Tools and tool kits.

Breaka

Likes Bikes and Dirt
Ok so here's the story. I've been working on bikes (amongst other things) with pretty shit tools for years and I'm growing sick of it. I know that there are a few mechanics, toolmakers (looking in the NCR's direction) and all round handymen on here which may be able to help me in choosing the right tools. I've talked to people, researched a little but I still don't know where to buy from, what I need and what brands I should be after/avoiding.

When mucking around with pretty expensive bikes/moto's it only makes sense to use semi-descent to descent tools that are capable of aiding in the process of assembling/fixing shit instead of breaking shit.

I know how much a descent set of tools can cost so please don't go suggesting I buy Snap-On because I really don't want to spend that type of money.

My budget is between $500-800 and I would like to buy a boxset/cabinet as opposed to buying everything separately and building up a bit of a set. I would be using them mainly on my moto and bikes. I'll be after a set of semi-descent quality and will be going for quality rather than quantity just aslong as the basics are covered eg Socket set, spanner's, ring spanners, the odd screw driver etc etc.

Any info/opinions would be great. Thanks in advance.

Matt.
 

Gluey_trails

Likes Dirt
From what I have heard and been told/ read, Park Tool have some quality parts but I think they may be on the expensive side but I think they are well within your price range.

They have some kits which I think would suit your needs like:

 

Tazed

Likes Bikes and Dirt
For the big tools and the ones you use most often, Park Tool, Shimano, Pedros.
So, Allen keys, bearing presses, headset tools, cable cutters, crank tools.
For lesser used stuff, Pedros, Ice Tools.
Basically, buy quality wherever it makes sense. Cheaper tools for less important stuff.
 

ajay

^Once punched Jeff Kennett. Don't pick an e-fight
My budget is between $500-800 and I would like to buy a boxset/cabinet as opposed to buying everything separately and building up a bit of a set.
Build a set and only buy the tools you need and buy the best quality you can afford at the time. That way you wont have any shit useless tools.

EDIT Axela8 - Pedros tools are probably superior tools to Park. Definitley not in the "not used often basket".
 
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rayza

Likes Dirt
i think he's looking for all round tools, not just bike tools, right?
i agree with ajay about building up your collection, as the complete kits you get will always have something you dont need or will never use, and some things you want wont be in it. Although im speaking from a trade backround and knowing what specific tools i need.
back to kits, value for money, check out JBS tools, if you have a blackwoods store around? otherwise just watch the tool stores, all of the have sales on sidchrome fairly often. kingchrome are OK, but can be overpriced i feel.
 

ando_freeagent

Likes Bikes and Dirt
for quality tools you cant go past sidchrome, kingchrome or snap on.

many mechanics (such as my old man) will have most or all there tools in this brand.

but them being good quality also has the price attached but thats mainly for the big full on tool kits.
 
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Tazed

Likes Bikes and Dirt
Build a set and only buy the tools you need and buy the best quality you can afford at the time. That way you wont have any shit useless tools.

EDIT Axela8 - Pedros tools are probably superior tools to Park. Definitley not in the "not used often basket".
You'll notice I had Pedros in both, as they're great quality and often a little cheaper than Park.
I still find my Park tools last longer and are just that bit better quality. But that doesn't mean Pedros tools are anything less than great tools.
 

Breaka

Likes Bikes and Dirt
Thanks for the advice fella's. I've doing a bit of research and I reckon I'll just build up a bit of a kit rather than buy a cabinet. This way I won't have a kit all of the same brand and I'll only be buying what I need. I originally thought a cabinet would be the go for it's sheer convenience, meaning I could get it all in one go.

Heading to Repco this arvo for a bit of a scout around. Anymore tips/hints would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Matt.
 

LJohn

Likes Dirt
A torque wrench is a great thing to have.

Just puttin it out there.

And Pedros tools are brilliant.
 

sawtell

The Great White Rooks Hunter
do you guys "total tools" up there?

it is a tool store, which deals in many brands, but more importanly they have their own brand.
They have a cabinet kit, which is equal to a 1900 dollar sidchrome kit, apparntly.

it is only about 900 bucks.

my mate was going to buy it, the dudes at total tools rekon they are exactly the same as the sid chrome gear quality wise. ..

my mate ended up buying the sidchrome ones, only for the name.


give you a hint, dont by shit rachet spanners... but do buy rachet spanners, they sound like a gimmick, BUT they are damn awsome for tight spots.
 

Jon

Not Grip, OK... So don't ask!
From someone who earns a living with their tools;) No Not porn
Sockets- Kinchrome or Sidchrome if you can afford them, life time warranty.
Spanners in general- same
screwdrivers- Stanley are good if not abused,electrical- Witte
Allen keys - Unbrako, there is no other
Shifters - Bahco, should not replace spanners though.
Snips- Wiss, dont bother with anything else
Pliers/sidecutters- Crescent
DEFINITELY get a torque wrench, and learn how to use it.
Thats all off the top of my head
 

wombat

Lives in a hole
Allen keys - Unbrako, there is no other
I broke an unbrako, thoroughly dissapointed, there wasn't even that much excessive force involved!
I'll keep using Bondhus 'keys personally.

I'd probably steer clear of Repco for my shopping too. The local Gasweld have always been good to me: competitive pricing and a much better range than hardwares/auto shops.
 

Breaka

Likes Bikes and Dirt
Thanks for sharing some of your knowledge guys. As you said Wombat Repco isn't the best place to go looking for tools but my local is having a sale on Repco and Sidchrome at the moment.

I bought a 38 piece metric and A/F Sidchrome socket set which was on sale. Although the sale doesn't start on Monday they had the sale items in stock so he gave it to me for sale price.

As both LJohn and Jon have suggested a torque wrench is a good idea. I've got manuals for all of my gear so I won't have to go searching to set the correct torque. It's next on my list along with spanners.

Thanks guys.
 
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Jon

Not Grip, OK... So don't ask!
I broke an unbrako, thoroughly dissapointed, there wasn't even that much excessive force involved!
I'll keep using Bondhus 'keys personally.
That's unusual.
I've never broken one yet. I normally use the socket mounted jobbies in the bigger sizes.
 

wombat

Lives in a hole
That's unusual.
I've never broken one yet. I normally use the socket mounted jobbies in the bigger sizes.
I was really suprised too, I didn't even know it was an unbrako beforehand, I just grabbed the nearest 5mm allem key, and it let go just up against the bend, cracked almost all the way through. When it happened I thought I'd check what it was, and sure enough: unbrako.

Maybe it was just a dodgy tool, or had been mistreated previously, I don't know, I've never had a problem with any others (although I've used bondhus mostly of late). Gasweld had the Bondhus ball end L-drivers at about $30 a set when I went in, and they've been great.
 

maxwolfie

under-the-radar comedian
Bump - I know there's a shitload of these threads already, but I guess I'm just looking for any more input as to where a good place would be to purchase in Western Sydney...?

Here's a very shoddy looking "to buy" list:


cassette lock ring remover
chain breaker
good set of metric hex keys ~3-6mm (Bondhus?)
crank extractor
pedal wrench
maybe a BB tool of some sort
chain whip
chain breaker

work stand
avid bleed kit
 

n00b

Likes Dirt
I broke an unbrako, thoroughly dissapointed, there wasn't even that much excessive force involved!
I'll keep using Bondhus 'keys personally.
I've broken 2 unbrakos, and was gouged by the jagged broken end.
Bondhus +1

$45 at total tools for metric and imp.
 
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