What tools do I need to work on my bike...?

"Holden" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I would like to start "turning a wrench" at home. I have a nice work
stand, but no tools. I have kestrel/orbea frames w/ shimano components.
I have threadless headsets.
I have looked around at different "tool kits" by Park, Pedros,
Peformance, Nashbar, etc. but after reading some posts most folks say
you only need a few tools to do most jobs.
What tools *exactly* will I need to do most maintenance jobs, up to and
including removing chain for cleaning and making any other adjustments
in the drivetrain.
Also, should I stick w/ Park tools?? any other brands OK?

Please try rec.bicycles.tech for all your techie needs.

Holden said:

I would like to start "turning a wrench" at home. I have a nice work
stand, but no tools. I have kestrel/orbea frames w/ shimano components.
I have threadless headsets.
I have looked around at different "tool kits" by Park, Pedros,
Peformance, Nashbar, etc. but after reading some posts most folks say
you only need a few tools to do most jobs.
What tools *exactly* will I need to do most maintenance jobs, up to and
including removing chain for cleaning and making any other adjustments
in the drivetrain.
Also, should I stick w/ Park tools?? any other brands OK?

Well, starting with the simplest:

Set of allen keys (4, 5, 6, 7, 8 mm)
Adjustable wrench
Housing and cable cutters
Pedal wrench
Chain tool (the Park CT-3 is good)
Cassette removal tool
Chain whip
BB tool for your particular BB
Cone wrenches for your hubs
Spoke wrench (I like the "spokey"😉
Wheel truing stand and dishing tool

Art Harris

Arthur Harris said:

Holden said:

I would like to start "turning a wrench" at home. I have a nice work
stand, but no tools. I have kestrel/orbea frames w/ shimano

components.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

I have threadless headsets.
I have looked around at different "tool kits" by Park, Pedros,
Peformance, Nashbar, etc. but after reading some posts most folks

say

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

you only need a few tools to do most jobs.
What tools *exactly* will I need to do most maintenance jobs, up to

and

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

including removing chain for cleaning and making any other

adjustments

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

in the drivetrain.
Also, should I stick w/ Park tools?? any other brands OK?

Well, starting with the simplest:

Set of allen keys (4, 5, 6, 7, 8 mm)
Adjustable wrench
Housing and cable cutters
Pedal wrench
Chain tool (the Park CT-3 is good)
Cassette removal tool
Chain whip
BB tool for your particular BB
Cone wrenches for your hubs
Spoke wrench (I like the "spokey"😉
Wheel truing stand and dishing tool

Art Harris

Also, Park Tool, and Pedros and some others make nice little sets of
tools with toolboxes included that have pretty much everything that you
might need and or want to do most stuff to your bike at home. Check
them out if you get a chance, here are some links:

http://www.parktool.com/repair_help/toollists.shtml
http://www.parktool.com/tool_indexes/catindex_kit.shtml

Tom

thank you

Holden said:

I would like to start "turning a wrench" at home. I have a nice work
stand, but no tools. I have kestrel/orbea frames w/ shimano

components.

Quoted message said:

I have threadless headsets.
I have looked around at different "tool kits" by Park, Pedros,
Peformance, Nashbar, etc. but after reading some posts most folks say
you only need a few tools to do most jobs.
What tools *exactly* will I need to do most maintenance jobs, up to

and

Quoted message said:

including removing chain for cleaning and making any other

adjustments

Quoted message said:

in the drivetrain.
Also, should I stick w/ Park tools?? any other brands OK?

The best thing to get is a cnc machine. A HaasVF1 should do most stuff
you'd need to make bike parts and tools.

http://www.haascnc.com/products/default_details.asp?id=239&tstr=VMC
you're welcome,

K. Gringioni.

Kurgan Gringioni said:

Holden said:

I would like to start "turning a wrench" at home. I have a nice work
stand, but no tools. I have kestrel/orbea frames w/ shimano
components. I have threadless headsets.
I have looked around at different "tool kits" by Park, Pedros,
Peformance, Nashbar, etc. but after reading some posts most folks say
you only need a few tools to do most jobs.
What tools *exactly* will I need to do most maintenance jobs, up to
and including removing chain for cleaning and making any other
adjustments in the drivetrain.
Also, should I stick w/ Park tools?? any other brands OK?

The best thing to get is a cnc machine. A HaasVF1 should do most stuff
you'd need to make bike parts and tools.

http://www.haascnc.com/products/default_details.asp?id=239&tstr=VMC
you're welcome,

K. Gringioni.

That's got to be the dumbest thing I've ever seen posted to this NG.
Everyone knows that *real* cyclists prefer the VF3 as a far superior
product:

http://www.haascnc.com/products/default_details.asp?id=42&tstr=5Axis

Sure the VF1 has it's place, but for the truly dedicated cyclist, the VF3 is
the only logical choice. How you would ever expect to get a decent cone
wrench, let alone a BB tool from that POS called the VF1 is beyond me.

....that's the trouble with usenet, you get all the good adivice you pay for.

VF1, sheesh.... next thing you know he'll be advocating the 10 micron
coolant filter as a "must have".

Some people.

Tom

Don't forget the Vise Grips and a 2#hammer.
Merry Christmas

As others have noted, the tool kits from Park or Pedros are clearly adequate
for a novice mechanic. You'll need some other things - though likely not
that CNC machine! - so take a look in a local tool supply or even Sears.

But of more importance is learning HOW to use the tools and developing some
judgement as to what needs to be done. For that I highly recommend the Park
website with its repair section, or the Barnett's manual available at
http://www.oklahomacycling.net, among other sources. If I recall right,
the manual at Ok Cycling net is complete but an older edition, and you'll
need to register (I think) in order to download it.

--

alan

Anyone who believes in a liberal media has never read the "Daily Oklahoman."

"Holden" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I would like to start "turning a wrench" at home. I have a nice work
stand, but no tools. I have kestrel/orbea frames w/ shimano components.
I have threadless headsets.
I have looked around at different "tool kits" by Park, Pedros,
Peformance, Nashbar, etc. but after reading some posts most folks say
you only need a few tools to do most jobs.
What tools *exactly* will I need to do most maintenance jobs, up to and
including removing chain for cleaning and making any other adjustments
in the drivetrain.
Also, should I stick w/ Park tools?? any other brands OK?

Thanks,
H

tcmedara said:

That's got to be the dumbest thing I've ever seen posted to this NG.
Everyone knows that *real* cyclists prefer the VF3 as a far superior
product:

http://www.haascnc.com/products/default_details.asp?id=42&tstr=5Axis

Sure the VF1 has it's place, but for the truly dedicated cyclist, the

VF3 is

Quoted message said:

the only logical choice. How you would ever expect to get a decent

cone

Quoted message said:

wrench, let alone a BB tool from that POS called the VF1 is beyond

me.

<snip>

Dumbass -

You are correct.

However, I am no longer a hard-core cyclist, I'm a casual Fred now. So
the VF-1 works for me, but ya, the other guy should get the VS-3.

Howard Kveck is the one who's the most hardcore on this group - he's
got a Mori Seiki.

K. Gringioni.

In article <%QYyd.59924$Jk5.11363@lakeread01>,

tcmedara said:

Kurgan Gringioni said:

Holden said:

I would like to start "turning a wrench" at home. I have a nice work
stand, but no tools. I have kestrel/orbea frames w/ shimano
components. I have threadless headsets.
I have looked around at different "tool kits" by Park, Pedros,
Peformance, Nashbar, etc. but after reading some posts most folks say
you only need a few tools to do most jobs.
What tools *exactly* will I need to do most maintenance jobs, up to
and including removing chain for cleaning and making any other
adjustments in the drivetrain.
Also, should I stick w/ Park tools?? any other brands OK?

The best thing to get is a cnc machine. A HaasVF1 should do most stuff
you'd need to make bike parts and tools.

http://www.haascnc.com/products/default_details.asp?id=239&tstr=VMC
you're welcome,

K. Gringioni.

That's got to be the dumbest thing I've ever seen posted to this NG.
Everyone knows that *real* cyclists prefer the VF3 as a far superior
product:

http://www.haascnc.com/products/default_details.asp?id=42&tstr=5Axis

Sure the VF1 has it's place, but for the truly dedicated cyclist, the VF3 is
the only logical choice. How you would ever expect to get a decent cone
wrench, let alone a BB tool from that POS called the VF1 is beyond me.

...that's the trouble with usenet, you get all the good adivice you pay for.

VF1, sheesh.... next thing you know he'll be advocating the 10 micron
coolant filter as a "must have".

Some people.

Tom

Haas? Heh, snicker... Well, at least nobody mentioned Fadal. Oh well, I
better get back to running the Mori Seikis.

Machine shop snobbery - I love it...

--
tanx,
Howard

Butter is love.

remove YOUR SHOES to reply, ok?

Howard Kveck said:

Haas? Heh, snicker... Well, at least nobody mentioned Fadal. Oh

well, I

Quoted message said:

better get back to running the Mori Seikis.

Machine shop snobbery - I love it...

Dumbass -

You'd laugh at my machine. Not only is it pre-1996, meaning that it has
the plastic coolant/chip enclosure, but they either crashed it so hard
or ran a forklift into it that the enclosure was completely broken off.

It pretty much works though. I'm almost done with making a new
enclosure (naturally out of stainless steel).
K. Gringioni.
bigtime Fred

Little Meow said:

tcmedara said:

Kurgan Gringioni said:

Holden wrote:
> I would like to start "turning a wrench" at home. I have a nice
> work stand, but no tools. I have kestrel/orbea frames w/ shimano
> components. I have threadless headsets.
> I have looked around at different "tool kits" by Park, Pedros,
> Peformance, Nashbar, etc. but after reading some posts most folks
> say you only need a few tools to do most jobs.
> What tools *exactly* will I need to do most maintenance jobs, up to
> and including removing chain for cleaning and making any other
> adjustments in the drivetrain.
> Also, should I stick w/ Park tools?? any other brands OK?

The best thing to get is a cnc machine. A HaasVF1 should do most
stuff you'd need to make bike parts and tools.

http://www.haascnc.com/products/default_details.asp?id=239&tstr=VMC
you're welcome,

K. Gringioni.

That's got to be the dumbest thing I've ever seen posted to this NG.
Everyone knows that *real* cyclists prefer the VF3 as a far superior
product:

http://www.haascnc.com/products/default_details.asp?id=42&tstr=5Axis

Sure the VF1 has it's place, but for the truly dedicated cyclist, the
VF3 is the only logical choice. How you would ever expect to get a
decent cone wrench, let alone a BB tool from that POS called the VF1
is beyond me.

...that's the trouble with usenet, you get all the good adivice you
pay for.

VF1, sheesh.... next thing you know he'll be advocating the 10 micron
coolant filter as a "must have".

Some people.

Tom

Where can I get some billet aluminum?
Mining and forging my own cuts into the time I should
be spending on my bike, and the electric bill is cutting
into my budget for quality seasonal bike fashions and
accessories. It also makes my nails dirty.

A perfect example of what's wrong in the world today, and why cycling has
lost some of its romance and allure. All these wannabes looking for the
easy way out. If you aren't willing to go find your own source of high
quality bauxite, why the hell did you ever think you wanted to ride a
bicycle?

I'm guessing the next big thing is some Fred asking about "ready to order"
tires. What's so damn hard about tapping your own rubber trees I must ask?

Tom

In article <zz1zd.59969$Jk5.27468@lakeread01>,

tcmedara said:

A perfect example of what's wrong in the world today, and why cycling has
lost some of its romance and allure. All these wannabes looking for the
easy way out. If you aren't willing to go find your own source of high
quality bauxite, why the hell did you ever think you wanted to ride a
bicycle?

I'm guessing the next big thing is some Fred asking about "ready to order"
tires. What's so damn hard about tapping your own rubber trees I must ask?

Tom

Some people just expect everything to be handed to 'em. No backbone, I
tells ya!

--
tanx,
Howard

Butter is love.

remove YOUR SHOES to reply, ok?

In article <[email hidden]>,

Kurgan Gringioni said:

Howard Kveck said:

Haas? Heh, snicker... Well, at least nobody mentioned Fadal. Oh

well, I

Quoted message said:

better get back to running the Mori Seikis.

Machine shop snobbery - I love it...

Dumbass -

You'd laugh at my machine. Not only is it pre-1996, meaning that it has
the plastic coolant/chip enclosure, but they either crashed it so hard
or ran a forklift into it that the enclosure was completely broken off.

It pretty much works though. I'm almost done with making a new
enclosure (naturally out of stainless steel).
K. Gringioni.
bigtime Fred

Well, at least it *had* an enclosure. I've had to run machines that
barely had a trough around the table to catch the coolant. Stuff with tape
reader controls that you couldn't edit on and five gallon (!!!!) coolant
reservoirs. Thankfully, times have changed.

Full enclosures are certainly your friend.

--
tanx,
Howard

Butter is love.

remove YOUR SHOES to reply, ok?

tcmedara said:

I'm guessing the next big thing is some Fred asking about "ready to order"
tires. What's so damn hard about tapping your own rubber trees I must ask?

Finding one in the mood.

Curtis L. Russell
Odenton, MD (USA)
Just someone on two wheels...

alan said:

As others have noted, the tool kits from Park or Pedros are clearly adequate
for a novice mechanic. You'll need some other things - though likely not
that CNC machine! - so take a look in a local tool supply or even Sears.

At least you no longer need the 18 inch long open face wrench to
torque a freewheel off. And boots when you stand on the sucker to
break the freewheel free, when neither side of the rubber/plastic
hammer would work. Limped for a week once and the dog wouldn't go near
a bike wheel for a month. Could be worse - if the wrench hadn't hit me
and the dog, I thiink it would have gotten the TV set.

Curtis L. Russell
Odenton, MD (USA)
Just someone on two wheels...

Quoted message said:

What tools *exactly* will I need to do most maintenance jobs, up to

and

Quoted message said:

including removing chain for cleaning and making any other

adjustments

Quoted message said:

in the drivetrain.
Also, should I stick w/ Park tools?? any other brands OK?

Thanks,
H

The first thing you need is a copy of Zinn and the Art of Road/Mountain
Bike Maintenance. That way you can see exactly what tools you need for
what jobs. Zinn also has basic/advanced/complete tool lists if you just
want somebody to tell you what to buy.

One thing you will see is that many of the tools that come in a tool
set are for building bikes and replacing components and will be of
little use for maintaining and tuning an existing bike. You will get
much more use out of stuff that doesn't come in the tool box, like a
chain cleaning tool and some bike specific brushes.

That said, a good tool set is only going to set you back something like
$200 and will last a lifetime.

Curtis L. Russell said:

tcmedara said:

I'm guessing the next big thing is some Fred asking about "ready to order"
tires. What's so damn hard about tapping your own rubber trees I must ask?

Finding one in the mood.

You nailed it. Perfect response.

I feel your pain! No, really, I DO feel your pain!

Mine was a seriously stuck Regina or Cyclo. I attached the ridiculously
thin removal tool with it's two puny little ears, pushed on a huge
adjustable wrench mightily when it wouldn't budge, then slammed my fist into
the benchtop as the tool rounded out. My language blistered some of the
paint in the shop.

I did something similar with a cheap open end wrench too. It opened up and
allowed my hand to slam into a 1500 pound casting that was largely
unaffected. I don't buy the cheap stuff anymore.
--

alan

Anyone who believes in a liberal media has never read the "Daily Oklahoman."

"Curtis L. Russell" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

At least you no longer need the 18 inch long open face wrench to
torque a freewheel off. And boots when you stand on the sucker to
break the freewheel free, when neither side of the rubber/plastic
hammer would work. Limped for a week once and the dog wouldn't go near
a bike wheel for a month. Could be worse - if the wrench hadn't hit me
and the dog, I thiink it would have gotten the TV set.