Bike Tools

[valentin_84]

I need to disassemble my entire bike so that I can have the frame and forks painted. While I have a ton of auto tools, there are obviously a few things that I can't disassemble / reassemble without actual "bike" tools. Can you guys suggest the things I'd need that auto tools can't cover? I know the chain whip and cassette locking tools are a couple...

Also, would it just be better to just get a kit? I only have about $100 to spend though and it seems like the Spin Doctor Team 33 tool kit would have it all, or maybe the Spin Doctor Essential tool kit?

Any advice would help. Thanks!

[Kerry Irons]

I need to disassemble my entire bike so that I can have the frame and forks painted. While I have a ton of auto tools, there are obviously a few things that I can't disassemble / reassemble without actual "bike" tools. Can you guys suggest the things I'd need that auto tools can't cover? I know the chain whip and cassette locking tools are a couple...

Also, would it just be better to just get a kit? I only have about $100 to spend though and it seems like the Spin Doctor Team 33 tool kit would have it all, or maybe the Spin Doctor Essential tool kit?

Any advice would help. Thanks!

No need for a chain whip and cassette lock ring tool to take out the back wheel. You need those for regular maintenance but not to get the frame ready to paint. For that you need only the appropriate lock ring tool and possibly a head set remover. Many people make DIY headset tools by slotting a piece of PVC pipe or carefully using a punch/hammer or even a large flat blade screwdriver and hammer.

If you replace the cable set after you have the frame painted then a quality cable cutter is very handy though if you have a Dremel with a cut-off wheel then you are good to go.

The problem with purchased tool kits is that you often get tools you don't need, tools you already have, and not all the tools you need. Most people are better off buying just what they need.

[MShaw]

The problem with purchased tool kits is that you often get tools you don't need, tools you already have, and not all the tools you need. Most people are better off buying just what they need.

I'll agree with that. If its an occasional thing, take as much apart as you can with what you have, then take the rest to your LBS to have em use the specialized tools.

You can take most of your bike apart with 4, 5, 6, and 8/10mm* allen wrenches. Depending on your bike, you may need BB tool(s) or HS tools.

If its a matter of disassembly, its easy. Getting it back together again correctly/adjusted is the tough part.

M

*depending on your crankset

[Mike T.]

The last thing you need for this job is a pre-assembled tool kit. They're not even a good idea for general ongoing maintenance. Hubs, headsets and bottom brackets are too bike-specific for any kit the be perfect. And what's the point of tools you'll never use?

Depending on your bike's headset and BB you might need some special tools. Give us a drive-side (in-focus!) pic of the bike and we can be more precise.

[the mayor]

Mike T is the voice of reason here...
There was a time when you could buy 1 headset or B/B tool....not anymore!

And I will add: buy quality tools! Especially the ones you will use regularly ( like Allen wrenches and screw drivers). You may get away with lower price items that you use once in a great while.....but if you go cheapo on your main tools, you'll end up with a bunch of rounded out / stripped hardware.
That $13.99 200 piece tool kit from Harbor Freight is not your friend!

[danl1]

I'll agree with that. If its an occasional thing, take as much apart as you can with what you have, then take the rest to your LBS to have em use the specialized tools.

You can take most of your bike apart with 4, 5, 6, and 8/10mm* allen wrenches. Depending on your bike, you may need BB tool(s) or HS tools.

If its a matter of disassembly, its easy. Getting it back together again correctly/adjusted is the tough part.

M

*depending on your crankset

I'm finding myself in this camp of advice, too - in a way. The unique tools for a full disassembly are a chain tool (you'd probably want one anyway) and the appropriate BB and headset tools as others have mentioned. But you might want to think about those. The BB tools are pretty straightforward, but the headset tools, for both disassembly and re-assembly, can start to add up, for something that most cyclists won't use very often (if ever again.)

Check if you have a bicycle co-op around where you can rent/borrow/use tools. And don't leave off the possibility that the LBS will let you borrow tools, either. It's not exactly common, but I've asked and been let to use the headset crown race remover, the HS cup remover, and headset press and crown setter for the re-assembly.

As Kerry mentioned, those actions can all be done with careful application of more standard or homebuilt tools, and I've done that, too. It's not hard, but it's also easy to screw up if you aren't careful or don't have a good idea of what you are doing. For that reason, I don't want to recommend taking that path.

[VKW]

You might also need a left crank arm removal tool if you have a hollowtech II shimano crank.

[Zen Cyclery]

I would take as much of it apart as possible with what you have. When you can't go any further take what is left the LBS and ask them what tools are needed to take it the rest of the way. Best guess is that you will need something to remove cranks, BB, headset, and chain. Depending on your crank and chain you might not need tools for them, but for sure the BB and headset.

[torquredork]

Couldn't agree more......quality tools are the way to go!

Mike T is the voice of reason here...
There was a time when you could buy 1 headset or B/B tool....not anymore!

And I will add: buy quality tools! Especially the ones you will use regularly ( like Allen wrenches and screw drivers). You may get away with lower price items that you use once in a great while.....but if you go cheapo on your main tools, you'll end up with a bunch of rounded out / stripped hardware.
That $13.99 200 piece tool kit from Harbor Freight is not your friend!