Home Mechanic Tool List: Essentials
Maintaining your own bike can be fun, but it can also be confusing at times to know which tools you will need to perform the service you want. Below are a series of recommended tool lists for general maintenance of the average road or off-road bike. Attempt to develop two sets of tools: one for inside a seat bag for on-the-trail/road use, and another set for home use.
Essential Tool List
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 product 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.
These are just the essentials to just to keep you on the bike keeping up the air pressure in the tires, fixing the occasional flat tire, and cleaning and lubricating the chain. Otherwise, we will assume that any technical work will be done by a professional bicycle shop.
Tool Description | Park Tool Product | More Information |
---|---|---|
Hex Wrench / Screwdriver Set | Multi-Tools such as IB-1, IB-2, etc. | Used to tighten bolts and adjust derailleurs |
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 Cleaning Kit | Includes CM-5.3 Cyclone Chain Cleaner, GSC-1 Gear Brush, and CB-4 Bio ChainBrite™ fluid |
Miscellaneous Parts and Supplies
Part / Supply | More Information |
---|---|
Shop Apron | SA-1 |
Chain lubrication | CL-1 |
Degreaser for chain and parts | CB-4 Bio ChainBrite™ |
Hand Cleaner | Available from grocery and hardware stores |
Polisher (glass cleaner) | For cleaning frames |
Spare Tubes | Purchase to fit your tire size and valve type |
Rags | Lots and lots of cotton rags |