Cheap bike tools or can I just use generic hardware store tools instead?
5 min read
Asked by: Frank Riche
What tools do you need to work on bicycles?
Bike Tools for Routine Maintenance
- Allen® wrench set (ranging from 2-12mm in size)
- Open end wrenches (6-17mm)
- Chain brush.
- Chain lube and cleaner.
- Clean rags.
- Tire levers.
- Tubes (at least a couple spares)
- Tube patch kit.
What kind of wrench do you need for a bike?
The two most common styles used on bikes are ‘click torque wrenches‘ and ‘preset torque wrenches’. A preset torque wrench looks much like a normal allen key, with a handle. It will tighten the bolt to the ideal tension.
What do I need on a bike multi tool?
Regardless of the brand or design you choose (more soon), you’ll commonly encounter these features in a cycling-specific multi-tool:
- Screwdrivers. Most cycling multi-tools will feature a Phillips screwdriver, flat-head tip, or both. …
- Hex Keys. …
- Torx Driver. …
- Tire Lever. …
- Blade.
What size Allen wrench do I need for my bike?
The common sizes used are 4mm, 5mm and 8mm. Seatpost, Stem, Steerer Tube varies between 4mm or 5mm depending on brands. As 8mm are used to tighten the most pedals onto the crank arm. You can either use the 8mm allen keys from the set or purchase an individual 8mm pedal wrench as shown in the photo below.
What is the best brand of bike tools?
Let’s look at some of the best bike tool kit choices you can make when it comes to Park Tool.
- Park Tool PK-5 Professional Bicycle Tool Kit.
- Park Tool AK-5 Advanced Bicycle Mechanic Tool Kit.
- Park Tool SK-4 Bicycle Home Mechanic Starter Tool Kit.
Do bicycles use metric or SAE?
metric
On one bicycle, you will see both the metric and SAE system. Most threading is metric, but not all. Axles on most bikes will use a 9mm threading for the front axle, and 10mm for the rear axle.
Do you really need a torque wrench for bike?
Torque wrenches have become a must-have in the last few years because there’s so much carbon fibre and very light aluminium in modern bikes. Clamps around carbon components can easily do damage if over-tightened, so a torque wrench is essential if you’re handling such gear.
Can you use a regular torque wrench on a bike?
Never use a torque wrench to loosen bolts on your bike. Torque wrenches are made to be a measurement tool, not a replacement for your regular set of Allen keys. If using a torque wrench with multiple torque settings, make sure you return the wrench to zero before storing it.
Do I need a torque wrench to install bike pedals?
Some bicycle pedals (such as the Garmin Vector) must be tightened to an exact torque specification, requiring the use of a torque wrench. The TWB-15 is used in conjunction with any 3/8″ drive torque wrench (such as the Park Tool TW-6.2) to verify that bicycle pedals are precisely tightened.
Do I need a chain tool?
A good chain breaker (sometimes known as a chain splitter or simply a chain tool) is an essential part of any home mechanic’s toolkit, enabling you to split old chains, shorten new ones and join those that use a pin rather than a quick-link.
How do you use a chain breaker tool?
Quote from video: Through to break the chain you put the chain underneath. The tool open the jaws. The jaws get a firm grip on the inside of the roller link underneath.
How do you use a multi tool chain breaker?
Quote from video: So imagine here you have your bad chain link there you take your tool here place your chain. In the tool. Turn the tool here. I'm gonna press out the pin. There.
Who makes the best mountain bike tools?
The best multi-tools for mountain biking
- Topeak Ratchet Rocket Lite DX+ Take workshop wrenching on your ride with Topeak’s mini tool wrap. …
- Lezyne V Pro-11. …
- Merida 20-in-1. …
- Silca T-Ratchet + Ti-Torque Kit (2nd Generation) …
- Topeak Mini PT30. …
- Birzman Feexman E-Version 15. …
- Lezyne RAP 15 CO2. …
- Crankbrothers M17.
How do you true a bike wheel?
Quote from video: Stand spin it gently. And find a point where the rim is touching one side of the dishing finger or brake pad. And then tighten a spoke which attaches to the hub on the opposite. Side.
How do I tune up my bike?
Quote from video: Taking you then it's a relevant how-to. To start with it needs a thorough clean now if you haven't seen it already check out our video explaining just how to do. That.
What tools do you need to fix bike brakes?
Quote from video: In terms of tools you'll need an allen key or a small spanner. Some bikes come with a spanner supplied. Follow this simple four stage method first grab your brake levers. They should feel tight and
Which cone spanners do I need?
Cone wrenches usually come in 13 x 14-millimeter, 15 x 16-millimeter, and 17 x 18-millimeter sizes. If you intend to do your own maintenance, you should have at least one and preferably two of each size needed for your hubs.
How do you use a bike chain wrench?
Quote from video: If you keep applying for slowly but gently eventually you'll push the rivet out and the chain will split. Just keep on rotating the handle. Until you push the rivet all the way through like.
What is a hub cone spanner?
A cone wrench or cone spanner is a tool used in bicycle assembly and maintenance to adjust the cones of cup and cone bearings. Cone wrenches are thinner and lighter than most other open ended wrenches that are used to work on bicycles.
What is a cup and cone bearing?
A bearing system which consists of a cup contains balls adjusted by a cone nut. This system features high durability and good maintainability. The key element of maintenance is to keep smooth rotation yet without a play.
How do you use a spoke wrench?
Quote from video: The black black fits the tightest. You basically want to get the tightest. Fitting spoke wrench or nipple wrench. But start at the top bring it down get a good match.