Bike tools
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 57
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Bike tools
So, I just bought my first roadbike for ultra-cheap. It's an old Fuji 12speed. I'm using it for a couple of things, first to get used to roadbiking and see if I like it enough to invest in a much nicer bike, and second, to learn the basics of how to work on a bike.
The question I have is, what set of tools will I need for the basics of working on a bike? The kind of things I'm looking to do are basically, replacing some of the older parts with newer, upgraded parts as I learn what I want and need out of a bike, and doing basic general bike maintenance. Do bike shops carry tool-sets that I can pick up, or should I just hit home depot and get some basic tools? Thanks!
The question I have is, what set of tools will I need for the basics of working on a bike? The kind of things I'm looking to do are basically, replacing some of the older parts with newer, upgraded parts as I learn what I want and need out of a bike, and doing basic general bike maintenance. Do bike shops carry tool-sets that I can pick up, or should I just hit home depot and get some basic tools? Thanks!
#2
*
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,458
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Home Depot, Sears, or cheaper yet Harbor Freight can get you started. You'll need some metric wrenches - combination open/boxed is good, and a set of metric hex wrenches 2mm-10mm will cover everything, and 3-6 will cover 95%. For stuck items a breaker bar is good. After that you start getting more bike specific, you'll need flat cone wrenches to adjust loose bearing hubs, special pullers for freewheels and bottom brackets, a chain tool. But you can start slow, and ask on here about specific jobs and tools required as you come across them. Welcome to the club.
#3
surly old man
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Carlisle, PA
Posts: 3,392
Bikes: IRO Mark V, Karate Monkey half fat, Trek 620 IGH, Cannondale 26/24 MTB, Amp Research B3, and more.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 46 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 42 Times
in
18 Posts
nothing wrong with an old Fuji. Especially for the purpose you describe. Not too much heavier than a good new bike, and smaller financial risk.
The bearings on an old bike are likely in need of (at least) re-greasing. Most importantly the hubs. But also the bottom bracket and headset. You could pay a bike shop to do this. Or you could do them yourself. For that you would need cone wrenches for the hubs and one of various BB tools for the BB and probably only a large adjustable wrench for the headset.
And some cleaner to get the old cruddy grease out. And a tub of cheap grease to put back in. You might need new bearing balls too. And maybe new cones on the hubs also.
Minimal cost for grease and cone wrenches. Not much more for BB tools. Balls are cheap and readily available. Cones are cheap, but may be hard to find for your bike.
Other than the large adjustable wrench for the headset, Home depot will not have much to help you.
I guess you will likely need metric wrenches and allen wrenches in case you mess with more than what I described above. They can be purchased at a Home Depot.
A chain tool (to size a new chain) might enter into the equation also. But if you do that you might have to put a new freewheel on to avoid chain skipping. That means getting the right freewheel tool...
Start with hubs (and therefore cone wrenches -they are maybe 5-7 bucks) and go from there.
jim
The bearings on an old bike are likely in need of (at least) re-greasing. Most importantly the hubs. But also the bottom bracket and headset. You could pay a bike shop to do this. Or you could do them yourself. For that you would need cone wrenches for the hubs and one of various BB tools for the BB and probably only a large adjustable wrench for the headset.
And some cleaner to get the old cruddy grease out. And a tub of cheap grease to put back in. You might need new bearing balls too. And maybe new cones on the hubs also.
Minimal cost for grease and cone wrenches. Not much more for BB tools. Balls are cheap and readily available. Cones are cheap, but may be hard to find for your bike.
Other than the large adjustable wrench for the headset, Home depot will not have much to help you.
I guess you will likely need metric wrenches and allen wrenches in case you mess with more than what I described above. They can be purchased at a Home Depot.
A chain tool (to size a new chain) might enter into the equation also. But if you do that you might have to put a new freewheel on to avoid chain skipping. That means getting the right freewheel tool...
Start with hubs (and therefore cone wrenches -they are maybe 5-7 bucks) and go from there.
jim
#4
Death fork? Naaaah!!
Originally Posted by sevrdhed
The question I have is, what set of tools will I need for the basics of working on a bike?
Top
__________________
You know it's going to be a good day when the stem and seatpost come right out.
(looking for a picture and not seeing it? Thank the Photobucket fiasco.PM me and I'll link it up.)
You know it's going to be a good day when the stem and seatpost come right out.
(looking for a picture and not seeing it? Thank the Photobucket fiasco.PM me and I'll link it up.)
#5
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 57
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I don't have any real tools to speak of currently. Small things like a hammer, 2 adjustable wrenches, couple of screwdrivers. I've mostly been using my construction worker friends tools whenever I need something. But since I'm hoping to work on this bike a fair amount, I figured it was time to invest in some tools of my own.
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: CO....Hetchins MO, Merlin XL, Trek, Klien, Specialized, Kestral, Bataglin, Guerciotti, Bianchi, Schwinn, Colnago Geo, Miele, Contini, Feggin, Cannondale, Lemond, Ciocc, Giant, Rossin
Posts: 386
Bikes: Hetchins MO, Merlin XL, Trek, Klien, Specialized, Bataglin, Guerciotti, Bianchi, Schwinn C19, Colnago Geo, Miele, Contini, Feggin,Cannondale, Lemond,Ciocc, Giant, Rossin
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Let me suggeast the Performance Bicycle mechanic set as another alternative. The smaller one will do. They have a range of bike stands also if you end up going that far. I thought it was always nice to be able to hold, raise the bike up and be able to spin the wheels to work on it.
#7
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 57
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Would that be this:
https://www.performancebike.com/shop/....cfm?SKU=22310
Because if that would include all of the basics, I'd totally buy it.
https://www.performancebike.com/shop/....cfm?SKU=22310
Because if that would include all of the basics, I'd totally buy it.
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Chicago
Posts: 100
Bikes: 2006 Dahon Jack
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by sevrdhed
Would that be this:
https://www.performancebike.com/shop/....cfm?SKU=22310
Because if that would include all of the basics, I'd totally buy it.
https://www.performancebike.com/shop/....cfm?SKU=22310
Because if that would include all of the basics, I'd totally buy it.
I have that kit and like it a lot. I'm a total newbie to bike maintenance and repair and Haven't used them all. But it has been handy so far.
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Minneapolis, MN, USA
Posts: 1,152
Bikes: 1990 Burley Bossa Nova, 1992 Paramount PDG-70, 1993 Specialized Stumpjumper, 2005 Jamis Dakar XC Pro, 2007 Rivendell Bleriot
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 28 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
3 Posts
I've been buying tools piecemeal over the last two years, sometimes trying to save money by buying stuff on eBay, or buying Nashbar brand knockoffs..
In retrospect, i should probably just have bit the bullet and spent $260 on a proper Park kit like this: https://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?c...bcat%3A%20Kits
It's the cost of two or three tuneups in a store, and i've probably spent as much for considerably fewer (and lower quality) tools by buying as i went along.
The nashbar tools i've bought have been OK, but most of the tools i've bought on eBay have been rubbish. I bought what looked like a really nice set of torx and hex bits, where each bit would bend and literally shear off as soon as it was torqued, as well as a clicker torque wrench that i'm really suspicious of (seems to allow way too high a torque before it clicks).
Go for good quality tools and you'll sleep better at night and have far fewer headaches. It's worth a few extra bucks. Better to buy cheaper bike parts in fact, since cheaper parts usually work just fine. Cheap tools don't.
In retrospect, i should probably just have bit the bullet and spent $260 on a proper Park kit like this: https://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?c...bcat%3A%20Kits
It's the cost of two or three tuneups in a store, and i've probably spent as much for considerably fewer (and lower quality) tools by buying as i went along.
The nashbar tools i've bought have been OK, but most of the tools i've bought on eBay have been rubbish. I bought what looked like a really nice set of torx and hex bits, where each bit would bend and literally shear off as soon as it was torqued, as well as a clicker torque wrench that i'm really suspicious of (seems to allow way too high a torque before it clicks).
Go for good quality tools and you'll sleep better at night and have far fewer headaches. It's worth a few extra bucks. Better to buy cheaper bike parts in fact, since cheaper parts usually work just fine. Cheap tools don't.
#10
Death fork? Naaaah!!
Originally Posted by sevrdhed
Would that be this:
https://www.performancebike.com/shop/....cfm?SKU=22310
Because if that would include all of the basics, I'd totally buy it.
https://www.performancebike.com/shop/....cfm?SKU=22310
Because if that would include all of the basics, I'd totally buy it.
The Spin Doctor tools are made by Lifu, same as Nashbar's house brand. There's nothing wrong with them and I use them myself.
Top
__________________
You know it's going to be a good day when the stem and seatpost come right out.
(looking for a picture and not seeing it? Thank the Photobucket fiasco.PM me and I'll link it up.)
You know it's going to be a good day when the stem and seatpost come right out.
(looking for a picture and not seeing it? Thank the Photobucket fiasco.PM me and I'll link it up.)
#11
Banned.
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Fort Wayne, Indiana
Posts: 4,761
Bikes: 84 Trek 660 Suntour Superbe; 87 Giant Rincon Shimano XT; 07 Mercian Vincitore Campy Veloce
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
I DO NOT recommend a bicycle tool set, reason being is some of the tools in those kits you already have, also there may be some you may never use! If you don't have any tools at all then get all your standard basic tools at Sears if you want hassle free tool replacement should one break or rust etc (Sears will cost more then Harbor Freight but their better made). Then when you need a bike specific tool you go and buy that one tool, and you keep doing that on a as needed basis.
I've bought all my tools for my cars, the house and the bike this way and I don't have any tools that I never used and saved a ton of money by not buying tool sets.
I've bought all my tools for my cars, the house and the bike this way and I don't have any tools that I never used and saved a ton of money by not buying tool sets.
#12
Too many bikes
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Boston MA
Posts: 1,257
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by sevrdhed
Would that be this:
https://www.performancebike.com/shop/....cfm?SKU=22310
Because if that would include all of the basics, I'd totally buy it.
https://www.performancebike.com/shop/....cfm?SKU=22310
Because if that would include all of the basics, I'd totally buy it.
bought the Park cone wrenches. The Park ones are easier on your hands and
you get more leverage with the longer handles. The leverage can be important
if you are taking apart a hub that hasn't been serviced in a while. On the other
hand, it can't hurt to give the Performance ones a try - might work for what
you are dealing with.
#13
Elitist Troglodyte
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Dallas
Posts: 6,925
Bikes: 03 Raleigh Professional (steel)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I have the Spin Doctor Essentials kit too, and I think it's a good place to start. The tool quality is quite good. The issue is selection. Some of the tools - notable the cone wrenches, chain whip, chain tool, hex keys, etc - are going to be useful on any bike. Others like the bottom bracket wrench are specific to certain technologies (in that case to the new external-bearing Shimano BBs). You will need to add some tools to work on the Fuji, notably the correct BB tools, freewheel tools, and some cleaning brushes. Also a pump.
If you can afford the larger Spin Doctor Team Tool kit (currently $105) you'll have fewer "others" to buy. But the price difference is enough to buy the Spin Doctor Essentials work stand and a few tools.
One other tool I'd seriously consider acquiring is a torque wrench. You can get a 3/8" torque wrench from Harbor Freight for about $20. People that are new to wrenching don't yet have a feel for how tight certain fasteners are supposed to be. With the wrench you don't have to bet on a guess.
If you can afford the larger Spin Doctor Team Tool kit (currently $105) you'll have fewer "others" to buy. But the price difference is enough to buy the Spin Doctor Essentials work stand and a few tools.
One other tool I'd seriously consider acquiring is a torque wrench. You can get a 3/8" torque wrench from Harbor Freight for about $20. People that are new to wrenching don't yet have a feel for how tight certain fasteners are supposed to be. With the wrench you don't have to bet on a guess.
__________________
Stupidity got us into this mess - why can't it get us out?
- Will Rogers
Stupidity got us into this mess - why can't it get us out?
- Will Rogers
#14
Elitist Troglodyte
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Dallas
Posts: 6,925
Bikes: 03 Raleigh Professional (steel)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Originally Posted by bikemore
I bought the cone wrenches from Performance and after a while I went and
bought the Park cone wrenches. The Park ones are easier on your hands and
you get more leverage with the longer handles. The leverage can be important
if you are taking apart a hub that hasn't been serviced in a while. On the other
hand, it can't hurt to give the Performance ones a try - might work for what
you are dealing with.
bought the Park cone wrenches. The Park ones are easier on your hands and
you get more leverage with the longer handles. The leverage can be important
if you are taking apart a hub that hasn't been serviced in a while. On the other
hand, it can't hurt to give the Performance ones a try - might work for what
you are dealing with.
Another problematic tool is the pin wrench. Quality is fine, but the pins aren't replaceable, meaning that there are plenty of times where you'd like to use it but the pins are the wrong size. (Not sure that the current kit even has one; mine is the predecessor with 9-speed BB tool.)
__________________
Stupidity got us into this mess - why can't it get us out?
- Will Rogers
Stupidity got us into this mess - why can't it get us out?
- Will Rogers
#15
Banned.
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Fort Wayne, Indiana
Posts: 4,761
Bikes: 84 Trek 660 Suntour Superbe; 87 Giant Rincon Shimano XT; 07 Mercian Vincitore Campy Veloce
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
Originally Posted by DMF
One other tool I'd seriously consider acquiring is a torque wrench. You can get a 3/8" torque wrench from Harbor Freight for about $20. People that are new to wrenching don't yet have a feel for how tight certain fasteners are supposed to be. With the wrench you don't have to bet on a guess.
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 55
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I bought a Nashbar toolkit for $100 last year - https://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?c...All%20Products.
Although I know you can get better tools if you buy Park, or buy as needed from the LBS, this was a good deal and has gotten me through a year of repairs w/o a trip to the store because I didn't have the right tool. To be honest I still haven't used 75% of the tools, but knowing they are there is somehow reassuring.
Good luck.
Although I know you can get better tools if you buy Park, or buy as needed from the LBS, this was a good deal and has gotten me through a year of repairs w/o a trip to the store because I didn't have the right tool. To be honest I still haven't used 75% of the tools, but knowing they are there is somehow reassuring.
Good luck.
#17
cab horn
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Toronto
Posts: 28,353
Bikes: 1987 Bianchi Campione
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 42 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 26 Times
in
19 Posts
A torque wrench is probably the last thing i'd ever acquire unless you're working on carbon parts most of the time.
#18
Elitist Troglodyte
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Dallas
Posts: 6,925
Bikes: 03 Raleigh Professional (steel)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Originally Posted by froze
Look man, you can't just go to Harbor Freight and buy a torque wrench, their stuff won't be accurate nor reliable.
As for accuracy, who cares? All we want is to get close. Look at published torque specs. They easily have a 25% range. Shoot for the middle and your wrench can be off by 12% and still be within spec!
Besides, that's not the issue (except, as you say, with carbon). We're trying to avoid the 50-100% over/under torquing that commonly occurs with newbies. There's no reason at all to spend big bucks on a high quality torque wrench.
You also need a inch pound torque wrench not a foot pound torque wrench; and you need the inch pound one to read from 0 to usually 600 but anything less then 600...
Besides, most bike specs are in metric not English units. The 3/8" drive I got from HF has a dual scale. (Not sure they still sell that one.)
__________________
Stupidity got us into this mess - why can't it get us out?
- Will Rogers
Stupidity got us into this mess - why can't it get us out?
- Will Rogers
#19
Banned.
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Fort Wayne, Indiana
Posts: 4,761
Bikes: 84 Trek 660 Suntour Superbe; 87 Giant Rincon Shimano XT; 07 Mercian Vincitore Campy Veloce
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
Originally Posted by DMF
Well, the quality issue is tough to argue - I have to exchange about 10% of what I buy there - but reliability? What are you going to do, wear it out?
As for accuracy, who cares? All we want is to get close. Look at published torque specs. They easily have a 25% range. Shoot for the middle and your wrench can be off by 12% and still be within spec!
Besides, that's not the issue (except, as you say, with carbon). We're trying to avoid the 50-100% over/under torquing that commonly occurs with newbies. There's no reason at all to spend big bucks on a high quality torque wrench.
Math is HARD!
Besides, most bike specs are in metric not English units. The 3/8" drive I got from HF has a dual scale. (Not sure they still sell that one.)
As for accuracy, who cares? All we want is to get close. Look at published torque specs. They easily have a 25% range. Shoot for the middle and your wrench can be off by 12% and still be within spec!
Besides, that's not the issue (except, as you say, with carbon). We're trying to avoid the 50-100% over/under torquing that commonly occurs with newbies. There's no reason at all to spend big bucks on a high quality torque wrench.
Math is HARD!
Besides, most bike specs are in metric not English units. The 3/8" drive I got from HF has a dual scale. (Not sure they still sell that one.)
But a inch torque wrench is easier to guage the amount of force especially for a newbe then trying to figure it out on a foot pound wrench...but again I agree, it can be done with a foot pound wrench if you use your head more...but for some folks using your head could be a big IF!!!
#20
Elitist Troglodyte
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Dallas
Posts: 6,925
Bikes: 03 Raleigh Professional (steel)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Originally Posted by froze
But if you have any kind of mechanical skill and want to have a decent torque wrench to use also on the car or whatever else you might work on, then it pays to get a decent one and not a cheap one.
__________________
Stupidity got us into this mess - why can't it get us out?
- Will Rogers
Stupidity got us into this mess - why can't it get us out?
- Will Rogers