The Bicycle (Specialty) Tools Thread

[Odd-job]

What are you guys using for hose barb tools? Park tools seems to be getting some meh feedback at least it pertains to the cutting function, but I have plenty of other tools that can handle that part.

Also looking into upgrading the gravel bike to the new Shimano di2 1x setups. Could use some lower gearing without janky Wolf Tooth extender setups. Was also seriously considering switching over to SRAM since switching from HG to microspline freehubs was deterring me, but they are pretty married to their UDH setups and upgrading the gravel Litespeed is off the table for now.

 

[Odd-job]

Don't want to poke the bear on chain lube freedom of choice here, but if you are lazy like me and have a hot wax setup, but don't want to actually use it... there's Squirt chain wax lube. Close enough to hot wax in that it lasts 70% as long. Perfect for the dry and dusty Norcal conditions. Finally got me off the Triflow/Boeshield bandwagon after 20+ years.

 

[duneslider]

Do you like this ^^^ I got one years ago because I was curious and I didn't care for it but maybe I am using it wrong and don't know what I am doing.

 

[duneslider]

Don't want to poke the bear on chain lube freedom of choice here, but if you are lazy like me and have a hot wax setup, but don't want to actually use it... there's Squirt chain wax lube. Close enough to hot wax in that it lasts 70% as long. Perfect for the dry and dusty Norcal conditions. Finally got me off the Triflow/Boeshield bandwagon after 20+ years.

I actually didn't love Squirt but I did like it better than Roll Gold and White Lightning (which I did like both those fairly well and have both on the shelf). I used smoove for a while and actually liked it a lot and that is what actually pushed me over the edge to use hot wax.

The issue that I had that ultimately pushed me the direction of hot wax was the hot dusty conditions we have at summer races. Before smoove we weren't making it through some races without chains sounding like ****. White Lightning and Rocknroll Gold couldn't handle the moon dust we get here in some places. The smoove did work fine but cleaning a chain the night before in a hotel or camping and lubing was a hassle! With the hot wax I run a chain on practice day and then throw the race chains on and they have no trouble making it through a race. Since my kids aren't forward thinking enough to lube their chains the night before a ride they end up not lubing them until right before they ride which is a waste. So, for me, it is way easier to do the hot wax. I wax all chains usually once a month and then we just swap chains as needed. I find this is faster and easier for me.

Nothing handles really wet and mud well, wet lubes probably do the best in those conditions but the hot wax makes it through a ride just fine and after those sorts of rides I just dry them and rewax and good to go but we don't do much wet/mud riding in Utah...

At the end of the day, I have had the best luck with wax based lubes and the hot waxing for my use case is very easy. That isn't to say it is best for everyone. I personally was very happy with white lightning for a lot of years but through all that time I was just handling my own bike and occasionally my wife's bike.

 

[duneslider]

What are you guys using for hose barb tools? Park tools seems to be getting some meh feedback at least it pertains to the cutting function, but I have plenty of other tools that can handle that part.

Are you talking pushing in the barb? I just have some random chinese tool off amazon that seems to do great for me, no issues at all with it. It has a cutter built in too that seems to work fine. The park tool HBT-1 looks like it would be faster than the one I have but I only cut hydraulic lines a handful of times a year so the one I have is not an issue.

 

[Meursault74]

Do you like this ^^^ I got one years ago because I was curious and I didn't care for it but maybe I am using it wrong and don't know what I am doing.

I like it in the sense that I was able to mount those two tires with it. I've only used it that one time really and it worked as described. I could not mount those tires without it. It was about 10 "minutes" (10 out of 60) around the rim that I needed to go with that tool. This isn't usual. Those tires have been folded for a long time.

Usually when I mount them by hand it just the last "minute" or two that need the super thumb treatment. Like I said I've never needed this tool before and I've been changing my bike tires for a long time.

This'll sit in my tool box. If I remember I have it it, I may spare my thumbs some stress on the next normal tires.

the reason I say that it because the other day I removed a cassette and I used the socket I had. I had forgotten I had purchased another cassette tool that has a pin on the tool/socket to go into the axle. Less chance of of it slipping. I didn't remember it until after I had done it. I had planned to use that tool for removal, and the socket alone with a torque wrench for installation.

 

[dscheidt]

This'll sit in my tool box. If I remember I have it it, I may spare my thumbs some stress on the next normal tires.

I noticed they used a tire jack for everything at a local bike store a couple years ago, and asked about it. They said it saved lots of hand pain, and kept techs happier. They also had at least one bike stand with a powered hoist, so better than average concern about working conditions...

 

[Meursault74]

I noticed they used a tire jack for everything at a local bike store a couple years ago, and asked about it. They said it saved lots of hand pain, and kept techs happier. They also had at least one bike stand with a powered hoist, so better than average concern about working conditions...

Sure, I can understand that. I'm not mounting new tires on a daily basis. Certainly makes good sense to have around if you do.


My hands did hurt after I struggled a few weeks back trying to get those tires on. Normal tires a few times a year, I'd be ok without the tool.

My bike work stand is a little low for me. If I was working on bikes all day long I'd want it higher up. For the few minutes a week I use it. It's fine. I have thought about modifying it to make it taller, but haven't done it. I'm used to being hunched over anyway on my road bikes.

 

[Odd-job]

Are you talking pushing in the barb?

Yep. I have done it without the barb tool, but feel like I am at the point where just getting the right tool is the way to go. Glad to hear the Chinese ones are functional. The Shimano one that is made out of plastics is like $100 which didn't seem worth it.

weren't making it through some races without chains sounding like ****

sounds like some long races. I guess dealing with more sandy dust would probably make me lean more towards hot waxing. Have mostly baby powder like dust here in the bay area.

 

[f121]

Yep. I have done it without the barb tool, but feel like I am at the point where just getting the right tool is the way to go. Glad to hear the Chinese ones are functional. The Shimano one that is made out of plastics is like $100 which didn't seem worth it.

I have a ~$10 no name Chinese one off Amazon. It works plenty well enough for the once or twice a year I’ll use it. I remember thinking it felt a bit cheap and plasticy, and would be nicer if it was machined out of aluminium. Then I used it, it worked perfectly, and I put it in the drawer until a buddy needed to borrow it.

 

[duneslider]

I have a ~$10 no name Chinese one off Amazon. It works plenty well enough for the once or twice a year I’ll use it. I remember thinking it felt a bit cheap and plasticy, and would be nicer if it was machined out of aluminium. Then I used it, it worked perfectly, and I put it in the drawer until a buddy needed to borrow it.

I have one like this Barb tool, there are like 100 different "brands" of this one but it looks just like this and it has worked just fine. I have used it probably 10+ times and had zero issues. I can't see what a nicer one would do that this one doesn't. The park tool looks like it might be a little faster to use. I do see chinese ones similar to this that are all aluminum and those might be a bit nicer.

 

[duneslider]

Not sure if these have been talked about but...

I was gifted a Park Tool WH-1 Link to tool and when I got it I was like "oh thanks, not sure what I'm gonna do with this" it sat on my bench for months in the box, but it turns out I really like it and use it all the time now. I highly recommend it. They seem kind of expensive but I think they are totally worth it.

Anyone else use one? Currently I have just been clamping it to my bench but I am thinking I am going to put some inserts into the bench in a couple of locations so I can "bolt" it down to the bench.

 

[Gebirgekind]

What are you guys using for hose barb tools? Park tools seems to be getting some meh feedback at least it pertains to the cutting function, but I have plenty of other tools that can handle that part.

I really like the Jagwire/Sram barb press tool (same tool, different color), it's simple and robust. The Shimano one is not as user friendly or as well made. I have the paired Sram pro hose cutter too, the two tools together are a great professional set.

 

[Gebirgekind]

Not sure if these have been talked about but...

I was gifted a Park Tool WH-1 Link to tool and when I got it I was like "oh thanks, not sure what I'm gonna do with this" it sat on my bench for months in the box, but it turns out I really like it and use it all the time now. I highly recommend it. They seem kind of expensive but I think they are totally worth it.

Anyone else use one? Currently I have just been clamping it to my bench but I am thinking I am going to put some inserts into the bench in a couple of locations so I can "bolt" it down to the bench.

We have them on our benches at the shop. They are really nice, great for everything from older hub adjustments to CushCore installs. Just be careful about leaving QR skewers in the vice, I've almost put my eye out a few times!

 

[Gebirgekind]

I actually didn't love Squirt but I did like it better than Roll Gold and White Lightning (which I did like both those fairly well and have both on the shelf). I used smoove for a while and actually liked it a lot and that is what actually pushed me over the edge to use hot wax.

The issue that I had that ultimately pushed me the direction of hot wax was the hot dusty conditions we have at summer races. Before smoove we weren't making it through some races without chains sounding like ****. White Lightning and Rocknroll Gold couldn't handle the moon dust we get here in some places. The smoove did work fine but cleaning a chain the night before in a hotel or camping and lubing was a hassle! With the hot wax I run a chain on practice day and then throw the race chains on and they have no trouble making it through a race. Since my kids aren't forward thinking enough to lube their chains the night before a ride they end up not lubing them until right before they ride which is a waste. So, for me, it is way easier to do the hot wax. I wax all chains usually once a month and then we just swap chains as needed. I find this is faster and easier for me.

Nothing handles really wet and mud well, wet lubes probably do the best in those conditions but the hot wax makes it through a ride just fine and after those sorts of rides I just dry them and rewax and good to go but we don't do much wet/mud riding in Utah...

At the end of the day, I have had the best luck with wax based lubes and the hot waxing for my use case is very easy. That isn't to say it is best for everyone. I personally was very happy with white lightning for a lot of years but through all that time I was just handling my own bike and occasionally my wife's bike.

Great perspective on hot waxing @duneslider, when your'e doing that many chains in bulk it makes a lot of sense to treat them all at once. How do you keep track of which chains go back on which bikes? I think for individual riders who just lube as needed the liquid delivery makes sense, but the bulk of a family fleet can benefit from the other. Of course some of us may or may not have a "family" fleet of bikes just on our own...doh!

 

[HannibalLecter]

Yep. I have done it without the barb tool, but feel like I am at the point where just getting the right tool is the way to go. Glad to hear the Chinese ones are functional. The Shimano one that is made out of plastics is like $100 which didn't seem worth it.


sounds like some long races. I guess dealing with more sandy dust would probably make me lean more towards hot waxing. Have mostly baby powder like dust here in the bay area.

The shimano and jagwire slip if a drop of oil gets to the clamping surfaces and then its time for swearing
The best would be the Matura pistol grip tool or the Chinese ones

 

[HannibalLecter]

 

[acer66]

I really like the Jagwire/Sram barb press tool (same tool, different color), it's simple and robust. The Shimano one is not as user friendly or as well made. I have the paired Sram pro hose cutter too, the two tools together are a great professional set.

Interesting, I always thought that Shimano tools are top notch but that might have changed over the years.

 

[Odd-job]

Jagwire/Sram barb

coincidentally bought the Jagwire from Amazon.

The shimano and jagwire slip if a drop of oil

Good to know. I think I'll be dealing with fresh hoses mostly. Guessing a isopropyl alchol dunk will clean it up.

 

[rice rocket]

Don't SRAM hose barbs thread into the teflon sleeve with an allen key?

I use some cheap barb press too as well, don't really need the all-in-one cut/press tool.

 

[fishwatcher]

Not sure if these have been talked about but...

I was gifted a Park Tool WH-1 Link to tool and when I got it I was like "oh thanks, not sure what I'm gonna do with this" it sat on my bench for months in the box, but it turns out I really like it and use it all the time now. I highly recommend it. They seem kind of expensive but I think they totally worth it.

Anyone else use one? Currently I have just been clamping it to my bench but I am thinking I am going to put some inserts into the bench in a couple of locations so I can "bolt" it down to the bench.

I’ve posted about the cheaper version, the WH-2. Here’s a link to my post.

It’s handy when you need it and you can position it at an angle in the vise for different positions. I’ve used it clamped to a WorkMate and also held in a vise.

The WH-2 is now discontinued but you can still find them online. It’d be nice to have the full-fledged WH-1.

 

[Meursault74]

Not sure if these have been talked about but...

I was gifted a Park Tool WH-1 Link to tool and when I got it I was like "oh thanks, not sure what I'm gonna do with this" it sat on my bench for months in the box, but it turns out I really like it and use it all the time now. I highly recommend it. They seem kind of expensive but I think they are totally worth it.

Anyone else use one? Currently I have just been clamping it to my bench but I am thinking I am going to put some inserts into the bench in a couple of locations so I can "bolt" it down to the bench.

I made one with similar functionality. But it's not pretty. I'm certainly not an accomplished metal worker.

I posted here

The Bicycle (Specialty) Tools Thread

Thought you guys would find this interesting/funny. $75 DT Swiss "lock ring" tool welded onto a 3/4 to 1/2 impact adapter. My aircat that can do Honda crank bolts with its eyes closed still failed. 3/4 to 1/2 adapter also failed. This was after plenty of heat + penetrating oil + the vise and...

www.garagejournal.com

 

[HannibalLecter]

Don't SRAM hose barbs thread into the teflon sleeve with an allen key?

I use some cheap barb press too as well, don't really need the all-in-one cut/press tool.

Yeah, Sram system is vastly superior. And the olive threads as well, staying exactly where it's supposed to be

 

[duneslider]

Great perspective on hot waxing @duneslider, when your'e doing that many chains in bulk it makes a lot of sense to treat them all at once. How do you keep track of which chains go back on which bikes? I think for individual riders who just lube as needed the liquid delivery makes sense, but the bulk of a family fleet can benefit from the other. Of course some of us may or may not have a "family" fleet of bikes just on our own...doh!

When we take chains off I hang them on a hook (screw) that is labeled by the bike/rider. This keeps them organized in the garage. When in the field, I put the chains in a labeled ziplock with a quick link (YBN quick links can be reused 5 times, fyi). When we swap the chain in the field the "dirty" chain goes in the bag and the fresh chain goes on the bike.

I have my hanging screws for waxed and waiting to be waxed and just start left to right to keep me orgainized. It does help that we have a mix of sram and shimano chains so that helps me remember which set I am working on. (I actually don't like sram chains and as I buy new chains I move the sram bikes to YBN but with waxing, the chains last a long time.) I usually wax on saturday's or sunday's when I am doing other stuff in the garage or around the yard and I do occasionally get distracted long enough that I forget which chains I have in the pot. Generally, due to my process, I can figure it out fairly easily.

Based on what I see on the NICA team and other groups we ride with, I would say chain care is up at the top of the list of things most riders neglect and don't do right. Proper care of a drip lubed chain is actually quite a bit of work when done right. I don't wax the chains on my fatbikes at the moment, maybe never will, I just use a wet lube on them. I also have a loaner e-bike (can't keep up with the fast kids) that I am using white lightning on, and everytime I lube it I remember why I don't like drip lube.

 

[Chris Stapley]

Sort of related, here's a 1931-39 CCM ( Canadian Cycle Manufacturing) factory tool/ parts department box given to legitimate licensed dealers in the day. Gave it to my younger brother after a little cleanup to go along with his vintage CCM collection.

 

[slowtwitch73]

Here's a similar box that I have:

 

[Chris Stapley]

Here's a similar box that I have:

Oh, thats a very sweet piece too!

 

[slowtwitch73]

New Departure had an identical box, but not as ornate.

 

[BWWgarage]

Rei had the Blackburn mini-switch on sale for $11.19 with free shipping. Definitely don’t need but wanted to check it out and add to bike drawer in my box

3, 4, 5 and 6 mm Allen bits, plus T25 and T30 Torx bits

https://www.rei.com/product/246650/blackburn-mini-switch-multi-tool

 

[Meursault74]

14 tooth cog from a brand new Shimano HG 9 speed cassette. Do you see something wrong around 12 o'clock?

 

[slowtwitch73]

no

 

[BWWgarage]

no

No X2

 

[Meursault74]

no

No X2

thanks for looking.

do you see a difference in the two 12 o'clock teeth between that one and this other 14T HG9speed from another cassette of mine shown in the same orientation? I looked at 4 other HG9 Speed cassettes I have, and none of them had teeth shaped like those two. I had my vision checked earlier this year and am wearing my glasses, so let's hope you see the differences

 

[Grant Gunderson]

thanks for looking.

do you see a difference in the two 12 o'clock teeth between that one and this other 14T HG9speed from another cassette of mine shown in the same orientation? I looked at 4 other HG9 Speed cassettes I have, and none of them had teeth shaped like those two. I had my vision checked earlier this year and am wearing my glasses, so let's hope you see the differences

They look normal to me too. If you look at a larger sprocket they probably have them too, it’s part of the shifting ramp design.

 

[slowtwitch73]

The teeth are highly and variably shaped on purpose. There have been many many iterations of tooth profiles.. they are constantly refining them.

 

[Meursault74]

They look normal to me too. If you look at a larger sprocket they probably have them too, it’s part of the shifting ramp design.

thanks for looking. Normal or not normal aside. Do the tops of those two teeth at the top of the 14T cogs look the same to you on the two different cogs I posted.? They don't to me, which is why I posted.

I've looked at my other cassettes and this new one. These are the only teeth that look like that. These are road 9 speeds Shimano. I usually run 12-23 or 11-21. I bought this new one and it's 12-25, but 13-14-15 are in all of them and this new 14 just looks odd to me compared to all else. It stuck out to me as I was going to install it, but I didn't.

 

[Meursault74]

The teeth are highly and variably shaped on purpose. There have been many many iterations of tooth profiles.. they are constantly refining them.

Those two also are taller. If I look at the cassette from the side while it's mounted on the carrier it shipped in, I can see those 2 sticking up higher when I rotate it. None of the others do that. Teeth in question vs other in same cog. I've been using 9 speed for a long time, this one looks odd to me. I'm a lousy photographer, so maybe it's not coming through in the images. Thanks for looking.

 

[Grant Gunderson]

thanks for looking. Normal or not normal aside. Do the tops of those two teeth at the top of the 14T cogs look the same to you on the two different cogs I posted.? They don't to me, which is why I posted.

they are in fact different as you noticed. A lots of advances have been made to sprocket design to facilitate better shifting. Higher speed cassettes have for features on them as does newer / higher end models of each cassette.

 

[slowtwitch73]

It's ok... run it.

 

[ericm]

I have some Shimano cogs with the same slanted top teeth. Can't tell when they're on the bike but they must be there for shifting.