Advice on cycling tools/ equipment required for basic workshop maintenance / repair
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A good set of Allen keys will go a long way to basic maintenence.
Then if you want to replace the chain and cassette, could add a chain whip, chain splitter and a cassette lock ring tool.
Other jobs might only need to be done occasionally, such as BB replacement, pedal replacement etc. So it's a dilemma whether to buy an expensive tool kit up front or just wait until you need to do a specific job and buy the tools when you need them.
House hold tools like pliers, hammers, wire cutters always handy to have.
Good luck
Then if you want to replace the chain and cassette, could add a chain whip, chain splitter and a cassette lock ring tool.
Other jobs might only need to be done occasionally, such as BB replacement, pedal replacement etc. So it's a dilemma whether to buy an expensive tool kit up front or just wait until you need to do a specific job and buy the tools when you need them.
House hold tools like pliers, hammers, wire cutters always handy to have.
Good luck
Rusty Rocket
Active Member
I’d just buy tools as you need them, no point buying specific tools (ie bottom bracket tool) and not using them for a couple of years.
cyberknight
As long as I breathe, I attack.
- Location
- Land of confusion
Im still using my aldi tool kit with a few extra pieces like chain tool as theirs was made of cheese, also cable cutters and i need to get some 17 mm cone spanners as my new commuter has them and its not in that set
sleuthey
Legendary Member
- Location
- South Gloucestershire
Here you go. Laid them out especially fir you:
Rusty Rocket
Active Member
I wish my tools were that organised
When it comes to tools, I prefer high quality used ones to cheap new ones. Low grade screwdrivers, spanners and allen keys suffer from being roughly made from cheap soft metal, esp since many fasteners are themselves made of cheese.
Back when we had car boot sales you could get all the general purpose tools for pennies. Bike specific tools are very hard to find used. A larger chain tool is handy for workshop but a roadside one will do for occasional use.
Back when we had car boot sales you could get all the general purpose tools for pennies. Bike specific tools are very hard to find used. A larger chain tool is handy for workshop but a roadside one will do for occasional use.
CanucksTraveller
Macho Business Donkey Wrestler
- Location
- Hertfordshire
Argos do basic tool kits (Guild) that are cheap and have all your basics like Allen keys, small spanners, pliers etc. 15 to 30 pounds depending on what set you get, and most of the tools are serviceable with just a few misses. The screwdriver is pants.
I'd upgrade to a better set of cable cutters - Screwfix do some good ones, I got an Irwin Vise Grip there and that gets used a bit. Chain whip and chain cutter are useful sooner rather than later.
Anything more complicated and I'd wait until I needed it. You might go many years without needing that BB tool, and in fact I've done exactly that and it (and assorted other tools) sit unused in my garage.
They were gifts, in case you wonder.
I'd upgrade to a better set of cable cutters - Screwfix do some good ones, I got an Irwin Vise Grip there and that gets used a bit. Chain whip and chain cutter are useful sooner rather than later.
Anything more complicated and I'd wait until I needed it. You might go many years without needing that BB tool, and in fact I've done exactly that and it (and assorted other tools) sit unused in my garage.
They were gifts, in case you wonder.
Ming the Merciless
There is no mercy
- Location
- Inside my skull
Spare chain
Spare chain rings and bolts
Spare cassette
Spare brake and gear cables, plus ferrules
Spare brake pads
Spare tubes and tyres
Checking and tightening bolts.
The most common parts for things worked on, so what tools do you need for them?
Chain splitter tool and these days quick links.
Oil for chain
Grease for bolt / pedal threads etc.
Wire cutters or pliers
Set of Allen keys
Cassette removal tool
Puncture repair kit and pump.
What else do you want to be able to work on? That will determine what tools you’ll want.
Spare chain rings and bolts
Spare cassette
Spare brake and gear cables, plus ferrules
Spare brake pads
Spare tubes and tyres
Checking and tightening bolts.
The most common parts for things worked on, so what tools do you need for them?
Chain splitter tool and these days quick links.
Oil for chain
Grease for bolt / pedal threads etc.
Wire cutters or pliers
Set of Allen keys
Cassette removal tool
Puncture repair kit and pump.
What else do you want to be able to work on? That will determine what tools you’ll want.
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vickster
Legendary Member
Planet X used to do decent sets under their Jobsworth brand, can’t see now but this from Halfords very similar
https://www.halfords.com/cycling/bi...halfords-essentials-25pc-tool-kit-171961.html
A good track pump definitely needed too
https://www.halfords.com/cycling/bi...halfords-essentials-25pc-tool-kit-171961.html
A good track pump definitely needed too
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You can get on-bike cassette removal tools that dont require a chain whip.
I use the Next Best Thing NBT. So called because the best tool of this type, the Pamir Hypercracker has been out of production for so many years, younger riders are unaware it exists. It is the unicorn of bike tools and no one is even making fake copies.
I use the Next Best Thing NBT. So called because the best tool of this type, the Pamir Hypercracker has been out of production for so many years, younger riders are unaware it exists. It is the unicorn of bike tools and no one is even making fake copies.
