Tool box set or separate tools?
 

I am planning to fix one of the old bike into a more ride-able conditions. I will have to change the chain, chainring, cog-sets, handle bars, brake...etc. And since all I have with me is a multitool now, I plan to get some more specific tools.

I think this is a good time to decide if I should go for a complete tool box set or should I buy the tools separately. What do you think? btw, For the tool kit I was thinking the PRO toolbox, which I could get it at a cheaper price of 145 euro. http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/articl...yclists-33539/

Buy the individual tools specific to your needs. Pre-made tools sets are going to contain a lot of tools you may never need.

I just buy tools as I need them. I end up with only what I need. They aren't in a nice neat little box. I have used every bicycle tool I've purchased so far.

Like headset wrenches. I can't remember the last time that I used one.

Also, nobody makes the best everything. For example, I like my Park tools but I don't like Park cable cutters. Care to guess what tool, other than allen wrenches, gets the most frequent use?

I also buy the tools as I need them. If I expect to use it frequently, then I'll usually spring for a better and more expensive tool. Really like the large park chain tool, but it was a little pricey. I did recently have to go out and get a headset wrench as well.

Yep, I still have mine bought back when they were needed frequently but now I only have one bike with a threaded headset. The "problem" with good tools is they last forever.

Get Zinn's The Art of Road Bike Maintenance....the first few chapters are all about the tools you will need to get (for various levels of repair, from "basic' to "advanced." If you are starting out with absolutely no tools, then maybe one of the tool kits will make sense. But most folks have some basic hand tools in their basements/garages (hammers, screwdrivers, pliers, ratchet socket sets...esp. metric..., etc.). There are a few "bike specific" tools you will need, like cone wrenches, chainwhips, spoke wrenches, pedal wrenches, BB, rear hub, and crank wrenches, etc. If you're serious, get the best quality you can afford. Poorly made tools are no bargain.

Here is a vote for a complete tool kit in box ... the total cost is far lower than purchasing all of the tools individually.

I suggest starting with a basic toolkit with the commonly-used tools. If you have screwdrivers and a range of metric spanners and allen keys you're already set to do many jobs on the bike. Additional tools can then be bought as needed. Otherwise you may end up with tools that you don't use, and/or tools that don't work very well so you buy a better one anyway.

buy the best you can afford, boxed or individually. the cheapo 50 dollar box sets are terrible

I bought a tool set
 

When I started working on bikes, I bought the Park AK-37 Tool Set, which is basic, but they call it their advanced set. I picked it up on ebay and was able to save some money that way. I have ended up using everything in the kit and adding quite a bit more - but some of it could be a bit redundant with what you have (the wrenches, screwdrivers, etc. and they aren't that great). Then, I added new tools as I needed them. However, I went into all of this knowing that I both wanted to work on our bikes (wife and mine) which ranged from 80s vintage to contemporary road bikes - and that I was interested in fixing up other bikes as I came across them. I think it was cheaper this way, but you could also price tools out individually to see, especially for the main ones you'll need.

So there you are: two valid but conflicting opinions. Glad we could help.

Strangely enough, I was tagged (surprise!) for a presentation about tools at this week's bike club meeting (my friend asked me to help out... when he started the presentation). The upshot is:

Buy tools as you need them. Tools that you don't need are just dead weight.
Buy the best you can get- they'll pay for themselves by not stripping screws or bolts. The very best (Craftsman and Snap-On) have lifetime replacements for when they wear out.
Care for what you have- if you break something, it'll be at 10PM the night before the big ride.
Harbor Freight sells usable hammers. Everything else is crap.

I started with tire changing tools, allen wrenches and a complete metric socket set. You can cut cables and cable housings with a Dremel, very well. Things like bottom bracket tools, can wait until you really need them, but basic non-mini tools are worth it. Consider the time you'd waste having someone else fix you bikes. Chris

Oh, I don't know. I've wasted a lot of time fiddling in the garage on my own bikes. :innocent:

Me too. My wife used to accuse me of doing unspeakable things with my bikes in the garage.

I'm all for buying tools as needed for starters you should get a good set of metric wrenches 8mm to 17mm fairly cheap at auto or hardware stores, a good larger size adjustable wrench and a set of metric allen keys. I also highy recomend that you get a couple of basic cone wrenches like these.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-Piece-Bicy...item483ec6e39c

+1 on buying as you need them. If you find you need some bike specific tool, chances are you will use it again. Btw I use headset wrenches every winter when I regrease and overhaul my bikes for the comming season.

Also buy a good set of metric wrenches such as Craftsman. They are far superior to even Park wrenches. You will have to by thin cone wrenches tho.