9 Essential Tools For Home Cycle Maintenance
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- Опубліковано 26 чер 2024
- Here's Jon with his top 9 tools for home maintenance. What are the tools that you couldn't live without?
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Firstly, I cannot recommend enough having a good workstand to use when maintaining your bike. You want it to be sturdy and stable but not something you can trip over. I’ve seen it done. But why a workstand, well, for a start it really does make your life easy when you’ve got to work on a bike. I’ve seen people try and fix a bike upside down, and it’s not easy, I always say you don’t ride a bike upside down, so don’t fix it upside down. As well as things may not appear as logical when the bike is not in the correct orientation.
Personally I like to use a tripod style stand as the bike is nice and supported and I can spin the bike around with ease which is really handy when working on a bike. But there are lots of other options out there to suit all budgets. From an inner tube hanging from the ceiling, to this monster sturdy stand from Park Tool.
Get yourself a good quality set, there are loads of different varieties available. My preference are some like these, with a ball end so if you have to access the six sided sockets at an angle, you can. Some come like this, and others with what’s known as a T-Handle for a bit more comfort when working on a bike day in day out. If you don’t fancy these or don’t have the money, get a good quality multi-allen key set like this, I know for myself and Doddy from GMBN, we use these an awful lot. Normally because they’re closest to us in our home workshops, and actually fit the hand really well.
As for sizes, essentially you will need a 4/5/6mm as they are the most common sizes, but if possible, get a full range from 2mm up to 10 or maybe 12mm.
These keys are similar to a hex wrench in that they have a six sided contact, but, that’s really where it ends. Torx keys can generally have a higher torque put through them as the contact point between the tool and the bolt or socket are closer and work better together. For smaller fittings, this is very helpful. As it’s quite common for a poor fitting allen key and soft headed tool to basically round off, making adjustment a considerable pain. Hence the likely introduction of them into the cycle industry where we use lots of small fittings.
It is possible to use an undersized torx key on these sockets, and that is where problems may occur. Pay close attention to using the correct size as it’s easy to crush or distort a bolt head on small components.
Of course, if you don’t have or don’t intend to have any TORX fittings on your bike, you don’t need to worry about anything I’ve just said. But, it’s slowly being introduced more and more to our components, so I predict in the end you will have to give in!
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A smartphone for taking pictures of things before you take them apart, to be sure you reassemble them properly. Possibly also some photos during the disassembly if needed.
And if you make a video and upload it, those who forgot to take the pictures will thank you
Old inner tube as a bike stand...?
That was brilliant!
Definitely need a chain checker - can really save your cassette. As soon as you replace your chain or cassette get another one to have on hand. Spare tubes are a must have as well. Also essential are a set of small brushes to get dirt out of the nooks and crannies. I would also recommend a pedal wrench. And a bottle of TriFlow.
I always keep a new bike handy, in case some maintenance is needed.
:-)
@@patthewoodboy ROTFLMAO! Great minds ;-)
Or like me, he just Keep his bike fresh. Don't hate the player, hate the game 🤷🏽♂️
Essential tool for the home workshop - a laptop or tablet. Particularly if you're new to spannering, or working on a bike that's new to you - there are hundreds of specific videos on UA-cam and elsewhere to walk you through that pain-in-the-ahem bit of maintenance or repair work - GCN in particular have some excellently-described, clearly-shot and well-composed offierings. Or you can just have some music playing while you work!
(Yeah, I'll take cash or Paypa...what, we're still commenting? Dammit!)
Magnetic bowls for holding all the little parts.
A rubber mallet to help knock things loose, especially steered tubes from the wedge in the headset when disassembling and removing your fork.
I always use protective gloves when doing any maintenance, I'd also recommend a magnetic tray for bolts.
Great shout Jamesy!
Thank you. I'm not pro but there's nothing wrong with having a go
Thin wrenchs. Would be a nice must too. I dont have parktool ones but i do have thin wrenches and love them.
My maintenance regime: wash, lube, ride, tentatively approach mysterious two-wheeled object with torque wrench etc, fiddle around, take bike to shop to repair damage done. Once took the rear derailleur off for a "service". The look I got from the LBS when I turned up with a bike and a collection of pieces taught me where my strengths lay.
''take to the shop to repair damage done'' that means you gave up.
I once changed my front shifter (bike shop was asking way too much for it). I found a good deal and changed both shifters, but I didn’t have a cable cutter, so I literally went to the bike shop with the extra cable handing out and taped to the frame lol.
@@miepmaster25 Murphys' law on shop visits for mechanic love...equally proportionate to the cost of the bike ;-)
S͢a͢g͢a͢r͢i͢s͢ B͢l͢a͢a͢u͢w͢ Yes that means he gave up. It’s called H U M O U R.
Thanks man it's a good list. I learnt it the hard way by collecting them piece by piece upon need.
I use chain holder often to prevent extra cleaning caused by dangling chain.
Not tool but good to have are alot of rags/kitchen towel and newspaper/mat/things to cover the floor if it's not a designated workshop.
Stoked to see your garage tour!
Having the tools is one thing. Knowing what to do with them is another level. Big reason why I gave away my car lift and stands. No way I’m going to do my own oil changes. Not trying to get my face covered in oil anymore!
I really like the little hook tool for holding the chain together when joining it - it takes the derailleur tension off and stops the chain springing out of the chain tool. Definitely saves a lot of hassle, and is cheap.
Jon - your presenting style has improved so dramatically over the past weeks! Keep up the hard work, you're doing a fantastic job.
callumph cheers
A good pick set can come in handy for lifting bearing seals for cleaning and also opening up freshly cut cables.
Chain checking tool??🤷♂️ maybe
@@willhathaway1953 But a chain checking tool is so cheap and both accurate and easy to use.
A set of utility picks. Good for snagging cables on internally routed cables and opening up cable housing ends after cutting.
A hammer is a must also my chain pliers. So easy to install and remove chains with quick links. Can’t go without one! Great video Jon!
In a pinch a turbo trainer can replace a bike stand.
As for Tyre levers, I went for a nice big pair for home use, then alden design's carbon fiber levers in the bike. They're light, thin, and super rigid for $15!
To avoid stripping bolts, go for quality hex tools like PB Swiss Tools, don't go cheap cause the manufacturing tolerances is what you're paying for. And a high quality hex tool will last you a loooong time
Great video as usual. One tool that i use in my home work shop that I can't be with out is my derailleur hanger straightener. Awesome to by Park Tool.
This was very informative.thanks Pat from Belgium 🚲
I love your tools, parktool... my dream tools... stay safe....
Rec on cassette change: Put QR (without springs) in thru the spline tool, loosely up against it, to avoid outward/angling movement of the steel tool when applying torque that will easily deform the soft aluminum cap
You definitely need a kettle. Any maintenance job is better done with the lubrication of a cup of tea inside you. Apart from that, I think you have all bases covered.
cabbieman I actually found a kettle to help in removing old decals. Boiled water, a bit of Goo Gone, and a credit card.
@@SeanoHermano I hope you don't use that credit card unless you like wasting a weekend day
@@calebgonsalves2970 I just had a few decals and they easily removed quickly with this technique. The boiled water is important though.
Rear Derailleur Hanger Alignment Tool - it's saved me from erroneously trying to adjust and then replace my entire drivechain. Twice.
I am just getting into cycling (just bought a Specialized Diverge E5 Elite 2021!). This is really helpful. You just increased my shopping list!
A bike stand cost me $200 and thought “will i use it? OMG i used it a ton! Worth every penny! A socket set of allen and torx bits is better 1/4” drive and you can get much better leverage and save your hands. And can’t stress enough TORQUE WRENCH!!! is vital
I’ve done a lot of research on springs (especially when being stored under load). As long as your within the manufacturers specs you’re ok. Once you go beyond their specs then you can get into trouble where the spring stretches out and doesn’t compress like it used to.
I use an ultrasonic cleaner for the chain and cassette. It also works well when doing pedal maintenance.
an alternative, a bit more to carry:
a back-up chain with quick-link.
I am planning to pack a shorter, "fixie-get-me-home" chain; having had chain breaks and rear mech fails, you'll either need a good chain-break tool or spare chain. I'm not worried about killing grams, so the extra chain is easier and faster.
A 4th hand cable puller is really helpful when setting up derailleurs. My other essential tools are spoke wrenches, a chain checker, a chain cleaner, a pressure gauge, and a cheater bar for removing pedals (I use a 12” piece of black pipe). Lastly, if you’re going to buy a repair stand, it’s worth getting a repair stand mounted truing stand - they aren’t very expensive and they make truing wheels so much easier than doing it while they are on the bike.
The most important tool I have is my brain. Lots of research, watch videos, etc. before I try anything so I know what I’m getting into, what tools I need, and when I should let my LBS mechanic handle the job. The best part is that this tool is free and saves me time, hassle, and money in the long run.
Bingo
Good info/video! Thanks!
Excellent video, i also use 1000 grams digital scale for weighting crank arms or other things (spokes, bolts, pedals...)
Chain checker , Grease gun, Hollowtech BB tool (for BB and centerlock).
I’m big believer in torque wrench. I also believe it’s very difficult to find the manufacturers inch pounds or foot pounds etc
It is also useful from time to time, to check the calibration of your torque wrenches. They may also need calibrating out of the box.
Good video, would recommend a set of cone wrenches as well.
Holy crap, that tire pump looks like it could put out enough volume to start a jet engine! Old toothbrushes are a mainstay in my tool list, great for those hard-to-reach places on components before removing or disassembling.
I like a good long pedal wrench myself, as I often change between road and mountain bike pedals on my cross bike. I’d spend the money on the pro level tools straight off for pedals, chain whip, cassette and bottom bracket. Leverage makes your life easy. Don’t get cheap ones first. I bought a small torque wrench recently and the large one will be on my Christmas list!
Certainly is science behind winding off a torque wrench after use. If left in a state of tension the readings will drift over time, causing it to require more adjustment when calibrated. Most home users will never send a wrench for calibration so it’s even more important to wind off the wrench when you’ve finished with it.
So true man! Learned this in mechanics school and good practice makes it a instant response after you’ve torqued! Or get a digital 😜 $$$$$$
My bike work stand is the cane I used after breaking my back. I wedge it under a planter box on the garden wall of my terrace and the hook of the cane supports my bike seat perfectly - although not terribly stable when I'm trying to turn the pedals and shift at the same time. Nonetheless, just another advantage of breaking my back!
Nice Video hope to see another one on tools
I didn't see you mention a needle and thread to fix those denims.
Michael McDermott haha. I got them caught on a frayed cable
grow up, fashion changes
Kelke van Lessen It sure did!
Shut up boomer
Brilliant!
Nice video Jon!!
Tomi Saaranen thanks
Tighten until it strips, then back it off quarter turn. Job done!
Great video. 😀
That bike, that color. Canyon is killing it.
Good info thank
Thanks!
Digital tire pressure gauge. My 20 year old floor pump has a gauge, but I trust the dedicated gauge more and can use it separate from the pump.
Great Video with some really useful basic tools there but I think that I might add a spoke key to the mix there, it comes on many multi tools now and on there own they are a really good investment to help to tru a wheel. Hopefully you don't have to use it that much but I think that could be said for the cassette tool and chain whip but both really useful and essential tools. Does Greese count as a tool cause that is essential!
Brake caliper clamp, have VAR one. Campag cone spanners, park chain / block cleaner brush. And the
' Ultimate ' a Vice (every man has to have a least one 😊) bolted to bench preferably. 👍🚴♀️ Desirable... high stool to sit while admiring your handywork while having a brew 😁👍
Number 10: Find a good bike mechanic who can undo all the mistakes you have made.
But it's not exactly fun is it
I'm buying tools to undo mistakes my local 'mechanics' have made
@@odhran8825 I wish this wasnt true, but I have had "professionals" ruin anything from my hydraulic brakes to shifters.
Finding a good mechanic is like finding a unicorn. xD
Ong
Inner tubes to hang your bike are so yesterday. Rip out your Kevlar or carbon fibre beads from your worn out tyres and use those. Most underrated tools I own are a chain split link splitter and a brake alignment tool. Never used cable cutters; I rely on my dremel. Also deep cleaning of chain is performed with a steam cleaner followed by immediate lubrication on the still warm and dry chain.
One more for the advance home user. Derailleur Hanger Alignment tool like the park dag 2.2. such a brilliant tool.
What about plastic tubing for replacing cables on an internally routed frameset.
Those Conti tire levers are available still under the Zefal brand, I like these the best of any lever design I've used and although they bend in a scary fashion, I've never broken one. they're also great for the seat pack, since they're so compact. I got my first set of these back in the early 1990s, they came along with a set of Michelin *folding bead* tires... wasn't that some cool stuff back then ;)
Great tool the Conti tyre lever ;however one broke on me .. changing punctured tube 6 30 am - 5 degrees commuting to work !
A fish hook remover is basically a large hemostat and is excellent for holding onto cable ends while adjusting like a third hand.
Thank you sir
I'm still 'dreading' the day I need to do a full service on my bike - Luckily I had the foresight to buy a 'cycle kit' with most bits and pieces I would need (Chain splitter, tire thingy, few spanners etc).
But dang it, I love that pump you guys are using! I feel sorry for buying a 10$ floor pump which barely shows the amount of pressure in the tire while pumping 😂
Good tips in the video and comments - Never knew there was a thing as JIS vs. Philips screws 😮😑
Ah, what about spoke key? Bottom bracket removal tool?
Seeing the chain whip segment reminded me of a question: I use two chain whips to loosen a cog that has cut into the spline and will not come off. Any ideas on a different way? Maybe do a video on taking off / cleanin / replacing a cassette with some of the tips for those of us who leave them on too long?
How about a bucket? so you can place all the parts/nuts/bolts/screws you missed to assemble before you take them along with the bike to the shop.
T Handle wrenches are great when applying torque, but when the torque is not needed the the rotational motion is very awkward. You may want to check Super T Handle with Metric Allen Set, compact with a unique spinning feature when torque is not needed.
@GCN...... For the price of an expensive Track Pump you can get a really good Digitial Tire Inflator. Its funny we are now using electric shifters and derailleurs but we can't seem to break free of the archaic track pump.
Great video, Jon. My take is to buy the best quality tools you can afford, cheap tools don't last and may well end up damaging components. A solid, well made tool is a joy to use.
Michael McDermott like the tyre levers. Long and stiff. Does the job
Jon Cannings And I only found out about those ball headed Allen keys after years of tricky ikea builds.
i agree with that, but i literally tried some 12€ cheap amazon hex key set. 2-10mm. Held up completely fine till now, no stripped bolts, yes they got some ugly mold leftovers, but they worked for abotu 2 years alrdy
An old chain and vise grips make a good chain whip in a pinch
Definitely master link pliers, the amount of time ive spent trying to undo chains without these is insane, the shoelace trick usually doesnt work and I end up breaking the shoelace, especially good tobe able to remove your chain for cleaning or if you are taking your back wheel off for transport and longer road trips
Hi Jon, I'm not sure you'll read this since it's quite an old video. In it, you recommend the Conti tyre levers. I loved them too....until a friend gave me a set of the Michelin levers. They're shaped exactly like the Conti levers, feel exactly the same in your hand, weigh the same and pack just as well in your seat bag...but are a bright yellow. The key difference is that they are made from a different material and have almost zero flex...and they will never break. Trust me - I've used them on the worst tyre / rim combos ever conceived of. They really are the perfect tyre lever and I have used them non-stop since I became aware of them. Thought you might enjoy trying them - they're an improvement on your favorite.
Working on your bike upside down makes total sense,
It takes up less space, it's cheaper, it's easier to pop out and reinstall the rear wheel.
That being said, it is not ideal for a lot of other jobs on the bike.
You missed a grease gun! I have found it essential, especially with SpeedPlays.
Don’t forget the machine that goes “bing”.
for tyre levers have you tried Crank Brothers Speedier Lever Hang tag saves catching the inner tube when replacing the tyre
jon has to be the most likable person i have ever seen
Johnny Hanel cheers Johnny
Well equipped workbench, i see that you even have the parktool pizza cutter on display on the upper left corner, certainly a must have for hungry bike mechanics!
It's a valuable video that convinced me to finally buy cable cutters :)
I have one request regarding screwdrivers: JIS Standard!. Shimano uses Japanese style screws according to JIS (indicated by the small dot on the head of the screw). Normal Phillips drivers seem to do the work, but skip often. I got myself a JIS screwdriver specially for my bike works and the difference is immense (no skipping of the driver). Can You tackle this topic in the future (i might send you a JIS driver for tests ;))?
I have a wrench for tensioning cables....it's like having a 3rd hand!👍
Thats A nice bike
Three quid magnet on a telescopic car ariel type thing for removing bearings from hubs has been a Godsend for me, it’s only taken me over 40 years of cycling to learn that one lol.
Hi guys. Good video. Can you tell what is the air pump that you show in this video? Thank you.
Very good video. The essential tools brought a question to mind and hopefully you can answer or do a brief show on the topic. So getting a new bike is not always an option but upgrades can be. Can an old Dura Ace 9 speed be converted to a modern 11 speed using the same wheels and derailer (limiting cassette to 28 of course). Can this be done by just replacing the hub and cassette? Is a new shifter required? If yes can the new cassette be used with old crankset? Visa versa if the a new crankset is used and an older cassette be used? just curious. Tinkering in the garage.
Pedal & cone spanners ..
Headset spanners for us still riding our 1" steer tube bikes (Pace RC200, got to love the square tubes).
Spoke key?
thanks for the video really liked it but also make a podcast
My essential tool list:
Multi tool (including chain tool and spoke wrenches)
Set of hex wrenches
Torque wrench
Chain whip
Cassette tool
Torx wrenches
Tire levers
Floor pump
Shimano hollowtech 2 end cap tool
Half a dozen reusuable cable ties are also essential when removing and especially fitting new tyres. The cable ties are vital in keeping the tyre beads inside the wheel well. Done properly you shouldn't need to use tyre levers as the tyre should just pop over the wheel rim and eliminating the risk of pinching inner tubes
Truing stand and spoke wrench because potholes and curbs. Pair of cone wrenches for replacing cup and cone bearings.
just for the record i believe most Shimano derailleurs actually use JIS screws and not phillips, or at least this is true of the older ones. JIS and phillips look quite a lot a like, but using the correct driver reduces the chances of stripping out the head. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_screw_drives#JIS_B_1012
.
I'm lucky enough to have an 18" breaker bar and 1" socket, which is what i use on cassette lock rings, and freewheels. With a 6 point socket i'm much much less likely to slip and mess up my knuckles or round off my lock ring tool.
An apron. It'll protect your clothes, and mine has lots pockets and a magnetic strip that will hold onto easy to lose bits. Also, I keep a box of nitrile gloves lying around. Ooh, a "fourth hand" tool is great for working with cables at pinch points.
i actually work in a bike shop, where we work with upside down workstands and its just soo much better...you can just apply more force (if needed) and you can sit while working on the bikes. I prefer working upside down and for me it is the "correct" way.
Good hand cleaner is a must.
Sometime I used a Dremel with a disk to cut the cables.
Fkn LOVE my park tools grease gun
HA! Thanks for that! I have more than a few old inner tubes, I mean bike stands.
Jon, nice video...how about a spoke wrench? ya know...truing a wheel is sometimes necessary.
A smartphone subscribed to GCN Tech.
Mechanics trick.
If you round off an internal hex screw,
1) if the thread is not crossed or seized, cut it off with the angle grinder or drill out the head. Then you can unwind the remaining thread with pliers.
2) if it's crossed or seized, hammer a torx bit into the rounded in-hex and undo it.
3) if all else fails. Drill/cut off the head. Grind the remaining thread flat and flush. Centrepunch the dead centre and CAREFULLY drill out to the inner thread diameter and re-tap it.
Good as new!