[kjsayers]

I know Park Tools are supposed to be the best, but damm they are expensive! I need a good set of say 40 or so. Anyone recommend a brand that is decent and wont break after a couple uses and wont cost 2 bills.

 

[jtmartino]

I know Park Tools are supposed to be the best, but damm they are expensive! I need a good set of say 40 or so. Anyone recommend a brand that is decent and wont break after a couple uses and wont cost 2 bills.

40 what?

 

[nov0798]

Well my philosophy on tools, is pay for them now, or pay for it twice. Buy them as you need them, so you dont take such a big hit all at once

 

[Shuteye]

40 what?

+1 for me - 40 tools You can buy decent tools a little at a time according to your needs. I have a lot of tools, but they were accumulated over many years. When you are ready to change out your shifter cables, buy a pair of cable cutters for instance (or use a pair of high quality *****). Craftsmen allen wrenches work just fine, find them on sale. My point is, no need to buy a prepackaged set. Hodge podge works, upgrade when you find you need better.

 

[markf]

park aren't always the best, some of our favorite tools at my shop were made by hozan or ice tools or snap on or pedros. park makes a wide range of things that are good quality and generally smartly designed, but sometimes someone else has a better design.

 

[dundundata]

Well for normal mechanical tools Craftsman is good, for bike specific I tend to go with Park. Yeah that probably doesn't help.

 

[nov0798]

Yea I didnt mean buy all Park. Definitely buy the Craftsman, or Kobalt, or Husky tools for things like screwdrivers, hex heads, etc, from these sources. As for specific tools such as bottom bracket, casette, etc, I buy the appropriate Park tools. I but some of my Park stuff from a gal on Ebay, I think the name of his store is buildyourbike, or something like that. Have always had great service from her, and prices are super reasonable.

 

[mechBgon]

I know Park Tools are supposed to be the best, but damm they are expensive! I need a good set of say 40 or so. Anyone recommend a brand that is decent and wont break after a couple uses and wont cost 2 bills.

The last time I updated my spreadsheet showing how much of my own tools and equipment I had on-site at the LBS where I work, it totalled out to over $8000, and that's with the bike-specific stuff priced at wholesale. $200 really isn't a lot to be spending, my friend.

That being said, Park Tool's stuff is not always the best value, or even the best in absolute terms, so you might want to be specific about what exact items you want, so people can suggest the best buys for those particular items. Also, just buy stuff as you need it, or at least stuff you know you're going to need this season.

 

[kjsayers]

Good point why buy a tool if i don't need it. I guess buying them as i go is a good move. And ya i am talking about bike specific tools. I usually buy Craftsman for all purpose tools.

thanks guys

 

[Shuteye]

Honestly, I've had my tools for so long, I don't know whats out there, but ..... a good repair stand is worth the investment - it lets you tinker on your bike, spinning the drivetrain easily. Without a stand, I don't think I would tinker on my bike near as much as I do. The small bits can fall into place as needed, little by little - minimizes the "ouch" factor.

 

[ProjectBomber]

The last time I updated my spreadsheet showing how much of my own tools and equipment I had on-site at the LBS where I work, it totalled out to over $8000, and that's with the bike-specific stuff priced at wholesale. $200 really isn't a lot to be spending, my friend.

That being said, Park Tool's stuff is not always the best value, or even the best in absolute terms, so you might want to be specific about what exact items you want, so people can suggest the best buys for those particular items. Also, just buy stuff as you need it, or at least stuff you know you're going to need this season.

Damn man!!! I work on aerial lift equipment and have easily have 10k invested in tools, much of which I bought used, and can't imagine having that kind of investment for bike specific tools. your tool man must love you for paying his mortgage over the years.

 

[customfab]

you can have your local steel yard cut you a base for a stand for about half the price that park sells it for. 3/8 plate with 4 holes in, not exactly rocket science.

 

[mechBgon]

you can have your local steel yard cut you a base for a stand for about half the price that park sells it for. 3/8 plate with 4 holes in, not exactly rocket science.

If anyone does do that, I suggest having it made round, since the ability to roll them is very useful at times :thumbsup: Also be aware that the Park Tool 4-bolt pattern is not a square (!).

I got my original PRS-2 with base for $100, minus clamps (I had my own), and kept the neat-o round base when I upgraded to a PRS-2 OS2. That required some adaptation, but as you say... not rocket science The spreadsheet is primarily in case the building burns down, as well as to remind my employer that I'm worth keeping around So far, it seems to be working!