Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 13,496
Likes: 940
From: Boston-ish, MA
Bikes: 72 Peugeot UO-8, 82 Peugeot TH8, 87 Bianchi Brava, 76? Masi Grand Criterium, 74 Motobecane Champion Team, 86 & 77 Gazelle champion mondial, 81? Grandis, 82? Tommasini, 83 Peugeot PF10
I've worked on my own "furrin" cars for decades. I own mostly Craftsman tools. I've broken a tool only once, a Craftsman socket decades ago, which they replaced. First tools I ever bought were an S-K ratchet and sockets. Still use 'em. The ratchet lacks the Craftsman patented put-to-release button but I think it's better in a number of key ways. Also own one Snap-on tool, a big (12mm?) Allen wrench. In the old days Snap-on tools were supposed to be the best. It's hard to screw up an Allen wrench unless the metal isn't hard enough so I couldn't say whether it is better or worse, but nobody else made one that big. (It fit a Fiat oil drain plug.) I also own a smattering of random unknown stuff.
+1 on the "don't get cheap tools" advice.
Ditch the adjustable wrench for anything where the proper size "real" wrench is available. Use a box end if possible.
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Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller