LukePurdon Posted July 6, 2014 Posted July 6, 2014 I am a young Passionate cyclist who has just spent some money to buy a mountain bike frame and am in the proccess of acquiring parts. I am planning on building the bike from scratch so as to learn more about the mechanics behind a bike and build my knowledge base. I am in the process of looking for a starter tool kit that will have the essentials for me to begin building the bike. I understand that some of the building will need to be done by a professional (ie. wheel building, press-fitting headset and bottom bracket...) but would like to do most of the rest on my own. Can anybody please suggest a good value for money, quality tool kit and where to buy it from (online if possible), or suggest a list of tools I would need to get done what I need to get done?
V12man Posted July 6, 2014 Posted July 6, 2014 Mostly you are going to need a set of alan keys and torx keys (possibly) - consider using one of the multi tool sets designed for workshop use, rather than the ones you ride with.- NEVER buy cheap tools - stick to quality brands - Parktool is good.
madmarc Posted July 6, 2014 Posted July 6, 2014 Well you could get one of these http://www.cwcycles.co.za/product/icetoolz-essence-tool-kit-box?quicktabs_1=1#quicktabs-1 I have built up my tool set over the years buying things sepaeratly because there are a few things in the set that you will never use. Most i bought from Builders wharehouse because its cheaper the others you will have to get from bike shops. Bike Shop:Cassette removal tool - Shitmano & SRAM use the same.Chainwhip toolChain superlink removal pliersChain Guage wear checking tool.Cable cutterExternal BB cub wrenchCrank puller if your cranks are the older/cheaper square taper type.Spoke wrench From Builders A quality Flat & Star screwdriverTorx driver T30; T25 & T10 should cover the sizes you need, but get the long ones with a T bar wrenchA Quality Allen Key set. I always buy the set that folds together into a chrome handle. Also check which tool tou need to remove your cranks with SRAM you need an 8 or 10mm Allen Key which you will need to buy seperatlyA small ballpin hammerA small plastic malet hammer (not rubber)A Socket set up to about 16mmA set of ring flat spanners up to about 16mmSTanley KnifeLong knose pliersSide Cutter pliersElectrical cable ties (Get the qulaity ones not the chinese rubbish)Look for a magnetic base parts dish, to keep all your scres and stuff when you stripping or it lays all over the place and gets lost while you working on the bike. And then the best investment is a maintenance stand, I built my own but CWCycles, Buycycle & Cape Multi have some lekka Park Tool Stands at good prices. That should do it. and then just add as you go along. I have made lots of my own pullers and tools to change bearings. I dont mess with shocks and major work on wheels. I send that stuff in to LBS to sort for me. But i'm about to pull the trigger on a complete Park Tool wheel truing stand from Cape Multi and start teaching myself to do wheel maintenance. currently Cape Multi are the cheapest local online store for Park Tools
LukePurdon Posted July 6, 2014 Author Posted July 6, 2014 Well you could get one of these http://www.cwcycles.co.za/product/icetoolz-essence-tool-kit-box?quicktabs_1=1#quicktabs-1 I have built up my tool set over the years buying things sepaeratly because there are a few things in the set that you will never use. Most i bought from Builders wharehouse because its cheaper the others you will have to get from bike shops. Bike Shop:Cassette removal tool - Shitmano & SRAM use the same.Chainwhip toolChain superlink removal pliersChain Guage wear checking tool.Cable cutterExternal BB cub wrenchCrank puller if your cranks are the older/cheaper square taper type.Spoke wrench From Builders A quality Flat & Star screwdriverTorx driver T30; T25 & T10 should cover the sizes you need, but get the long ones with a T bar wrenchA Quality Allen Key set. I always buy the set that folds together into a chrome handle. Also check which tool tou need to remove your cranks with SRAM you need an 8 or 10mm Allen Key which you will need to buy seperatlyA small ballpin hammerA small plastic malet hammer (not rubber)A Socket set up to about 16mmA set of ring flat spanners up to about 16mmSTanley KnifeLong knose pliersSide Cutter pliersElectrical cable ties (Get the qulaity ones not the chinese rubbish)Look for a magnetic base parts dish, to keep all your scres and stuff when you stripping or it lays all over the place and gets lost while you working on the bike. And then the best investment is a maintenance stand, I built my own but CWCycles, Buycycle & Cape Multi have some lekka Park Tool Stands at good prices. That should do it. and then just add as you go along. I have made lots of my own pullers and tools to change bearings. I dont mess with shocks and major work on wheels. I send that stuff in to LBS to sort for me. But i'm about to pull the trigger on a complete Park Tool wheel truing stand from Cape Multi and start teaching myself to do wheel maintenance. currently Cape Multi are the cheapest local online store for Park Tools Thanks a stack for the advice, I really appreciate it. I will start getting that stuff slowly. Is there any chance you could post a picture of your bike stand that you built, I have just enquiried about the one being advertised on the hub for about R675, I am just worried about quality? Will post the link to it now.
LukePurdon Posted July 6, 2014 Author Posted July 6, 2014 Well you could get one of these http://www.cwcycles.co.za/product/icetoolz-essence-tool-kit-box?quicktabs_1=1#quicktabs-1 I have built up my tool set over the years buying things sepaeratly because there are a few things in the set that you will never use. Most i bought from Builders wharehouse because its cheaper the others you will have to get from bike shops. Bike Shop:Cassette removal tool - Shitmano & SRAM use the same.Chainwhip toolChain superlink removal pliersChain Guage wear checking tool.Cable cutterExternal BB cub wrenchCrank puller if your cranks are the older/cheaper square taper type.Spoke wrench From Builders A quality Flat & Star screwdriverTorx driver T30; T25 & T10 should cover the sizes you need, but get the long ones with a T bar wrenchA Quality Allen Key set. I always buy the set that folds together into a chrome handle. Also check which tool tou need to remove your cranks with SRAM you need an 8 or 10mm Allen Key which you will need to buy seperatlyA small ballpin hammerA small plastic malet hammer (not rubber)A Socket set up to about 16mmA set of ring flat spanners up to about 16mmSTanley KnifeLong knose pliersSide Cutter pliersElectrical cable ties (Get the qulaity ones not the chinese rubbish)Look for a magnetic base parts dish, to keep all your scres and stuff when you stripping or it lays all over the place and gets lost while you working on the bike. And then the best investment is a maintenance stand, I built my own but CWCycles, Buycycle & Cape Multi have some lekka Park Tool Stands at good prices. That should do it. and then just add as you go along. I have made lots of my own pullers and tools to change bearings. I dont mess with shocks and major work on wheels. I send that stuff in to LBS to sort for me. But i'm about to pull the trigger on a complete Park Tool wheel truing stand from Cape Multi and start teaching myself to do wheel maintenance. currently Cape Multi are the cheapest local online store for Park Tools http://www.cwcycles.co.za/product/tork-bicycle-repair-stand
Brian Fantana Posted July 6, 2014 Posted July 6, 2014 Don't buy your tools from Builder's warehouse they do have good quality products, but their pricing is a bit high. Go to you nearest Toolquip and Allied and get yourself industrial quality tools at a fraction of the price. They sell an awesome cable cutter as well, it is called a "Wire Rope Cutter" - R85-00. For bicycle specific tools get ParkTool as mentioned by V12 man. Also remember to get some Spanjaard Copper based anti-seize compound for protection of threads and bolts, and some good quality grease for lubrication, where required. A good workstand makes your life a lot easier, and will save you a lot of frustration.
Brett Posted July 6, 2014 Posted July 6, 2014 Spend the most you can on brilliant quality chain breaker, Cable cutters and Alan keys,
kosmonooit Posted July 6, 2014 Posted July 6, 2014 Builders is okay if you stick to certain brands - Stanley, Gedore, ... I've recommended this Stanley hex key set with ball ends, served me well over several bike builds and on-going maintenance http://amatrix.com.my/eshop/images/Stanley%2069-256.jpg Plus a few other basic hand tools Then buy specific bike tools as you need them
Flowta Posted July 6, 2014 Posted July 6, 2014 Anyone know where I can get a single 2.5mm ball end Alan key?Managed to snap a Chrome-Vanadium one trying to get my lock on grips off :-\
johanpre44 Posted July 6, 2014 Posted July 6, 2014 I already have a lot of hand tools (used for servicing cars etc., mostly Gedore). I bought a couple of specific bike tools (mostly Park tool), and like any specialist tools they are quite expensive (but well worth the money since they save so much time and frustration). I also have a torque wrench, but I think it starts at 20 or 30 Nm which is ways to much for most of the bike bolts, I'm thinking of investing in a bicycle specific one (I will probably use it a lot on the cars as well when I have it). The only frustration I have left is a work stand for my bike, thinking about saving up for the Park Tool PSC9. I'm pretty sure that its the best around even if its ~R1500. You will probably also use it for cleaning and lubing the bike (which will be very regular, in my case at least once every 2 weeks).
johanpre44 Posted July 6, 2014 Posted July 6, 2014 Don't buy your tools from Builder's warehouse they do have good quality products, but their pricing is a bit high. Go to you nearest Toolquip and Allied and get yourself industrial quality tools at a fraction of the price. They sell an awesome cable cutter as well, it is called a "Wire Rope Cutter" - R85-00. For bicycle specific tools get ParkTool as mentioned by V12 man. Also remember to get some Spanjaard Copper based anti-seize compound for protection of threads and bolts, and some good quality grease for lubrication, where required. A good workstand makes your life a lot easier, and will save you a lot of frustration. Do you know if they have any nice "light" torque wrenches? Starting at 2 to 5 Nm?
Brian Fantana Posted July 6, 2014 Posted July 6, 2014 Do you know if they have any nice "light" torque wrenches? Starting at 2 to 5 Nm? Your best bet for low range torque wrenches is bicycle specific brand. Gedore, Britool, Stahlwile etc make them in that low range but they are extremely expensive, and a ParkTool or Pedros will be cheaper. In my opinion even the gauge type torque wrench from Parktool (the cheaper non-click version) is good enough for the home mechanic. There are two of them, one for lower torque ranges and one for higher bicycle specific torque ranges.
Jacques Viljoen Posted July 6, 2014 Posted July 6, 2014 Well you could get one of these currently Cape Multi are the cheapest local online store for Park Tools Thanks Cape Multi is a nice shop
V12man Posted July 6, 2014 Posted July 6, 2014 Anyone know where I can get a single 2.5mm ball end Alan key?Managed to snap a Chrome-Vanadium one trying to get my lock on grips off :-\ The toolshop in jhb.....
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