Bike Tools - Updated | My Bike Specific Toolbox for the KevCentral Bike Barn

[@singletona082]

So very nice to see someone that isn't assuming the viewer can drop several hundred dollars and think nothing of it.

[@jf8534]

You know, I'm going to create a tool wish list. My wife never knows what to buy me when it comes to bikes. Great idea.

[@johnwelch557]

I'm always working on bikes. Tools have kept me away from shops for decades. Love the people, just can't afford them. Too many tools? Impossible. Parks means rarely replacing anything and keeps the botched jobs away. Thanks Kev!

[@mannyfalcon3639]

OH NO KEV IS Slowly turning to the dark side or should I say blue side, for all the new park tool additions 😂

[@tarstarkusz]

I needed a tool for my toolbox that I never knew I needed. Best dollar I ever spent. A magnet dish! I am constantly losing screws and nuts and bolts and miscellaneous little metal parts. But now I just chuck em in the dish as I work and even if the dish gets knocked over, the screws and other hardware do not scatter into the furthest corners of my work space.

[@johndef5075]

I bought a cheap Ryobi battery powered inflator. Built in pressure gauge. Comes with presta adapter. Beats the hell out of the floor pump. Love this thing.

[@dougse-bike9770]

I use good quality Greenlee diagonal cutters for cutting bike cables. They cut cable and housing cleanly like butter, and the cutting edges aren't damaged by the material. They are much better than the Park Tools models for durability. And as a side note, I have been using heat shrink tubing on cable ends for years, at first because I never had crimp ends handy. But I quickly realized how much better it works, it stays on better, and it doesn't damage the cable end like a crimp does. Another good shop tool is sprue cutters for cutting zip-ties. Sprue cutters are used by modelers to cut parts from the sprue runners, they are just a fine-bladed diagonal cutter.

[@tomherron4334]

I love this video. So refreshing that this stuff that an everyday person can afford.

[@ns671fr]

Nice set for starter to intermediate tools

[@peoriavideosltd6822]

That wire stripper also has a very nice crimper on it, to crimp-on those cable-end things.

[@stankbeef]

For an affordable and useable headset cup/bottom bracket press you want something with thicker cylindrical shape pushers rather than thin disc shape pushers. Thicker cylinder shape pushers prevent the threaded rod from tilting and keep everything better aligned. They're relatively easy to find for $40 or less.

[@gr8fulride]

as an avid tinkerer, I think you could make that cup press work if you have a welder. a simple thought. anyway a welder would be a nice addition to a bike barn. really looking forward to part II of this video. thanks

[@tonyd1660]

The headset tool works best if you press in one piece of the headset at a time. If you try to press both the bottom and top on at the same time, you’ll have less success. I made my own headset press from a threaded rod, hex nuts and washers. The washers are key. I used 2 sets of 4 washers of various sizes (you can make two little washer pyramids stacking them on top of each other). The different washer size helps distribute the pressure more evenly as you’re tightening the hex nuts. Works every time.

[@KevCentral]

I only do one at a time. Still not a chance I’ll get the bottom cup in 🤯

[@Lububrn]

I know you like the Acekit handlebars and they have a headset press as well. It is $30 and it is a keeper. Heavy duty and easy to use. I have pressed maybe 4-5 headset cups and it works like a charm

[@robquinlan1472]

I have pretty much all of the same stuff in my ‘bike box’! Great minds think alike!

[@WOLFTICKVIDEOS]

Nice collection of good tools. So far we have had good luck with using our makeshift headset tool, but after saying this...😬

[@mikieson]

i would love to have tools to take my bike completely apart. ive looked into them,but just never felt comfortable i was purchasing the right tools. AND I dont want to go to the LBS and ask because i feel im taking work from them by doing my own work. I remember being a kid and only needing some pliers allen key vise grips to totally disassemble my bmx..bb,hubs,and all..lol..

[@Mclovinthedank]

I bought a press for like 40 or 50 worked great.

[@KevCentral]

Which model?

[@Basement_CNC]

@@KevCentral i too have one in use for nearly two years, the blue one from anazon for like 50$ with many adapters and in a plastic case

[@Mclovinthedank]

@@KevCentral I got the bike hand Yc107f and I bought it because of your last video about the tool you have. I used it to press the funn headset into my schwinn boundry... can you tell im a fan?

[@optimummind]

@@KevCentral The Bikehand one works really well. It's wide enough for 1.5" tapered headtubes. It's about $50.

[@buzzinbill1962]

I straightly enjoy your videos

[@Watermechanic]

The last time I had to install the headset cups on a bike, I used my c-style ball joint press to get them in. It was on a brand new bike for my daughter where they put the top bearing in upside down and the cage gouged the race.

[@kylecannon4217]

Used one to set a strait headset. The bearing is a nice idea but did not stay put. Ended up removing the bearing and one of the plates and got it to work fairly well.

[@johnmills837]

I made a press like that with SS rod to press in bushings on control arms

[@devildoglcpl]

The Park Tool bearing press is not exactly cheap, but it doesn't cost $200. It's pretty simple and it works. I can really only press one bearing or cup at a time because, if I try to do them both at the same time, one or the other for some reason wants to start going in crooked. It's good for anything press fit. Headsets or bottom brackets in any style. The plates are even wide enough to press 1.5 bearing races. The only thing is, it does take a little patient because you have to thread on the giant "wing nut" looking handles from either end of a simple threaded rod. Before that, I used what a lot of BMXrs use. A piece of 2×4 and a hammer. That also works but, I lost a couple hammers from throwing them with a scream. You can also go to Lowes or Home Depot and get a pair of "mini cable cutters" for about as much as a pair of wire cutters. They are about the same size as the cutters you have, but the "blade" is specific for up to a 1" cable. I use those all the time and it makes a break cable cut like slightly under cooked spaghetti. Your little "E-bike wire strippers" are also cable end crimps. If you think your old crank arm puller is a task, you should try any Profile crank set...whew. But, I love Profile, so.... Maybe, you should try pressing one race at a time into that head tube. I always have to. So far, every vid I've seen of yours is interesting and informative. I hope you're around for a good while longer.

[@mauihowey]

Another informative video, so many tools to try, it’s no wonder you always redoing all your bikes....great work.....as always!

[@williamensign1408]

You have a great family.

[@kipcc3918]

Derailleur Alignment Tool, Saves you from a ton of head ache. Might not fit in a tool box, Definitely a handy tool if you need it.

[@KevCentral]

Funny you mention that. I bought one and had intentions to show it in this video (still in box)....Totally overlooked, so it never made an appearance on camera.

[@kipcc3918]

@@KevCentral No problem, I only I have a decent space, I’d do my own workshop too, Sadly Only have an apartment so Yeah. 😅

[@chrishorbatt3504]

Park tools are awesome. I just recently learned the hard way, bought a cheap freewheel remover and it stripped out. Park tool version easily removed my freewheel.

[@K3VL8R86]

Great video as usual Kev and, congratulations on 100,000 subs!

[@Nicoya]

Wheels Manufacturing makes a universal bearing press that comes with a set of dies that'll fit press-in bottom brackets, head sets, and so on. The basic model is $75 and the slightly fancier is $83. (They also sell the basic press without the dies for $35) The important part is having the dies that will keep the press centered and the bearings square. Otherwise it's too easy for the bearing to get tilted and jam up instead of pressing in smoothly. Without the dies, a bearing press is literally just a fancy pair of nuts on a piece of threaded rod.

[@KevCentral]

👍🏼 do you know if the $83 version will work with 1.5 cups?

[@Nicoya]

@@KevCentral The two drifts that came with my set have steps at 22, 24, 30, 37, 41, 42, 46mm, and they also offer two drifts specific for headsets with 30mm and 40mm on one and 34, 44, 49, 56mm on the other. Those are all nominal of course, the fit is slightly undersized so it slides in and out of the bearings/cups/whatever easily. As long as one of those sizes is within say 1-2mm of the inner diameter of what you're pressing you should be good. Just needs to be close enough to keep things centered on both sides.

[@Sandriell]

I watched your video where you tried to use that headset press, and because of that video, when I needed to get a new headset pressed into my bike I took it straight to the bike shop to have it done. Was cheaper the the junk tool would have been at just $10 and no worries for me about messing it up lol!

[@Acemans]

I know you do a lot of big box/budget bikes content but have you considered doing any videos on vintage bikes? Those ones that usually sell for like $30 used and have 3 speed sturmey archers? I always here people mention buy vintage over new walmart but it would be cool to see it compared.

[@Scott.Hadley]

I had an easy time with homemade press tool as seen on "RJ The Bike Guy" channel. What seemed to make the difference was his recommendation of using a bit of grease on a nylon spacer between the big and little washers on a threaded rod with nuts to squeeze it all together.

[@KevCentral]

That mimicks the bearing in my cheapie press.

[@Wannaridebikes]

I used a pedros crank puller for years.

[@larrykuzniak]

Very easy to use.

[@tarstarkusz]

What the tool box needs? A plastic hammer. I just saw one today in a dollar store, though it was marked special at $2, though I already have one. Plastic hammers are great for a little gentle persuasion without damaging what you are hitting. A nice thing about such a cheap one is you can hit things like the end of a tube without worrying about damaging the tool. Worst case scenario is your $2 tool breaks.

[@mrsmith326]

Park tool make a bb/ headset press that about $75...got one for Xmas, it’s less refined than the super nice one but works well

[@SupraWes]

I have only done one headset, and I did it with some allthread and washers from Lowes, I cant imagine why that tool is giving you problems.

[@jeffinajar6757]

My headset got rusted out on my axum. The crown race also broke a screw driver and a crown race remover. My bike shop said it was the hardest job they ever did.

[@KevCentral]

Wow

[@bobbye7353]

What did they charge?

[@jeffinajar6757]

@@bobbye7353 for the whole fork install with the new headset I think it was 60

[@bobbye7353]

@@jeffinajar6757 that is not bad at all, especially considering the difficulty!

[@jeffinajar6757]

@@bobbye7353 yes, and they were even nice enoughf to give me a 80 dollar came creek headset for only $30

[@peterramirez2746]

Try using a couple pieces of 2x4 and a C clamp or the metal disk from that cheap headset setter and a C clamp

[@ktmediavideo]

First even though it doesn't matter. Keep up the good work Kev!

[@huskerfan3352]

I started with Allen wrenches and now think I'm a tool horder I have a lot!

[@michaelsprinzeles4022]

As always, another informative video. You say you can measure a bottom bracket & you have the Axum right there. I've asked before about the bottom bracket size on the Axum. How about a demonstration of that tool measuring the BB on the Axum;)

[@travispowers1704]

There have been many KZbin video's of home made press tools that only cost a couple of bucks at Lowes for the parts. They seemed to have worked well. The Park Tool bottom bracket, think you have the one that also works on Shimano's single bolt brake rotors as well.

[@KevCentral]

Those “home made press tools” are the same thing as my cheap tool minus the bearing.

[@larrysutton2001]

Frame out and as hot as sunlight as you can get it, bearing in the freezer. It’s aluminum so you might even get away with using a heat gun on whatever end of the head tube you were trying to press into.

[@paulinvegas]

Put the race in the freezer, heat up the headtube, stick it in and beat it in the rest of the way with a rubber mallet. Works every time...sometimes.

[@TK-OK]

6” vise and a lil grease depending on HT length

[@alexpennie]

To remove/install headsets all you need is a rubber mallet and a flat head screwdriver. Just be careful and it works flawlessly

[@michaelcawley7400]

Wheels manufacturing makes a budget headset/bb press

[@toxicsnail4197]

Hey Kev any thoughts on the microshift acolyte groupset? 8spd 12-46 tooth, clutched derailleur, and shifter for under 75!

[@kleenepeppa]

10:28 is that a Bolany air fork in the background, beetween the two floorpumps?

[@M3garage1]

i think so

[@krspy8849]

hey could i gets some tool recommendations to modify my aluminum comp? i want to add: a tapered headset/fork new back wheel with a new drive train(including crankset and pedals) and new shifters/derailor

[@littlemanbigheart194]

my headset press was a hammer, and piece of wood. No issues so far.

[@KevCentral]

I just shared with my Patrons where I gave up on the idea of a specialty tool for pressing in the cup and tried the wood/hammer method. A few whacks later I have a perfectly seated lower cup. No stress or struggles. It’s rare, but sometimes basic tools and improvisation work better than specialized products. Thanks.

[@Kavurcen]

As a professional mechanic this channel makes me cringe less often than I expect - that's high praise! In this case though, seeing you talk about cutting cables with side cutters, YIKES. Let me send you a pair of cutters and you can comp me somehow later...

[@supervortex8363]

use the forks and headset to pull in the cup

[@The_RC_Dude]

Wow, it sounds like you can manage your anger really well, you don't sound angry at all! When I get angry....bad stuff can happen 😂😂

[@KevCentral]

I was a good 10 mins past the swearing phase 😉

[@The_RC_Dude]

@KevCentral 😂😂 Could you review some budget 1x9 or 1x10 drivetrains? The reason I ask is I think that would be interesting, and I'm getting tired (ok, ok, frustrated) of the 3x7 tourney on my CO-OP DRT. It's by far the biggest weak point, and look, I feel the anger coming on just by talking about it! I also have a feeling it won't last very long...even with the light trail/street riding I do. Thanks, glad their done cutting the trees! I know from personal experience it's very annoying...

[@dougse-bike9770]

I love Park tools as long as they're reasonably priced, otherwise, I usually go with Bike Hand or BW tools. For tools that don't really see any stress, I go with the cheapest option that looks serviceable.

[@aussie1ben]

Have you tried putting the bearing cup in the freezer

[@KevCentral]

I have not

[@davesimmons8640]

Don't you love getting "small" things for Christmas that you use a bunch of, like your new cable ends? The person who gave them to you might not think it's a nice gift, but when you use a lot of them, they're always appreciated. HINT TO KEV'S FAMILY/FRIENDS: Don't know what to get him for birthday/Christmas. A gift card from Park tools! Simple!! Great video, Kev!!

[@willardbuchanan9122]

I'll trade you I just don't get a lot of upgrades on my bike yet if you get out it's only different and it's snowing and I can't write it and yeah it's kind of sucks but you have a great one I'm glad you back on

[@Undrdawg_8]

Kev maybe try a bikehand brand headset press for about $50 you will be less frustrated.

[@optimummind]

The Bikehand press fit tool is very nice. With it, I was easily able to install both headset cups.

[@jacklo325]

Kev, seems like you have plenty of room in the bike barn. So, have you thought about getting a 32" double stacked cabinet? Or many even a 42"? They have small enough footprints and keep all the tools together...

[@brent6327]

What type of grips do u recommend ?

[@jackcarey2159]

Just make at headset cup press out of a threaded rod, some large and small washers and a nut on each end. Less than $10 and works great. If needed rjthebikeguy has a video on making one.

[@KevCentral]

That’s basically the same thing I already have (only minus the bearing.)

[@Lughnerson]

@@KevCentral You could just add the step bushing cup adapters, which come with the Park Tool headset press. They are sold separately, # 530-2. Just add them onto what you already have.

[@eugene44569]

when is project x 29 coming kev

[@purplegarage05]

Maybe try a homemade headset press rj the bike guy madd one using 1/2 threaded rod a bunch of washers and some flange nuts

[@KevCentral]

That would be the same thing as my cheapie press.

[@MTBAlex]

Damn, I haven't seen the whole video, and I already know that press won't work, had the same issue, lol. Welcome the mallet

[@jacksharmonoquinn572]

Oh my I see blue tools

[@cheesesandwich1236]

Can a giant c-clamp be used as a headset press ?

[@KevCentral]

I’ve heard of people using a clamp

[@DavidMontreal]

Long time no see.

[@jlp5137]

I tried the cheap headset press and the cups always go in crooked. I find that a rubber mallet or a hammer and a block of wood works better as long as you hit it in the middle

[@nigelbrownwellington6514]

Me too! I straight up used the Sam Pilgrim “whack it with what you have at hand” method to seat the lower headset cup in my Boundary upgrade.

[@JoeCnNd]

Top 10

[@Patstar777]

I made my own headset press. Worked just fine for like $10. The one you have looks like it will work. You didn’t explain why you couldn’t get it to work.

[@KevCentral]

Too finicky to get the cup to stay straight while pressing in.

[@tzlrc0]

Every headset press aside from the one you have uses some form of alignment dies or cups whatever they are called. I 3d printed some for my bottom bracket press. I could model some up for you if you send some measurements.

[@Lughnerson]

They are called "step bushing cup adapters", which come with the Park Tool headset press. They are also sold separately, # 530-2.

[@tzlrc0]

@@Lughnerson thanks

[@Lughnerson]

@@tzlrc0 You are welcome. They worked more precisely for me on my home-made press.

[@maxwellcunningham8908]

I've just hammered my headset in with a hammer lol seems to work well enough

[@kipcc3918]

Yep, Hammer and a flat piece of wood, Works all the time. 😅

[@maxwellcunningham8908]

@@kipcc3918 I had a creaky headset for a while but I think I rode it out😂

[@JasonScottCarter]

Buy the headset tool. You do enough bikes to make it worthwhile.

[@Wannaridebikes]

That floornado pump I really dislike. So hard to use the valve. It is very tight. And yup kinda junky.

[@joco118]

a block of wood and a hammer works as well as the 200$ tool

[@hitary1]

Kev, if you don't have the patience just hit it with a hammer and knock those cups in there!

[@KevCentral]

That’s what I ended up doing. Hammer and block of wood. It worked quite well. I don’t know that I would feel confident doing that to an expensive bike, but on a Walmart Schwinn I had no fears.

[@davidmilhouscarter8198]

Hey, I make my lemonaides with vodkas. 🙃

[@williamdeguffroy2887]

Why so many floor pumps?!

[@KevCentral]

Video coming

[@Gamebit450]

The guys that put together a headset tool do not seem to have any issues ......Maybe go to hardware store and put one together? Prob less than the bike shop lol.

[@vmoutsop]

Don’t give in. Keep looking and trying the less expensive solutions. Paying $200 is a ripoff.

[@Sylvan_dB]

Buy the tool. Then you'll never need it again. :)

[@Acemans]

Get someone to buy it for you then you don't have to buy it at all.

[@larrykuzniak]

Lol, is there a bad success?

[@benedictmacaraig429]

Scond

[@adamneulander]

You get an inferior cookie.

[@ktmediavideo]

Ffirst

[@adamneulander]

Want a cookie?

[@ktmediavideo]

@@adamneulander yes please

[@adamneulander]

@@ktmediavideo 🍪

[@wreckingopossum]

$200 for a tool, vs $15 - $20 at the LBS = 10 - 13 servicings You are already on your fourth and you modify bikes and review products for a living How much do you think a review video of the tool will make? Deduct that from the price of the tool as well

[@gregkellow4723]

Any tool that makes a job MORE frustrating is garbage. Tools are supposed to make life easier! Get the tool that works, even if you only use it periodically. You'll thank yourself later.

[@apache-yaquibrown4060]

What a fantastic video, comments up quicker than the duration. I will watch. 😂🤣😄😅🚴‍♂️🚴‍♂️🚵‍♂️🚵‍♂️