sfsam

I recently started riding and would like to be able to take care of my bike at home rather than have to take it to a shop for basic maintenance.

What tools/items should I own to be able to do this? I have a set of hex keys. What else do I need?

neil0502

I'd learn my way around the following website:

https://www.parktool.com/repair/

Here, you'll learn WHAT to do, HOW to do it, and WHAT YOU NEED to get it done.

Also see

https://www.sheldonbrown.com/

You may want to let us know what bike you have, and what components are on it....

marvelous

I get by with just having the Alien II by Topeak. I'm able to take apart bikes and put them back together. Unless you've had any schooling you probably should leave anything that requires something that this tool can't do, you should probably take it to a shop. Or you could practice on junk bikes and slowly build up your tool supply as you feel more comfortable using the tools your buying. For example you may want to work on a few single piece bottom brackets before buying a bottom bracket tool and overhauling your own.

Retro Grouch 

The answer really depends on how deeply into bicycle maintenance you intend to go.

You'll be surprised at how far a set of metric allen wrenches will take you.

Chain and cassette replacements take a chain tool, cassette tool and chain whip.
Cable replacements require a cable cutter.
Wheel bearing servicing requires cone wrenches.
Wheel trueing requires a spoke wrench and (maybe) a wheel trueing stand.
Bottom bracket servicing or replacement requires different tools depending on the model.

Torque wrenches are nice to have but I only use them for bottom brackets, cranks and higher end handlebar stems. Unfortunately the same torque wrench isn't appropriate for all of those parts.

estabro

A good quality pedal wrench will last forever. Don't cheap out on that.

greyghost_6

1. A good pump
2. Tire levers
3. Patch kit
3. METRIC allen keys
4. Chain breaker
5. Chain lube
6. Maybe a tube of grease
6. Set of different sized phillips and flat head drivers
7. A bike stand would be nice, but steady handed child will work too (probably the most expensive option. Try to find a stand first.)
7. Matching set of hands (L and R) and a good book or web site for a guide.

johnknappcc

Don't buy a set, buy the tools as you need them. It may cost a little more, but the sets usually come with some stuff you will never use. If you give us the specs on your bike, we could give you a detailed list of tools.

Panthers007

Indeed! +2

Also, many tool-sets are composed of cheap tools that are prone to failure. Not all - but a good number. You will lose the advantage of low-cost when you need to buy the same type of tool for the second time.

Buy the best - forget the rest.

Al1943

+3 Buy what you need when you need them. A "set" will include stuff you'll never use.
A good floor pump with built in gauge and a set of metric hex wrenches is a good start.

Al

noglider 

Those multi-tools are OK for roadside repairs, but I don't care for them much. The advantages to them: fewer things to remember when packing for a ride; reduced weight.

Beginning set of home shop tools:

- tire levers
- frame-mounted pump
- floor pump with built-in gauge
- patch kit
- spare inner tube
- 6" or 8" adjustable wrench
- needlenose pliers
- regular pliers
- allen keys
- oil

marvelous

you don't want to use adjustable wrenches on bikes if you can avoid it. They round off your nuts and bolts. Any good bike repair book will tell you the same thing. Also if you do round off your nuts or bolts use vise-grips on them.

JohnDThompson 

Only to remove them. Then buy replacement nuts and the proper wrench.

noglider 

My adjustable wrenches don't round off my nuts or bolts. I know how to use them.

johnknappcc

I've never rounded off a nut or bolt with an adjustable, but I have had some bruised and bloody knuckles . . . what do they call those again?

Actually get a decent set of box/open end wrenches (metric). Generally ones starting on the smallish sides are good for bikes.

noglider 

Yes, 8 through 16 or 17 mm wrenches are nice, but we were talking minimum tool set. I own lots and lots of fixed wrenches, but I might not start with those if I were building my tool kit.

salaCzar

Not all wrenches are created equal either. A quality ajustable wrench made from tool steel with sharp edges and consistent and sturdy adjusters and slides is a much different tool from the adjustable wrench that comes in the $20 "complete toolkit".

noglider 

I suppose that's true. Mine are about 30 years old and made in Europe.

When you do headset work, you'll want a 12" adjustable wrench and a big Channel Lock pliers. OK, I know some of you are cringing, but hey.

When you do work on hubs with traditional races and cones, you'll need cone wrenches.

A pedal wrench is a mighty useful thing, too.

masiman

You really should have at least one headset wrench to do threaded headsets. You can do it with regular wrenches and channel locks. But to get it locked tight and that just right adjustment you should use a headset wrench.

Panthers007

Along with Park Tool repair site and the great Sheldon Brown, here's another site to help you learn:

https://bicycletutor.com/

bluenote157

get some metric allen wrenches that go from 2mm to 10mm at homedepot. If you need more leverage when using them, you can use your socket set with corresponding socket.

I guess you need to consider some of your existing components. Do you have newer bb, threadless/threaded headsets? Do you intend on servicing your hubs?

I would start with the tools that my current ride has. If you start buying adjustable bb tools and find out you will never need those spanners, or the lockring wrench because your current bike has an octalink, isis, or outboard bb, etc.. then its pretty much money gone.

Like I said, metric allen, sockets, as thin as you can find adjustable wrench (to remove pedals although a good number of them use 8mm allen), wire cutters, chain breaker, cassette lockring tool (and maybe a chain whip), spoke wrench.

cbchess

best thing to do is buy a BOOK like Zinn's guide to MTB or ROAD maintenance. Then as you tackle new jobs - you can buy the tools you need. a Good set of allen wrenches (metric) is a great place to start.
Zinn's book will tell exactly how to do everything and what tools you will need.
mtb:
https://zinncycles.pinnaclecart.com/i...d=34&parent=12

road:
https://zinncycles.pinnaclecart.com/i...=122&parent=12

memnoch_proxy

Minimum tools for me were: 3 allens, phillips, patch kit+irons, tire pump, grease rags, chain oil, crescent wrench.

Eventually I bought a cable cutter, and a foot-pump w/ built-in tire gauge. Soon I will likely have to do things like overhaul wheel bearings and I'll prolly need some different wrenches, grease to get that done.

Panthers007

Here's the best price I've seen in years for the Shimano Cable-Cutters. These leave the rest - possible exception of Felco - in the dust:

https://www.cambriabike.com/shopexd.a...0+CABLE+CUTTER

sunburst

My favorite tools by far - my set of ratcheting box wrenches. They are a pleasure to use every time I pick one up. And I've used most of the sizes (from 8mm for small bolts, to 15mm for wheels) on my collection of bikes.

Something like this: https://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...ratchet+wrench

noglider 

I'd prefer to pay $29.76 for that cable cutter.

https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B001G0TP6I/