Favorite Tool
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2022
Posts: 1,378
Bikes: a couple
Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 563 Post(s)
Liked 862 Times
in
455 Posts
Favorite Tool
Everyone has that one tool, that one you reach for for about everything.
Mine is a box end crescent wrench.
Stanley - The Claw is it's actual name, but what it is, is a box end crescent.
I watch for them on ebay.
I have a 10", 2-8" and 2-6" and I use them constantly.
One of these is at 3 bucks right now...
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...0&LH_PrefLoc=2
Mine is a box end crescent wrench.
Stanley - The Claw is it's actual name, but what it is, is a box end crescent.
I watch for them on ebay.
I have a 10", 2-8" and 2-6" and I use them constantly.
One of these is at 3 bucks right now...
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...0&LH_PrefLoc=2
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Rochester, NY
Posts: 18,071
Bikes: Stewart S&S coupled sport tourer, Stewart Sunday light, Stewart Commuting, Stewart Touring, Co Motion Tandem, Stewart 3-Spd, Stewart Track, Fuji Finest, Mongoose Tomac ATB, GT Bravado ATB, JCP Folder, Stewart 650B ATB
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4200 Post(s)
Liked 3,853 Times
in
2,303 Posts
For framebuilding my fav is my hand scraped cast iron flat surface.
For bike wrenching it's a 8,9,10 "Y" wrench
For general life stuff it's an Explorer Swiss Army Knife (by Victorinox of course), and yes, those are unicycle build plans...
For bike wrenching it's a 8,9,10 "Y" wrench
For general life stuff it's an Explorer Swiss Army Knife (by Victorinox of course), and yes, those are unicycle build plans...
__________________
AndrewRStewart
AndrewRStewart
Likes For Andrew R Stewart:
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2020
Location: Wake Forest, NC
Posts: 5,783
Bikes: 1989 Cinelli Supercorsa
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3504 Post(s)
Liked 2,924 Times
in
1,774 Posts
Park vintage 4,5,6 mm Allen tri wrench.
Likes For smd4:
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: South shore, L.I., NY
Posts: 6,877
Bikes: Flyxii FR322, Cannondale Topstone, Miyata City Liner, Specialized Chisel, Specialized Epic Evo
Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3235 Post(s)
Liked 2,080 Times
in
1,178 Posts
Having been a stagehand for near 50 years, I got in the habit of carrying a multi-tool of some sort. Before Leatherman and the like were invented it was a Victorinox Champ SAK. Later Gerber, SOG or Leatherman. Never liked Leathermans. My current go to that I carry is a Gerber Truss MT, this being the design who's assorted tools open outward so no need to open up the pliers to access a knife, etc.,, They discontinued this design apparantly, too bad, best MT I've used.
#6
Cantilever believer
Join Date: Nov 2021
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 1,562
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 532 Post(s)
Liked 1,830 Times
in
828 Posts
+1 on the 8-9-10 Y wrench. I'm still using the one I bought at Yellow Front back in 1980-1981 or so. Used it quite a bit this afternoon, in fact, stripping an old swingset-steel Huffy.
__________________
Richard C. Moeur, PE - Phoenix AZ, USA
https://www.richardcmoeur.com/bikestuf.html
Richard C. Moeur, PE - Phoenix AZ, USA
https://www.richardcmoeur.com/bikestuf.html
#7
Senior member
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Oakville Ontario
Posts: 8,117
Mentioned: 25 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 943 Post(s)
Liked 658 Times
in
371 Posts
These days I am pretty much specializing in wheel building although I still do some general bike work. I do get the most satisfaction from using my wheel building tools.
Last edited by Dan Burkhart; 12-23-22 at 09:01 PM.
Likes For Dan Burkhart:
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: San Jose (Willow Glen) Ca
Posts: 9,842
Bikes: Kirk Custom JK Special, '84 Team Miyata,(dura ace old school) 80?? SR Semi-Pro 600 Arabesque
Mentioned: 106 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2337 Post(s)
Liked 2,821 Times
in
1,540 Posts
hard to say favorite but best decision/purchase was to quit goofing around with DIY stand and getting a Park PCS 10 stand
I now wish I had a park wheel building stand, but don't do enough of that to justify
I now wish I had a park wheel building stand, but don't do enough of that to justify
__________________
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can
(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can
(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)
#9
Mad bike riding scientist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 27,362
Bikes: Some silver ones, a red one, a black and orange one, and a few titanium ones
Mentioned: 152 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6218 Post(s)
Liked 4,216 Times
in
2,363 Posts
My Park PRS-6 (pre-1996). I use it nearly every day.
__________________
Stuart Black
Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
Old School…When It Wasn’t Ancient bikepacking
Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
Stuart Black
Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
Old School…When It Wasn’t Ancient bikepacking
Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
Likes For cyccommute:
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Sherwood, OR
Posts: 1,279
Mentioned: 29 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 336 Post(s)
Liked 309 Times
in
180 Posts
Bike specific: EVT Ultra True Arc hangar alignment tool
not bike specific: Knipex 7” Pliers-wrench
the EVT is both a beast and precise at the same time. It is a joy to use.
the Knipex is great to have at the volunteer co-op. It will grab 14 and 15mm axle nuts as well as threaded headset and Ashtabula locknuts.
not bike specific: Knipex 7” Pliers-wrench
the EVT is both a beast and precise at the same time. It is a joy to use.
the Knipex is great to have at the volunteer co-op. It will grab 14 and 15mm axle nuts as well as threaded headset and Ashtabula locknuts.
#11
Newbie
I like the specialized bike tools that are made for the specific job at hand. Like my cotter pin removal tool, which I haven't used for a long time, but I know it's down there in the bottom of the bike tool box, waiting for the day I decide to take up another vintage Raleigh.
#12
Live not by lies.
Join Date: Nov 2020
Posts: 1,306
Bikes: BigBox bikes.
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 860 Post(s)
Liked 784 Times
in
582 Posts
Having been a stagehand for near 50 years, I got in the habit of carrying a multi-tool of some sort. Before Leatherman and the like were invented it was a Victorinox Champ SAK. Later Gerber, SOG or Leatherman. Never liked Leathermans. My current go to that I carry is a Gerber Truss MT, this being the design who's assorted tools open outward so no need to open up the pliers to access a knife, etc.,, They discontinued this design apparantly, too bad, best MT I've used.
My experience was the Leatherman had a harder tool steel and the phillips bit lasted longer than the Gerber.
Guys liked the Gerber because they’d screw around with whipping it open like a switchblade or something.
#13
Guest
Join Date: Sep 2020
Posts: 2,888
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1346 Post(s)
Liked 3,270 Times
in
1,439 Posts
At the shop, I like to slide a Park pedal wrench under the top of a new bike box to pop it open. Very satisfying.
Likes For Rolla:
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 2,678
Bikes: too many sparkly Italians, some sweet Americans and a couple interesting Japanese
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 569 Post(s)
Liked 581 Times
in
409 Posts
I agree and appreciate the scale to nearly 8 inches and in mm, at 72 I still carry a Leatherman every day.
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,549
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5224 Post(s)
Liked 3,581 Times
in
2,342 Posts
pedal wrench - it's a skinny old French unit but it works great
also, I'm glad that I dumped all my assorted & poorly stored allen wrenches into a big clear plastic snack container. they are all in there. it's OK if I have to hunt for the correct size & some are labeled w/ a piece of masking tape. but there's no more hunting for that other set of allen wrenches cuz I can't find the size I need. of course I carry a bike specific, folding allen set, that looks like a pocket knife, in my rack trunk
also, I'm glad that I dumped all my assorted & poorly stored allen wrenches into a big clear plastic snack container. they are all in there. it's OK if I have to hunt for the correct size & some are labeled w/ a piece of masking tape. but there's no more hunting for that other set of allen wrenches cuz I can't find the size I need. of course I carry a bike specific, folding allen set, that looks like a pocket knife, in my rack trunk
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,549
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5224 Post(s)
Liked 3,581 Times
in
2,342 Posts
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,549
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5224 Post(s)
Liked 3,581 Times
in
2,342 Posts
inherited my Dad's knife collection. he had a little baggie of extra toothpicks & tweezers. now I have to find my knife that is missing both
#18
SE Wis
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Posts: 10,509
Bikes: '68 Raleigh Sprite, '02 Raleigh C500, '84 Raleigh Gran Prix, '91 Trek 400, 2013 Novara Randonee, 1990 Trek 970
Mentioned: 40 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2745 Post(s)
Liked 3,390 Times
in
2,053 Posts
pedal wrench - it's a skinny old French unit but it works great
also, I'm glad that I dumped all my assorted & poorly stored allen wrenches into a big clear plastic snack container. they are all in there. it's OK if I have to hunt for the correct size & some are labeled w/ a piece of masking tape. but there's no more hunting for that other set of allen wrenches cuz I can't find the size I need. of course I carry a bike specific, folding allen set, that looks like a pocket knife, in my rack trunk
also, I'm glad that I dumped all my assorted & poorly stored allen wrenches into a big clear plastic snack container. they are all in there. it's OK if I have to hunt for the correct size & some are labeled w/ a piece of masking tape. but there's no more hunting for that other set of allen wrenches cuz I can't find the size I need. of course I carry a bike specific, folding allen set, that looks like a pocket knife, in my rack trunk
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Posts: 33,656
Bikes: '96 Litespeed Catalyst, '05 Litespeed Firenze, '06 Litespeed Tuscany, '20 Surly Midnight Special, All are 3x10. It is hilly around here!
Mentioned: 39 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2026 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1,096 Times
in
742 Posts
I have three:
The Park AWS1 4-5-6 mm allen Y-tool. Mine is so old and been used so much that I "dremeled" a thin slice off the 4mm to reestablish a sharp tip.
The Park PFP-4 floor pump refitted with a Hirame presta valve chuck. It's in nearly daily use for years
The "Wrench Force" (aka Feedback Sports) repair stand. Wrench Force was a Trek house brand and It was a super bargain years ago when Trek was closing them out and getting out of the tool business. Mine came with a crude but usable wheel alignment attachment, a carrying case and a handlebar/fork holder to keep the front wheel from flopping around when the bike is off the ground.
The Park AWS1 4-5-6 mm allen Y-tool. Mine is so old and been used so much that I "dremeled" a thin slice off the 4mm to reestablish a sharp tip.
The Park PFP-4 floor pump refitted with a Hirame presta valve chuck. It's in nearly daily use for years
The "Wrench Force" (aka Feedback Sports) repair stand. Wrench Force was a Trek house brand and It was a super bargain years ago when Trek was closing them out and getting out of the tool business. Mine came with a crude but usable wheel alignment attachment, a carrying case and a handlebar/fork holder to keep the front wheel from flopping around when the bike is off the ground.
#20
Full Member
I first became aware of the Knipex pliers wrenches just a few months ago, and I have really been impressed by how useful I have found them to be. In addition to tightening and loosening fasteners and fittings that have "flats", I have found them to be great for bending metal.
It would be hard to pick just one size. The 7" is a great all-arounder for a lot of stuff, but I also find myself running into situations where the 5-inch (86 03 125) is just dynamite.
For a couple of the sizes I have, I've also purchased the soft jaw covers.
It would be hard to pick just one size. The 7" is a great all-arounder for a lot of stuff, but I also find myself running into situations where the 5-inch (86 03 125) is just dynamite.
For a couple of the sizes I have, I've also purchased the soft jaw covers.
Likes For John Valuk:
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: SE Wyoming
Posts: 604
Bikes: 1995 Specialized Rockhopper,1989 Specialized Rock Combo, 2013 Specialized Tarmac Elite
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 213 Post(s)
Liked 588 Times
in
278 Posts
1. Leatherman Juice CS-4. EDC on or off the bike.
2. Knipex 6" pliers
3. Crankbrothers M10 Multi Tool
Maybe not a "tool," but my Bike Hand gets more use than any other thing on the list except the Leatherman.
2. Knipex 6" pliers
3. Crankbrothers M10 Multi Tool
Maybe not a "tool," but my Bike Hand gets more use than any other thing on the list except the Leatherman.
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2005
Location: SFBay
Posts: 2,334
Bikes: n, I would like n+1
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 127 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 133 Times
in
108 Posts
Favorite all around Tool? Probably my mill, but possibly only because I don’t own a lathe.
Favorite bicycle tool is probably a dial indicator. I’m not sure it lets me true wheels substantially better, but it does make it substantially faster and easier.
Also on the incredibly handy list is a decent pair of digital calipers. I’d list the surface plate, but then I’d need to list the plethora of things that go with it, even if I didn’t do that for the mill.
Favorite bicycle tool is probably a dial indicator. I’m not sure it lets me true wheels substantially better, but it does make it substantially faster and easier.
Also on the incredibly handy list is a decent pair of digital calipers. I’d list the surface plate, but then I’d need to list the plethora of things that go with it, even if I didn’t do that for the mill.
Likes For jccaclimber:
#23
Clark W. Griswold
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: ,location, location
Posts: 13,505
Bikes: Foundry Chilkoot Ti W/Ultegra Di2, Salsa Timberjack Ti, Cinelli Mash Work RandoCross Fun Time Machine, 1x9 XT Parts Hybrid, Co-Motion Cascadia, Specialized Langster, Phil Wood Apple VeloXS Frame (w/DA 7400), R+M Supercharger2 Rohloff, Habanero Ti 26
Mentioned: 54 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4348 Post(s)
Liked 3,985 Times
in
2,661 Posts
Probably my mini Snap-On 1/4 Bit Ratchet, it gets quite a bit of usage. I would say my Abbey Chain Tool but I don't use it quite as often but it does feel good in the hand and operates so smoothly.
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 7,872
Mentioned: 38 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6958 Post(s)
Liked 10,960 Times
in
4,686 Posts
Bike specific: EVT Ultra True Arc hangar alignment tool
not bike specific: Knipex 7” Pliers-wrench
the EVT is both a beast and precise at the same time. It is a joy to use.
the Knipex is great to have at the volunteer co-op. It will grab 14 and 15mm axle nuts as well as threaded headset and Ashtabula locknuts.
not bike specific: Knipex 7” Pliers-wrench
the EVT is both a beast and precise at the same time. It is a joy to use.
the Knipex is great to have at the volunteer co-op. It will grab 14 and 15mm axle nuts as well as threaded headset and Ashtabula locknuts.
I first became aware of the Knipex pliers wrenches just a few months ago, and I have really been impressed by how useful I have found them to be. In addition to tightening and loosening fasteners and fittings that have "flats", I have found them to be great for bending metal.
It would be hard to pick just one size. The 7" is a great all-arounder for a lot of stuff, but I also find myself running into situations where the 5-inch (86 03 125) is just dynamite.
For a couple of the sizes I have, I've also purchased the soft jaw covers.
It would be hard to pick just one size. The 7" is a great all-arounder for a lot of stuff, but I also find myself running into situations where the 5-inch (86 03 125) is just dynamite.
For a couple of the sizes I have, I've also purchased the soft jaw covers.
#25
Full Member
For me, the magic with these comes from:
- Jaws have smooth faces to engage what one is gripping with minimal damage to part surfaces.
- Jaws remain parallel.
- They have fairly high mechanical advantage when it comes to the motion of the jaw relative to the motion of the handle when closing. So, it's easy to apply significant force at the jaws (and so engage the part firmly, and not mangle the stuff on which one is working).
I would recommend thinking about where you might use it (on the types of bikes on which you work, or wherever) and then pick one that is sized appropriately. These have fairly large jaw capacity relative to overall length, so for me, the choice is usually driven by the handle length required for leverage. Smaller sizes have slimmer and more compact jaws that can work in tighter spaces.
Likes For John Valuk: