[ReVolVeRage]

So, with the new additions to my humble abode, one of them being a garage, the other being my DH bike, I figured it's time to get my self some decent tools. I've never been much of a mechanic, but I do some of my own stuff. I do mostly everything, except suspension, hub work, and headset work. With that in mind, I need some new tools. Currently, I've got a set of all your basic non-bike specific tools, a 3 way, and a multi tool. What have you guys used, and what do you love? Every shop I've been into uses Park tool, which apparently is the Zeus of the tool world. I'd rather not take out a bank loan for this, but I am willing to spend under $150 or so. I've herd good things about Pedros Tool Bucket, any thoughts?

My overall goal with my garage is a to have a pegboard full of tools, a bike stand in the corner, a table of some sort to do all of the working on, and some way to organize my bikes. I need to organize a maximum of 4 bikes in there. I've got a good amount of room to do this, so space isn't a problem. Any suggestions on cheap ways of organization? We have a bike rack in my basement, but my tires are too wide to fit in the slots In addition, what are you guys using for work benches? Knowing RM it's a microwave, with a piece of plywood on top of it, bacon in the microwave and Fox 40 somewhere near by.

Thanks Tim 'The Toolman' Taylor!

 

[Dartman]

I've collected tools over the years, mostly Park, by buying just the tools I need for a particular job on my bike. Eventually I've collected enough to build a bike from the wheels up.

http://www.parktool.com has some good advice on how to's and what tools you'll need for a particular job.

I have quite a few tools most consider unnecessary such as a headset press and truing stand but they sure make life easier and I've used them many times.

I also believe in "crying once instead of many times" as a way to justify buying quality expensive tools, instead of cheap stuff.

Mike

 

[Wordbiker]

This would be a good start for $120.

Add a few other pieces specific to your bike...and maybe a good repair book. You'll be putting bike shops out of business in no time.

 

[grahamt]

Hi, yeah, I too have collected my tools over time. I buy the required tools when the need arises. Right now I have a decent selection of tools and most of them are park, just because they really are good (but this doesn't mean other tools are bad like pedros etc). Specialist tools are useful for things like facing frames, pressing bearings and headsets, etc. but I just go down to the lbs and leave it to them. Specialist tools tend to be quite pricey too.

i don't have a workstand because my friend lets me borrow his but they are really helpful when working on a bike. multitools are great in the garage too, i use mine instead of hex wrench set if its just small things they are always at hand.

a truing stand is good but again unless you are into wheel building then its a luxury, a wheel can be perfectly trued on the bike using a couple of rubber bands and pens.
but yeah, I'd stay away from cheap stuff, and a decent selection of tools, whether you buy it all at once or build it gradually is great to have

graham

 

[teamkranzelbike]

I am a tool nut. Some are basics that we use in the shop every day, some I have only used on our stuff. Some of my favorates in no particular order. Park Headset press. I have used this for many other things than just headsets. Park sram masterlink tool opens the master link in less than a second, Manatou fork oil measuring tool, set the level of the probe and draw out the extra. gets oil levels exact in seconds. an assortment of suringes set up for bleeding al ltypes of brakes, and every tool needed to completly service every marzocchi fork evr made. and fo when all ele fails a big freakin hammer ....I love my tools!!!!

 

[ultraNoob]

The perfect tool kit for the home mechanic. All the essentials plus a few goodies, lighter on the wallet than the park set.

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=24112&subcategory_ID=4218

Any home garage isn't complete without this:

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=19982&subcategory_ID=4216

As far as a bike rack, wall hooks work well. The other option is to buy some 2x4's and build one that fits your tires.

 

[Wordbiker]

Ick.

Cheap tools make baby Jebus cry.

Given that, a lot of tool manufacturers have certain tools they make that are good...and some are crap. For instance, we use the Pedro's Equalizer pedal wrench, and that thing rocks. Only one size (the most common 15mm) versus Park's two, but how often do you work on one piece cranks? The Equalizer sees daily multiple uses and has yet to show any wear whatsoever. It's also longer and has a better grip than the Park.

Perhaps if you made a list of the specific tools and how much use/what quality you're looking for, more succinct answers would be forthcoming.

 

[Quo Fan]

I buy tools as I need them. I usually insist on Park. I do have some non-Park tool, and they are Craftsman from Sears. Lifetime warranty, no questions asked. Buy good tools once, or crappy tools lots of times. You decide.

 

[ReVolVeRage]

Well guys, I'm in luck. A mechanic at my shop came to the rescue with a used set of tool. It's 3 drawers full of assorted tools, park and craftsman, for $300. Being a mech. for 30 years, I'm sure I can trust he has good tools. I'll be getting those, and his old stand for $400 even. Not bad, huh?

 

[weakbutstrong]

that sounds like an alright deal--depending on whether he's got a headset press in there--and several of the other high-tag tools. Some presses don't do 1.5 headsets--only newer ones... But if that's not really something you're too concerned about--then that sounds like a deal--considering the tool drawers, stands, and additionaly craftsman tools.

 

[Wumpus]

http://www.ridemonkey.com/forums/showthread.php?t=172553

http://www.ridemonkey.com/forums/showthread.php?t=173022