Tools For Newbies For Custom Builds or Restorations

Wanna build your own custom bicycle or just restore an old classic check out this tool list for your home shop!

Suggested tools for Newbies, for custom builds or restorations!

I just wanted to post a list of tools to help others get started making there own bikes or working on their own bikes. I had no tools when I started so I had to do a lot of shopping and this list is a lot of what I picked up. You may or may not need these tools to make a bike but all will help in some way.

Do not feel like you need all these tools to start you really do not! you just need a couple of tools like a good Angle Grinder and a Welder! but more tools never hurt anyone!

Safety comes first I would not skip anything in this list!

[Safety]

* Safety Goggle/Face Shield
* Work Gloves
* Welding Helmet (Auto-Darkening is a plus)
* Welding Gloves
* Ear Protection for high noise


Basic things you will need for your Angle Grinder. Many people recommend having more then one Angle Grinder so you will not have to keep changing your discs all the time. If you can pick them up cheap I would get at lest two.

[Angle Grinder]

* Heavy Duty 4-1/2" Angle Grinder
* Grinding Wheels for Metal
* Cut-off Wheels for Metal
* 60 Grit Flap Discs


A good drill helps to drill all them holes you will need!

[Drill]

* 1/2" Heavy Duty Drill
* Drill Bits for metal up to 1/2 inch


you will need to pick a welder based on how you want to weld there are so many options out there I recommend searching the forums for more information on welding before you go out and buy one.

[Welder]

* 90 Amp Flux Wire Welder / Chicago Electric brand from HFT about $150.00 (Welder is your choice look around the forums for more information) you can purchase the gas conversion kit for this welder from Lincoln Welder
* Welding Helmet (Auto-Darkening is a plus)
* Welding Gloves
* Straight Chipping Hammer
* Wire Stainless Steel Brush
* 6013 Welding Rod (If using a stick welder)


Bike tools to help you take a part bikes and put them back together.


[Bike Tools]

* Spoke Wrench
* Chain Tool
* Tire Levers
* Crank Tool
* Cassette Tool
* Head Tube Reamer
* Integrated Head Tube Reamer Complete
* Bottom Bracket Threader 'Professional' English or Metric thread
* Bottom Bracket Thread Clearing Tool. English Thread
* Bottom Bracket Shell Facer
* Steerer Thread Clearing Tool with Die
* Cobra Steering Column Thread Cutting Tool
* Stainless Spoke Cutting Tool including head
* Cobra Seat Post Tube Reamer
* Seat Tube Reamer and Handles
* Crank Repair Reamer
* Folding Wheel Building Stand
* Headset Press
* Gear Hanger Alignment Tool
* Drop Out Alignment Tool
* Wheel Dishing Tool
* Frame Alignment Tool
* Head Cup Remover
* Crown Ball Race Remover
* Cobra Tool for fitting Crown Ball Race
* Cobra Threadless Nut Setter for Aheadset
* Fork Cutter Saw Guide
* Workshop Chain Breaker Adjustable. Suitable for UG, HG, HP, 3/16 & 3/8" BMX/Freestyle.
* Rear Stay Opening Pliers
* Cobra Cotterless Crank Spanner
* Cobra Pedal Box End Spanner
* Headset Spanner Heavy Duty Pressed
* Cobra Professional Tool for Cartridge Bottom Brackets
* Lockring Wrench
* Adjustable Peg Spanner
* Tire Levers
* Rubber Hammer
* Letter Punches
* Figure / Number Punches
* Precision Pocket Vernier Gauge
* Cobra Professional Tool for Installation & Removal of Shimano and other Cartridge Bottom Brackets
* Cobra Crank Extractor for Shimano
*


Other tools all optional but they all have there uses.

[Other Tools] (Optional)

* Adjustable Wrenchs
* Metric/SAE Wrench Sets
* Ratchet Set
* Screw Drivers
* Hex Wrench Set
* Ball Pen Hammers
* Hacksaw
* 4" Swivel Vice or larger
* Vice Grips
* Clamps
* Round Metal File
* Tape Measure
* Muli-Square
* Angle Square
*
*
*
*
*


I hope someone finds this helpful.
Peace Crazy Horse!

Thanks to all the people who have helped & continue to help me figure out what I would need!

camlifter said:

do you have any links to where you got the bicycle tools

Click to expand...

Sorry about that I should have posted those links,
Cam you should try to get in touch with a local bicycle distributor Rep who works with Bicycle shops you can get a hello-of A-deal on tools ordering from them, instead of going thru the Park Tools web site, even better call them and ask for one of their reps to stop by your shop and you'll have the ball rolling for dealer/shop discounts on any bike related tools & parts, heck you can contact all these companies and get wholesale pricing with a dealer/shop account etc...

By Email:
general: [email protected]
webmaster: [email protected]

Mailing Address:
Park Tool Co, Inc.
6 Long Lake Rd
St. Paul, MN 55115-6824
USA

Phone: 651.777.6868
Fax: 651.777.5559

Also try :
Corporate Hqtrs
J&B Importers, Inc.
11925 SW 128th St.
Miami, FL 3318 (305) 238-1866

Midwest offices:
Midwest - Indiana

NY - IL - IN - OH - WI - IA - MI - CANADA
J&B Importers
4620 Clubview Drive
Fort Wayne IN 46804
(260) 436-1744

Another big company is Hawley Bicycle Parts & Tools:
Address:
The Hawley Company
1181 South Lake Drive
Lexington, SC 29073
Phone:
Sales Calls 803.359.3492
Fax:
Sales Fax Orders 800.822.1985
Local Fax 803.359.5317

Here's yet another large company:


Toll Free

Phone: 1-800-283-2453
Fax: 1-800-955-2453

International

Phone: 425-251-1516
Fax: 425-251-6041

Headquarters

Seattle Bike Supply
Washington Headquarters
7620 S. 192nd Street
Kent, WA 98032

Our propriatary brands:

RedlineBicycles.com
TorkerUSA.com
Prymegear.com
Potenzacycling.com
BMXStop.com

Last but not least is:

Quality Bike Products ( QBP )
US wholesale dealer accounts
Phone: (952) 941-9391
Fax: (952) 941-9799
Email: [email protected]

QBP
6400 W. 105th Street
Bloomington, MN 55438

Hope This list is helpful to you.

Peace Crazy Horse aka Joe.
P.S.You should ask when you call these companies for your local rep in your city and state, that person will call you and most likely come out to visit your shop!

If you have any suggestions for tool's please add them here, if you need help finding a tool or tools hopefully you find a lead for it them here.

I'm hoping that this thread will help everyone in search of Tool's for servicing their bike or for those who need a specific tool for a specific task related to building or servicing a bike!

One forum member Brokk has a similar thread: Tools of the Trade: http://motorbicycling.com/f26/tools-trade-suggestions-17639.html

Brokk's Thread:
Motorized Bicycle Newbie

Tools of the Trade...suggestions.
I am new at building custom bikes and I'm looking to buy some tools to get started. I know there will be many different opinions but I would love some suggestions on which type of welder to buy to learn on and to do the job right, what is the best grinder and what to use to cut metal (i.e. chopping tubing). Oh, and I'm on a budget to boot, but aren't we all. by brokk.

C.H.

Crazy Horse said:

Wanna build your own custom bicycle or just restore an old classic check out this tool list for your home shop!

Suggested tools for Newbies, for custom builds or restorations!

I just wanted to post a list of tools to help others get started making there own bikes or working on their own bikes. I had no tools when I started so I had to do a lot of shopping and this list is a lot of what I picked up. You may or may not need these tools to make a bike but all will help in some way.

Do not feel like you need all these tools to start you really do not! you just need a couple of tools like a good Angle Grinder and a Welder! but more tools never hurt anyone!

Safety comes first I would not skip anything in this list!

[Safety]

* Safety Goggle/Face Shield
* Work Gloves
* Welding Helmet (Auto-Darkening is a plus)
* Welding Gloves
* Ear Protection for high noise


Basic things you will need for your Angle Grinder. Many people recommend having more then one Angle Grinder so you will not have to keep changing your discs all the time. If you can pick them up cheap I would get at lest two.

[Angle Grinder]

* Heavy Duty 4-1/2" Angle Grinder
* Grinding Wheels for Metal
* Cut-off Wheels for Metal
* 60 Grit Flap Discs


A good drill helps to drill all them holes you will need!

[Drill]

* 1/2" Heavy Duty Drill
* Drill Bits for metal up to 1/2 inch


you will need to pick a welder based on how you want to weld there are so many options out there I recommend searching the forums for more information on welding before you go out and buy one.

[Welder]

* 90 Amp Flux Wire Welder / Chicago Electric brand from HFT about $150.00 (Welder is your choice look around the forums for more information) you can purchase the gas conversion kit for this welder from Lincoln Welder
* Welding Helmet (Auto-Darkening is a plus)
* Welding Gloves
* Straight Chipping Hammer
* Wire Stainless Steel Brush
* 6013 Welding Rod (If using a stick welder)


Bike tools to help you take a part bikes and put them back together.


[Bike Tools]

* Spoke Wrench
* Chain Tool
* Tire Levers
* Crank Tool
* Cassette Tool
* Head Tube Reamer
* Integrated Head Tube Reamer Complete
* Bottom Bracket Threader 'Professional' English or Metric thread
* Bottom Bracket Thread Clearing Tool. English Thread
* Bottom Bracket Shell Facer
* Steerer Thread Clearing Tool with Die
* Cobra Steering Column Thread Cutting Tool
* Stainless Spoke Cutting Tool including head
* Cobra Seat Post Tube Reamer
* Seat Tube Reamer and Handles
* Crank Repair Reamer
* Folding Wheel Building Stand
* Headset Press
* Gear Hanger Alignment Tool
* Drop Out Alignment Tool
* Wheel Dishing Tool
* Frame Alignment Tool
* Head Cup Remover
* Crown Ball Race Remover
* Cobra Tool for fitting Crown Ball Race
* Cobra Threadless Nut Setter for Aheadset
* Fork Cutter Saw Guide
* Workshop Chain Breaker Adjustable. Suitable for UG, HG, HP, 3/16 & 3/8" BMX/Freestyle.
* Rear Stay Opening Pliers
* Cobra Cotterless Crank Spanner
* Cobra Pedal Box End Spanner
* Headset Spanner Heavy Duty Pressed
* Cobra Professional Tool for Cartridge Bottom Brackets
* Lockring Wrench
* Adjustable Peg Spanner
* Tire Levers
* Rubber Hammer
* Letter Punches
* Figure / Number Punches
* Precision Pocket Vernier Gauge
* Cobra Professional Tool for Installation & Removal of Shimano and other Cartridge Bottom Brackets
* Cobra Crank Extractor for Shimano
*


Other tools all optional but they all have there uses.

[Other Tools] (Optional)

* Adjustable Wrenchs
* Metric/SAE Wrench Sets
* Ratchet Set
* Screw Drivers
* Hex Wrench Set
* Ball Pen Hammers
* Hacksaw
* 4" Swivel Vice or larger
* Vice Grips
* Clamps
* Round Metal File
* Tape Measure
* Muli-Square
* Angle Square
*
*
*
*
*


I hope someone finds this helpful.
Peace Crazy Horse!

Thanks to all the people who have helped & continue to help me figure out what I would need!

Click to expand...

Lately Ive noticed a slight increase in new members joining our fine forum, many with questions about tools needed for a restoration or complete custom build, or maybe just for maintenance of their motorized bicycle(s).

I'd like to suggest again that you don't need a bicycle shop or garage full of every bicycle tool ever invented, to get started wrenching on your bicycle(s).

Here's a Basic Bicycle Tool List:
REGULAR HAND TOOLS

You may already have many of these tools, which are useful around the home/garage. If not, they're widely available in hardware stores, home centers, or LBS.

Small and medium regular screwdrivers
Small and medium Phillips screwdrivers
Combination wrench set including 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17mm wrenches
Regular pliers
Needle-nose pliers
Small and medium Vise-Grip pliers
Plumbers' pliers
Diagonal cutters
6-inch adjustable wrench
12-inch adjustable wrench
Ball-peen hammer
Plastic or rubber mallet
Hacksaw
Course and fine file (flat and half-round)
Metal punches and chisels
Outside/inside caliper
Scratch Awl
Knife

Some of these tools listed above will have you well on your way to working on your bicycle(s)!

One of the great things about bicycles is that they're relatively easy to maintain and repair. In most cases you can solve problems with the kit you carry on your bike, which should include a spare tube, tire levers, all-in-one tool and pump. This allows replacing the tube and handling minor issues, such as fine-tuning parts that loosen or go out of adjustment. As you master simple fixes, you may get interested in doing more involved repairs, such as replacing worn cables, cleaning the drive train, upgrading certain parts or even straightening wheel wobbles. These tasks and more are well within your capabilities if you have the right tools and a little know-how.

For those of you who'd like to by a basic bicycle tool set Park Tool Co, has a nice setup from beginner to advance Too sets for bicycles, here's some info and a Link to Park Tool Home Mechanic Starter Tool Set:
Park Tool Co. SK-1 : Home Mechanic Starter Kit : Tool Kits

The set is a great way to start a tool collection! The perfect combination of tools to help the novice home mechanic clean, adjust, maintain and do some basic repairs on their bike. The SK-1 includes 14 genuine Park Tool products plus a custom Park Tool toolbox.

Price: $99.95
Item #PA-SK1: A great way to start a tool collection! The perfect combination of tools to help the novice home mechanic clean, adjust, maintain and do some basic repairs on their bike. The SK-1 includes eleven genuine Park Tool products plus a custom Park Tool toolbox.

Here's a list of tools included in the Basic Home Mechanic Starter Tool Kit:
Contents of the SK-1:

AWS-10 Wrench Set, 2mm to 6mm
CT-5 Mini Chain Brute Chain Tool
DCW-1 Double Ended Cone Wrench 13mm & 14mm
DCW-2 Double Ended Cone Wrench 15mm & 16mm
DCW-3 Double Ended Cone Wrench 17mm & 18mm
GSC-1 Gear Clean Brush
FR-5 Cassette Lock ring Remover
HCW-16 Pedal Wrench and Chain Whip
SD-2 Shop Screwdriver #2 Phillips
SD-3 Shop Screwdriver 3mm Straight Blade
SW-7 Three-way Spoke Wrench
TL-1 Tire Levers
VP-1 Vulcanizing Patch Kit
HR-8 Hex wrench

For whatever your needs are in maintenance, restoration, a custom built bicycle whatever the case may be you'll always find someone here in the forum who knows how to do it, what tools are needed, where to purchase them etc etc...

For those of you looking to start welding, try a cheap harbor freight mig welder then if you are finding yourself skilled enough then do some research on various types of welders arc, tig, mig etc etc...
You can purchase a mig welder from harbor freight it's cheap and the quality is pretty much the same you get what you pay for, If you have experience welding and have the resources then I'd suggest a Lincoln mig.

Here's a great website that has almost every bicycle tool ever invented and they are BikeToolsEtc they have 1,000's of bicycle related tools:
Bike Tools Etc. - 1000's of bicycle tools and parts for the home mechanic!

Peace C.H.