Bike Specific Tools

[ftasb]

Whilst fixing my bike up recently, it highlighted to me that i perhaps need some proper bike-specific tools if i'm going to be tinkering in the future.

I ended up fitting my new hanger, rear mech, etc with my multi-tool (Topeak Alien II) as my 'household' tools didn't fit properly (didn't want to chance rounding bolts off, etc).

What do you lot use?

I've seen bike tool kits on Wiggle from Lifeline, Park Tools, etc, but never really looked at them in great detail.

[martinw]

Ive built my toolbox up over time, most of it is bike specific stuff and the rest is usefull junk, If you wanna get started you cant go wrong with Wiggle for tools Ive found.

Park are the best, but pricey, I would say they are worth it if you work on bikes all day every day but most of the tools I have are Lifeline or Icetoolz from wiggle.

Heres a pic of the main tools I have.



1. Hex key set, I would say get these before you buy anything, they are a god send. Mine are Lifeline from wiggle and they come with a wall bracket but i binned that.

2. Shockpump.

3. Park tools hollowtech bottom bracket tool.

4. Icetoolz Peddal spanner. I always suffered with a massive adjustable so I got one of these to ease things. Much better.

5.Chain whip. If you wanna pull the sprocket off you will need one!

6. Cassette lock ring tool. If you wanna put your cassette back on you will need one of these. You can get a smaller version with a nut on the end you se a large adjustable spanner with.

7. Philips screw driver, Cheap enough to buy, I still need to buy a flat head one.

8. Chain splitting tool. I dont use this as much now as I have a super link, however i am thinking of getting a newer better one at some point. Lifeline do a good one with a nice big handle.

9. 8mm Spanner. This is the boy that fits everything on HOPE brakes, Bleed nipples and the hose connectors at the levers.

10. PARK torx key set. These will be a must in your toolbox too, a lot of hex bolts are being replaced with these, they dont round off as easy. I use mine for the chainring bolts and the caps on the HOPE brake resivoir caps.

11. Pliers, I still need to get a set of thin long nosed pliers.

12. Cable cutters. Another very handy tool. I got these coz i Messed up a gear outer by trying to cut it with my pliers, well worth getting if you want the job doing properly.

Like i say, I have other bits and bobs in my tool box but they are the main and im still adding slowly. Some good grease is also good to have in your box.

Another bit of kit that I have is a workstand. Expensive i know. I got mine, the Spin doctor team stand off wiggle, at the mo they are about £80 but i got mine for half that, Keep an eye on there because now and again they offer them cheap. Its not until you use one that you find hoe handy they are, I even wash my bike on mine!

[ftasb]

Cheers for that, that gives me something to go on.

Had a bit of spare time on your hands this afternoon mate? ;D

I have thought about a workstand in the past. When i was tuning my gears up the other day i fashioned one out of two patio chairs and a brush.

[martinw]

Workstands are pricey but when you get one and start using it you will wonder why the hell you didnt get one years ago.

My next big tool buy is a torque wrench, too many barings to nacker on this Trek! ;D

if you havn't got good Hex keys get some of them on your 1st buy.

[Oggy]

mate to be hounest if you are just tinkering then i wouldnt go and spend big money on tools.

Like you said you fitted your mech and hanger with your multi tool and it works so why go and spend loads iof cash on other tools. I use my multitool all the time and its great

As for torque wrenchs i really carnt see the point, bikes are well tuned but arent exaclty f1 race cars, a bolt that is done up tight will stay tight and if it does come loose tighten it up some more, i worked in a bike shop for 5 years, never used a torque wrench, never even used some more of the standard tools like a headset press (due to a block of wood and hammer working just fine, ask John thats how he fitted his the other week)

My favorite tool was my mutli tool allen key set because it ment i had a full set of allen keys in my pocket all the time and could fix most things with them and i didnt have to hunt round for an allen key.

Okay some of the simpler tools that carnt be improvised eg link splitter are a good investment but i wouldnt bother your ass in to buying a full range of workshop tools, bikes are simple but the magazines and manafactures implant it in to our heads that that are really hard to fix and that you should only ever use the most expensive tool and that all bolts should be done up to exactly the correct torque of you might die, bollax i say