Stupid girly question re tools

[Cuchilo]

I do understand why people buy cheap tools as ive done it myself but it really does make your life hard work . Ive had cheap allen keys round over allen bolts because they have worn down , spanners snap with just hand pressure , screw drivers bend at the tip messing up any chance of ever taking a screw out . Its just not worth the penny saving as far as I am concerned .

 

[Smurfy]

So, is there a difference between a took kit for a MTB and a tool kit?
I'm thinking of getting a tool kit as I'd like to learn how to maintain and fix my bike.

Can anyone recommend a kit around £30?

Ten pounds more than you wanted to spend (currently reduced from £49.99 to £39.99)

http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/pro...-tool-kit?bct=browse/accessories/tools#images

I don't have one of these kits so can't vouch for the quality, however, they say 'Every tool has been tested in our workshop for usability and durability'.

 

[young Ed]

Ten pounds more than you wanted to spend (currently reduced from £49.99 to £39.99)

http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/products/revolution-tune-up-tool-kit?bct=browse/accessories/tools#images

I don't have one of these kits so can't vouch for the quality, however, they say 'Every tool has been tested in our workshop for usability and durability'.

if the tools are of okay quality that looks like the works it looks like a good bet to me!
Cheers Ed

 

[skudupnorth]

I have managed to get by with the tools I have used for my cars but the odd time I have realised I need the proper cycle tools such as chain wip ( used an oil filter removal tool for a while !! ) Thankfully I have only had to buy one rear cassette socket but the bottom brackets seem to change on various bikes so I have a few of those. Chain link tools are invaluable and but a good one. One tool that has served me well was a Halfords multi tool which I have owned for over 20 years and has done the job well.

 

[ufkacbln]

Having joked about the Park tool kit, I can seriously recommend their book... and more cheaply this on line guide

 

[goo_mason]

Ten pounds more than you wanted to spend (currently reduced from £49.99 to £39.99)

http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/products/revolution-tune-up-tool-kit?bct=browse/accessories/tools#images

I don't have one of these kits so can't vouch for the quality, however, they say 'Every tool has been tested in our workshop for usability and durability'.

I started off with this EBC toolkit and have added a few extra tools along the way after finding out that some of the included bits are a bit crap (better chain whip & crank puller, and a monkey wrench), but it's a decent core kit to get you going. I think it was about £25 when I got it in 2007 though, but it hasn't changed! I also bought one of the EBC workstands - a very worthwhile investment too!

 

[Gravity Aided]

I have to say that a good chain tool is probably a purchase you would wish to spend some extra extra money on, as well as a good pedal wrench and some of those nicer wrenches for smaller bike sized bits that come three on a central hub. These seem to be the ones I use most, along with a good cable cutter.

 

[sidevalve]

As a thought try looking on U tube to see how to do the job you want to do then see what tools are used. Then try on line and your LBS to find one at a FAIR [not over cheap] price. No point buying things you already have - most people have things like screwdrivers etc.

 

[Cubist]

I think the complete kits are a bit of a waste of cash personally. The thing is, they tend to contain stuff that you won't use for your bike. Te best example is crank removers, which vary across several different standards and manufacturers' whims. Why pay for a square taper crank extractor when you have self-extracting FSA, or Shimano Hollowtech? Why pay for a stem spanner when you have an integrated Aheadset? The sets include different types of lockring tool, and have to duplicate to meet all the various standards, which must mean a compromise in quality.

There are very few jobs on any of my bikes that need more than a quality set of Allen keys, or two three way keys 1,2,3 mm and 4,5,6 mm

My advice would be to get the tools you need, surprisingly few for a modern MTB, from a decent quality source.

Superstar components sell budget price tools, which are surprisingly good quality.

Essentials if you are to do it all yourself would be
T handled Allen keys, 8,6,5,,4,3,2.5,2,1.5 mm
T25 key for rotor bolts
Chain whip
Chain splitter
Cassette lockring tool
Cable cutters
Crank removal tool depending on crank type( @ScotiaLass can you post a link to your bike and that will determine which one, if any, you'll need)
BB removal tool, again depends on make
Decent set of pliers, bull and needle nose.
Cone spanners unless your hubs are sealed bearing type.

Workshop essentials are Isopropyl Alcohol,
quality grease with a small grease gun
GT 85
Coppaslip
Cable ties

 

[jay clock]

The Aldi/Lidl ones are ok if supplemented with better bits. In particular I use Park chain tool, and also invested (ok "invested") in their cable cutters. Essential in my view. A grease gun is uselful. http://www.wiggle.co.uk/pedros-bio-grease-85g-tube-with-injector/ ... cable ends are a must too. http://www.wiggle.co.uk/lifeline-ca...m_medium=base&utm_campaign=uk&kpid=5360431222 ....oh and a stand!

 

[raleighnut]

So, is there a difference between a took kit for a MTB and a tool kit?
I'm thinking of getting a tool kit as I'd like to learn how to maintain and fix my bike.

Can anyone recommend a kit around £30?

Whatever you get avoid cheap allen keys these round off really quickly and if they chew up the bolt then the bolt becomes a devil to get out. Unfortunately this seems to be the area where boxed kits cut corners and also avoid the sets where they are on a key ring sort of set up,
I'd go for,
allen key set (metric) 2-10 mm
Combination spanner roll 8-19mm
2 cross point scewdrivers (size 2 & 3 ) about 8 inch handles
A good pair of pliers of a reasonable size.
Then add any cycle specific tools as and when you need them
Above all DO NOT lend tools to ANYBODY EVER (I speak from bitter experience)
Oddly enough Halfrauds are good for basic quality tools but don't fall for a pretty box set.

 

[LimeBurn]

Ive got the planet x jobsworth one - everything you'll need bar a few specialist tools such as a torque wrench which planetx do a nice one too which I also have.

 

[ScotiaLass]

Thanks all....I think I'll get the tools as I need them....just got my first one to do the first job - change the pedals

Cubist, this is my bike...
http://specialized.co.uk/ca/en/bikes/mountain/myka/myka-sport-disc-29

 

[ayceejay]

My tip for Allen keys: you will have three or four different sizes on your bike only and the most used will be the 5mm. so buy these four with T handles like the ones shown here http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/040213977 you will find the 'Isle of Man' style has its limitations.
The one you use least will probably be the 8mm so you can buy a cheaper one of these.
The other item you should consider now that tyres seem to be tighter is a decent set of long tyre levers and some talc.

 

[vickster]

Obviously I don't really do any maintenance, but the best tools I have are a standard halfords multi tool, a small one that crc sent me that stays in the bike bag and these which are great

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/x-tools-allen-key-x-7-set/rp-prod10193

Pedal spanner wise, park tools good, about a tenner


http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/...nitedKingdom&gclid=CNv928zG-7wCFWvjwgodmBcA7g

Bought one, but returned as I actually just needed a really big Allen key