Robert A

I need a basic set of tools for my bike and I'd like to begin with a set of good allen keys. I'm curious if knows the sizes I need, and can recommend a quality product to buy.

Thank you,
Robert

Wanderer

Just go to your local hardware store and tell them you need a good set of metric allen head wrenchs. A set will be cheaper than individuals, and you will get a holder to keep them organized and together.

Robert A

Okay, but what sizes do I need?

corrado33

... Buy a set... of all of them... You'll need the majority of them.

EDIT: If you must know, you generally use an 8 for the cranks (IIRC). A 6 is sometimes used for seat post collars, derailleurs, and sometimes threaded stems? (possibly.), a 5 is used for almost everything. A 4 is used for more seatpost collars and sometimes smaller threadless stems. A 2.5 is sometimes used for the mounting screw for grip shifters and grips in general, as is a 2.

FrozenBiker 

2mm - 8mm should be enough. It would be wise to get a nice multi-tool so you can take it with also.
Topeak, Park, and Crank Bros have a lot of them to choose from.

SirrusEliteDisc

Buy a full set to keep at home and make sure to buy quality tools such as the ones mentioned by FrozenBiker.

If you are using Specialized Rib Cage water bottle mounts you can buy on of their EMT Cage Mount Road Tools, a mirco tool that mounts to the bottom of the water bottle cage. It's a little pricey ($35.00 including mount and hardware), but it mounts out of the way leaving space in whatever under saddle bag you are using and is always there.

https://www.specialized.com/us/en/ftb/bags-tools/tools/emt-cage-mount-road-tool

Robert A

What do you think of this one for the home:
https://www.crankbrothers.com/tools_B17

SirrusEliteDisc

For home I have a set of Quality Allen keys with the ball shaped ends on the long leg. If you take a little time and fiddle with a micro tool you will find it is not so micro after all and not usable on some fasteners that are tucked in tight locations. Trying to do so will result in scratched finishes and new vocabulary. The long slender standard Allen keys work much better in these situations. Just be sure not to over tighten. It's easy to strip some of these small fasteners !

corrado33

Absolutely not for the home. You don't want to work with a pocket tool unless you absolutely HAVE to. Go to your local hardware store (ace, trader horn, lowes or walmart even.) and buy a set for 15-20 bucks. It'll wear out eventually (mine is still going strong after 5 years.), but when that happens you'll know what to look for in your next set.

bobwysiwyg

+1 Just pick up a set anywhere, just make sure they are metric. I carry the two from the set for the most common sizes found on my bike fasteners in the pouch with a spare tube and tire levers. I also have a multi-tool stashed on the bike elsewhere with Philips head screw driver heads also.

FXjohn

Allen Keyes. Didn't he run for President?

Wanderer

Something like this - available as one of thes combo packs, for around 10-15 bucks - the blue one https://www.menards.com/main/tools-ha...61118762543269

lost_in_endicot

If you have a Harbor Freight near you, their hex keys are just fine. I've got a couple sets at home, and I don't see any difference in functionality or wear compared to the "nicer," more expensive sets I use at work.

13 Pc Metric Ball End Hex Key Set

Wanderer

You are right there, and their prices are right......

10 Wheels

^^^ I have The Same Set

Triaxtremec

These work great,
https://www.amazon.com/56660G-Metric-...len+wrench+set

The crankbrothers set you posted work great when you're stuck out on the road/trail but for home wrenching can be a pain.

FrozenBiker 

Those t-handles are what I use for home also. Good stuff.

Wanderer

Honestly, that set from HF will be fine - but a tip on usuing ball ends - only use them for spinning in or out, use the short straight end for breaking loose or final tightening.

Another rule of thumb - if it is loose in the socket, don't use it - you've got the wrong size.

avidone1

Dang! Them shore is purdy

Wanderer

But, they won't be very handy in tight spaces, like when tightening a water bottle cage, or a brake clamp.......

DorkDisk

I use a set of standard individual hex wrenches for versatility, a 4-5-6 Y wrench for speed (ball end is good to have here,) a multitool for emergencies, and a set of individual imperial wrenches for the odd parts that don't use metric. For SRAM, add torx to the above. If you have carbon, it's advisable to have a torque meter with replacable bits

slowpacer

I've had one of these for a few years now and it's been very handy. https://www.amazon.com/Park-Tool-AWS-...k+tool+cycling

bhchdh 

These:Professional L-Shaped Hex Wrench Set | Park Tool

DorkDisk

yes, the L bends are the most flexible IMO as the small end allows you to reach in tight confines (chainstay disc mounts) and the long end allows you get in recessed areas (road levers, some suspension forks) and the lack of handle gives it clearance to be maneuvered and turned

Robert A

Which do you think is the better option: the AWS 10, which goes from 1.5mm - 6mm or the AWS 11, which goes from 3mm - 10mm?

QUOTE=slowpacer;18464728]I've had one of these for a few years now and it's been very handy. https://www.amazon.com/Park-Tool-AWS-...k+tool+cycling[/QUOTE]