Bike Tools

[tulsacruiser]

Ok Im too the point that Im in need some some bike tools, But I really dont want to spend a whole lot of money.
Can anyone recommend a good brand w/ decent prices?
I know Park Tools are good but kinda a little more than I want to spend for a tool kit.
Any others? Any one wanna sell some tools to me?

 

[user 135]

If you are not working on multispeed bikes, you will need very few bike specific tools.

Bike specific tools needed in every tool box.
A good chain tool - Park CT-5 I like.
Cone wrenches
Headset wrench
Pedal wrench

If you want to buy an inexpensive kit, you will end up upgrading some tools as they will break or don't meet you needs. I bought the base kit from Pricepoint. http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/14585- ... -Tools.htm The Headset wrench and chain tool have been junk. The BB tool could be better but works fine.

 

[tulsacruiser]

Thanks man

 

[Graylock]

Yah what Cman said.

This is what I started with and as I need special tools I pick up or replace with Parks tools from my LBS.

http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_126943_-1_201492_10000_200501

Or a smaller set here

http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_126980_-1_201492_10000_200501

Or even smaller here

http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_126939_-1_201492_10000_200501


GL

 

[deorman]

Good tools are cheaper than replacing components that have been mangled or worn out from lack of maintenance. Chain tools are cheap. The cone (flat) wrenches are a must if you ride a lot, and you don't feel like replacing your hubs and/or the bearings on a regular basis. Crank arm puller if you use a 3-pc.. Freewheel tool if you have one of those. Most head sets and pedals I deal with can be done with generic mechanic's tools.

 

[mikesbikes36]

Most head sets and pedals I deal with can be done with generic mechanic's tools. what is some people use snap-on or mack? u consider these generic?? LOL just jokin thought it sounded good ...mike

 

[jerrykr]

Couple of things I use, but have not been mentioned.

A brass hammer. Rusted parts come apart with some "persuasion". Great for pounding on other tools when you "just have to". Generally not recommended, but there are times when you need to break things loose.

A selection of drift punches. One with about a 1/4 inch end works well to remove pressed in bearing cups on bottom brackets and head sets. Square brass stock is probably even better. Brass hammer very useful here too.

Dies for chasing threads on mangled axles. There are only a few sizes. Buy good ones as you need them to repair those flat spots on the threads.

Generic Mechanic Tools. Buy "guaranteed for life" wrenches and sockets. Sears Craftsman has long been known for bailing you out after you solved a problem with brute force, but the wrench did not survive. No questions asked replacements can be a good value. BTW: I have not tried this yet, but Harbor Freight now advertises that their wrenches are guaranteed for life. I have a couple of cheap sets that look and perform pretty good.

Sounds like I have a "bigger hammer" mentality... not really, but sometimes that's what gets the job done.

All the other suggestions are good ones!

 

[deorman]

Just to be sure it's understood, my use of the term generic was in reference to type, and not brand, i.e., not specialized. :wink:

 

[purple]

I have been working on bikes since I got my sencond bike as a kid. A Stingray in 1980. As of now the only bike specific tools I own are the chain tool and spoke wrench from Walmart and a Park cable cutter. I use the cable cutter for my bass strings too, works real nice. Everything else I do with socket sets, open end wrenches, screwdrivers, a large cresent, a hammer, common punches and a block of wood (easier to hammer bearing cups evenly).

 

[deorman]

Oh, yeah, spoke wrench! :mrgreen:

 

[purple]

I think I need a fourth tool, like you said a crank arm puller. Only cuz I need to tear down a couple of parts mountain bikes.

 

[user 135]

[quote="deorman"..... and not brand, i.e., not specialized. :wink:[/quote]

But Specialized is a brand. :wink: :wink:

 

[beatcad]

ahhhh do i love my tools....
the only bike specific tools i have is a spoke wrench and plastic tire irons.
i do want a pedal wrench,so i dont mess up my good stuff. i also want a 3rd hand tool, but i often have a friend, so i'll get one maybe someday.

i just got back into bike a couple years ago and i havent needed anything that "special"
i'm trying my darndest to stay away from 3 peice cranks 8)

anyhow here's my regular tool advice for y'all. mostly the young guys and gals....
you dont need the high end high dollar tools(snap-on, mac,matco,cornwell)
if yer gonna spend money on tools(and you should) buy decent stuff like craftsman or husky or cobalt.
do not waste your money on cheap tools like junk made in teiwan. from wal*mart or Kmart.
i did when i was young and cracked sockets and spread wrenches and ratchets took a dump on me.
i got rid of junk as soon as i could. than i worked at a shop and i wanted to have "cool" high dollar stuff like the guys i work with. i soon realised that the craftsman and husky stuff was the best bang for the buck.

if this advice helps only one young wrench turner than i feel good.
i'm gonna step off the soapbox..... :mrgreen: