11 Essential Tools For The Home Bike Mechanic

Gradually build up your home bike mechanic tool kit with this prioritized list of tools ranging from the most basic to the most specialized.
I've been working on bikes for over 20 years both professionally and personally, and I find that building, repairing, and maintaining bikes is hugely rewarding and satisfying. Drawing from my experiences, I've put together a list of essential bike specific tools, some of which you'll use everyday, and some of which you'll use only once in a while, but will be excited to do so.
Clearly, this is not an exhaustive list of all bike specific tools (there are hundreds), but rather my take on what would constitute a practical and very respectable home mechanic's toolkit.
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Thanks!!
www.thebikesauce.com/
Thanks for watching, and happy wrenching!
#BikeWrench

[@littleBrownDwarf]

Another really useful tool not mentioned here is a chain wear gauge. Great for diagnosing whether or not a worn out chain is what's causing issues or if it's something else. Cheap too.

[@Slanderbot]

This is an incredibly educational, understandable, and concise video. Exactly the kind of content I'm looking for, thanks for your time and contribution to the community.

[@TheBikeSauce]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@renesteenstrup3470]

No it´s not, and home mechanic´s love if everything´s cheap. But it´s Not, and a lot more complicated than this array off tool´s. I´ve thought many mechanic´s how to do it the right way, and the chance of any off you doing it the right way is slim to none. The tool´s required, and expertise is on another level, that you wouldn´t understand...!!!

[@jontnoneya3404]

@@renesteenstrup3470- hey you're wrong

[@ShockBot127]

As a novice bike builder I certaintly intend to obtain most of these items. Though I already have a head start, as I have previously purchased a number of these. Most notably the prized bottle opener 😂

[@reynaldopellos]

Great list! I would add the BB tools to the intermediate/pro list. Crank puller and BB wrenches.

[@jontnoneya3404]

Yeah agreed and they're not too expensive either. Crank pullers are incredibly handy

[@uppaia]

Well presented, informative, helpful. Glad I found your channel.

[@shameelariff2556]

Great list of bike tools which has been categorized nicely. Great video overall.

[@littleBrownDwarf]

Bike stand was one of the last things I got :D I fully disassembled, rebuilt, overhauled numerous bikes without one. When I finally did get one, it was earth shattering. I'd argue a bench vice or even a truing stand is higher priority though.

[@LloydGoldsteinMusic]

One of the most informative and useful videos I have seen. Thanks!

[@ARTURONUNEZ-ur9qd]

Thank you very much, from Mexico. Sharing your knowledge and experience helps us a lot. Thanks.

[@admiralking]

Great list. Thank you for your efforts in this video.

[@rgefryer]

A good list. A few suggestions to add to the list - chainring bolt spanner, hanger alignment tool and quick-link removal tool. Oh, and a digital Vernier!

[@TheBikeSauce]

Right again! I use my calipers all the time. Also recently crashed on the diverge and I’m pretty sure the hanger is a bit skewed, but I don’t have an alignment tool. Time to go shopping!

[@DaigoroToyama]

Such a helpful video. I've been looking for a good bike stand. Now I know which one to order. Thank you.

[@markfilippone3845]

Very useful basic information, nicely presented. Thank you, Brother.

[@daveg7878]

I'd add a simple set of cutters for the zip ties that seem everywhere. A nylon brush for help cleaning the chain. Something to hold the handlebars straight while on the stand. Lastly a cheap magnetic parts dish to keep you from losing that retaining nut.

[@TheBikeSauce]

I like it! Hard to whittle it down to a basic set. Great suggestions.

[@roncooke2188]

Yes your right something to hold the handlebars, they can be a pain swinging one side to the other

[@MarzNet256]

Excellent advice. You can use a quick release skewer to help hold cassette lockring removal tool in place while you use a wrench and chain whip. Also, I really like the Boesheild T-9 as an all around lube. Bike mechanic since 1985. I started out using an old chisel, hammer and a brick to cut cabling.

[@nmonye01]

Crank and BB tools should be in this list. Great video!

[@hunterurquhart9930]

I love how clear and simple your videos are, keep it up

[@TheBikeSauce]

Thanks, will do!

[@Likelybiking]

This is a really good list! I have most of these but I definitely have a compressor next on my list. Since I started working at a shop it’s such a handy tool! I love using it when cleaning bikes and components. It gets them super clean and dry

[@TheBikeSauce]

Definitely

[@johnk7390]

Really well done. Love the way you grouped the different levels. Subscribed!

[@TheBikeSauce]

Cool, thanks!

[@joseph-the-seventh]

Nice list of tools! One thing that’s also great to have around is a derailleur hanger alignment tool. When shifting gets bad and derailleur adjustments don’t help, chances are your hanger is bent. Nothing worse than terrible shifting. The Park Tool one is easy to use and works great. I might also add a vice grip and lint free paper towel, both handy when doing basic rear shock air can service.

[@KosmicHRTRacingTeam]

Great list!! Only change is make is Large diameter pipe cutter is better than the dedicated cutting tool. Less filing, cheaper, multiple uses.

[@angrokan]

do more! i like every video of you. got my diverge yesterday and will start my tubeless "expedition" soon :D

[@TheBikeSauce]

Thanks for the great feedback! Many more video ideas brewing. Happy New Bike Day!

[@mitchellpaull1205]

Just subscribed as I kept playing a lot of your videos. Videos are very helpful.

[@TheBikeSauce]

Thanks! Welcome to the nerdiness

[@youhone01]

I love your clear instruction and mostly your recommendation is based on real needs and not because you get pay or free staff. Keep the good work !!

[@TheBikeSauce]

Thanks for the feedback! Hope you find it useful. Happy wrenching!

[@kovie9162]

The first torque wrench I ever bought was the beam style kind that I got over 20 years ago, a Craftsman that was basically the same as the much more expensive Park Tools one. But I never really liked using it as I found it hard to hold my hand steady to get a proper reading, and a few years ago got a 1/4" Tekton that's perfect for the kinds of torque values typical on a modern bike. I also use it on my car for smaller fasteners. Agreed on having a proper pedal wrench. It makes getting a pedal on and off so much easier. Ironically, I bought one shortly before upgrading to pedals that could be installed and removed using either a standard spanner-style pedal wrench or an Allen wrench, and I vastly prefer the latter as it allows using a torque wrench with the proper size Allen socket, so since then I've had no use for the pedal wrench. As for headset and bearing presses, I wonder if a car bearing press kit could be made to work, at least for a headset or press fit bottom bracket. And you can fairly easily jerry rig a press for hub bearings.

[@ryanhudson971]

Very helpful video! Thanks for making this.

[@TheBikeSauce]

Glad to hear. Thanks for watching!

[@jamesramirez523]

Dude great vid, thanks for this.

[@TheBikeSauce]

Thx for checking it out!

[@Freightlinerbob]

A basic truing stand like the Feedback Sports model is reasonably priced and packs away quite easily. Perfect for occasional home use.

[@tomb-rider]

A couple of things I found essential along the way: Torx driver for your Sram brake levers. Long wrench/metal tube for extra leverage when removing cranks. The appropriate BB tool. Cone spanners. I still don't own a torque wrench, but its on my list.

[@jescowan26]

great video, I am setting up mine now, maybe an ultrasonic cleaner for restoring old parts to their former glory (weight freak level)

[@roncooke2188]

Great video interesting my stand cost me. arm and both legs i work on electric bikes and i made my bike stand or i should say adapted it, i just press a button to send the bike up and another button to bring it down. Yes never an end to what tools needed to work on electric bikes and to duplicate tools when i see a tool that maybe nicer and better to do the job quicker, a good soldering station i couldn’t be without. Thanks for the video have fun and keep smiling

[@sandy_knight]

That's a great video, thank you. My thoughts: Hex wrenches, you'll need the sizes mentioned in the video but you'll probably also need a torx T25 for disc rotors and some other stuff, other sizes are commonly used on road bikes and if you want to overhaul things like brake calipers, levers, shifters they may require other torx sizes. Torque wrench, Other than stem bolts I never use a torque wrench on stuff that bolts to my bars, even on carbon bars, because I always run them under-spec. I tighten only enough so they don't move in use but will move if I try and twist them. That way when you crash they will probably move instead of snapping (your lever or your bar). For most other stuff, especially when dealing with carbon parts, I always torque them to spec (the spec of the carbon part manufacturer). I have a Park Tool T-handle torque wrench (4-6Nm) for low torque stuff and a Hazet 60Nm (not cheap, a bit like the Chris King of torque wrenches) for higher torque stuff like cranks and cassette lockrings. Tyre levers, if I need a tyre lever it means I need something stiff. You can get steel cored levers with plastic on the outside or some modern plastics are stiff enough. A lot of cheap plastic tyre levers are pretty useless though. Wrenches, I mostly only need them for brake servicing/bleeds and I run Shimano brakes which are either hex/torx bolts or: I have an 8mm flared wrench for removing the hose at the lever end and a 7mm box-end for the caliper bleed valve. For everything else wrench related 150mm Knipex pliers wrench FTW. Screwdrivers, for working on older Shimano derailleurs, ideally you want a JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard) phillips which is blunter tipped and has squarer corners than a standard western phillips. Park Tool's higher end screwdrivers are built to JIS standards, Vessel are another brand to look for. Non-locking grips, I don't have a compressor but my tip is to use hairspray, 'firm hold' ideally. To get the grips off just slide an old spoke or a very thin bladed screwdriver under the grip and spray some in, give them a twist and they'll come straight off. It also works for putting them on but when the solvent evaporates the hairspray will stick them in place, unlike using WD40 or some other solvent based products which leave the grip fairly dry and they will come lose more easily in my experience.

[@calebneiman3332]

This is so helpful

[@nomap2161]

Very informative video, thank you! And I love the Ramen shirt!

[@TheBikeSauce]

Thanks for watching!

[@bunnyadrian]

@@TheBikeSauce Yes, I love that shirt!

[@MrSandperson0]

I would add next to the bottle opener - the Campy corkscrew. You know you're in the presence of a true bike nut when that thing comes out 😁

[@fl9267]

Thanks for the info; very informative.

[@TheBikeSauce]

Glad it was helpful!

[@peterho3299]

Just found your channel and watched a few vids. Love the content and really like your laid back style - not yelling or hard-selling like many KZbinrs. You mention chain degreasers and lubes on this video. Would appreciate your doing a vid on pros and cons of different chain lubes (wet, dry, wax). KMC advises never to immerse their chains in a degreaser, but wouldn’t that be necessary to switch to paraffin wax? Thanks.

[@TheBikeSauce]

Thanks for watching! Coincidentally, I’m working on a video on best practices for drivetrain care including proper lubes. Different manufacturers may have different protocols, so I’m not certain about kmc specifically not using degreaser, but will try to address it. Thanks for watching!

[@kurtalmendras3186]

Thanks for the tool tips, especially a low-cost bike stand.

[@TheBikeSauce]

Thx for watching. Not everyone can afford to go full Park Tool

[@zedtony8110]

@@TheBikeSauce not everyone wants to go full Park tools

[@lohndavis3794]

Blue Dawn dish soap is a very good hand cleaner

[@domedom2227]

Hey ur videos just poped up in my time line... I really like the way you present the Content! Some influence by ride of japan? 😉 Can you make a video on how to do a basic break bleed of shimano road brakes? I ordered all the tools but not feel confident enough to start yet

[@TheBikeSauce]

Ha thx! Definitely influenced by RoJ. I can do a shimano bleed video. May take me some time, but sounds good.

[@jontnoneya3404]

GREAT VID!! VERY Informative. THANK YOU! SO to add to the basic list of tools - would you agree that a bicycle repair manual would also be part of the essential and basic tools? It might seem silly or obvious to some but I find them invaluable yet essential tools. I'm actually looking for a professional set of reference or repair manuals and would love to hear about the options. Perhaps there are some at each level if that's even a thing.

[@edgargo3068]

thank YOU good video!

[@GokkunGuru]

Without torque wrench I would have broken so many components by now. Thank god for that.

[@conor2439]

An old school beam / needle 1/4 torque wrench works great too. $20 and they never go out of calibration. Ratcheting torque wrenches are great until they go out of calibration.

[@1mlister]

I would add: Basic: Some plyers, decent cleaning kit. (I never enjoyed cleaning my bike, until I had some good brushes) Intermediate: A small socket rachet, chain wear tool Pro: Rear Derallier allignment tool Some Bottom Bracket tools (for your BBs) Spoke tension meter Disc straitening tool

[@RizkySaragih]

Nice and clear. Thanks

[@TheBikeSauce]

Thx for watching!

[@derekmartel7355]

Nice video and great list. However, I would add con wrenches and a crank removal tool at least. Otherwise great list.

[@barneygo2010]

Loved the entry level tool section. I got really interested in the intermediate tools portion. Then when you started the advanced tool set, I started laughing about the scales for gram weights. How about I just lose 20 pounds off my dad bod mid section ??? Ha ha ha ha I love your video. So much to learn. Peace Be To Journey!

[@TheBikeSauce]

Thanks! Yes, some of us have been brainwashed to weigh everything 😆

[@dudrija82]

Great videos. Keep them coming. Do you have any pictures of how you’d set up a wall of tools?

[@TheBikeSauce]

I don’t, but that’s a good idea

[@phsski5636]

Master link pliers. Park mlp 1.2. Rags. 6 foot ruler that measures in metric, old toothbrush, cork screw

[@dudarino666]

Spoke keys, Brake pad shims for consistent brake adjustments, and learning to not over torque things. I see that so often, over torquing ruining screws and or parts.

[@Bushcraft242]

Thank you

[@TheBikeSauce]

Thanks for watching! Happy wrenching!

[@michaelsalice9952]

Great video, how about a hammer and punch or chisel to center the old style side pull brakes.

[@davejoseph5615]

Cone wrenches for hubs, chain wear gauge, digital caliper to measure things.

[@patherman6309]

T Handle wrenches are great when applying torque, but when the torque is not needed the the rotational motion is very awkward. You may want to check the Super T Handle with Metric Allen Set, compact with a unique spinning feature when torque is not needed.

[@kevinhodgson2085]

Compressors are often cheaper than a pump with a tubeless reservoir.

[@ltu42]

It's sort of ironic that you call a compressor one of the most specialized tools. It's probably the most versatile outside the bike world, from powering the various air tools to painting. It replaces the boost pump, too.

[@robertmcriley9568]

I'd add Torx Keys, they often come up on disc brakes and are so cheap it makes sense to have them around

[@TheBikeSauce]

Agree. Probably in the intermediate category?

[@artemartem7534]

Hey, thanks for the video. Can you add links for all those staff?

[@SteveHofsaess]

Great video,, may want to check out the new wax lubes..

[@TheBikeSauce]

Funny you say that. That AbsoluteBlack Graphene wax lube just popped up in my IG feed earlier today. Planning to check it out soon

[@SteveHofsaess]

@@TheBikeSauce Check out Silca bike lube (wax), they also have a great bike pressure calcultor

[@robdca]

Which category would you put a mechanic’s marker (a paint marker used to mark the position of a component before moving or removal), and do you have any suggestions on what brand/type to use? How about a set of thin cone wrenches?

[@The_One-Eyed_Undertaker]

You mentioned a spoke wrench in the end.but this should be part of the Basic List with needle nose pliers, 8" adjustable wrench and (at least) a Torx 25 key.

[@michaelkulman7095]

I like the Pedro's chain tool that has spoke wrenches built into it. I also like their tire levers.

[@austinkindig5235]

Is it a go or no go to utilize a 12 V drill with hex wrench attachments for faster assembly, disassembly, etc?

[@31.8mm]

Chain checker tool? Did i miss it?

[@hairisg76]

deraileur hanger alignment tool. brake bleed kit.

[@TheBikeSauce]

Right on.

[@Tomzzzzzz]

Which Titan torque wrench do you recommend? My main use would be for pivot bolts and shock mount bolts.

[@jimpeyton1459]

Great work! I would add the chain break tool and quick link pliers to the basic kit. My reasoning is that chain maintenance is a fairly common job...heck add checker too. Otherwise you covered it so well

[@ComandanteNissaro]

Where can I get that shirt?! It's 🔥

[@ThaiRoosters2019]

Thanks a lot👌🌈

[@adamputu5448]

What Is Common Often Wrench Using For Bike Especially MTB Hardtail Or Fullsus?

[@gosman949]

the only thing that would have been better, is if you put up the buying website for each item!

[@rangersmith4652]

The most essential tool for a home bike mechanic is the one he or she needs, but doesn't have, for whatever job he has decided to try. Yes to a repair stand. I have two repair stands, and they do fold, but they never get folded because they're always in use.

[@martiliranza1704]

Any multi tool kit that you recommend from Amazon? Thanks

[@littleBrownDwarf]

Torque wrench is only necessary if you have a carbon frame/components.

[@alanjspark]

Where are the cone spanners at? Also nice to have: bike chain pliers, BB wrench, assorted spacers

[@TheBikeSauce]

For sure. Hard to whistle down the list. Master link pliers might be an ‘intermediate’ and I think cone spammers and bb tools fall into ‘advanced.’ Also, I’m not sure I even have any wheels with loose ball bearings anymore. 😆

[@alanjspark]

@@TheBikeSauce hmmm. That would significantly reduce the need for cone spanners...

[@sergiorodriguez956]

Do you recommend using a 3/8" drive or 1/4" drive for a torque wrench?

[@MrSandperson0]

1/4 inch - the typical 3/8 torque wrench does not go low enough for most bike bolts 👍

[@LVang152]

To clean grease off your hand is using vegetable oil then wash off with soap.

[@bobbytudor3788]

I want to build my first bike but I have no idea what I'm doing are there bike building books that you recommend to get to learn?

[@TheBikeSauce]

There are plenty of books on the subject, but I don’t have experience with any of them. Do you want to restore an old complete bike or build a bike from the frame up?

[@hongcuclam918]

Where is your location?l need repair it soon.Please let me know .Thank you so much!!

[@callumjohnson9433]

Piper cutter

[@EnriqueSanderYanes]

One of the missed obvious ones should be rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol and paper towels; so obvious that's infuriating when you don't have them around

[@jackridesbikes7451]

You forgot mallet and crank puller good vid tho

[@TheBikeSauce]

Thx. Tough to whittle down the ‘essentials’ to a reasonable length video.

[@brayan8346]

I use an electric air pump, everyone thinks I'm crazy. I just don't see the point in expending energy.

[@seanvalentinus]

Man, people calling you crazy are weird. The only thing I think when hearing that is "dang wish I could afford one of those"

[@NealHartsChannel]

To bad there are no links to the tools in the video.

[@daffodil2067]

Why would you use a saw guide rather than just use a pipe cutter?

[@fennexdcruz]

1:18 Hex Wrenches 1:55 Torque Wrench 2:55 Tire Levers 3:25 Floor Pump 4:20 Box Wrenches 4:59 Screwdrivers 5:16 Pedal Wrench

[@igniaulfsborg8946]

You should add affiliate links.

[@TheBikeSauce]

Good idea. Will incorporate them once viewership increases a bit more

[@jofftiquez]

❌ All of the tools mentioned above ✅ Bottle opener and a beer I'm almost there guys! 🥳

[@RAG0407]

Ratchet tools?

[@TheBikeSauce]

Perhaps, but don’t find myself using ratchet tools on my bikes very often at all. Cars, all the time though

[@weskirkland5850]

If you;re gonna buy the cheapest TQ wrench just skip it and go by feel. its the same thing.

[@waynereid6103]

Quick money saving tip - no-one needs a torque wrench. I have several carbon frames all have carbon handlebars and stems. I have also fitted my bikes out with carbon seatposts. However do I manage to tighten anything without a torque wrench to controlling my brutal nature. Well It's an intelligence test, a basic intelligence test. Also pedal wrench's should not be part of any basic tool kit. Chances are you'll stick with the pedals you first chose for your bike and will at most upgrade once. You don't need your own kit for such rare occassions. Back to the beginning for the stand? A stand, really? seriously? I use a wall and a little imagination, cost nothing. Finally, as an owner of several Leatherman multi tools each, bizarrely, with a bottle opener, I can only conclude that all Americans are big sissy's. How would you survive without a dedicated device for removing bottle caps!! I could be naked on a beach, without tools or any official bottle opening system, all whilst clutching a nice cold beer. Guess what? I'll manage to open the bottle without drama or fuss. Phew that's a load off.