Bicycle workshop: The most important tools for at home

In the bicycle workshop at home, a set of solid tools repairs on your own bike enormously. Standard tools from the DIY store are often sufficient, but many operations on modern mountain bikes require special tools. A Mini-Tool is sufficient for emergency repairs on the road.

If you buy cheap, you buy twice. They say. And that's actually true. With most tools, it is worth paying attention to good quality. High-quality tools are safer and easier to use, better processed, more dimensionally stable and significantly more durable than, for example, discounter goods. In the case of a broken screwdriver, this may be less of a problem. But if the cheap spanner has turned the screw head round, good advice is expensive - and the repair becomes much more complicated.

1 Allen key set

The most frequently used tool on the bike is the Allen keyalso known as hexagon socket. It is definitely worth investing in good quality here to avoid damaging the screw heads. Everything from 2.5 to 10 millimetre bolts are installed on the bike. A spanner with a T-handle is recommended for 4 and 5 mm Allen screws. It allows you to apply more force in hard-to-reach places. Otherwise, normal L spanners are sufficient. From 15 euros.

2 Torx spanners

Stems, rear triangles and seat posts are increasingly being fixed with Torx bolts. In contrast to the hexagon socket, the Torx spanner The screwdriver has six prongs and thus ideally offers more contact surface so that the screw does not turn round. A set with sizes T10 to T40 is sufficient in most cases. From 15 euros.

3 Chain riveters & chain lock pliers

The Chain riveters is indispensable for replacing worn chains. It can be used to press out the chain rivet pins at any point on the chain. The Chain lock pliers opens or closes chain locks. From approx. 15 euros.

4 Chain gauge

It can save a lot of money. Worn chains demolish the sprocket and chainring. With the help of the Chain gauge the Check chain wear and recognise them in good time. From 10 euros.

5 Side cutters

Bowden cables consist of a sturdy mesh of steel wires and require sharp, strong and sturdy side cutters to shorten them. Even better is a special Bowden cable cutter (not pictured), which squeezes the trains and outer shells less. From 35 euros.

6 spoke spanner

No wheel can be re-centred without a spoke spanner. Please note: Not every spoke spanner fits every nipple, there are different sizes. From 5 euros e.g. at Rosebikes available.

7 Torque spanner

You think you have the right Feel the torque? Then you would be the exception. High-quality add-on parts should rather match the Torque spanner be attracted. Professional tools can be expensive, but there are also Favourable alternatives from 25 euros.

8 Damper pump

The essential tool for the chassis adjustment. The Damper pump often comes free with the bike. Indispensable for tuning an air suspension.

9 Shift eye gauge

For straightening: With the help of the Shift eye gauge you can readjust bent derailleur hangers and don't have to buy a new one straight away. From 28 euros >> e.g. available here.

10 Plastic hammer

When servicing suspension forks, bearings or removing cranks, it can be used to gently loosen stuck parts and bolts >> e.g. available here.

11 Screwdriver

Nothing works without them. Cross and slotted head models in different sizes are indispensable. Professionals swear by versions with a T-handle. This allows you to apply more effective leverage and work with more pressure.

12 Straightening tool for brake disc

When the Brake disc grindsbecause they might take a hit, the Straightening tool Carefully straighten the disc again.

13 Calipers

For precise fitting or for measuring spare parts, the Calipers an indispensable helper.

14 Floor pump

An efficient Floor pump (Test from BIKE 3/2019) with pressure indicator is mandatory. A pump with a pressure cartridge is recommended for tubeless tyres.

15 Metre rule

Provides valuable services for precise adjustment of saddle height and bike geometry >> e.g. for Obi available.

16 Combination pliers

The All-round tool, for example for cutting cables, tightening cable ties or crimping end caps.

17 Pipe cutter and file

Both tools are irreplaceable when shortening and deburring metal handlebars. Carbon handlebars are shortened differently >>

18 Bottom bracket tool

Each bottom bracket standard requires a special Tool for assembly. It is best to ask for the appropriate tools in the shop when buying the bike. From approx. 10 euros.

19 Cassette tool

A special tool is required to remove the cassette from the freewheel. Cassette puller and a Chain whip. Only the puller is required for installation. From approx. 8 euros each.

20 Other helpers

Mini-Tool and Tyre lever: a practical alternative to large spanners, not only on tour. Pin punch: for knocking out stuck parts.