must have home bike tools?
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2008
Location: huntington beach california
Posts: 345
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
must have home bike tools?
I know kits are only lukewarmly accepted. So the question is should I get tools separately or just get a kit and go from there? I'm looking for the best budget but bang for the buck tools.
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: NYC
Posts: 134
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Good thread imo. I myself have been buying things as I go with my FG and working on my vintage bike. If you have a LBS that's really close it's easy to do it that way.
#5
Senior Member
An fun, old discussion but then I didn't get much with a BF search. Park has a good list but you have to figure out which tools your bike(s) require.
Just get what you need.
My generic bike "need list" includes grease, oil, chain cleaner, floor pump, radio and bottle opener. I already have umpteen screw drivers, box and open end wrenches, pliers and (broken carbon seat post) hack saw blades. Don't forget a hammer and a really big Crescent wrench. I don't need more kit-mandetory tire irons, cone and allen wrenches, mini-chain tool, spoke wrench, and another cool, plastic box. I have a plumber's friend but mention it only to see if anyone is reading this.
My "individual tool buys" are cable cutter, chain whip and "bike specific" lock ring, cassette/cluster removers, BB wrench and crank puller.
I'm half way through my "because I deserve it wish list" buys: chain gauge, floor stand, Campy shop apron, third hand cable puller, truing stand, spoke gauge and torque wrenches.
Just get what you need.
My generic bike "need list" includes grease, oil, chain cleaner, floor pump, radio and bottle opener. I already have umpteen screw drivers, box and open end wrenches, pliers and (broken carbon seat post) hack saw blades. Don't forget a hammer and a really big Crescent wrench. I don't need more kit-mandetory tire irons, cone and allen wrenches, mini-chain tool, spoke wrench, and another cool, plastic box. I have a plumber's friend but mention it only to see if anyone is reading this.
My "individual tool buys" are cable cutter, chain whip and "bike specific" lock ring, cassette/cluster removers, BB wrench and crank puller.
I'm half way through my "because I deserve it wish list" buys: chain gauge, floor stand, Campy shop apron, third hand cable puller, truing stand, spoke gauge and torque wrenches.
#6
Utilitarian Boy
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Bronx, NY
Posts: 3,235
Bikes: Check the sig to find out
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
4 Posts
Bike Repair Book
floor pump
grease
degreaser
chain lube
crank puller
chain tool
BB tools
allen keys (2-8mm)
spoke wrench
needle nose pliers
wire cutter
screw drivers (regular and phillips)
2 - 10" adjustable wrenches
vise grip
torque wrench
chain whip
lockring tool
tire irons
patience
I bought things as I went/already had some of the non-bike specific tools already. Add up the costs to see which way comes out cheaper
Here's a few kits that are a good start:
https://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...200501__200501
https://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...200501__200501
https://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...200501__200501
floor pump
grease
degreaser
chain lube
crank puller
chain tool
BB tools
allen keys (2-8mm)
spoke wrench
needle nose pliers
wire cutter
screw drivers (regular and phillips)
2 - 10" adjustable wrenches
vise grip
torque wrench
chain whip
lockring tool
tire irons
patience
I bought things as I went/already had some of the non-bike specific tools already. Add up the costs to see which way comes out cheaper
Here's a few kits that are a good start:
https://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...200501__200501
https://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...200501__200501
https://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...200501__200501
Last edited by Gyeswho; 03-29-09 at 11:01 AM.
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: SoCal
Posts: 2,936
Bikes: A few BSO's.
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 164 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 53 Times
in
26 Posts
As you need them I think. I got the BB tool and crank puller first since those were the first things to change on the used bike I bought.
I had a bunch of tools that were not bike specific but then got more when I needed them as mentioned already.
Gotta have the chain whip/ lock ring tool combo made by Shimano.
When you need to change a headset you can search on how to make your own tools to install one. Cheap and easy.
I had a bunch of tools that were not bike specific but then got more when I needed them as mentioned already.
Gotta have the chain whip/ lock ring tool combo made by Shimano.
When you need to change a headset you can search on how to make your own tools to install one. Cheap and easy.
#9
Comanche Racing
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Deep in the heart of Texas
Posts: 2,820
Bikes: Presto NJS build, Specialized Allez Pro w/ full Dura Ace and Ksyrium SLs, 1990something Specialized Sirrus
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I have Park Tool 3 sided Allen wrenches (4,5,6), crescent wrenches, screwdrivers, those blue plastic park tools for changing tires, and a brand new tool that comes with a 15mm track nut "taker-offer" and a pedal wrench!
I manage to get buy OK with this. I go to the shop to get any chain stuff done as well as take off lock ring/cog. if I buy something from them (new chain or cog) they will do it for free.
I manage to get buy OK with this. I go to the shop to get any chain stuff done as well as take off lock ring/cog. if I buy something from them (new chain or cog) they will do it for free.
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Chicago, IL
Posts: 513
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Craftman 155 piece Mechanic set
Chain breaker
Crank puller
Chain whip
Lockring spanner
Bottom bracket tool
Tire iron
Grease and degreaser
Chain breaker
Crank puller
Chain whip
Lockring spanner
Bottom bracket tool
Tire iron
Grease and degreaser
#11
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2008
Location: huntington beach california
Posts: 345
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Well I have allens, a 15 wrench and plenty of screw drivers. Apart from that I have nothing.
#12
everyday I'm hustlin'
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 453
Bikes: Surly Crosscheck, Surly Steamrolla
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Chain Breaker,
floor pump,
tire levers (Seriously, saves your hands),
Greaser and Degreaser,
13mm-15mm cone wrenches (Adjusting hubs)
wrench kit,
Allen kit,
spoke wrench,
crank pullers,
lockring remover,
Chainwhip,
and I would personally try to find a really cheap truing stand. After using a truing stand, I can't ever imagine using my bike to true wheels. Pake actually makes a great 1/8" chainwhip and lockring remover that I picked up for $25. I also like some of the Crank Bros multi-tools.
floor pump,
tire levers (Seriously, saves your hands),
Greaser and Degreaser,
13mm-15mm cone wrenches (Adjusting hubs)
wrench kit,
Allen kit,
spoke wrench,
crank pullers,
lockring remover,
Chainwhip,
and I would personally try to find a really cheap truing stand. After using a truing stand, I can't ever imagine using my bike to true wheels. Pake actually makes a great 1/8" chainwhip and lockring remover that I picked up for $25. I also like some of the Crank Bros multi-tools.
#13
Fixed-gear roadie
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Wilmington, NC
Posts: 1,048
Bikes: 2008 Masi Speciale Fixed
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I've been buying things as I need them. It's worked out well so far and helping to build my relationship with the LBS, a lot of them recognize me now when I go in there looking for a new tool.
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 347
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Apart from basic tools, all you will need is a chain-whip, lockring spanner, crank puller, headset wrench (if threaded). You might also want to make your own headset press/remover.
Also obviously chain wax, degreaser, bearing grease, tire pump.
Normal tools you probably/might already have: Allen wrench set, open ended wrench set, torque wrench or a ratchet wrench (for the BB tool).
I didn't have any of that stuff a bit back, so I got a kit, and it was cheaper than getting all of that seperately.
Also obviously chain wax, degreaser, bearing grease, tire pump.
Normal tools you probably/might already have: Allen wrench set, open ended wrench set, torque wrench or a ratchet wrench (for the BB tool).
I didn't have any of that stuff a bit back, so I got a kit, and it was cheaper than getting all of that seperately.
#15
Old fart
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Appleton WI
Posts: 24,935
Bikes: Several, mostly not name brands.
Mentioned: 153 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3571 Post(s)
Liked 3,367 Times
in
1,916 Posts
#16
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2008
Location: huntington beach california
Posts: 345
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Lol forgot I had a floor pump. Hmm.. seems crank puller, bb tool, lockring/chainbreaker, chain wax?
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: The Big D
Posts: 457
Bikes: All City Nature Boy, All City Macho Man
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#18
Elitist
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 15,965
Mentioned: 88 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1386 Post(s)
Liked 92 Times
in
77 Posts
https://www.bikeforums.net/bicycle-mechanics/
#19
A biking donkey.
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Spain
Posts: 85
Bikes: Yubo Mundo, SE Draft, Iron Horse Warrior MTB
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
" Bike Repair Book"
I second the request for recommendations on that. Specially, for mechanically impaired people.
I second the request for recommendations on that. Specially, for mechanically impaired people.
#21
Utilitarian Boy
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Bronx, NY
Posts: 3,235
Bikes: Check the sig to find out
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
4 Posts
I have 2 actually. One shows drawings while the other shows pictures. Depending on your preference you can choose, but they are both good books. The Park Tool Book is good as well. I sometimes check their online repair guide as well despite having two books just because I like to make sure I understand correctly.
The books I have are:
This ones shows the drawings
This one shows actual photos
The books I have are:
This ones shows the drawings
This one shows actual photos
Last edited by Gyeswho; 03-30-09 at 05:42 AM.
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: NYC
Posts: 134
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
FYI, just saw this on the nasbar site for that email they just sent out. https://www.nashbar.com/webapp/wcs/st...&top_category=
not a bad deal but it looks like there are still a few things someone may need that aren't included.
not a bad deal but it looks like there are still a few things someone may need that aren't included.
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,276
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I've gotten by for years on:
-15mm wrench
-Adjustable wrench
-Crank puller
-Chain breaker
-Lockring spanner
-BB tool
-White lithium grease
-Tri-flow
-Tire levers
-Metric allen set
-15mm wrench
-Adjustable wrench
-Crank puller
-Chain breaker
-Lockring spanner
-BB tool
-White lithium grease
-Tri-flow
-Tire levers
-Metric allen set
#24
Goathead magnet
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 524
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
If I were to do it over again, I'd get the Nashbar Elite kit linked above. But I started acquiring tools here and there and now have a good bit.
#25
Uber Goober
I've just bought what I needed as I went along. I already had a lot of miscellenous wrenches; it's just the oddball stuff I've picked up.
__________________
"be careful this rando stuff is addictive and dan's the 'pusher'."
"be careful this rando stuff is addictive and dan's the 'pusher'."