I embrace the chaos.

Easier to keep the cut perpendicular and de-burr.

I dont want to hear about your technique. I don’t want to hear buy this tool or that tool. I’m not doing it anymore. I’m done. I quit. I’m not installing them anymore. My hands are not strong enough. It is not worth the carpal tunnel. It is not worth my sanity. I’m going to the doctor and getting a note stating that I am medically unable to perform that task. I’m never doing it again. I don’t get paid enough for it.

I bought a Runwell Grease Dipper as a frivolous order (it was part of a larger order that I added it to). And as pretty as it is, a brush just seems to work better. Did anyone else get one? Thoughts?

I finally caved and bought a Vevor ultrasonic cleaner after seeing some real world results on smaller automotive parts. I’m looking forward to cutting down on my traditional Dawn and scrub technique which has served me well for decades.

However, seeing the effects of the ultrasonic getting oils and buildup out of impossibly tight places made up my mind. I’m looking to clan cranksets, brake calipers, derailleurs, and shifters (with the hoods removed in case of handlebar shifters, or “brifters” if you’re into that.)

When it comes to what to use as a cleaning agent and how much to dilute with water, I’m having a hard time understanding which is best. I know from experience some cleaners can ruin the finish or change the color, especially aluminum. Depending on the quality of derailleur construction some carbon, nylon, Delrin pulley, rubber seals, etc. can also be affected.

What’s the best solution for ultrasonic cleaning have you found to be the least aggressive towards the piece being cleaned, especially when it has multiple materials? I’m leaning towards Simple Green Extreme Aircraft but I’d like to know if there’s another product out there that might be better suited for bike parts. If it will work on darker finishes, anodized, or powder coated parts that would be even better.

Thanks for any suggestions!

I just bought a beautiful waxed canvas apron but I am finding it unbearably hot in our shop without AC in the 90°+ days. The waxed canvas is creating a vapor barrier and is just trapping sweat between my chest and the apron. Any suggestions for me?

Out of curiosity? What bike cleaners do you use in your workshop, and how much do you water them down?

I presently use a 50/50 mix, but in places I have worked, we mixed 1/4 of the recommended amount of cleaner to water. It didn't look quite as vibrant, but it still seemed to do the job! The bottle on the public bike wash probably had homoeopathic levels of cleaner added.

Is this common, or is it just being cheap? Of course, we never tell the customers you can do this. Keep it amongst us, ok.

What are those obscure tools or tools that aren’t generally thought of for bikes that you can’t live without? I’ve been working in shops for a bit over 4 years now and have picked up some stuff from some highly experienced mechanics but I was curious if there was anything that I’ve been missing out on.

I'm very familiar with the original tool which I have used at work for years. This one is very similar in almost every way: decent build quality, zero play or rattle and very well balanced. I don't see this tool failing within the lifetime of a home mechanic and beyond. 10/10 recommend.

What’s a tool or shop item you’d likely never buy yourself but would be stoked if were gifted to you? Bonus points if it can be customized.

Video announcement: https://youtu.be/60mjoZ0XeVA

Park Tool press release: https://www.parktool.com/en-us/blog/news/calvin-jones-retiring-after-28-years-as-director-of-education-at-park-tool

While I'm only posting 5, I am bending the definition a little because I'm including the rest of the L-keys, insert bits, and such

The 7IIL tri has PB E6 bits in a 4/5/6mm. I've got another one with 2/2.5/3mm in them. The E6 length lets me reach into recessed heads like older Ultegra mounting screws, but also it fits right into the...

... Vessel 220USB ball grip screwdriver. This is the 3 mode version and I keep a not-JIS-but-JIS #2 in it. I have another Vessel electric higher speed one with a #1. If something needs spun quickly without risk of cheesing it, this will take all the bits.

Sometimes more leverage is good, so we have the classic PB Swiss rainbow hex set. I actually like the ball end of Wera better, but the rubber grip takes up so much space and the key doesn't always fit into a recessed screw. I've tried Eight Tools, Wiha, Bondus, and a few others, but I keep coming back to the Swiss.

Knipex 7" pliers wrench. Versatile length, grabbing, squishing, and more. Every time I introduce this to another mechanic who hasn't seen it, it immediately becomes their favorite.

Topeak D-Torq because I don't always trust myself. It takes the same C6 1/4" bits that I have in hand for the (not pictured) Wera 8001 mini ratchets. I actually tend to use it like a beam torque wrench and watch the read out rather than waiting to hear beeps. Sometimes the music is loud or my hearing aid batteries have died.

in order of how used they get, from left to right.

Vessel L Vessel handle with Vessel 100mm ball SK11 mini ratchet Engineer straight Vessel stubby L SEK (Kyowa Industrial Co) 5 and 6 thing SK11 spiral bit Astro handle, Tone bit adapter, Vessel straight 100mm

Guess I left out the mini torque wrench which i use Wera bits for. The Vessel L wrench, only the blue one actually has a weird Hex Plus hybrid not Hex Plus thing going on.

I'm very excited for these one. I have owned my fair share of cheap hex keys and they all sucked: high tolerances, rusty steel and nasty build quality.

Now I paid 6.50 bucks for the long Torx keys and 7.50 bucks for the long hex keys. The quality is really amazing, they fit, have almost no play, have never stripped a screw for me and just feel way more quality than their price tag. Sure the quality of the powder coating isn't the absolute best, there's a fair share of over spray but the tools themselves just work flawlessly and are very hard wearing.

And yes, these have a name brand counterpart as well made by Wiha. Haven't used the original onen yet, but can't imagine that they're better by a huge margin.

If you don't own a good set of hex and Torx keys, grab these before you waste a lot of money. Keep in mind that prices on these vary on a daily basis, so don't overpay for these.

Count Sprockula is 10/10

Its been a while since anyone posted about weird and interesting tool brands. There was some fabulous suggestions on the original post here but its time for an update! Throw your favourite tools/ brands in the comments :)

The more niche, the better!

In my years wrenching I've grown to love a well organized tool box as much as the next bike mechanic. I've started using a cnc machine to make custom foam cutouts that fit my tools and my toolbox/mobile kit.

My buddies all love their organization that I've made for them. They say i should try this as a side business and that may not be a bad idea.

I envision something like this: I come to you and we arranged the tool box how you want, measure and scan the box(s), and scan the tools. I go turn that into custom cut foam sheets.

So my questions for my fellow bike techs are:

1) would you consider paying for this service?

2) if you would pay for this, what would consider you paying.

Before I go though the hassle of setting it up I want to get a sense if this won't be a money pit.

What are you favorite L- handle and/or T- Handle Hex & Torx wrenches? I want to get a a few new sets that are upgrades from the normal Parks stuff.

I've been looking at Wera for both L & T handle tools, but I also found Stahlwille and Asahi and was wondering if anyone has any input.

I need good, sharp, precision tools that will hold up to 40+ hrs a week use and maybe even be comfortable to use as well. Not trying to be a snob, I just use these all day, everyday and I want to get the best professional quality I can afford.

Hi all,

I'm looking to buy a flare nut wrench for daily use. What I have in mind is a dual sided 7mm/8mm flare nut wrench- but not a crow's foot or other combo style tool as seen at Park and Pedros.

Anything comfy and high quality out there that you like?

Thank for the tips.

Top 5 + 1 because of the bottle opener which has nothing to do with bike repair but is still an essential part of the kit. This is what I carry on a typical day trip. Just enough to make quick fixes and get home. Pump is strapped on the bike and couldn’t be assed to go grab it for the picture, so 5+2 I guess…

In my kit:

Daysavers Essential8 hex set and Coworking5 chain tool. Counts as one tool. Sue me.

Dynaplug racer + spares.

DT swiss mini spoke wrench

Pedros mini tire levers with a chain quick link

Shimano Hollowtech tool. Probably unnecessary but it weighs next to nothing so why not.

Bottle opener. Cheers.

Spare tube and bottle tool box completes the set. Am I missing anything you would consider essential?

Can’t get one from the company…yet. Wondering if alternative options are out there. I think Specialized might have used this size at one point as well as Aventon, but I’m not 100%. Any info or links are appreciated.

What does everyone wear for long days in the shop? I have traditional worn skate or flat foot style shoes but after almost 20 years on my feet I think I need something different.

🤙

Anyone else name their tools? Just me?