Bicycles Stack Exchange
Bicycles Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [tools]

Tools you use for repairing, maintaining, building, etc. Pump, chain breaker, wrenches, spoke tool, repair stand etc.

193 questions
25
votes
9 answers

What should I carry on day trips for emergencies?

While commuting or touring I use a off road trekking bike with racks, a water-proof bag and some tools in case of flat tyres. In my day trips I prefer my fitness bike and I want to be "fast and light" so I have no racks and bags. In my saddle…
kostas
  • 355
  • 1
  • 4
  • 7
19
votes
3 answers

Tool identification

I was cleaning out my garage today and found this old set of bicycle tools. I don't know what they are or what they're supposed to be used for on a bicycle. Can you identify them for me?
J. Lenthe
  • 293
  • 2
  • 5
18
votes
1 answer

What is this A-shaped plastic tool?

Some time ago, this black plastic tool was given to me by a guy from an LBS, and I remember thinking "oh, that might come in handy". Now, a couple of months later I've completely forgotten its purpose. What is it for? I know what the coin is for,…
Berend
  • 790
  • 6
  • 17
18
votes
5 answers

If I don't use a torque wrench, how do I tighten to the approximate torque? What can go wrong?

I don't think I can drop $50-$100 for a torque wrench right now. What parts of a bike are the most critical to get the torque just right? Is there a way to make sure the torque is ok without a torque wrench? I know what would happen if you don't…
milesmeow
  • 2,363
  • 5
  • 27
  • 36
11
votes
1 answer

What is this tool for? Likely something to do with cables?

I found this thing in a box of bicycle tool mix I got some time ago. In the end this was the only one I could not identify, so I am asking here: What is this thing and what is it used for, please? I think it might be somehow used to manipulate with…
Glutexo
  • 213
  • 1
  • 7
10
votes
7 answers

How useful is a caliper for a home-based bike workshop?

It appears I am missing (yet) another tool: a caliper. It simply makes no sense to haul a bike to the LBS to measure a seatpost. How important is a caliper for a home-based bike workshop? There is far less variability in handlebars, and handlebar…
Sam7919
  • 9,112
  • 4
  • 28
  • 92
8
votes
3 answers

How to use this third hand tool

I have looked all over youtube and the web and cannot find any explanation of how to use this tool: From https://www.amazon.com/Third-Hand-Brake-Adjuster-Yellow/dp/B0787T5KWD Can anybody explain how to use it?
Paul
  • 831
  • 3
  • 11
  • 20
8
votes
1 answer

What is this serrated wrench tool for?

So I was trolling eBay and found this crazy looking old serrated wrench bike tool. The auction had no specifics. I can't think of what you would do with such an item. What the hell is it for?
Darth Egregious
  • 7,826
  • 13
  • 53
  • 70
6
votes
4 answers

What 17 mm spanner for roadside repairs?

I've got a Cervélo S3 disc w/ a hanger that requires a 17 mm spanner. In the event of changing hanger when on the road; what would a preferably small and light spanner be?
T0TTE
  • 762
  • 5
  • 15
6
votes
2 answers

Can I fix my Park Tool CCP-22 - the round head came off?

At some point I somehow managed to break my crank puller. The round head that pushes against the axle has come off. Can I get a replacement handle / fix it myself or do I just need to buy a new tool?
Ageis
  • 1,087
  • 2
  • 15
  • 27
5
votes
5 answers

portable bicycle tool storage / organizer bag / tote

I'm looking for a way to organize my bicycle tools in a portable carrier of some kind. Not a small repair-kit but something a lot larger for tools you wouldn't normally take on the road. This would be in lieu of a peg-board. There's a 16" Park…
Tim
  • 1,146
  • 1
  • 8
  • 22
5
votes
2 answers

Zéfal Air Pump gauge not working

The pump works, adds air to the tire but the pressure gauge does not work anymore... so I can not measure the amount of pressure for the tire... not an ideal situation. Is anyone familiar with this pump having a valve or o-ring inside the pump that…
Donald W Cutrell
  • 51
  • 1
5
votes
2 answers

Torque wrench specs & features for small to medium jobs

I'm looking for advice on the range of torque, bit pieces and any other features I might need for smaller to medium sized jobs. From what I read I'd need a separate wrench for the bigger jobs like bottom bracket. I'm not sure about pedals: I'm…
Scottmeup
  • 1,427
  • 11
  • 25
5
votes
2 answers

What are these tools in this bike maintenance toolkit?

I finally got around to replacing my bike's cassette, and towards that end (and expecting to replace various other consumables in the future) I decided to shell out for a Rose All2gether toolkit: I'm puzzled by what exactly some of the tools in the…
HAEM
  • 1,080
  • 14
  • 25
5
votes
2 answers

What sizes are "#6 and #5 Allen key"?

My scooter calls for "#6 and #5 Allen key", I can't figure out what sizes (in inches or mm) these translate into. I know I need to buy an allen set, but wanted to make sure it has the two sizes I need before purchase. I think this may be 5mm and…
Dan
  • 245
  • 1
  • 2
  • 6
1
2