heard that some cars are using 17mm and even 19mm, so I ordered the Gearwrench kit for about $36. I didn't want my allen sockets twisting or breaking.

I slipped a few times with my Craftsman Evolv allen sockets and the sockets actually messed up the bolts, that's how strong they were and that is not bad for $10. I've had Chinese allen sockets/bits that actually twisted like Twizzlers/Pretzels under light torque. Never again!

[DucNaked]

You can buy a 3/8 to 1/2 adapter.

[metroplex]

While I already have those adapters, it wouldn't help because the 14mm allen socket is only 1/2" drive. I have plenty of 1/2" ratchets and torque wrenches, along with 3/8" ratchets and torque wrenches. Had I known about this earlier I probably would have just bought the full 3/8" and 1/2" metric allen socket set. I'll end up with a few extras just to change the oil.

[booger]

I hate going to Harbor Freight because it always takes 30 minutes to check out due to their horribly inefficient check out process. I will actually pay more to just buy the tools at Sears unless Harbor Freight is significantly less expensive.

Harbor Freight is significantly less expensive. Pittsburgh FTW!!!!1111
Higher probability of breakage, and I've never tried the walk-in courtesy replacement. Dunno if HF does that on broken tools.

I frequently hit the flea mkt for tools. Brand new Craftsman Professional, Snap-On, Matco, MAC, cheap Chinese, you name it. Used tools as well. All of it dirt cheap. Good tools=good. Retail price of good tools=bad. The flea mkt allows one to be a toolsnob without eating into the mod budget. All my used Snap-On items have different initials engraved into them. Good times at the dirty stinky flea mkt. Interesting looking people as well.

If you are a toolsnob, buy good tools. If you are not, you can buy the cheapass tools at HF and usually get away quite nicely with it. I've got both kinds and have never broken a cheapass tool of any sort. How one uses a tool has a lot to do with how long it lasts.

[rockaduc]

The only tool I have ever broken was a rivet gun while I was attempting to re-rivet the snowflap back onto my sled at -10 degrees F.  The gun just broke from the forces exterted on it in the extreme cold.  It wasn't a fun night.  I ended up using stainless hardware to attach the snowflap.  It hasn't moved in years.