My Favorite Tools (With Links) - My Home Bike Mechanic Shop Tour

[@hardtailparty]

Do you wrench on your own bike? I think everyone who rides a mountain bike should learn to work on it to some degree. The more you can do yourself, the more money you save, and the better your bike will run. Hopefully these tips help you start your tool collection.

[@alexandertaylor8870]

I recently started building up my tool set further and finally got a bike stand. The cabling and drivetrain always intimidated me in the past, but it's all about just buying the tools for the different jobs as you go and taking the time to figure out how to get it done. There are so many resources to walk you through each job. My process is reading, rereading manuals, then watching and rewatching youtube videos for each job as I do it.

[@patchesthejaybird8431]

I started when I was 11. My dad had some tools, including a spoke wrench, which I attempted to use. I was really bad then. I tried to build a wheel set, they both ended up tacoed. I slowly got better and better. By the time I was in college I got a job wrenching on the campus rental bike fleet, and did that for over 4 years. I've been building my own bikes up from the frame since 2000. Doing it yourself saves tons of bucks that I just didn't have back then. Now I just enjoy the work. BEST tools I added to my kit were torque wrenches. No worrying about over or under torque destroying parts! I wrecked a fork in the past over torquing things. Also I have seen cranks destroyed due to under torque of the crank bolts, or pedals. I think everyone who is capable should at least learn to clean and lube chains, repair tubes, and fine tune derailleurs. This will save the bike wear and tear, and make it ride its best until a pro mechanic can give it an overhaul.

[@big_red_machine3547]

Yes. About to convert my 2010 Norco Sasquatch into an Ebike with the Bafang SSHD mid drive

[@Oldmtbdad]

On your pedal wrench, use one of your paint sticks to mark the side you said you use 99.99% of the time. The visual cue will help.

[@trev-trev]

Sharpie tip: Store metallic silver and gold Sharpies cap-side down to increase lifespan.

[@johnster187]

My Xmas list for tools has just increased, the wife will not be happy at all...😁 Very useful video Steve, thankyou very much. 👍

[@hardtailparty]

Whoops!

[@dl6860]

Thanks for this! Trial and error is too expensive for tools - you're saving us time, money and headache!

[@hardtailparty]

Agreed. Thanks for the kind words.

[@roblootens2994]

Again, great video Steve! Love the organization. Now I'm off to fed ex to pick up my Stanton Sherpa 3 😁

[@hardtailparty]

Congrats!

[@cameronlesley2428]

Your toolbox tour makes me see how messy mine really is, and it’s telling me to go tidy up my work bench. Love the channel

[@ryanmiskin]

I can testify to how effective the magic eraser is. My bike has a matte finish and when I clean it a lot of the time there are scuffs that won't come off with a rag. Magic eraser worked every time.

[@isaacbrooks5999]

As a woodworker, DIYer, bad bike mechanic, this shop video is awesome! Rubbing alcohol with a sprayer is super useful (and cheap).

[@chiefsilverback]

I have rubbing alcohol in one of those cheap condiment bottles with a thin nozzle, you can get a dozen pack on Amazon for $15. I might get a sprayer as well, but I also have the WD40 Electrical Contact cleaner, which is basically rubbing alcohol in an aerosol.

[@rpiian]

I think I’ve bought a fair amount of MTB tools/supplies because of you, this is helping me remember what I have 😁. I don’t get to ride/wrench as much as I’d like, but I pride myself in being self sufficient, and saving money. Being able to fix something overnight and ride the next day is invaluable. I saw a few more tools I’d like that would definitely help (star nut setter, deburr tool, parallel wrench). I also just learned about Loctite sticks the other day at work. Thanks for sharing Steve!

[@chiefsilverback]

In COVID times being able to do your own wrenching is really important given the backlog for services at bike shops. I buy tools as I get to a job that needs them, or after I've hacked the job once without the proper tool and decided my time is worth more than the $20/$30/$40 it would cost for right tool!

[@edritchie270]

Hydrogen chloride and phosgene is what comes off break cleaner after welding. I worked in the motor sports industry for 15 years and can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen people do this. Scary stuff for sure. Great video as always.

[@akkdm1]

Why is it so poisonous? Vapors?

[@edritchie270]

@@akkdm1 Yes . Phosgene gas was used in World War 1 . I believe it close to mustard gas . Acetone was the best thing to use cleaning parts to be welded. I'm guessing all brake cleaner isn't the same BUT I'm not going to try it.

[@michaeltoy8985]

Replace the Wera hex keys with the PB Swiss Rainbow hex keys. They are powdered coated with a durable finish! 💪

[@stallmanvar]

Nice setup Steve. This video fits me very well, specially because I'm in the process of adding new tools to repair by myself my marin san quentin 2. You know the amount of satisfaction every time we work in our bikes.

[@hardtailparty]

Glad to hear you're wrenching on your own bike!

[@glock19gen3]

Very nice. Tri flow is absolutely amazing!

[@workhorsemtb7075]

When you use it to lube your squeaky closet door hinge before you go to work so you don't wake your wife up in the early morning anymore you also get to smell it all night...bonus

[@CasperRc81]

A lot up people don’t know if used correctly they will hold grips on your bars greatly and mist it on(wd40) just don’t douse it on. Some have to set up longer. Works good on coolant hoses slide on and creates a bond. I absolutely love your channel. I’m buying myself that journal you recommended and the relationship cards on your Grand Canyon ride I believe. Thank you so Very much and may god continue to richly bless you and your family.

[@davidh6340]

Amazing video as always and thanks for the compilation of links! That list took awhile, I’m going to your Patreon site now. Christmas list!! Party on!

[@akkdm1]

Just in time to make my Christmas list for my wife! I’ll be optimizing and expanding my workspace this Winter. So many great ideas here.

[@RichardKean_o7]

My mum worked at Sears selling furniture for years. They used WD40 to keep the display furniture looking good. It was the only product that stood up to kind of floor traffic they saw. So yeah, it's great for cleanup and polishing :)

[@niceG3s]

Thanks for all your help Steve. Just made a list. Trying to do it all myself. 2-6 week shop delays via COVID sucks. You spent more time on nail polish than I expected... Kidding, great video!

[@SebSto3D]

Great advise and tips, thank you for that. Really valuable for someone like me who is getting more and more into working on my bike myself. It would be awesome if you could make a series of tutorial videos about building and servicing bikes, i bet you have a ton of valuable experience you could share.

[@hardtailparty]

I'd love to do that one day but I don't have the bandwidth. In the meantime, check out my friends channel, Syd fixes bikes

[@SebSto3D]

@@hardtailparty Thanks for the recommendation.

[@raulespinoza5819]

Good video! In workshop I have Unior, Pedro's, Super B and IceToolz .

[@olshamus]

If anyone is looking to make a cheap DIY headset/bb press, I found that threaded rod, two hockey pucks (with holes drilled in the center), and two large washers (to give the pucks rigidity) works quite well and doesn’t mar or damage the headset cups or paint as easily.

[@tomlamontagne4319]

Just starting to collect tools for my own home shop so this was great for seeing what i will need. Definitely will be looking at that Milwaukee air compressor. Thanks for the great advice and content ✌

[@benitezjosem30]

Great video. Thank you for sharing Steve.

[@158158cow]

Awesome video. I definitely nerded out on a few of those tools. I’m 25 and have been slowly building up my tool arsenal - approaching your level!

[@lkaprals]

Use finish line speed degreaser! It will replace rubbing alcohol and the brake clean.

[@jackcarter233]

Great stuff again like always

[@ronniekaftal1729]

Great Video! I learned allot. I think there is only one kind of "tool" I have and can recommend people and its my small portable pressure washer. its cheap rechargeable power washer with small water reservoir for washing a complete bike at low pressures. It gets you a clean a bike in less than a minute or two and I usually do it before loading it on the roof rack and let it dry on the ride home. Saves tons of water and make sure you don't carry dusty bike inside your vehicle or bring dusty / muddy bike back home after the ride. I used the karcher one but I am sure there are more brands offering similar things. I also use it to wash my boards and staff coming back from the beach. but that may not be applicable in Sadona :-)

[@markx9623]

Got also the Wera hex plus wrenches. At least here in Germany you can buy all the wrenches separately if one is missing or broken (had the same problem w/ the orange one). Will definitely buy the Topeak ratchet stick and some other tools 👍

[@chiefsilverback]

If people haven’t tried the new Wolftooth Components cleaner/lube I would recommend you do. My chain literally gets cleaner with every ride!

[@jeffneisler1405]

Steve - great info! Just put in Amazon order for a hand full of items. By the way, Walgreens carry's the spray bottles of alcohol here locally . They come in handy, I always keep one in every vehicle & in a couple spots in my garage.

[@samanaya4809]

Thanks for the valuable video! Could you pleas explain what is the main difference between the PT HHP-2 and the WM Bearing Press? and which one would be more convenient to buy? Thank you!

[@stefromfortworth]

26:35 dude, just mark the side you use the most often with some touch up paint…? Loved the video. I’m definitely going to buy one of those loctite chapsticks

[@hardtailparty]

I've done that, but it's annoying enough that i got another one. I probably use a pedal wrench 1000 times in a year.

[@whatchulookinat338]

I've never before had caliper envy.

[@tombowman9463]

This is a surprisingly helpful video. Amazon is going great!

[@moonrabbitshuttles]

Wow! This was awesome. Thanks for sharing!

[@Reedys_Digest]

Great video thank you. Loads of really useful info.

[@sixate]

Must have taken a lot of time to list all the stuff you use. The Topeak Ratchet has always interested me. I might need to pick it up and add to my own toolbox. I've bought every tool I've needed over the years plus quite a few I want because they looked very useful.

[@Marcus_pePunkt]

6:27 I've got the Muc-Off dry lube and the wet lube. The dry lube makes the chain so much noisier in comparison, so i tend to not use it, even in the summer.

[@chrisoliveira2038]

Great concise tool summary. I have gathered many over the years and you hit on all my favorites. I'm normally a Phil Wood grease fan, but will have to give the clear stuff a try or just keep wearing my black shop apron for protection.

[@FordTechGuy]

Great video. I'm a professional mechanic for Ford and a wannabe mountain bike mechanic as I perform most all light repair on our bikes and maintenance. FYI, your toolbox is now available. Through Amazon, it's almost $2000.00. I purchased mine through Home Depot, delivered, it was less than $800.00. I'm actually going to use it in the shop for light automotive repair. Just wondering if you had a link to the undershelf led you used. The wife and I subscribe to you and Dusty Betty. You are doing a great job with the videos and information. I'm going to become a Patreon subscriber soon to your channel.

[@hardtailparty]

I don't remember which light I use exactly, sorry. Thanks for watching!

[@user-ux7gm8tu3w]

Dude.A trick to attach handles of hammer combi pliers allen key set.Wood glue Professional Bison Construction glue D4 this (fizzing) Polyurethane !! This works perfectly.

[@MozzMataz]

Hey Steve thank you for the great video! I also wanted to let you know the link for the husky toolbox and Gojo towels is the same.

[@hardtailparty]

Thanks for catching that.

[@kipcc3918]

Who else hates crown races with no slits? I always make to cut a slit on my crown races so it wont be a hassle, I swap forks out from bike to bike and it’s the best hack that I could’ve done. I also prefer buying headsets with the pre cut ones just to save time. Pro’s is you eliminate the need for bulky tools like a CRR(crown race remover) And CRS (crown race setter) from park.

[@adanielweaver]

Loved this. I've been building up my workshop and also have gotten sucked into toolbox wars. Just got a Nepros Stubby 1/4in ratchet with a spinner and some PB Swiss socket bits and its been fantastic to play with. I picked up the same inflator on your reccomendation and it's new favorite as well. I still use a hacksaw with a guide for cutting bars and steerers. Is it worth getting a pipe cutter for my new 38?

[@MrProctitus]

I marked my pedal wrench with white paint on the 15mm side so i can instantly see which side to use

[@ooiak3387]

Thanks !!!!!

[@dcrooster3610]

Good info-thanks!!

[@wesleywermuth9545]

Sweet video!

[@NealHartsChannel]

Excellent video! What is the part number or model of the grease applicator on your tube of clear grease?

[@hardtailparty]

It came with one of my Santa Cruz bikes, sorry I don't have a model number.

[@dkamish1258]

Thanks a lot Steve, I'm going to get some of these that you recommend. Do you have a link to Amazon for tools you didn't recommend? I was going to get the Park TM-1 Spoke Tensiometer and a few others.

[@hardtailparty]

See the video description

[@steffankristiansen5556]

I learned that I never can build a bike on my own if it requires all these tools🤯

[@hardtailparty]

One bike build doesn't require all these tools, but running a KZbin channel where you review bikes does.

[@William.N]

Love the setup! It is definitely something to aspire to. Do you have any suggestions on 'must-have' tools for someone just starting out or wanting to do basic maintenance? Like the top 5 or (insert other arbitrary small number here) tools to have.

[@hardtailparty]

I talk about some of the must-haves in this video. It all depends on what you need to do and what you do the most.

[@William.N]

Went back and watched the video listening closely to use cases. Got some good ideas for my birthday list. Thanks!

[@quinnharnett1311]

Do you have a preferred floor stand? Something for storing your bikes upright by just holding the front wheel?

[@hardtailparty]

This one: bit.ly/3zFOYoh

[@stephenkohler3472]

Grease, oils, and lubes is where the N+1 rule was born.

[@michaelthoen5129]

You don't have any electronic shifting or dropper post, since it is the way of the future and prices are coming down wouldn't it save you money and time in the long run?

[@hardtailparty]

Yeah, I'd love a wireless dropper and drivetrain for making these builds easier, but unfortunately they cost more than i a month of KZbin income. It would take a LOT of housing and cables to make up for the cost. Not to mention i need various dropper sizes and lengths, and multiple drivetrains for things to be able to swapped from one bike to the best, it gets expensive quick. If i had a big budget, I'd probably run all wireless stuff. However, i think having a great fork or wherlset or frame is far more important.

[@josephhowie9806]

Thanks for another great video Steve. Can I ask why it's bad to have your fork set down on the ground when hammering in the star nut?

[@josephhowie9806]

@@uber_franz1126 I've done it on my Fox 36 after removing the rebound dial so it was only set down on the bottom bolts. You think there is any harm in that?

[@josephhowie9806]

@@uber_franz1126 had it on some closed cell foam so fingers crossed. Thanks for the advice

[@brownsworthy7323]

I love Wera tools

[@hardtailparty]

I've been a little disappointed with their durability lately.

[@brownsworthy7323]

@@hardtailparty I've got the spanners and hex keys and they're good but admittedly certainly don't get as much use as yours would

[@philhunt1442]

Is the orange wheel press different than the big silver one you have hanging?

[@paulv8453]

Steve, did I hear you correctly when you said that you switch your brake calipers to the Paul Comp cable actuated brakes?

[@hardtailparty]

Yes, the Paul klampers are my favorite disc brake

[@paulv8453]

@@hardtailparty So if you were to build a bike you would opt for the Paul Comp vs hydraulic? Even on MTB bikes? I’m just used to seeing them on adventure or every level bikes

[@hardtailparty]

@@paulv8453 yes, see my video on the topic

[@diygeneration5566]

*How do you manage to keep such an order? I can't do it ;-)*

[@thomaskuhn6541]

Do you have a preferred brand of fork fluid, or do go with the branded fluid that the fork manufacturer recommends?

[@ryanmiskin]

Do you have a wheel truing stand that you like? I want one but I don't want to spend park tool money.

[@hardtailparty]

The only ones i use are park

[@chiefsilverback]

I have the Feedback Sports stand, it's the only one I've ever used and whilst you're not getting the level of accuracy a pro grade Park Tools stand will give you it's probably good enough for most people. They claim you can use it as a dishing tool also, but i find it's easier to have a separate dishing tool. One caveat, when I got mine it was considerably cheaper than the Park Tools options. I think the price has gone up so depending on the difference you might want to grab a blue one...

[@ryanmiskin]

You just gotta paint one side of that pedal wrench so you can see which one to use.

[@CasperRc81]

Perhaps colored heat string or dip them in colored plasti dip

[@big_red_machine3547]

Heat shrink those hex wrench covers. It should suck those sleeves on tight

[@hardtailparty]

At the price wera charges, they shoudlnt need a fix like this.

[@kathardt-holoch4361]

My problem is my husband takes my tools and doesn't put them back! Or makes a mess! He's a good husband otherwise.... :-)

[@wonderwatch2239]

It’s Knipex not nypex, k is spoken like a c, and I like in interesting… its hard eya?

[@hardtailparty]

So it sounds like snip-ex?