Bike Hand Tools

[garfieldcar77]

Hi,
I would like to buy some good bike tools, Made in japan brands like Hozan and Sugino or Made and Europe brands like VAR and Tacx. Were in Australia can i buy these ?
Thanks

[tinstaafl]

When I needed a decent set of hex keys I just asked my local bike shop to order them in. One week later Robert's yer muvver's bruvver.

[matagi]

There's nothing special about the hex keys (allen keys) needed for a bike - just go to your local tool shop and get them from there. Much better range in terms of quality and price.

For my bike, in addition to 4.5mm, 5mm and 6mm allen keys, I use a 15mm open-ended spanner for the pedals, a 9mm open-ended for all the other bolts on the bike, and a normal screwdriver for the limit screws.

The only tools we've bought specifically from a bike shop have been the chain breaking tool, bottom bracket tool, the crank puller and the cassette tool. Oh yes, and the cone spanner although you can just use a skinny spanner if you are lucky enough to have one.

[sogood]

The problem with those multi-tool is that they come as a package. The day you put on a new component with a special nut/bolt spec is the day when you'll need to either get a new one or supplement the kit with something extra.

[Mulger bill]

Happy to use BBB stuff if Bunnings can't help out.
*hides hammer behind back*

[europa]

I personally buy tools where they be and if I want a specialist item, go to my bike shop - that's a policy that's served me well but I'm a tinkerer and so don't use the specialist stuff all that often.

To get the tools you want, I still reckon a good bike shop would be my first stop. After that, I guess google the brands and see where that leads you - often company websites will lead you to a list of distributors.

If you go to our parent site, http://www.bicycles.net.au, you'll find that Christopher has provided an extensive list of links to manufacturers of anything cycling related - you may find what you need there.

Best of luck.

Richard

[garfieldcar77]

Hi, I don't understand, I asked a simple question and got some strange and off topic answers, Forums are great things if people stay on topic.

[tinstaafl]

Hi, I don't understand, I asked a simple question and got some strange and off topic answers, Forums are great things if people stay on topic.

I doubt if you will be hearing too much mor from me in future with responses like that. In any event you are welcome for whatever benefit you obtained from my effort to assist you.
A quick perusal of the responses reveals;
1. Bike shop
2. Bike shop or tool shop
3. Be careful of multi-tools
4. Don't bother with flash brands just use BBB or Bunnings
5. Bike shop or internet (links provided)

You have a very narrow set of tolerances relating to staying on topic.

Again, you are welcome.

Robert

[sogood]

Hi, I don't understand, I asked a simple question and got some strange and off topic answers, Forums are great things if people stay on topic.

If you don't get the specific answer you are looking for on a forum, then chances are that no one knows or no one is interested in them.

As for wondering off your original question, well, that's a feature of forums. People tend to chat/flame long and hard on interesting topics.

The fact of the matter is, there are plenty of "good" bike tools out there. There's no good reason to find a specific brand in most cases. Alternatively, you can easily find the official web site of the brand you want and then look under dealer/distributor for your region.

[matagi]

Ok, to answer your original question SPECIFICALLY ......

I just tried Google on TACX, VAR and Sugino tools looking for pages from Australia and I have concluded you cannot buy these tools locally. Although to be honest, I didn't bother narrowing the search too much.

So if you really want tools in any of the brands you specified, then I suspect you are looking at mailorder from overseas.

Of course, I could be wrong.

There, does that help?

[AUbicycles]

Hi, I don't understand, I asked a simple question and got some strange and off topic answers, Forums are great things if people stay on topic.

I have tried and tried to get the forum members to give perfect answers everytime but unfortunately they are free people.

[Bnej]

I'd prefer a couple of pages waffling around the topic than no responses whatsoever, how about you?

Forums are great if there is participation and discussion, it's about more than just answering specific questions. If that's all there was to it, we'd have 100 topics with one response each.

[Mulger bill]

I thought we were well on the topic of "tools"
Maybe it's me?

[tinstaafl]

It is possible that we still are.

Robert

[matagi]

I thought we were well on the topic of "tools"
Maybe it's me?

Ah, but we hadn't addressed the specific brands the OP was enquiring about. Nor were any of us able to tell him where in Australia he could buy them. Hence his little dummy spit.

I suppose the question we should have asked him/her is why did he/she want these particular tools? Maybe they are starting up a bicycle maintenance business.

The moderately priced bike specific tools available at any LBS are more than adequate for the job of occasional dismantling. The only exception I would make to that is that cheap chain breakers do not seem to be very good, so I would go with a high quality one and pay accordingly.

So what bike specific tools does everyone have? We have 2 chain breakers (that's how I know cheap ones aren't very good ), casette tool, 2 chain whips, crank puller, cone spanner, bottom bracket tool, chainring nut spanner and freewheel tool.

[sogood]

Variety of tools. One basic multi-tool that was given as part of bike purchase (Crank Bros). A few bike specific pieces from LBS (cassette lock nut spanner, chain whip), mail order (Campag chain tool, yes, I am mad) and K-Mart/Paddys Market (long handle allen key, T25, spanner, screw drivers but most of these pre-existed as part of household/car tool collection). In relation to this thread, none of the cheap tools have failed in my experience.

Oh, does an Ultimate bike repair stand count as part of the tool collection?

[matagi]

Hmm, multitools - don't like them. Too heavy and really awkward to use in tight spaces.

That said, I do carry a Leatherman (Flair) with me ..... but hey, you never know when a pate knife, cocktail fork or corkscrew might come in handy.

[sogood]

That said, I do carry a Leatherman (Flair) with me ..... but hey, you never know when a pate knife, cocktail fork or corkscrew might come in handy.

Only if you have one of those wine bottle carrier on your frame!

[Mulger bill]

Only if you have one of those wine bottle carrier on your frame!

There we have it! The best trailside tool you can find, methinks

Tools, hmmm.

In the saddlebag
Avenir multitool.
Crank Bros speedlever, patch kit, spare tube.
Chain breaker, spare powerlink, bent spoke remnant.
Crank puller.
150mm shifter.
Spare chainring nuts and bolts, Spare seatpost bolt.
Cable ties and duct tape.
I think that's all

[mikesbytes]

http://www.topeak.com/2007/products/tools/toolbar.php

http://www.parktool.com/products/detail.asp?cat=11&item=MT%2D1

[Mulger bill]

Hmmm, that Topeak would make a lovely birthday present, wouldn't it dear?

[commi]

My work has this book and Misc things seller come in once a fortnight.

This is what he's selling for $7


http://farm1.static.flickr.com/180/3969 ... a1a9aa.jpg


http://farm1.static.flickr.com/125/3969 ... e74e7a.jpg

There are 2 screwdrivers and the things on the right are allen keys, but what's everything else for? I'm thinking of getting it. Its quite heavy, but then my flat bar is not exactly light so proly won't make much difference. It comes in a pouch with also a repair kit and tyre levers. Bargain!!!

Just found this http://www.lifetimedistributors.com.au/B/default.htm under "Intriguing Items" and "Outdoor Necessities" Its $10 on the website but only $7 through the seller

Anyone know how much multitools are at Kmart or Bunnings?