Bicycle Mechanics - Wtf are these tools?

Hi All

Simple one here today for you gurus I'm sure... I bought an entry-level bike toolkit to dismantle a couple of bikes.

Problem is I have no idea what 3 of these tools are for and didn't need them when taking apart a bike recently. Can someone please share their knowledge what these 4 tools are used for?

Many Thanks

238262

From right to left, Spoke Wrench, BB cup tool, pin spanner and I forget the name for the last, they are useful tools.

spoke wrench...

external cup wrench (shimano and campy)

BB non fixed cup tool

The BB non fixed cup uses a ring outside that I cant remember the name, you adjust the ring using the last from the left tool

The last is an adjustable lockring tool. Used on older b/b's, one piece cranksets (to remove the chainring) and fixed gear cog lockrings.

BTW- not meaning to rub anything in, but more for any other readers of the thread,

this is why I routinely advise against buying tools in kits. Kits often include tools that you don't or won't ever use, either because you don't do the job they're made for, or because they fit specific parts you don't own.

What seemed like a bargain often ends up being a more expensive way to buy the few tools you actually use.

BTW- not meaning to rub anything in, but more for any other readers of the thread,

this is why I routinely advise against buying tools in kits. Kits often include tools that you don't or won't ever use, either because you don't do the job they're made for, or because they fit specific parts you don't own.

What seemed like a bargain often ends up being a more expensive way to buy the few tools you actually use.
Not to perpetuate the stereotype us forum members always disagree, but when I saw his pile of "extra" tools, I noted those are some of the tools I wish I had bought in my kits and haven't yet.

Not to perpetuate the stereotype us forum members always disagree, but when I saw his pile of "extra" tools, I noted those are some of the tools I wish I had bought in my kits and haven't yet.

The kit vs.buying loose is a legitimate debate, and in the final analysis the right answer depends on the ratio of usable vs non usab;le tools, and then, of course, the quality and price.

In any case, if the OP doesn't know what they are, odds are he may not need them, so maybe you two can arrange a swap of some kind.

The kit vs.buying loose is a legitimate debate, and in the final analysis the right answer depends on the ratio of usable vs non usab;le tools, and then, of course, the quality and price.

In any case, if the OP doesn't know what they are, odds are he may not need them, so maybe you two can arrange a swap of some kind.

You are probably correct in his case since he didn't need them! I however live nextdoor to my brother in law who has most tools I do not :D

..... I however live next door to my brother in law who has most tools I do not :D

Aaaaah!! The ultimate tool kit value.

If you don't need those tools you can send them my way.

OH your only dismantling bikes? are you just parting them out or strippping nice bikes to make Fixies?

I however live nextdoor to my brother in law who has most tools I do not :D
My brother-in-law has a bunch of tools too! Trouble is, most of them are mine!

this is why I routinely advise against buying tools in kits. Kits often include tools that you don't or won't ever use, either because you don't do the job they're made for, or because they fit specific parts you don't own.Personally, this is exactly why I like the kit I bought ...

Sure, there's some tools I don't need. I've looked up what they are and so I have an idea what they are, but if I don't need them, that's fine. Nothing's cooler than needing to do something I've never done before, looking up how to do it -- and I've already got the right tools.

Aaaaah!! The ultimate tool kit value.


My brother-in-law has a bunch of tools too! Trouble is, most of them are mine!
I have a LOT more tools then my brother in law, and he'll often borrow them without asking which I have no problem with because I never notice them gone.. since he returns them promptly. Luckily there's just some stuff I haven't picked up for myself yet that he already has, we've been joking about putting up a bike rescue station at this dead roadfront point in between our properties.. he's a good brother in law to have.

Definitely keep them. As your skills improve, who knows what you'll be fixing. You may also find yourself adding single tools to your kit. Get a Zinn, Bike Magazine or Park Tool repair manual and you'll see just how easy most maintenance & repairs are. They are $25.00 or less, are all good and you only need one. You can supplement the book with online tutorials. bk

The problem is, as soon as you decide a tool is no longer needed, and sell/swap/trade it, or discover a tool is missing from it's allocated space, YOU WILL NEED IT!!