Specialised bike-related tools have developed throughout the years as the needs of bicycle mechanics have changed. There are various bike tools available to mechanics in today’s cycling shops. If the task is easy, it can be completed by the bicycle owner or a qualified bicycle technician.
TYPES OF BIKE TOOLS.
Tools for hubs, wheels, and tyres:
When replacing a tire’s inner tube, tyre levers are essential equipment. Breakage is more familiar with plastic levers than metal ones, which are more likely to puncture tubes, tyres, and wheels. The hub bearings must be disassembled and adjusted with cone wrenches (spanners).
Wheel spoke tension is achieved by the use of spoke wrenches. The tension in spokes may be measured with a tensiometer or a spoke tension metre.
A tyre bead jack can place tyres on rims, especially if the tire-rim combination is snug.
The dish of a wheel may be measured using a fishing gauge.
The purpose of a wheel truing stand is to assist the process of trying a wheel rim by measuring its radial and side-to-side trueness.
Tools for headsets:
Face and reaming cutters can be interchanged to meet the needs of a variety of different headset standards.
It is a bearing press used for forcing interference-fit headset cups into place. When installed with most sets, the stacked bushings or adapters that touch the cups minimise harm. Proprietary adapters are also available from some manufacturers to install their headsets.
Crown race cutting bike tools are employed for counter-reaming, and facing the fork column base at the crown is a crown race cutting tool (known as the crown race seat).
Tools for the drivetrain and the bottom bracket:
To disassemble a chain, remove links, or rebuild a chain, you’ll need a chain tool or splitter.
A crank extractor is used to remove the crank from the spindle of the bottom bracket.
Pedal wrenches are used to remove the bicycle’s pedals.
On adjustable bottom brackets, a pin spanner is needed.
You’ll need equipment like bottom bracket taps and facing tools to tap or chase threads in the bottom bracket shell or face the outer edges. A single tool may often do both tasks for light-duty bicycle shop use. When more durable equipment that is put to use more frequently is required, frame builders typically utilise a separate tap and facing set.
IMPORTANCE OF A BIKE TOOL:
Customer Satisfaction Increased.
Let’s face it, riders may be pretty possessive of their bikes, and witnessing a technician repair a bottom bracket with a piece of wood and a rubber mallet can soon undermine consumer confidence. Thanks to high-quality, precise equipment, there’s no need to revert to medieval methods with today’s lighter carbon frames.
Increased Speed of Response.
Having the correct equipment at the right moment may make a significant impact. Ordering a tool while repairs are put on wait bothers the client and eats money. They’re taking room, not bringing in any money. Instead of seeking the proper socket to fit a sealed bearing, why not use a sealed bearing press instead?
Mechanics will feel the benefit of less anxiety.
Nothing drives a mechanic crazy than wasting 30 minutes looking for the correct tool or putting one together from scraps to do a 30-second operation. Mechanics who are overworked and underappreciated are more likely to leave their jobs. Consistency and high quality in the service sector cannot be overstated. A well-staffed and well-equipped service department only enhances the quality of your services.
Having a well-stocked service department is an investment in the future of a business, as service investment accounts for the majority of a store’s revenue.