Best Bike tools?

Jm_ · Apr 11, 2014

Agree that park is hit and miss. Some things are outstanding quality and function, others are easily beaten. Shimano has made some amazing chain-tools in the past with big handles and replaceable parts, pedros t-handle wrenches were far better than the park ones, spokeys are a million times better than that loop-business that park makes, and so on. In other areas nothing but the "park tool" will do the job repeatedly.

canadmos · Apr 13, 2014

Little savings:
http://www.jensonusa.com/Park-Tool

wysiwyg · Apr 14, 2014

My DIY Roger Musson jig and associated adapters

HardtailHack · Apr 14, 2014

My jig always ends up as the frame the wheel is going in to and a few cable ties, when it comes to wheels I don't think having them built by a 400yo blind monk in the mountains of Feckknowswhere makes any difference. I'm a lazy overweight person who builds my own wheels and they hold up fine, doing things in sequence isn't rocket scientology.

Also the handle end of a file is the best de-burrer.

I have a bunch of different sized washers and nuts on some threaded bar that knocks headsets out that are too tough for the Springy Park knocker outerer. You need some penny washers with holes quite a bit bigger than the rod you then grind the edges off so it slides through the HS then tighten the nut and knock away. It also pulls fork bushes out too.

If you have an On-One you need various hammers and shifters to put **** where it should be, no facing tool could fix my brake mount as it was nowhere near the intended position so a shifter sort of fixes it.

4130biker · Dec 18, 2014

4130biker said:
Tools are awesome. That being said, I think you are on the right track.
One of my favorites is having a nice pick/ scribe tool- somehow comes in handy all the time and its cheap.

What don't you like about this suggestion Gemini2k?.

jstuhlman · Dec 18, 2014

because not harbor freight?

jstuhlman · Dec 18, 2014

Kanye West · Dec 18, 2014

Best bike tools?

Every member of Ridemonkey.

Electric_City · Dec 19, 2014

I don't think Strap-on is any better than Mac, Cornwell, Armstrong, Matco, or Craftsman Professional. I can't see how people can justify spending $400 for a ratchet and 15 sockets for the light duty that a bike mechanic will generally put these tools through. They all have a lifetime warranty which should mean that they stand by their product. Not that they're pricing it so WHEN it breaks, they're not losing out.
OTOH, I've experienced the POS stuff Harbor freight has and wouldn't recommend buying a bag of rubber bands from them. I do believe that there are good quality and good priced tools in an all in one package though.

jonKranked · Dec 19, 2014

hey @Straya what's your fuckin deal? i was just sharing my experience with one of the tools i've purchased and used, and found to be lacking.

jstuhlman · Dec 19, 2014

must work for sette

4130biker · Dec 19, 2014

gemini2k said:
Hmmm? Did I accidentally give you neg rep or something?

Just randomly had "dislike" notification on my old post a couple days ago, and was a bit confused. I stand by my suggestion, and support JonKranked in his critique of the Sette headset press until someone gives an actual rebuttal of why it doesn't suck.

That said, I think many people who insist on high end (snap-on, Mac) tools and don't wrench for a living are deluding themselves in thinking that they "need" them. I enjoy getting snap-on stuff, just because it's a bit of a tool nerd thing, but I wouldn't say wrenching on bikes requires them. I think a nice middle ground is a company that has a good warranty on their tools, but is cheaper. My go-to for that was Craftsman, but I am honestly a little concerned about the reliability of any warranty from them when Sears stores are dropping like flies. Maybe someone can suggest a better middle range tool brand that isn't in danger of failing?

johnbryanpeters · Dec 19, 2014

My brother was a Snap-on® dealer. Most of their tools are the 'nads, but you're paying at least a 2x premium for the name bling factor.

My tool set's mixed. It runs from Snap-on® to Park to craftsman to whatever I found when I needed it.

Use what works for you.

Banshee Rider · Dec 20, 2014

A few of my personal favorites:

Snap-on true flush cutters. Ideal for zip-tie's and tire cutting.

Pedro's vice whip, because chain whips are annoying.

Snap-on wide-mouth with short handle. Light enough for the plane, big enough for everything you forgot about. Smooth jaws leave no trace.

Craftsman pick set. I actually prefer these to the Snap-on's. The small round grip allows for easy twirling, where the bulky square grips make it difficult when you're trying to be still and fish a cable. Straight pick is great for opening housing ends.

Cordless impact driver. Lightweight. Battery in handle. Quick release hex bits. Lacing wheels, rotor bolts, stem bolts, caliper bolts. Efficiency.

This.

Straya · Dec 23, 2014

jonKranked said:
hey @Straya what's your fuckin deal? i was just sharing my experience with one of the tools i've purchased and used, and found to be lacking.

Sorry. Did I neg rep or something? Wasnt intended.
Been struggling with this forum software on my phone. Lots of hung screens and me stabbing at my screen and swearing so my apologies if ive hit a wrong button and let me know if i can unhit something
Edit-found my dislike. Yeah sorry, complete accident. Have removed it.

kazlx · Dec 28, 2014

I ended up buying a complete second set of tools that I use for my bike. I got tired of packing my real tools when I traveled. Pretty much started with a set of Allens and kept adding. I keep it all in a CLC bag like this:

http://www.amazon.com/Custom-LeatherCraft-1539-Multi-Compartment-Carrier/dp/B000EDTSZG/ref=sr_1_3?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1419823082&sr=1-3&keywords=clc+tool+bag

I keep a Plano lure box inside the main pouch with a big rubber band around it for all my small parts.

I'm a tool whore at home and have a mixture of stuff. Pedros, Park and most stuff seem to be pretty similar on value. If the Park tool works and isn't stupid expensive, I'll usually get that. For the rest of my generic hand tools, it's the older USA Craftsman stuff and Snap-On. I also like the German tools like Wiha, Knipex, etc. This place has good stuff.

http://www.kctoolco.com/

blindboxx2334 · Dec 29, 2014

HardtailHack said:
My jig always ends up as the frame the wheel is going in to and a few cable ties, when it comes to wheels I don't think having them built by a 400yo blind monk in the mountains of Feckknowswhere makes any difference. I'm a lazy overweight person who builds my own wheels and they hold up fine, doing things in sequence isn't rocket scientology.

good god i love you for this.

i do the same thing.

kazlx · Dec 29, 2014

I built multiple wheels using a home made wood stand. Works fine. Wifey got me a new Park TS so now I'll use that just because it's nice and she knew using the other one took longer. Not sure why wheel building has some sort of black arts aura. It's pretty basic.

Jm_ · Dec 30, 2014

kazlx said:
I built multiple wheels using a home made wood stand. Works fine. Wifey got me a new Park TS so now I'll use that just because it's nice and she knew using the other one took longer. Not sure why wheel building has some sort of black arts aura. It's pretty basic.

132 parts, omg!

TrumbullHucker · Dec 30, 2014

kazlx said:
I'm a tool whore at home and have a mixture of stuff. Pedros, Park and most stuff seem to be pretty similar on value. If the Park tool works and isn't stupid expensive, I'll usually get that. For the rest of my generic hand tools, it's the older USA Craftsman stuff and Snap-On. I also like the German tools like Wiha, Knipex, etc. This place has good stuff.

http://www.kctoolco.com/

damn thats a hot set

buckoW · Jul 16, 2020

I always wanted a little lathe for shock hardware and shortening shock bodies. So here’s my newest tool addition to the shed. It’s a Shaublin 70 and I’m already making all sorts of the dorkiest bike parts like dome headed ti bolts, alu hardware instead of steel hardware, etc. I have no idea what I’m doing and that’s one of the best parts.

How’s everyone else’s shops/tools coming along?

Happymtb.fr · Jul 16, 2020

Nice @buckoW as always!

I have a nice portable lathe

But I am most proud of my movable bench

jonKranked · Jul 16, 2020

wow what a zombie thread.

i still have my ts2.2 truing stand, but it doesn't get used as much as it used to, carbon wheels don't need frequent truing.

and i still have that headset press. i still don't use the bearing race cups it came with, i got a set from cane creek that works well (but are specific to CC headsets)

lobsterCT · Jul 16, 2020

buckoW said:
I always wanted a little lathe for shock hardware and shortening shock bodies. So here’s my newest tool addition to the shed. It’s a Shaublin 70 and I’m already making all sorts of the dorkiest bike parts like dome headed ti bolts, alu hardware instead of steel hardware, etc. I have no idea what I’m doing and that’s one of the best parts.

How’s everyone else’s shops/tools coming along?

View attachment 147511 View attachment 147512

Nice shop Buckow. Love the oldschool small lathe. I set up a small lathe and small mill in my garage during the covid lockdowns to help with my next framebuilding project and other misc bike parts. Each of these machines is about 600 pounds, it was quite a task to get them set on their tables by myself.

canadmos · Jul 16, 2020

Custom Bike Tools

Custom Fork Cap Wrenches for all FOX40, FOX36, and Rock Shox Forks

www.lunarbikes.com

jonKranked · Jul 16, 2020

canadmos said:
Custom Bike Tools

Custom Fork Cap Wrenches for all FOX40, FOX36, and Rock Shox Forks

www.lunarbikes.com

are they actually still in business? they showed their hubs with 26" wheels.

canadmos · Jul 16, 2020

jonKranked said:
are they actually still in business? they showed their hubs with 26" wheels.

Should be, their website was updated this year.

jonKranked · Jul 16, 2020

canadmos said:
Should be, their website was updated this year.

website looks a little old school, caught me off guard i guess.

canadmos · Jul 16, 2020

jonKranked said:
website looks a little old school, caught me off guard i guess.

Their website is AWESOME. It is simple, loads quickly and doesn't have a bunch of endless scrolling panels of useless glamour shots.

jonKranked · Jul 16, 2020

canadmos said:
Their website is AWESOME. It is simple, loads quickly and doesn't have a bunch of endless scrolling panels of useless glamour shots.

and the picture of the front hub advertises that it was used with a 26" kenda tire.

WestCoastHucker · Jul 16, 2020

jonKranked said:
and the picture of the front hub advertises that it was used with a 26" kenda tire.

because single speed mtb'rs are kooks..

toodles · Jul 16, 2020

buckoW said:
View attachment 147511 View attachment 147512

Keep your flowy dreamy locks away from that belt and head...

Also let us know how long it takes you to forget to take the chuck key out...

But seriously, I've seen some nasty shit happen with lathes. Just be careful, especially if you're using hand tools on the work piece. I've had to drive a couple of guys to hospital. I know it sounds dorky but wear your safety glasses etc, especially while you're figuring it out.

johnbryanpeters · Jul 16, 2020

toodles said:
Keep your flowy dreamy locks away from that belt and head...

Also let us know how long it takes you to forget to take the chuck key out...

But seriously, I've seen some nasty shit happen with lathes. Just be careful, especially if you're using hand tools on the work piece. I've had to drive a couple of guys to hospital. I know it sounds dorky but wear your safety glasses etc, especially while you're figuring it out.

As the machinists who trained me said, "Note that at no time do my fingers leave my hands".

slimshady · Jul 16, 2020

toodles said:
Also let us know how long it takes you to forget to take the chuck key out...

Took me just three classes on the machining course I took two years ago to fall for that one. Luckily it got shot to the opposite side of the lathe I was standing by. Now I have it secured to the base with an elastic cord, following my trainer's suggestion. Every time I need to adjust the Chuck I have to pull the key to it.

maxyedor · Jul 16, 2020

toodles said:
Keep your flowy dreamy locks away from that belt and head...

Also let us know how long it takes you to forget to take the chuck key out...

But seriously, I've seen some nasty shit happen with lathes. Just be careful, especially if you're using hand tools on the work piece. I've had to drive a couple of guys to hospital. I know it sounds dorky but wear your safety glasses etc, especially while you're figuring it out.

All solid advice, the lathe is easily the most dangerous tool in the shop, but least threatening looking. That chuck key hanging out in the chuck with stock in the chuck gives me sweaty palms, seen a few guys forget to remove the key and bad, bad things happen.

Need to add a lathe to the home shop some day, no longer have one at work to use, and man do I miss it. Should have bought the lathe first then the mill.

otherwise nothing really too new in my garage, got a cool Wera kit for the truck that covers almost all bike fasteners, and finished out my screwdriver drawer organizer

Best Bike tools?

sled dog's bollocks

Cake Tease

Monkey

used an iron once

PM me about Tantrum Cycles!

Turbo Monkey

bagpipe wanker

Turbo Monkey

bagpipe wanker

220# bag of hacktastic

Torture wrench

Detective Dookie

bagpipe wanker

PM me about Tantrum Cycles!

Hero

Turbo Monkey

Turbo Monkey

Turbo Monkey

Monkey

Turbo Monkey

Patches O'Houlihan

Turbo Monkey

Patches O'Houlihan

sled dog's bollocks

trumbullruxer

Turbo Monkey

Turbo Monkey

Detective Dookie

Monkey

Cake Tease

Detective Dookie

Cake Tease

Detective Dookie

Cake Tease

Detective Dookie

RETSUBDUHT

ridiculously corgi proportioned

Hero

¡Mira, una ardilla!

<b>TOOL PRO</b>