So I'm strongly considering clearing out a space in my garage to make myself a dedicated area where I can work on my bikes and actually maintain them well. I ordered this about a week ago, and it should be here soon, so I think with that I should be relatively well equipped for bike tools (obviously I don't have them all nor are they high quality but I think that's a good start).
I was just wondering if anyone had a good list of must have tools, whether they are bike specific or not, or miscellaneous parts that are good to have on hand at all times (for example extra spokes, loctite, etc)
So I'm strongly considering clearing out a space in my garage to make myself a dedicated area where I can work on my bikes and actually maintain them well. I ordered this about a week ago, and it should be here soon, so I think with that I should be relatively well equipped for bike tools (obviously I don't have them all nor are they high quality but I think that's a good start).
I was just wondering if anyone had a good list of must have tools, whether they are bike specific or not, or miscellaneous parts that are good to have on hand at all times (for example extra spokes, loctite, etc)
what you need is the tools that will let you work on your bike. Don't worry about being able to do every job on your bike (like fork / shock servicing, disc brake bleeding, wheel rebuilds) unless you have the technical knowledge..which probably means you are already a bike mechanic and have the tools in your bike shop!
Every bike has slightly different needs, although most modern bikes share the same toolset, with a couple of specific items to suit different components like cranksets or disc brakes
I would recommend always buying quality tools like Park, Pedros, Knipex, Draper, Snap-On; rather than cheap generic tools which quickly wear out and end up damaging components...
Two of the most important tools you can buy are a good quality bike stand - I recommend the Park PCS-9 for home use, and a good track pump (I have a pedros racing track pump)
LOL what's that big funny shaped hammer? Have you been hitting it too hard or something?????????
All I can think of off the top of my head, in addition to that home kit, might be:
1) Special rubber gloves like the ones Park Tool make 2) A mini Maglite for close inspection of things on the bike 3) Lint-free paper towels 4) Grease 5) Alcohol wipes / various cleaner wipes 6) That special tool that holds the chain together as you chainbreak it, so you don't have to try and do a Houdini act whilst performing the chainbreak, plus it won't fly off and scratch up your frame. http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=10221 7) Hacksaw Masking tape 9) Tape measure / ruler 10) WD-40 11) Wheel-pop bike stand 12) Home headset-press 13) Trackpump 14) Scissors / small knife 15) Crown race setter
i got my own home set-up consisting of: -super-b 35 pcs mechanic set (something along the lines of what you ordered, with a few extra tools like a chain cleaner, masterlink tool, and wire cutters) -a tub of grease -home made truing stand
-home made bearding/headset press(a threaded rod, two nuts, and two large washers -park tool pcs-9 stand (trust me, this is a priority for any home mechanic, when i started work at a bike shop i couldnt beleive how much easier it was) - i have a little wheelie workstand with a shelf, and some holders for tools and little bits (what the truing stand is rested on in the pic) -shop towels! (didnt think they would be a useful as they are) -i have a headset cup remover on the way
thats all i can think of off the top of my head. i have completely built bikes from scratch with these tools, as well as strip them down to scratch. so i guess you could say that is an extensive enough home mechanic set up. its awesome that you want to get into doing all your own work on your bikes. once i start learning everything at work its become a good past time and stress reliever for myself
edit: also, i have some spray on brake cleaner for servicing my bearings, as well as things like mentioned before, a hacksaw, and in my case a compressor for pumping tires.
+1 for the homemade headset press - except I use two washers each end and a locknut so I only have to use one wrench I also have a homemade crown race basher, which is plumbing pipe with electric tape around the end to stop it splitting. Works a treat.
Invest in some larger sockets for your forks (top caps are 20mm up), and grind them down so the ends aren't chamfered - you get better purchase that way.
Definitely get a workstand. It makes your life about a million times easier and saves your back.
"6) That special tool that holds the chain together as you chainbreak it, so you don't have to try and do a Houdini act whilst performing the chainbreak, plus it won't fly off and scratch up your frame." - butcher a wire coat hanger.
"6) That special tool that holds the chain together as you chainbreak it, so you don't have to try and do a Houdini act whilst performing the chainbreak, plus it won't fly off and scratch up your frame." - butcher a wire coat hanger.
then use an old spoke to hang your coat up after.....
+1 for the homemade headset press - except I use two washers each end and a locknut so I only have to use one wrench I also have a homemade crown race basher, which is plumbing pipe with electric tape around the end to stop it splitting. Works a treat.
That's a really good idea, I never thought of it. It would take the edge off that metal-to-metal harshness you get when slamming the pipe down with the hammer....
The plumbing pipe is just the white plastic stuff, it's fine for the job - no need to use metal or a hammer It also means that the crown race will always win if you slip, hit too hard, etc - don't want to damage it! Only problem is, B&Q only sold it in 2m lengths!
LOL fingers crossed Hampsteadbandit doesn't see this thread, coz he'll give us both a slap on the wrist for mentioning the use of grease during Crown-race installations.
He says it's not the done thing. Must always be dry....
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Masking tape 
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It also means that the crown race will always win if you slip, hit too hard, etc - don't want to damage it! Only problem is, B&Q only sold it in 2m lengths! 