Bike tools

[Ign]

IME a cheap (the cheap is important 'cause you don't want a lot of power) 3/8" impact is awesome for cassette lockrings and crank pullers. You can usually hold a cassette w a gloved hand and back off the lockring w an impact instead of using the specialty holder tool (which I made years ago using a piece of flat bar and some old chain LOL).

I'd guess a cordless 1/4" impact driver might act similarly.

I never remember to replace my chain every 3 mos no matter how much I swear I will.........so I've pretty much given up and just ride it until I have to replace chain and cassette and probably little and/or middle ring. The big ring usually lasts much longer.

 

[boybacon]

Um, generally speaking power tools and bicycles do not mix. The tools used to remove the casette lock rings and cranks are not heat treated the same way as impact sockets. Some day you may try this and the tool might shatter causing all kinds of external and internal lacerations. In the bicycle business, this is what we would call "bad".

 

[IDASHO]

yes, i still have a threaded headset or two in the fleet.

On my vintage bikes that have threaded headsets, I use a large set of lockjaw pliers and a bit of leather to protect the finish.

 

[DiStOrTiOn]

I work assembling bicycles, and the best tire levers we've been able to find in the shop are the pedros. They're the flattest and fattest, and make life so much easier. And stay away from park screwdrivers, they're made in china. they're decent, but i would stick with craftsman or whatever you already have. other park tools are great though, even use some of their wrenches (still made in usa) on my car.

If you go to your local bike shop and talk to the mechanics, I'm sure they'll give you their recommendations as well, and will also be able to order you anything you need. I work in a Performance Bike, and do this all the time. If you buddy up with some of the guys, you might be able to get the stuff at a better rate as well.