Tools you use for repairing, maintaining, building, etc. Pump, chain breaker, wrenches, spoke tool, repair stand etc.
20
votes
4answers
464 views
Basic toolkit for bicycle maintenance
What should be in the basic toolkit for someone that wants to maintain their own bicycle?
I'm looking for something for your average day to day maintenance and tools that I will get the most use out ...
12
votes
16answers
3k views
What is a simple mnemonic for remembering the thread direction when removing pedals?
Given that pedal threads are different on the left and right pedals: the right side pedal has a right-hand thread (removes counterclockwise, installs clockwise); the left side pedal has a left-hand ...
12
votes
2answers
772 views
What is this bike tool?
I've bought a saddle bag with a set of bike tools; stuff like alan keys, puncture repair kits, spanners etc. There's this one tool (well two but they screw together) that I have trouble recognising.
...
12
votes
7answers
278 views
What tools on a multi-tool do I actually need?
I feel like there are almost as many bike multi-tools out there as there are bikers. In a single trip to REI, I found nine different bike tools each ranging from only four to over thirty individual ...
11
votes
6answers
1k views
Why would I need a torque wrench for a bicycle?
I was rather surprised to find a question about choosing a torque wrench on this site. I haven't cycled for years, but many years ago when I actually cycled I would do with a set of ordinary wrenches ...
11
votes
7answers
251 views
Riding Repair Kit
As most of my riding is limited to intra-city commuting (on bus routes) or on bike paths, I have not really faced a dire need for a repair kit while riding. I am looking into pulling off a three hour ...
11
votes
2answers
162 views
What are the bumpy parts around the spindle of some pedals?
Does anybody know what the bumpy part near the threads of this pedal are for? They look like they might fit a special wrench, but I can't find any that would fit.
I feel like I must be missing ...
10
votes
13answers
1k views
What are the most important things to bring on a ride?
On one of my recent ride, my bike broke down. My rear derailleur got pushed into the rims and broke. Since I have never gotten stuck like that before, I've never bothered to take anything with me ...
9
votes
4answers
917 views
does a tire bead 'jack' work?
I'm having great difficulties getting a kevlar belted tire onto my rim (maybe I'm getting old). I had heard about the Kool-Stop tire bead jack as a possible alternative to using just my tire levers. ...
9
votes
6answers
10k views
DIY wooden bike rack — looking for plans
I'm planning to build a bike rack to store several bikes on the floor of my garage. Does anyone have plans for such a rack? We have a circular saw and a drill and the usual hand tools, but no router, ...
9
votes
3answers
4k views
If I don't use a torque wrench, how do I tighten to the approximate torque? What can go wrong?
I don't think I can drop $50-$100 for a torque wrench right now. What parts of a bike are the most critical to get the torque just right? Is there a way to make sure the torque is ok without a torque ...
7
votes
7answers
418 views
What should I carry on day trips for emergencies?
While commuting or touring I use a off road trekking bike with racks, a water-proof bag and some tools in case of flat tyres.
In my day trips I prefer my fitness bike and I want to be "fast and ...
5
votes
3answers
828 views
What tools do I need to disassemble and re-assemble an 80's road bicycle
I would like to do maintenance on my 1982 miyata 310 road bike myself. What tools are necessary to take the entire bicycle apart, lube, and put it back together?
Here is what I have come up so ...
5
votes
2answers
226 views
Is the Power-Link designed for routine usage?
I have a Power-Link which i intended to use in emergencies (when the chain breaks and i'm far from home). Used it once, worked pretty well.
Now i wonder, what if i use it permanently with my chain? ...
5
votes
4answers
929 views
New, cheap mountain bike: What's most likely to break?
I have a very cheap (less than USD $100), new mountain bike I'm about to break in on a 2-4 hour ride on a mountain trail. I'd like to be prepared for equipment failures or problems - can anyone ...
5
votes
3answers
269 views
What tools are most important on an all-in-one bike tool for a commuter?
My commute is about 25km/day. I have a cheapish hybrid bike with Shimano gears, v-brakes and SPD pedals. I carry a small hand pump and spare tube.
What do I need in a bike tool/ multitool or other ...
5
votes
4answers
2k views
Replace Brompton folding pedal - what tool is needed?
I've managed to completely break the folding left-hand pedal on my Brompton. The bit where it fastens onto the crank* is fine, but the rest of it gone.
What tool(s) do I need to remove the broken ...
5
votes
4answers
742 views
How to objectively evaluate torque wrenches?
My local bicycle group bought very nice but very expensive torque wrenches (if I can remember right they cost about €300–500). My local discount store markets them for about €50. My local auction site ...
4
votes
2answers
561 views
Where can I get a basic toolkit for bicycle - Walmart etc?
I want some basic things in toolkit (like oiling of chain, tightening of brakes etc). Where can I find them and how much does it usually cost? I want to buy one, so can you name the basic tools with ...
4
votes
2answers
200 views
What is the lever on the head of my floor pump for?
I have a Wrench Force floor pump. There is a lever on the head of the floor pump which can be moved into one of two positions. What is this for?
The pump automatically selects the correct valve and ...
4
votes
2answers
1k views
Equipment needed for Frame-building?
Since misunderstood question here, a new question with narrow scope. So what are equipments need for frame-building?
4
votes
2answers
258 views
What should I look for in a torque wrench?
It has come to the point where I need a torque wrench for installing things on my bicycle. What should I look for when purchasing one?
4
votes
1answer
379 views
What tools will I need to remove sprocket/what type will I need to order?
I have a flip-flop hub on a single speed track bike.
I need to replace the rear sprocket (freewheel side) and chain.
Id prefer to give this a go myself, but
Not sure what tools I need to remove ...
3
votes
6answers
443 views
Tools required for trailbuilding?
Shovel,
Saw,
Roulette (very long, perhaps even geodetic roulette),
Ax.
The trail will be built in a forest. So there's no rocks, just dirt, small stones and a lot of roots. What else will I need to ...
3
votes
1answer
519 views
Require a star tool to remove disc rotor
I need to change my disc brake rotors. So i discover I require a star tool. Here is a picture of my rotor bolts. Can someone point out a tool that will fit this? Prefer a bike tool.
To give some ...
3
votes
2answers
2k views
How do I cut hydraulic brake hose without expensive tools?
I've seen some expensive hydraulic hose cutting tools.
I just want to cut the two new brake hoses I have now, so I don't want to buy an expensive tool.
I want to do it myself, and I don't mind ...
3
votes
2answers
1k views
How to take apart this rear BMX hub?
As shown in the photo, what tool do I need to take this rear hub apart? I assume I need a tool which will fit in the 4 notches.
The problem I am trying to fix is that if you pedal, the rear cog spins ...
3
votes
2answers
620 views
Is a pad spacer needed when installing disc brake pads?
I need to replace my disc brake pads on my Shimano XT brakes. This seems like a pretty straight forward procedure, and I have all the tools needed except for the pad spacer. Do I need this to install ...
3
votes
1answer
1k views
How to replace stripped spoke nipples?
I have 6 stripped spoke nipples on my rear wheel. Last night I took the tire off, took the, for lack of a better word, rim strip off, and started to try to unscrew the nipple from the rim. Before I ...
2
votes
5answers
917 views
What's the most useful style of chain gauge?
I see that there are three kinds of chain wear gauge:
The basic kind. I'm used to using this kind:
The hook style. Supposedly provides an indication of how worn the chain is. I've used these and ...
2
votes
4answers
226 views
Where can I find containers to dispense bulk chain lube
So, I'm looking for drip style containers to keep in my messenger bag and my home shop to dispense bike chain lube. I want to just buy a 32oz container of lube for cheap on amazon and fill my own ...
1
vote
5answers
916 views
Can a fixed gear sprocket be changed without tools?
I do not have a chain whip or sprocket ring tool. Is it possible to change the rear sprocket without these tools?
1
vote
3answers
300 views
Exact dimensions for Wheelsmith Rim Rods?
Does anyone have access to the Wheelsmith Rim Rod ERD measurement tool?
I need to reproduce this no longer manufactured tool.
Specifically, I need the length of the yellow portion of each rod, the ...
1
vote
2answers
1k views
Does anyone have experience with Bottom Bracket Tap/Facing sets?
I'm interested in recommending my boss get the workshop in which I work a bottom bracket tap and facing set.
As it's quite an investment it's important to me to know what you're getting for your ...
1
vote
1answer
170 views
Calibrate Tensiometer
I want to calibrate my Park Tool TM-1 for my weird spokes. I want to build a box with some kind of weight mesuring device where a spoke can be put under 1600N of tension.
Rummers on other boards say ...
1
vote
1answer
212 views
Replacing 'cone nuts' on a damaged coaster brake
I'm attempting to refurbish a bike that I was given, it has a (not sure what brand) coaster brake, which according to sheldon brown's site has a peculiar kind of cone nut. The wheel might be 10 years ...
1
vote
1answer
429 views
Is there a tool (or preferred method) for removing the snapring that holds the cog on a coaster brake hub?
I was overhauling a coaster hub the other day. The snapring was recessesed and no screwdriver in my arsenal was small enough to remove the piece.
Park recommends using a small screwdriver to remove ...
1
vote
2answers
906 views
Stationary bike “clicks” when pedaling - crank axle is moving sideways. How can I fix this?
I've got this stationary bike, a York C202, which has developed a problem - namely it "clicks" when pedaling. This is highly annoying, as there's nothing I seem to be able to do about it.
I diagnosed ...
1
vote
0answers
133 views
What is a reasonable maintenance routine for a commuter bike? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
How much maintenance?
I've purchased a nice hybrid (a Trek Fx) and plan on using it as my daily commuter, maybe averaging 50 miles per week on it.
What regular and ...
0
votes
3answers
3k views
Where Can I Find an Inexpensive Bike Stand Clamp
Are there any recommendations for where I can buy an inexpensive bike stand clamp? I do not know what they are exactly called but the actual part that the bicycle is held onto in a work stand.
0
votes
2answers
456 views
How does a crankset removal tool work?
I don't have one to examine. How exactly does a crankset removal work?
one such as this.
0
votes
3answers
4k views
removing freewheel MF-Z012 without tools
I'm trying to just add some grease to an old MF-Z012.
some pages online says i can remove it just by spining the first gear agains the last one.(e.g. ...
0
votes
1answer
120 views
What are the missing accessories for you cyclists? [closed]
I am a technology guy and I would like to ask you cyclists, what are the missing accessories with your bike that you want us to do for you? In a project at school, I am asked to use the following ...
-2
votes
3answers
255 views
Equipment for a multi-day bike trip
I'm planning a multi-day bike trip, and I want a list of all bike related equipment I'll need to fix / negate the most common bike problems.
The list currently has:
Multi tool.
At least 3 spare ...
