Tool box/kit essentials
 

I am looking into setting up a tool box specifically for my bicycles (when they get here). Are there any tool kits/sets that have all of the needed tools? Am I going to be paying with two limbs and my first born for one of these sets?

What essential tools do I have to have right now to work on my bike? Are there any tools should I have while on the road? I remember doing everything with a pair of vice grips, channel locks, a hammer, and a flat head and it wasn't pretty! Thanks for the input.

The minimum I think are a set of allen keys and at least one or two adjustable wrenches. There are some wrenches like 10mm and sometimes 8mm (at least in Canada) that you may use more often than others.

Park tools sells several different tool kits that include I think all of the basic tools plus a toolbox to store them in.

That's a good starting point, and it depends on what sort of equipment your bike has. If it were me, I'd check the how-to tutorials at Park Tool's site and get just the tools I'm actually going to need. For example, there's no point wasting money on a conventional crank extractor if you have a crank with an integrated spindle, or a tool for splined bottom brackets if your bike has an external or integrated/press-fit BB setup.

For a take-along tool set, I take a Park Tool MT-1 multitool ($10), a Park Tool CT-5 chain tool, tire levers, a pump and often a CO2 inflator, a patch kit, and I also have a couple of master links for the chain and a Park Tool adhesive tire boot crammed into the patch kit as well. And a spare tube or two, of course.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/f...s/IMG_0315.jpg
Tire pump not shown here. Yes, even my tire lever has reflective tape on it :D

You can save yourself a few bucks by replacing the Park Tool boot and just carrying a few bucks, or using the wrapper from your favorite energy bar, or a candy wrapper.

For many other things in life, I tend to buy first and learn how to use later. For bicycling, I've tended to discover the need, then buy the tool.

I started with the typical 4mm/5mm/6mm triangular allen key. Versatile, though hard on wrists and doesn't always fit. Next was an allen wrench kit - I think I have the Pedro's kit, where the long side of each allen wrench is a ball head, so it's easier to move the wrench around when starting the screw. A set of screwdrivers (that's theoretically only to be used on the bike) came next, and has been very handy (even if I have borrowed from this kit and not returned some, naughty me).

I do throw too much money at my hobbies, and for a tool box that's true. I went with the Park PRS-15 repair stand (discontinued, I believe). I added the BTK-1 tool bucket with "kilt". It's a skirt that "attaches" to the bucket, with lots of pockets for tools. Every tool has a home, and it comes with a paper towel holder that fits the other side of the stand. On the rare occasion that I take my tools with me, the kilt comes off the bucket and fits inside the bucket, so my tools don't go flying and hiding.

I've since added a 15mm pedal wrench, chain whip, freewheel "bit", bottom bracket "bit", 1" wrench (for the two bits), and a Torx tool to deal with the screws on my disc brake rotors. I suspect a chain tool is in my future.

Looks like you carry a lot of stuff with you! Do you throw it all into a backpack or do you have a large/oversize seat bag?

On another note, I do own a basic tool kit. It's one of the crappy kits you buy from Wally World. I had more tools but had to get rid of them when I PCS'd to Japan. I appreciate the starting point of Park Tools, I can look up stuff then Google it for a cheaper price!

On second thought, I'll buy whatever I can that's Craftsman. Park thinks very highly of their tools and it shows in their prices!!

JMANNNIE: In my opinion, Craftsman tools are not at all what they used to be. Park tools may be pricey but I think they give good value. I am partial to Bondhus hex drivers. I buy tools on an as-needed basis since kits will typically contain a lot of tools you may never use. Definitely get a Park, Shimano or (the best) Felco cable cutter. A "third hand" tool is very helpful when you are installing cables, too. You won't regret getting an inexpensive torque wrench, especially if you get into carbon components, where they are essential. Harbor Freight and Northern Tool make inexpensive ones, I got a deal on a 1/4: drive set with hex bits from Bike Nashbar. You will need 3/8" drive as well for bottom brackets and such if you get involved with that kind of work. I prefer the "click" type but there is a lot of disagreement on that point, this has been covered in this forum previously. Cheap tools, to my mind, wind up causing frustration and chewed-up parts and knuckles. YMMV.

Actually, that all fits in one jersey pocket when racing XC, very compact (and the mini-pump is clipped next to my waterbottle cage). When commuting, I drop it into a pannier side pocket or trunk-bag side pocket.

I would add a dozen beer and a buddy to the tools you already have, and you are good to go.