Tools of the trade
 

First, these forums rock. Everyone has been a huge help. Props to the community!

Anyway, I need tools. I have the usual suspects (wrenches, hammer, sweat and blood) but I don't have anything other than that. Like, how do I get the crank off? Headset? Brake lines? All that jazz. The short of it is that I want to strip the bike down to the frame and fork, spray paint it, then put everything back on. Is there a toolkit that can be purchased somewhere that has all the fixin's in it?

Cheers!

http://bikeisland.com/cgi-bin/BKTK_S...ils&ProdID=556

decent kit for a decent price + they have free shipping

The only things you need super-specialized tools for taking stuff off for is the cranks and maybe the bottom bracket. You will need a crank-puller to get your cranks off, unless they are cottered (then you just need a hammer and a punch). If you have a cartridge-style bottom bracket, you'll need whatever type of specific tool is used for it.

It won't be pretty, but you can get it done.

Go to www.sheldonbrown.com and search around there for info on your various parts.

I think the cheap kit is the way to go. Gives you pretty much everything you would need. You definitely get what you pay for, but the good thing is that it gives you the chance to figure out what you use a lot and upgrade accordingly.

One word of advice though, the chainbreakers that come with those sets are super crap. The usually break pretty quickly, you may want to replace that right away or just use it until it breaks.

I carry around most of what I'd need to assemble and disassemble 75% of my bike and also repair and reinflate a flat tire in my bag with me at all times... and it's surprisingly small. The few hex wrench sizes I'd need (seat, seatpost, stem, headset adjustment, etc), a 15mm wrench (pedals, wheels), tire levers, CO2 inflation kit, patch kit and ehh.. that's about it. I just don't have specialty tools like a chain whip or lockring wrench on me all the time.. those are at home.