To pay or to DIY

[David B]

I've a chain whip made for free by a work colleague of Dad's using a steel bar and a worn-out Sedis PC48, had it a few years and it does the job nicely.
Occasionally markets turn up decent bargains; for use with BB removers and for doing up the top nuts of threaded headsets I bought a hefty drop-forged adjustable spanner from a hardware stall on the outdoor bit of Kirkgate market in Leeds for a fiver about 5 years ago. Good quality and still going strong. Also good for low-tech adjustment of rear dropouts following a derailleur mishap in the last week or so!!

David

 

[highlandsflyer]

I have always believed in making or buying the right tools for the job. Worst that can happen is you end up messing up the job and paying someone, best is that you learn the job and have the gear to do it next time.

Brought up farming a croft so the croft sensibility informs all my decisions.

Have to say it has got to the point with cars that I sell them before the warranty expires, besides even at garage rates the major jobs would take me more time than it is worth.

Bikes are another matter, I can do just about everything fast enough to make it a matter of convenience to do it myself rather than anything else.

Buy a cheapo kit and replace things as their replacement becomes evidently necessary.

 

[sgw]

Thanks all, I'm convinced, honestly.

The only thing stopping me was the cost of individual tools I had seen at my local LBS. A Specialised franchise I believe and only stocking Park Tools. A decent range would be over £100. Not being a serial bike builder I won't use some of them very often at all. With a £50 set though I can justify with only a couple of uses.

 

[cyfa2809]

park tools are the snap on of the bike world, if you can get by with the cheap ones, then why not right?!

 

[Nick C]

I like to pick up the tools as I go along, although I do have a large hammer, a length of copper pipe and a piece of wood with lots of round indentations in it, both BB and steerer cup sized.

I would say get yourself a set of good bike specific wire cutters for cutting cable sleeves as well as cable. I splashed out for the Park one and while I was horrified at the price, it's a most excellent tool.

 

[cyfa2809]

yep pick up as your parts upgrade/get replaced

 

[ScottishRetro]

I would say though there is cheap tools and "CHEAP TOOLS" still make sure you go for good lower end tools not a Lidls Friday night special..
Park tools are indeed the Snap on of the Cycle world and they are a joy to use ...

A few basics
Cassette remover
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... delID=7975

Chain breaker/installer
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... delID=7962

Chain whip
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=42807

BB remover make sure you get the correct type Shimano standard/Octalink etc
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... odelID=689

Multi Tool
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=10012

Use a 15mm spanner for pedal removal

Crank remover (worth there weight in gold!!!) This one does all crank types inc octalink
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=14423

This little lot will cost about 58 quid delivered!!! and all are good tools that will last and last.. Always spend a bit more on tools for removing high tolerance parts, things like BB removers as you will know about it if one snaps when you are applying full force :cry:

This will do 90% of any jobs you may wish to do plus it makes routine maintenance much easier by allowing parts removal for cleaning..

or spend 4500 quid and get... :shock:

 

[dyna-ti]

I do most of the building myself only relying on Mr Mechanic if i dont have the tools or if i get stuck.Lets face it,outside of wheelbuilding its pretty much a simple jigsaw

 

[cyfa2809]

recent example (past couple days)
i got a really good deal on a set of cranks, pedals and bb (external)
didnt have the external bb tool so bought a spanner type one from ebay for £8 (didnt think the socket type one would fit over axle too :? )
seems ok quality and now i have that tool for as long as it is functional!
obviously more viable the more your going to use something like this
im not sure on prices, but i bet the bike shop would charge more than 8 quid to fit it and then remove it once worn/being replaced

just some advice, if you buying a normal bb tool, look for one with some sort of socket or part that sticks it to the bb, its hell otherwise!! :evil:

 

[ScottishRetro]

Im totally out of touch with cycle shop repair prices.. I went for a ride last weekend with a pal when he said he wanted to get some new bar tape so we went into his LBS.. I thought he would fit his own tape to be honest but he asked the workshop to do it, they wanted 9 bloody quid :shock: I said Bugger that I will do for ya... 5mins later jobs a gooden and he buys the beers!! ..

I think Dyna-Ti puts it perfect its just a big Jigsaw and to be honest building a bike is easier than some of the mechano sets I had as a kid ..

Wheel building is the biggest outlay upto 50 quid a pair labour.. I did a thread in the Retro road forum on my first wheel build and can say after the first set its easy as pie!! Ive since built a further 6 sets for friends nothing to it.. YOUTUBE is your friend!!