Bike specific tools
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One thing no one has mentioned yet is a set of chain quick link pliers. I'd recommend a pair of those be one of the first half-dozen bike-specific tools you get.
If you get a set, I'd strongly recommend you get the type that both removes and seats quick links. Yes, you can seat a quick link other ways. But it's much easier with a tool that will both remove and set the quick link.
If you get a set, I'd strongly recommend you get the type that both removes and seats quick links. Yes, you can seat a quick link other ways. But it's much easier with a tool that will both remove and set the quick link.
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Exactly. With two or three Connex links, I'll never need a tool.
#29
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Connex links are long-lasting, but they're not immune to wear. Their pins wear just like those on other chain links, albeit perhaps more slowly.
I'd prefer not to have one worn link on a new chain. Even if it's a Connex link.
I'd prefer not to have one worn link on a new chain. Even if it's a Connex link.
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Park Tools aren't really "best" when comparing their quality and hardness to premium automotive tooks like Snap-On.
Are Park Tools good? Sure. There's so much cheap crap tools out there (i.e. HarborFreight), it doesn't take much to stand out to be better.
Because I dived into automotive work before bike wrenching, automotive tools need to be more demanding to handle the most stubborn overtorqued fasteners that one would rarely find on a bike. The hardness of a tool is your best friend.
My experience allows me to appreciate a quality tool and usually opt for the best. Some Park Tools make it into my drawers. Most of them will never.
I don't make a religion out of it and really couldn't care less what others like or use.
I know what I like, my money can afford it, my tools make money for me.
Are Park Tools good? Sure. There's so much cheap crap tools out there (i.e. HarborFreight), it doesn't take much to stand out to be better.
Because I dived into automotive work before bike wrenching, automotive tools need to be more demanding to handle the most stubborn overtorqued fasteners that one would rarely find on a bike. The hardness of a tool is your best friend.
My experience allows me to appreciate a quality tool and usually opt for the best. Some Park Tools make it into my drawers. Most of them will never.
I don't make a religion out of it and really couldn't care less what others like or use.
I know what I like, my money can afford it, my tools make money for me.
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Park Tools aren't really "best" when comparing their quality and hardness to premium automotive tooks like Snap-On.
Are Park Tools good? Sure. There's so much cheap crap tools out there (i.e. HarborFreight), it doesn't take much to stand out to be better.
Some Park Tools make it into my drawers. Most of them will never.
Are Park Tools good? Sure. There's so much cheap crap tools out there (i.e. HarborFreight), it doesn't take much to stand out to be better.
Some Park Tools make it into my drawers. Most of them will never.
Snap On tools are top notch for sure. We used their box/open end wrenches and screwdrivers in the shops. But Park makes some of the best bike-specific tools. The quality was certainly better back in the day.
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I worked with off brand, etc tools for years and got by, but every time I used a quality tool vs an ok tool it was a revelation just how much better a park chain breaker is vs cheapo
best tool investment was a good stand (and I spent more money trying to DIY a good stand then the good stand cost....money wasted)
specialize tolls such as a quick link wrench seem a luxury.... until they make your life 20 times better and a 1000% les frustrating
My advice is buy quality if it is a specialized tool, there fit better, feel better and do the job enough better to make a difference
but have fun with the bike, post a pic and ride
best tool investment was a good stand (and I spent more money trying to DIY a good stand then the good stand cost....money wasted)
specialize tolls such as a quick link wrench seem a luxury.... until they make your life 20 times better and a 1000% les frustrating
My advice is buy quality if it is a specialized tool, there fit better, feel better and do the job enough better to make a difference
but have fun with the bike, post a pic and ride
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How much stress do you think a chain whip endures? Very little if you're doing it right.
I have the park, and I have a cheap red one that I got years ago. I really don't see a difference as far as durability and usability. Kind of like Pedro's cone wrenches vs Park's.
Most Park tools are very good, but they are not Tool Truck quality. But, what is? (Proto, maybe)
Don't get me wrong, I like my Park tools, but they ain't all that and a bag of chips. Ever break a Park tool? You bought it, you got it., They have an out for most issues. Heck, Crapsman has a better warranty.
But, Campy tools
I have the park, and I have a cheap red one that I got years ago. I really don't see a difference as far as durability and usability. Kind of like Pedro's cone wrenches vs Park's.
Most Park tools are very good, but they are not Tool Truck quality. But, what is? (Proto, maybe)
Don't get me wrong, I like my Park tools, but they ain't all that and a bag of chips. Ever break a Park tool? You bought it, you got it., They have an out for most issues. Heck, Crapsman has a better warranty.
But, Campy tools
Anybody actually have a cheap chainwhip break? Doubtful. If so, just put another section of chain on it. The risk to the lockring is lousy technique, mine are generally aluminum and it is not going damage a steel tool. Rather, you will strip it with ham fisted technique.
Buy the cheap tool to take the cassette off
Buy the cheap tool to take the cassette off
I have had a cheap chain whip for decades and it still functions fine as does the cheapo Park cassette lockring removal tool.
IIRC, Jen is a college student. She probably does not have the money to waste. Buy the good enough tools and spend the savings on fast tires for your next Tri
IIRC, Jen is a college student. She probably does not have the money to waste. Buy the good enough tools and spend the savings on fast tires for your next Tri
I'll agree that the Craftsman warranty is fine. But Craftsman tools are not what they used to be. If one of my Craftsman tools from the 80s broke today, I would replace it on eBay with the same vintage tool before taking it to Lowes and trading it for one of the Chinese Craftsman tools they would try to replace it with. And the Craftsman tools I have from the 80s don't hold a candle to the Snap On tools I bought from the same era.
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Craftsman has never been the best, it was accessible for every day Americans by store and mail order.
It had the best guarantee, period. still does. In fact, I call it crapsman, but I still have some
Sometimes you don't need the best or even second best. I have an old park,chain whip and a 15 year younger (but still about 20 years old) nothing special one. They both work fine. and if you're talking the BBT-22, I'll tell you to buy the Pedro's, it's much higher quality than the park is. The park is cast, the Pedro's is machined out of tool steel.
It had the best guarantee, period. still does. In fact, I call it crapsman, but I still have some
Sometimes you don't need the best or even second best. I have an old park,chain whip and a 15 year younger (but still about 20 years old) nothing special one. They both work fine. and if you're talking the BBT-22, I'll tell you to buy the Pedro's, it's much higher quality than the park is. The park is cast, the Pedro's is machined out of tool steel.
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VegasJen This cheaper one looks noticeably better than the one you linked:
Amazon.com : Oumers Bike Chain Tools Kit, Cassette Removal Tool Sprocket Remover Kit/Chain Whip and Cassette/Rotor Lockring Removal Tool with Guide Pin : Sports & Outdoors
And you can insert ratchet directly into the cassette tool. But I agree with everyone who recommend getting the Park Tool version of the cassette tool, whereas pretty much any chain whip would do. As for chain quick link tool, this one is my favorite.
Amazon.com : Super B 2-in-1 Master Link Pliers (The Trident) : Sports & Outdoors
Because it both removes and install quick links.
Amazon.com : Oumers Bike Chain Tools Kit, Cassette Removal Tool Sprocket Remover Kit/Chain Whip and Cassette/Rotor Lockring Removal Tool with Guide Pin : Sports & Outdoors
And you can insert ratchet directly into the cassette tool. But I agree with everyone who recommend getting the Park Tool version of the cassette tool, whereas pretty much any chain whip would do. As for chain quick link tool, this one is my favorite.
Amazon.com : Super B 2-in-1 Master Link Pliers (The Trident) : Sports & Outdoors
Because it both removes and install quick links.
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I just want to give a shoutout to Icetoolz
I have found their stuff, cone spanners, etc, to be equal or higher quality than park, at a lower price
Those Taiwanese mid-tier companies are the peak price/quality ime.
TengTools are also fantastic
I have found their stuff, cone spanners, etc, to be equal or higher quality than park, at a lower price
Those Taiwanese mid-tier companies are the peak price/quality ime.
TengTools are also fantastic
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The current Park version, along with its Torx cousin, pale in quality comparison.
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OP: Bike Specific Tools?
I don't think I have used this tool for anything else but bicycles. Even my Crank Puller, Cup Wrenches, Spoke Meter, and Pedal Wrench have been used on other devices. I even used my Freewheel socket to clean out and flare the inner diameter of a copper pipe...
I don't think I have used this tool for anything else but bicycles. Even my Crank Puller, Cup Wrenches, Spoke Meter, and Pedal Wrench have been used on other devices. I even used my Freewheel socket to clean out and flare the inner diameter of a copper pipe...
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Last edited by zandoval; 12-10-22 at 06:56 PM.
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#39
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My advice to her was to purchase the best she could afford. If an Amazon tool is what her budget allows, then fine. But in the long run, I still believe you get what you pay for. I do have an Amazon chain whip, and all that was worth a nickel was the handle. The chain was not even attached properly and it was also not a good enough piece of chain to go on a kid's bike from Walmart. On my vintage bikes, I don't think I would want to save a few bucks to remove a crank with a cheap crank puller that may damage a 40 year old crank arm. And I'm pretty sure I know how to use it correctly.
I'll agree that the Craftsman warranty is fine. But Craftsman tools are not what they used to be. If one of my Craftsman tools from the 80s broke today, I would replace it on eBay with the same vintage tool before taking it to Lowes and trading it for one of the Chinese Craftsman tools they would try to replace it with. And the Craftsman tools I have from the 80s don't hold a candle to the Snap On tools I bought from the same era.
I'll agree that the Craftsman warranty is fine. But Craftsman tools are not what they used to be. If one of my Craftsman tools from the 80s broke today, I would replace it on eBay with the same vintage tool before taking it to Lowes and trading it for one of the Chinese Craftsman tools they would try to replace it with. And the Craftsman tools I have from the 80s don't hold a candle to the Snap On tools I bought from the same era.
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OP: Ancient Bike Specific Tools?
I don't think I have used this tool for anything else but bicycles. Even my Crank Puller, Cup Wrenches, Spoke Meter, and Pedal Wrench have been used on other devices. I even used my Freewheel socket to clean out and flare the inner diameter of a copper pipe...
I don't think I have used this tool for anything else but bicycles. Even my Crank Puller, Cup Wrenches, Spoke Meter, and Pedal Wrench have been used on other devices. I even used my Freewheel socket to clean out and flare the inner diameter of a copper pipe...
She is a Triathlon racer. I doubt she had an old bike. Her wheels won't have cups or freewheels or a crank that is not self extracting.
My tools are modest but my groupsets are always the top of the line and in 40+ years, they have never complained. Cables can be cut with a Park cutter or one can spend $100+
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OP: Bike Specific Tools?
I don't think I have used this tool for anything else but bicycles. Even my Crank Puller, Cup Wrenches, Spoke Meter, and Pedal Wrench have been used on other devices. I even used my Freewheel socket to clean out and flare the inner diameter of a copper pipe...
I don't think I have used this tool for anything else but bicycles. Even my Crank Puller, Cup Wrenches, Spoke Meter, and Pedal Wrench have been used on other devices. I even used my Freewheel socket to clean out and flare the inner diameter of a copper pipe...
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#42
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Now I'm really going to date myself, but BITD (80's-90's) Park were the good value choice: decent quality at a good price. I liked VAR better, though harder to find. Campagnolo were the top of the heap in quality and design, of course, but very spendy. Park is still OK quality, but not so good a price anymore. Strange to see them held up as a sort of standard.
As for the OP, the tool will no doubt work if you keep your gear in good nick (if not you'll probably want something better). I wouldn't overthink this.
As for the OP, the tool will no doubt work if you keep your gear in good nick (if not you'll probably want something better). I wouldn't overthink this.
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Does Snap On make crank pullers? Frame alignment gauges? Headset wrenches?
Snap On tools are top notch for sure. We used their box/open end wrenches and screwdrivers in the shops. But Park makes some of the best bike-specific tools. The quality was certainly better back in the day.
Snap On tools are top notch for sure. We used their box/open end wrenches and screwdrivers in the shops. But Park makes some of the best bike-specific tools. The quality was certainly better back in the day.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/...-snap-on.4811/
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FWIW, I've opened and closed several KMC "single-use" links many times with no problems (on a non-derailleur drivetrain). The links are not transferred to a new chain.
#46
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I consider the quick-links to have the same life expectancy as the chain, but I keep a couple used ones for emergency use. I prefer the Connex links because they don't require a tool to open, but I have been using KMC chains lately and their links need a little "persuasion" to open. I got a Wolf Tooth Master Link Pliers at a show, so it doesn't matter what kind of link it is... but I carry a couple Connex spares inside the tool.
FWIW, I've opened and closed several KMC "single-use" links many times with no problems (on a non-derailleur drivetrain). The links are not transferred to a new chain.
FWIW, I've opened and closed several KMC "single-use" links many times with no problems (on a non-derailleur drivetrain). The links are not transferred to a new chain.
I got a set of no-name "cheapies" (multiple speeds in the pkg) some time back. A couple of those are in the small bag that goes with me on a ride. They'll at least get me home if I need one.
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The “Bike Hand” tools are made in Taiwan and aren’t bad at all. I own their crank puller and a couple others. I’d trust them over random Amazon brands any day.
And count me as one who doesn’t think Park tools are all that. The only thing they have going for them is widespread LBS availability. Hozan and Unior both make better bike specific tools IMO.
And count me as one who doesn’t think Park tools are all that. The only thing they have going for them is widespread LBS availability. Hozan and Unior both make better bike specific tools IMO.
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#48
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The “Bike Hand” tools are made in Taiwan and aren’t bad at all. I own their crank puller and a couple others. I’d trust them over random Amazon brands any day.
And count me as one who doesn’t think Park tools are all that. The only thing they have going for them is widespread LBS availability. Hozan and Unior both make better bike specific tools IMO.
And count me as one who doesn’t think Park tools are all that. The only thing they have going for them is widespread LBS availability. Hozan and Unior both make better bike specific tools IMO.
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The problem with pre-packaged tool kits is they invariably include unnecessary tools, or tools you may already have. I picked up a Crivit tool kit similar to the one linked above at Lidl for $20, which had enough specific tools to be worth it.
I’m with most people here: get the tool when you need it. Build your tool kit with the tools you’re going to use as you go.
I’m with most people here: get the tool when you need it. Build your tool kit with the tools you’re going to use as you go.