What Tools Do I Need for *My* Bike? | Tech Tuesday #130

It's a question we hear a lot. So - what *are* the tools you need for your specific bike? Well... it depends! We take a look at the questions you need to ask yourself about your bike, yourself, and what you're going to be doing, in order to compile the best set of tools for you.

Questions or comments? Leave them below!

➤ Fix It:
Did you know that Park Tool is the #1 resource for bicycle repair education?

➤ About Park Tool:
Since our founding in 1963, Park Tool has been the leading name in bicycle tools. Our YouTube channel is an extension of our mission to be the ultimate resource for mechanics and riders of all skill levels. Here you will find comprehensive repair help tutorials for a wide range of components and processes, as well as troubleshooting guides, tips and tricks, and information on the latest Park Tool products.

[IGotsBadFeeling]

Wait for a problem then buy the tools to fix it. That's how I grew my collection. It started with a pump and now I have 3 boxes full of varying tools.

[seanc]

I really appreciate a company that is not trying to sell everything they make to absolutely every customer they can, you folks are doing a great job with these videos.

[michaelvila]

Another great video guys thank you! And the pdf worksheet is a great start to write down all the specs about your bike. I put all my specs on Evernote and Apple Notes so I can have a copy anywhere and everywhere. I also added a link next to each tool and component of the How to video (most of them Park Tool video's) so I can review as I'm making the repair. I also looked up all the torque specs for each component to make sure I don't over tighten and damage any of my carbon parts. The more you learn to work on your own bike the more money you can save on repairs, but it's not just money, it's down time while you're waiting for the shop to get to your bike. I enjoy working on my bike, and when I purchase a Park Tool I'll actually practice by taking the component apart and putting it back together, so when the time comes I'll already have an idea of how to do it. PLEASE don't get me wrong, there are things I will take my bike to the shop for, they are the experts, and they have had much more practice, but start with the basics, the little things, and work your way up to the more advanced procedures, if you want, or not :-)

[snakeeater]

This is quality! This is exactly why I follow this channel, informative, entertaining, and not to complex!

[endcensorship]

I used to work in a shop, and I bought a lot of tools from that time. Now, I have a nice Blue Wall in my garage and I do work for friends (mostly neighbors who cant afford to take a bike to the LBS for basic and simple repairs)

[sylvainmichaud]

One specific tool that I would have mentioned would have been a JIS (Japanese industrial standard) screwdriver (for derailleurs) vs the inappropriate Phillips screwdriver. It's really not obvious.
A lot of people are unaware that they are using the wrong tool !

[larryblackmon]

Great video. Great tips, as always. I've gotta say, when the light went out, I couldn't hear over my laughter. That's how I feel with so much of my bike repaired. First it's, Yes I did it! Than, WHAT I didn't do anything else why did it stop working. Back to square one I go. Hahaha thankfully I've learned from pushing through and that it is usually something simple I forgot or overlooked.

[thatsschwinn]

Nicely explained guys, 👍 I'm building my tool collection by buying what I need and 5 years later I have many more to add 🔧🚲

[geoffpoole]

For modern bikes a set of hex keys will cover a lot of the work a home mechanic needs to do. Think about whether it's worth investing in a tool that is very specialist. For example, a gauge to measure seat post diameter is expensive and unlikely to see much use in a home workshop. A lesson I've learned the hard way is bottom bracket work is MUCH easier with the correct tools. Obtain the best tools you can, and remember you can never have too many tools.

[AdamOmidpanah]

They say buy once, cry once. Except that I cried for the chain breaker, then the cable cutter, then the pedal wrench, the cable puller, ... my garage hasn't dried out for years!

[viperRX]

Nice video. I do the same. I am not a mechanic but suddenly I am buying more and more, learning one by one watching park tool YouTube mostly. Now I appear like a mechanic with PCS10.2 stand and all those tools lol

[JC-fumg]

Calvin you are bike bless!...Thanks ...My New Teacher!

[iGameOvertv]

Here's my top tip: get yourself a pack of unscented baby wipes. They are absolutely amazing for wiping excess of various types of greases (something that I found super helpful when I got way to generous with ptfe grease).

[nigeljohnson]

Always sound and beneficial advice. Cheers guys.

[Ad-wvzt]

Why don't ParkTool have tools to open preload adjusters for forks? For maintenance on the fork. Like the RST Special Wrench for preload adjusters

[dereksmith]

How bout the crank on that royal carriage from Chicago. Someone did a nice job on it, glad y'all showed it. Another great video 👍.

[lordlucan]

First rule of bike tools : Never lend them to people if you wanna keep them

[simonunwin]

I love your videos - educational AND funny!

[rasmuswi]

Living in a small apartment means there is another consideration: BULK! I would love to learn to build and true wheels, but every truing stand I've ever seen has been a huge and massive thing that doesn't fold in any way and would be more or less impossible to stow away when not in use. Or they're supposed to be bolted to a bench. Or fitted to a huge work stand that present the same bulk problem as most truing stands. And truing stands are just one example...

[JMcLeodKC]

Thought the "Everything we got" was actually that truck