So I fancy buying myself a new tool after I've had a bit of sort out and made space for three drawers of bike tools. What tool do you have that you think 'ooooo I'm glad I have this' every time you use it.... even if its only very occasionally!
Knipex pliers wrench 180mm
Mostly used for crimping cable ends but just a handy all round tool.
I also really like my snap on flare nut 8 mm spanner for hose fittings
Mech hanger tool
You can bodge one easy enough but they are great
Nice T handle hex keys, my ones are bondhus.
Also nice screwdrivers- wera.
Nice torx driver T25, but with a screwdriver type handle- Homebase own brand.
None of above are massively expensive except the bondhus set, but I only bought 4 individual ones.
Bike Specific tools like chain whip and cassette tool I’ve bought as I’ve needed.
Non of them I prefer over another though.
But I like nice but not stupid expensive tools.
I proper quality set of cable cutters. I have Park ones which have been excellent. And a good set of hex and torx keys - mine are Wera I think. Anything more specialist I'd suggest waiting till you need it - most of my bike specific tools only come out once a year or less!
Another vote for mech hanger tool here. Surprising how often you use it.
Quick Link joiner, removal tool. So quick. Yes, never used one for years but sold on it for less than £15.
Strap wrenches - have actually come in usefull not just on dropper post collars.
Yep, mech hanger tool. If you have a good one, you'll end up checking hanger alignment every time the mech is off. I also pre check spare hangers before using them.
The Abbey Tools one is expensive, but oh so lovely.
Star Nut setter - got
Hex keys - wera got
Torx keys - wera got
T Handle torx driver - got
Cassette pliers - got
Cable cutters - park check and they crimp ends
Mech hanger tool yeah possibly, also been looking at cable pullers.
Mech hanger tool
Indeed
Probably the most useful tool you can buy that cant be ghettoed,
solves so many apparant problems
Quick link pliers - got
Strap wrench - got
I did use to have a digital vernier caliper but it seems to have been misplaced, I'll add one to my maybe list.
I also like my Pedro cassette plyers.
And my spoke tensiometer.
Bearing press.
Blind bearing puller.
Mech hanger tool.
Torque wrench.
Tyre pressure gauge.
Is a blond bearing puller similar to a blind one but occasionally it makes silly mistakes and can't drive well?
Bahhhh your edit speed was too fast!
Haha...spotted..!
But beats random use of inappropriate tools for getting bearings out, blond or not..
Knipex pliers wrench, I don't use it for crimping cable ends though, super glue does that job
stgeorge
Free MemberIndeed
Probably the most useful tool you can buy that cant be ghettoed,
It's incredibly easy to ghetto- the thread of the mech fitting bolt is the same as one of the QR axle standards. So, get one of those, thread it in. Stick a straight edge in the dropouts (bit of threaded bar is ideal). Bend til both are parallel. Sorted.
Another vote for the knipex plier wrench - it’s awfully handy and lovely engineering.
All of the below make life much easier:
Bottom bracket sockets
Pipe cutter (for cutting down alloy bars)
Master link pliers
Ratchet spanner’s
Piston press
Olive driver
Hammer & punch set
Bearing press set
Files
Torque wrench
These are quite good for a tenner
Lifeline cable tie cutters.
Lifeline cable tie cutters.
+1, Was just about to recommend the same thing, got one about 2 months back. No more filing down sharp bits let after cutting a cable tie excess.
Wheel jig is probably my next purchase. Also - bike mechanic's apron.
Good quality bike workshop stand (probably won’t fit in one of your spare drawers though.)
+1 for mech hanger alignment tool
Bearing press - or at least some threaded bar, nuts and washers and the proper inserts for your particular flavour of press fit bottom bracket if you’re unlucky enough to be afflicted by one.
Do those cutters actually cut flush?
I got an apron last christmas after ruining several nice tops with a "quick fettle". It's still unused and I've ruined another top...
Brake hose cutter/guillotine and a barb driver.
Chain link pliers and star nut tool are a couple that I never thought were essential, but just make life so much easier.
I never thought I'd need a derailleur hanger tool until this week, always managed to get them working by eye, but I have a very recalcitrant bike after a stick wrecked the derailleur. I have a new hanger on order, but not sure if the derailleur I fished out of the spare parts box is also bent somehow, or there's something else weird going on that I haven't spotted. I have a derailleur tool on the way, I think I'm going to have to go back to basics and check everything to be sure.
Lots of good suggestions here.
Only things i use that aren't mentioned are:
Air compressor... might not fit in your drawers though?
Vernier calipers - digital are really good for checking chain length
Hammer - soft and hard
I've got just about every tool i'll ever need (until they introduce yet another bloody standard, obviously), and use them every day, but the one that makes me smile every time I use it is an Elvedes cable-end crimper, perfect neat ends every time, no accidentally snipping through the tip, or pulling off the end when tensioning the cable, can't figure why bike manufacturers don't use them(actually I can, but that's a different story).
If you have 12 speed a mech hanger alignment tool is near essential - even building new bikes I’d find they were off
Excellent if you have pressfit bottom brackets.
JIS screwdrivers. You really only need the one for bike work though. But I'd second the hanger tool too.
What size JIS screwdriver do you need?
Which mech hanger tool do people suggest?
@Murray - fill yer boots
https://www.bikeradar.com/features/im-pathetically-excited-about-these-new-park-tool-screwdrivers/
Proper pedal wrench, keep your knuckles for something else to smash into
I really try and do everything in my bikes myself. In the past i have made do with some cheap bodges, but recently i have used the following and really enjoyed them....
Wheels Mfg BB extractor and press. They also do lovely press for wheel bearing. See also RRP for their lovely presses and drifts. Joy!
Unior seal driver for fork seals. Just ace.
An icetools 3/8 socket for a Shimano HT2 threaded bottom bracket. Really nice.
A flat faced socket for undoing the top cap of forks to allow access to the air spring. Works like a charm.
Ian
Which mech hanger tool do people suggest?
I have the park one. Works fine, but mech hanger tools are pretty simple crude tools so i'm sure the cheaper ones are just fine too.
Another tool worth having is a chainring bolt tool.
Ooh i forgot...if you have 4 pistin brakes, R3PRO do an ace 3d printed spacer that allows you to isolate 3 pistons and move just one, which helps if you have a sticky piston. Top piece of kit, makes a nuisance job a lot easier.
Ian
Genuine question - what are folks using Knipex pump pliers for on bikes? I've a couple of sizes, and can't recall having them near the bike.
but the one that makes me smile every time I use it is an Elvedes cable-end crimper, perfect neat ends every time
Aha. I have a insulated crimp tool - this might also be perfect. Will try it.
Genuine question – what are folks using Knipex pump pliers for on bikes? I’ve a couple of sizes, and can’t recall having them near the bike.
I mainly use mine as a better adjustable spanner. It comes in handy for other jobs like holding bladed spoke when trueing a wheel and trueing up a disc rotors.
"oh i forgot…if you have 4 pistin brakes, R3PRO do an ace 3d printed spacer that allows you to isolate 3 pistons and move just one, which helps if you have a sticky piston. Top piece of kit, makes a nuisance job a lot easier."
I have these and their caliper alignment tool. Bloody awesome things.
I mainly use mine as a better adjustable spanner
Another tool that never gets used on the bike! lol
"Genuine question – what are folks using Knipex pump pliers for on bikes? I’ve a couple of sizes, and can’t recall having them near the bike."
NOT pump pliers... Knipex plier wrench. They have smooth, parallel jaws. Fantastic tool; I have several sets. Probably use the 150mm ones the most.
[url= https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/lifeline-saw-guide/rp-prod10222 ][img] https://media.chainreactioncycles.com/is/image/ChainReactionCycles/template_sample?$detail$&$id=prod10222_Black%20-%20Silver_NE_01&$offerhide=1&$promoflag=Dummy_Promotion_Do_Not_Use&$promohide=0&locale=en [/img][/url]
Painless steerer cutting and works for bars too; I've been amazed what a difference it makes.
Some great suggestions. My cool badge needs taking as when I read about the three position isolation printed thingy. I ooooo’ed out loud!
Top of the list is one of those, mech hanger tool, blind bearing puller, possibly a few circlip pliers but my worry is you need about four different sports.
Feedback pro stand, compressor, cutting guide, blades for both alu and carbon fibre, all got.
what situations are people using the knipex wrenches in that proper spanner isn't appropriate?
I'm often using the knipex as none of my pliers have smooth faces, and the knipex are parallel so grip nicely on some things better than usual pliers.
Yeah, maybe that's a bodge, but it's one tool instead of several.
Dualco mini grease guns?
I have a couple, one loaded with marine blue for most applications and another with moly for a specific part on the bike.
How about Park Tools Internal Cable Routing kit? Yes you can make do with cotton, coat hangers, old gear cables etc. but the Park Tools one made things a easier, and it comes in a nice little box 😉
what situations are people using the knipex wrenches in that proper spanner isn’t appropriate?
Plier-wrench applies variable pressure whilst even a perfectly sized spanner is always a sliding fit. It doesn't damage fasteners' corners, it holds parts, can be used in a "ratchet" situation, it can be used to bend things, etc.
Not ever to be confused with an adjustable spanner... hateful things.
Sram shock pump, the 600 psi one, cos the handle doesn't become an implement of torture as the pressure rises.
600 PSI, maybe a tank would be better than a full suspension bike? I have a digital shock pump, I like accuracy!
Internal routing kit... or own lovely bikes that come with channels!
Going to order a hope and sram piston 3d printed tool!
Took the top cap off my forks the other day with my Knipex, not an issue with newer Rockshox stuff but a socket is never a perfect fit which isn't good on aluminium.
You need a better socket.
I bought a small (not xs) Knipex pump wrench, purely because I don’t have one. Still not sure why.
Saw guide is essential really if you like sawing.
Saw guide is essential really if you like sawing
Na, it's essential if you're shite at sawing. Seriously, you have like a 4 or 5mm tolerance window to get it right, it doesn't even have to be straight!
Suggest some hydraulic disc brake installation tools. I have the Jagwire needle driver and hydraulic brake hose cutter.
Video of needle driver in action:
Pic of cutter: https://www.bikester.co.uk/jagwire-sport-bike-tool-for-hydraulic-brake-lines-black-511532.html
Installing brake hoses can be 'achieved' with pliers, hammer and a stanley knife, but tools like these do it properly and reduce room for error.
Is there a proper (and effective) tool for pushing piston apart? I use a screwdriver to lever them, it always terrifies me i'm going to crack the piston.
Is there a proper (and effective) tool for pushing piston apart?
Yes, there are special tools but you could just stick some old brake pads in for your screwdriver to push on
Here is he Park one
https://www.parktool.com/product/hydraulic-brake-piston-press-pp-1-2
and note they say it goes between the pads not on the bare pistons
I have the Jagwire needle driver
I don’t need that, can manage fine on the odd occasion I put an insert in. But now I have seen it I want one
Another tool that never gets used on the bike! lol
I probably should have said "a better spanner" it just happens to be adjustable.
The only thing I regularly use an adjustable spanner on is the cassette tool, because I have a nice big one that gives plenty of leverage.
Soldering iron - a touch of solder on the end of gear cables is a massive upgrade over crimped ends.
Is there a proper (and effective) tool for pushing piston apart? I use a screwdriver to lever them, it always terrifies me i’m going to crack the piston.
I use a plastic pedros tyre lever, works fine.
Oh and OP, hanger allignment tool for sure, I got the cheaper one off CRC.
This thread has cost me £50 odd quid.
Didn't realise how much I needed a proper rear mech alignment tool... I'd been using a home-made job for the last 25 years!
Ha well so far I've ordered myself a new track pump as that's been on the list for 2 years and because I wanted to round it up to the £50 free delivery I also went for a park tool dummy hub... Sprockets had Birzman and Park stuff on sale but no mech hanger tools!
Ha well so far I’ve ordered myself a new track pump as that’s been on the list for 2 years and because I wanted to round it up to the £50 free delivery I also went for a park tool dummy hub… Sprockets had Birzman and Park stuff on sale but no mech hanger tools!
Excellent!
I've been away from this forum for years... have we had a "Show us your toolbox" thread?
So impressed was I by the description of those Elvedes cable crimp tools that I ordered a set from Hollandbikeshop.
However, it seems I've been billed for two sets, they despatched two sets and today, my wife signed for two sets.
Anyone want a set for £40 which is what I paid, and I'll take the hit on posting them to you (in the UK)?
Yes, there are special tools but you could just stick some old brake pads in for your screwdriver to push on
Here is he Park one
> https://www.parktool.com/product/hydraulic-brake-piston-press-pp-1-2 < and note they say it goes between the pads not on the bare pistons
As an aside, keep some old pads and if possible remove all the remaining braking material. Gives another few mm to get a spreader in if someone has, say, pulled the lever when the wheel is out. (I have two small MTBers in this house).
"show us your tool box" worse had it been "show us your lunch box" just imagine all these selfies taken and uploaded along with the peein etiquette thread would scare newcomers away
I use a plastic pedros tyre lever, works fine.
Agreed, the yellow MBUK ones they gave away with the mag a while back are perfect for this as they are just the right thickness and shape.
This thread has prompted me to get a bearing press. Merry Christmas to me.
Which mech hanger tool do people suggest?
I have the park one. Works fine, but mech hanger tools are pretty simple crude tools so i’m sure the cheaper ones are just fine too
Being as the point is to get it as aligned as possible, and all the cheaper one ppl suggest you work around the inaccuracy, I just bought the Park version. My god, I surprised my mech even shifted at all, going by how twisted it was.
The R3Pro piston tool, is really very good, but I'd not seen their alignment tool