Home Mechanic Tool List: Novice

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Novice Tool List

Because these lists are for “average” bikes, your particular bike may need more, less, or slightly different tools than what is listed here. For example, if your bike has a “threadless” headset, you will not need the headset wrench listed for threaded headsets. When in doubt, bring your bike to a professional bike shop and ask about a specific procedure or tool. Better yet, sign up for the Park Tool School, a class in bicycle maintenance at your local shop.

There are several sources of tools. Non-bicycle specific tools are usually available at better hardware stores, automotive shops, tool stores, and some department stores. Check with your local bike shop for specialty bicycle tools. When a Park Tool is our recommendation, the tool number is given. There are some cases where there may be more than one Park Tool that will work—in these cases, we will recommend either the most common or the simplest tool.

Besides being capable of performing the services of fixing a flat tire, lubricating the chain, and cleaning the bike, you want to be able to do things like replace the chain, gear cables and housing. You may want to get the wheels straight and true enough to clear the brake pads, and have the brakes adequately adjusted. Other repairs, such as bearing overhaul or derailleur replacement, we assume will be done by a professional bicycle shop.

Tool Description	Park Tool Product	More Information
Bicycle Repair Stand	Portable Repair Stands	Consider PCS-10.3, PRS-25, PRS-22.2, and/or PCS-4. Repair stands lift the bike off the ground and allow the bike to be rotated for easy work.
Metric Wrenches, esp. 8, 9, 10, 11 mm	CBW-1 & CBW-4
Hex Wrench Set	AWS-10
Screwdriver Set	SD-SET	3/16″ and 1/4″ Straight Blade plus cross tip #0 and #2 (“Phillips”) Used to adjust derailleur limit screws
Needle Nose Pliers	NP-6	6″ needle nose
12″ Adjustable Wrench	PAW-12
HUB TOOLS
Cone Wrench, 13–14 mm	DCW-1	Common sizes for front hubs and some hub locknuts
Cone Wrench, 15–16 mm	DCW-2	Common sizes for rear hubs and some hub locknuts
WHEEL AND TIRE TOOLS
Spoke Wrenches	Spoke Wrenches	Many possible sizes and options. Select the smallest size that fits.
Tire Levers	Tire Levers	Levers vary in design and fit
Patch Kit	GP-2, VP-1	VP-1 has glue in tube; GP-2 has pre-glued patches
Floor Pump	Floor Pumps	Pump head fits both presta and schrader
DRIVETRAIN TOOLS
Pedal Wrench	PW-5
Chain Rivet Extractor	CT-5 or CT-3.3	For removing old chains and installing new chains
Drivetrain Cleaning Kit	CG-2.4	Includes CM-5.3 Cyclone Chain Cleaner, GSC-1 Gear Brush, and CB-4 Bio ChainBrite™ fluid
Cable Cutters	CN-10	Cuts both cable and housing

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Miscellaneous Supplies and Parts

Part / Supply	More Information
Shop Apron	SA-1
Bearing Grease	PPL-1 — Safe for suspension elastomers, ceramic bearings, and carbon fiber
Bicycle Cleaning Kit	BCB-4.2
Chain lubrication	CL-1
Degreaser for chain and parts	CB-4 Bio ChainBrite™
Hand Cleaner	Available from grocery and hardware stores
Alcohol	For cleaning brake surfaces and press fits
Polisher (glass cleaner)	For cleaning frames
Spare Tubes	Purchase to fit your tire size and valve type
Zip ties	Various sizes and colors
Rags	Lots and lots of cotton rags