Tool set guidance

[mwktar]

Hey guys, looking to start potching with the bike (the old one of course :P)

Been looking and there seem to be a lot of sets for around 30/40 quid like this

I was wondering if this si the right kinda price bracket for a half decent set for a potcher, or if i should be looking to spend a bit more?

Any sets people can recommend?

 

[vickster]

I got a pro one from Planet X, £40. Might need to add pliers for chain breaking and a torque thingy

http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/TOJW30PCTK/jobsworth-pro-workshop-quality-30pc-tool-kit

You'll want a work stand too. There's another thread running on those

 

[martint235]

I got a similar kit for about £15 from Lidl during one of their cycling specials. Things you need in addition are: workstand as already mentioned; decent cable cutters (I've got Park) they can be around £30 on their own but you don't want frayed ends when you start fitting your own cables; decent chain breaker (I have a relatively cheap on for out on the road but a proper jobbie for at home where the majority of my chain work takes place)

 

[BigAl68]

I have the Planet X one and it is great for home needs and get a Lidl/Aldi workstand as they are great value at £20

 

[vickster]

Note the chain breaker in the PX set is not for 11 speed, 8, 9, 10 only

My workstand was £36 from Halfords, lidl had sold out

 

[byegad]

A good start IMHO. As things wear out, as cheap tools will, buy replacements of better quality.

 

[mwktar]

Note the chain breaker in the PX set is not for 11 speed, 8, 9, 10 only

My workstand was £36 from Halfords, lidl had sold out

ah good to know - new bike is an 11 speed

 

[vickster]

If it has quick links, you'll need pliers anyhow

The tools all seem pretty robust, the cable cutters also worked well

PX now part of quidco

 

[derrick]

Cheap tools will wear out pretty quick if you use them a lot.And when they do start to wear you will end up damaging what you are try to fix, If the cheap tools are used on odd occasions you may be alright, cheap allen are useless.

 

[Mobytek]

Get the best you can afford, and sometimes less is more. You dont need 1000 hex drives, just one handle with interchangable.

Pedros do a liftime warranty - if it breaks, send it back and they send you a new one.

Just be aware that if some parts are top quality, they will cut corners in other places.

 

[Spoked Wheels]

I started with the Lidl toolbox and I upgraded the cone spanners. I added more tools when needed.

I do believe in buying quality but I have to say that starting with the Lidl set was the right choice. Most tools in the box are seldomly used but it's handy to have them for that occasion when you need them. As for the rest of the tools, I have tried to buy good quality, as I do use them quite a bit. Cone spanners, cable cutters and others are from Park Tools.

I bought a good and expensive work stand a few years ago, best money I ever spent on a tool for the bike. My friend asked me to keep his Lidl £20 work stand and I have to say the difference is small, the price difference is not what I see when I use them.

So I'd say, unless you know exactly what you will be using the tools for then start with something like the Lidl toolbox and add good quality tools that you know you will use time and time again.

 

[mwktar]

Some good advice here, will see what i can pick up on the cheap and then upgrade/replace the ones i use the most. Cheers guys!

 

[slowmotion]

If you are just maintaining one bike, your tools probably won't get used that often and you might be able to get away with an Aldi/Lidl set. As others have said, you really must get a decent set of cable cutters because the cheapies simply don't work well enough. This one's an absolute bargain and it's good.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Draper-Expe...7&sr=8-1&keywords=Draper+Expert+cable+cutters

 

[vickster]

PBK has a flash sale, e.g. 40% off park cutters (and don't forget Quidco)

http://www.probikekit.co.uk/bicycle...10-pro-cable-and-housing-cutter/10772169.html

Or they are the same price at sigma, no Quidco

http://www.sigmasport.co.uk/item/Pa...g-Cutters/JB?gclid=COLznoCet8cCFQoYwwodHEADrg

 

[Milkfloat]

If you are just maintaining one bike, your tools probably won't get used that often and you might be able to get away with an Aldi/Lidl set. As others have said, you really must get a decent set of cable cutters because the cheapies simply don't work well enough. This one's an absolute bargain and it's good.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Draper-Expe...7&sr=8-1&keywords=Draper+Expert+cable+cutters

Cheaper direct - and they will probably throw in a free carpenters pencil http://www.bamfordtrading.com/produ...57-190mm-wire-rope-or-spring-wire-cutter.html