The mini version of the Knipex wrench pliers is an awesome tool to have on the road. Any size bolt (except perhaps 32mm threaded headsets, since it tops out at ~23mm), grabbing things like cables, pedal wrench or bending back items like warped discs. Slightly more expensive than the bigger versions though. But light enough at 105 grams (3.7 oz.) to replace a whole load of smaller cone wrenches. EDIT: There is now even an XS version that fits up to 21mm and weighs a mere 70 grams (2.47 oz.)
+1 for the derailleur hanger straightener. I've gotten lots of use out of mine. Small frames plus large cogs on a 1x drivetrain mean that lower jockey wheel isn't that far off the ground. On a technical note- the audio on your recent videos seems to be really low. I have to crank up the volume to hear, but then I get blasted by the ads.
Yes. I got two "Minis" (125mm), one for the road, the 180mm and 250mm. They are really useful for bike repair and DIY. I also like to use them for bending stuff.
I've got the same derailleur hanger alignment tool. It's been a lifesaver. It's so easy for a hanger to get bent out of alignment. The tool makes it so easy to fix. You won't regret buying one.
I use Knipex wrenches and pliers to do my bike work, excellent and versatile tools, saved me many a headache. I’ve also been using the wolf tooth derailer hanger tool with great results without the need to rely on the rim as a gauge.
I think this is a great list. Two things I would add are a valve core wrench (for tightening or removing presta valve cores) and, for mountain bikers, a nice shock pump. The digital one from RockShox is pretty neat. If you are working on older bikes, I would also recommend a good set of cone wrenches and a Dualco grease gun. The latter is really handy for injecting grease into cup-and-cone-style bearings.
Earlier today I was looking at the Cyclospirit derailleur hanger tool and wondering if it is good quality, and here you are recommending it. Coincidence? Maybe, but I think I'm sold.
Wheel truing stand was definitely worth the investment for me. Be careful it’s like owning a truck. Once your friends find out you will have to help them too 😁
One of the best specialty bike tools I have is my Pedro's 4th hand / cable pliers. I still run front mechs and that one little tool has saved me in the past.
Just used that Derailleur Hanger tool Yesterday and it was great… I bought it last year and when my bike started shifting like a potato… it’s back to solid shifting and the problem was not visible but way off… as you said take your time and use small movements 👍
Russ, I have to say, most of these tools has found their way into my tool box and I can’t agree more, The derailleur hanger alignment tool is exactly what you said, once you’ve needed and used one, you won’t know how you ever survived without it. Pick, absolutely useful for a million things The Knipex pliers are amazing. Mallet, shouldn’t be next level because it should be in a basic tool box. Torque wrenches, absolutely Flush cutting pliers are super awesome. The funky missing link pliers might have to be my next tool. One thing that I have considered as next level is a spoke tensiometer.
Derailleur tool...can't live without mine...with more cogs, alignment is crucial. Want a silent bike? Use one of these. Pretty much one of my most useful tools. Knipex!!!!
I have a set of Knipex side cutters that I got years ago when I was working on electronics and I liked them so much that I put them in my bike toolkit when we left on long term tour. A bit excessive and I don't use them as much as I thought I would, but I just love them. I have cut so many things that I have no business cutting with them and they're still going strong.
Derailer hanger alignment tool really useful for people with kids also. Kids and their friends are always knocking their hangers out of alignment and there's just no other way to fix the hangers.
Great video Russ! Good advice for the person looking to go beyond the hobbyist level. Derailleur hanger tool is my favorite tool in the workshop, the one you have looks pretty much identical to the Park Tool.
Yes. Often when I see shifting problems, I check the hanger first. Also. A brand new hanger doesn't mean it is aligned correctly. So even when installing a new one, I'll check. No sense chasing my butt around.
One tool I can no longer live without is the Park RT1 Headset Cup Remover. It works so much better than drifting the cup out with a plain aluminum or copper punch.
Knipex 87-01-180 Cobra Pliers and 86-03-180 Pliers Wrench are a toolbox of tools in two amazing tools. They are extremely well made and will last a lifetime for the backyard mechanic. I'm not sure they have a dedicated place in modern bike repair but around the house, if you have these two tools you are well prepared, a great gift for a new homeowner!!! I carry a pair of the Cobra Pliers in my Oh Shite bag! (I have a pretty decent set of bike tools so I don't always reach for the Knipex, that being said you should own both of these pliers regardless) Yes, they are a bit spendy, but they truly are superior pieces of kit.
Knipex cutting tools are the best you can buy. I have a few pairs that are at least twenty years old and were used every time I cut something. Still works as new.
On the side of a little expensive but worth it, a set of Fiskars shop snips. The cheap craft snips are better than most scissors, and the actual aviation snips usually handle anything short of bolt cutter duty.
Russ, I completely agree with your next level tool list. I also use every one of the tools you listed every day and with above average joy when I do. Good list. However, the Abby HAG is more joyful to use than that older Park-style DAG, but they both work just fine.
Re excess wax on the chain. That shouldn't be a problem if you wipe down the chain (I use blue shop towels) after dipping. Per Zero Friction, the key is wax in the chain, not on the exterior. Wiping should still leave enough to repel dirt and water.
Great selections and a couple new to me choices. For the +1 more tool I would suggest a metric tape measure. Much easier to measure with & to replicate set ups from bike to bike.
Great tips. Additionally I would think that every bike shop should have a wheel trueing stand and a spoke thread die. I need to fix my wheels and not every shop can do the job properly. It seems that building a new wheel is quite a difficult task and it is best be left to the pros.
So excited for your torque wrench video! Long term subscriber. All these look good and I've a whole set of small pliers (5pc set for fine work/ almost electronics style) my dad got me 20 years ago that I've kept nearly Immaculate and get used Far more than one would think just tinkering around home with 2 styles of cutters included. The rest of these tools I'm considering. Going to look up knipex now
I think a pedal wrench is not a must-have, unless you own multiple bikes and multiple pedals. When I owned a single bike and set and upgraded, my bike shop removed the old and installed the new for free. Now that I have more, I love my cheap Amazon pedal wrench
@@trevorpick4976 I own 11 bikes, 10 of them are vintage. Every one of them I’ve removed old pedals and replaced with new. Or upgraded or changed if a set of pedals didn’t work out. Since I only started working on my own bikes just a year ago, I’d say the pedal wrench is essential.
I swap between flat and clipless sometimes depending on the technicality of the trail and have needed to remove pedals for transport in the past. Thankfully all my pedals have an allen key cut into the inner end of the axle and I always have allen keys with me.
The problem with modern bikes is that you require more specialist tools that were never previously required. I recently built in 1984 Vintage Colnago all done with a few basic tools that most of us have around the garage.
Yes!! So frustrating watching people mess with their limit screws and barrel adjusters to no end. Straightening the derailleur hanger makes your bike shift the way an expensive bike is supposed to.
Zip tie pliers, who knew such a thing existed. Interested, my dog's trailer has several for the fiberglass poles and they always annoy me with the rough edges.
DAG is a great tool, a good substitute is to thread a rear wheel into the hanger (has to be a rear QR wheel), like Russ said, the size of the wheel amplifies small degrees of variation the same way the actual tool does. And another vote for the third/fourth hand tool, although it’s probably not as necessary with disc brakes becoming the norm
Chain link pliers - so far I always have opened Shimano 8sp QL by pressing plates together and sliding them. Is this tool for so called single use QL's costing like my whole chain?
In over 30 Years I’ve used a RD hanger tool maybe 6 times. Personally I don’t think it’s worth the investment. Borrow one from a club member when you need it. Also, there’s no way I’m messing around with that tool on a carbon frame and risking breaking the frame. If the hanger is bent replace it.
That derailleur alignment tool is a blatant copy of the Park DAG 2.2. Please don’t support companies who criminally rip off designs from the original designers.
The rubber mallet is a criminally underrated tool for bike repair.
I have a dual-sided hammer with one plastic face and one rubber face. Agreed that this is a great tool to have around.
@@alanburdette Ah, never hear of that type, makes sense
A bad ass pair of cable cutters is a must. I love my Park cutters.
I love the Park cutters too. Feel so nice and heavy. More expensive than some but worth it.
They double up as claw clippers for my dog too!
Good selection of tools. I would argue that if you own a carbon frame bike the torque wrench is a requirement, not an option.
Yes a torque wrench is the most used tool on a carbon bike for sure
The mini version of the Knipex wrench pliers is an awesome tool to have on the road. Any size bolt (except perhaps 32mm threaded headsets, since it tops out at ~23mm), grabbing things like cables, pedal wrench or bending back items like warped discs. Slightly more expensive than the bigger versions though. But light enough at 105 grams (3.7 oz.) to replace a whole load of smaller cone wrenches.
EDIT: There is now even an XS version that fits up to 21mm and weighs a mere 70 grams (2.47 oz.)
+1 for the derailleur hanger straightener. I've gotten lots of use out of mine. Small frames plus large cogs on a 1x drivetrain mean that lower jockey wheel isn't that far off the ground.
On a technical note- the audio on your recent videos seems to be really low. I have to crank up the volume to hear, but then I get blasted by the ads.
The Knipex pliers wrench is spendy but so good. Replaces an entire set of metric wrenches aside from maybe a 15 for wheels.
Yes. I got two "Minis" (125mm), one for the road, the 180mm and 250mm. They are really useful for bike repair and DIY. I also like to use them for bending stuff.
I've got the same derailleur hanger alignment tool. It's been a lifesaver. It's so easy for a hanger to get bent out of alignment. The tool makes it so easy to fix. You won't regret buying one.
The park tools quick link plier I have works both ways with only two jaws. Squeeze to remove and pull to install.
I use Knipex wrenches and pliers to do my bike work, excellent and versatile tools, saved me many a headache. I’ve also been using the wolf tooth derailer hanger tool with great results without the need to rely on the rim as a gauge.
I usually deal with zip tie sharp ends with a lighter. Just a couple seconds of heat rounds off the edge to a non scratchy nub.
The standard masterlink pliers also expand the links when you just pull the opposite direction.
I think this is a great list. Two things I would add are a valve core wrench (for tightening or removing presta valve cores) and, for mountain bikers, a nice shock pump. The digital one from RockShox is pretty neat.
If you are working on older bikes, I would also recommend a good set of cone wrenches and a Dualco grease gun. The latter is really handy for injecting grease into cup-and-cone-style bearings.
Get the mini wrench pliers from Knipex and it can replace most cone wrenches (up to 23mm) and the valve core wrench for a tiny 105 grams (3.7 oz.)
Earlier today I was looking at the Cyclospirit derailleur hanger tool and wondering if it is good quality, and here you are recommending it. Coincidence? Maybe, but I think I'm sold.
Wheel truing stand was definitely worth the investment for me. Be careful it’s like owning a truck. Once your friends find out you will have to help them too 😁
All great suggestions. For people working on older components I always suggest getting the proper 8,9,10mm wrenches .thanks for the video!
One of the best specialty bike tools I have is my Pedro's 4th hand / cable pliers. I still run front mechs and that one little tool has saved me in the past.
Just used that Derailleur Hanger tool Yesterday and it was great… I bought it last year and when my bike started shifting like a potato… it’s back to solid shifting and the problem was not visible but way off… as you said take your time and use small movements 👍
Mech hanger alignment tool is one of the most useful tools I ever bought!
Russ, I have to say, most of these tools has found their way into my tool box and I can’t agree more,
The derailleur hanger alignment tool is exactly what you said, once you’ve needed and used one, you won’t know how you ever survived without it.
Pick, absolutely useful for a million things
The Knipex pliers are amazing.
Mallet, shouldn’t be next level because it should be in a basic tool box.
Torque wrenches, absolutely
Flush cutting pliers are super awesome.
The funky missing link pliers might have to be my next tool.
One thing that I have considered as next level is a spoke tensiometer.
Derailleur tool...can't live without mine...with more cogs, alignment is crucial. Want a silent bike? Use one of these. Pretty much one of my most useful tools. Knipex!!!!
I have a set of Knipex side cutters that I got years ago when I was working on electronics and I liked them so much that I put them in my bike toolkit when we left on long term tour. A bit excessive and I don't use them as much as I thought I would, but I just love them. I have cut so many things that I have no business cutting with them and they're still going strong.
All the things have already been said for Knipex pliers wrench. Super awesome took to have. Don't forget to check out their cobra pliers as well!
Watched through this and I think I actually own all of these. Love the cheapo DAG
Derailer hanger alignment tool really useful for people with kids also. Kids and their friends are always knocking their hangers out of alignment and there's just no other way to fix the hangers.
Seriously, yes on the tools. I have some. For the derailleur hanger I use am M10 x 1, 80mm long bolt because I am cheap.
I think I made my derailleur hanger tool for $2 using the instructions from RJ The Bike Guy video.
Great video Russ! Good advice for the person looking to go beyond the hobbyist level. Derailleur hanger tool is my favorite tool in the workshop, the one you have looks pretty much identical to the Park Tool.
Yes. Often when I see shifting problems, I check the hanger first. Also. A brand new hanger doesn't mean it is aligned correctly. So even when installing a new one, I'll check. No sense chasing my butt around.
One tool I can no longer live without is the Park RT1 Headset Cup Remover. It works so much better than drifting the cup out with a plain aluminum or copper punch.
I got that park tool torque wrench with the quick select because I kept forgetting to check for loose bolts. It's my favorite in the tool box.
Soooo happy to see the knipex getting some love!!! They are the BEST. Great vid Russ!
Knipex 87-01-180 Cobra Pliers and 86-03-180 Pliers Wrench are a toolbox of tools in two amazing tools. They are extremely well made and will last a lifetime for the backyard mechanic. I'm not sure they have a dedicated place in modern bike repair but around the house, if you have these two tools you are well prepared, a great gift for a new homeowner!!! I carry a pair of the Cobra Pliers in my Oh Shite bag! (I have a pretty decent set of bike tools so I don't always reach for the Knipex, that being said you should own both of these pliers regardless) Yes, they are a bit spendy, but they truly are superior pieces of kit.
Knipex cutting tools are the best you can buy. I have a few pairs that are at least twenty years old and were used every time I cut something. Still works as new.
On the side of a little expensive but worth it, a set of Fiskars shop snips. The cheap craft snips are better than most scissors, and the actual aviation snips usually handle anything short of bolt cutter duty.
Russ, I completely agree with your next level tool list. I also use every one of the tools you listed every day and with above average joy when I do. Good list. However, the Abby HAG is more joyful to use than that older Park-style DAG, but they both work just fine.
Saving for the Abbey.
Knipex tools are the best that I've used. My favorite tool ever
Add a cassette lock ring tool from Abby Tools. It’s a solid piece. Wrap the handle with bar tape for a comfortable grip.
I have that exact derailleur hanger tool and works perfect. I don’t use it that much which I guess is a good thing but still nice having it. 👍
Fantastic list of tools. You present good reasons for using them.
Knipex,Wera ,Pedro's and UNIOR my favs brands.
Thanks for the video. I think your choices for next level tools were great.
I had a hunch you were going to suggest a derailleur hanger tool. I have used them and they are great, but don't have one. Going to order one now!
The one thing you missed is a cable stretcher. Makes settings up derailleurs so much easier, brakes too.
Third hand tool. Yes.
Just checked out the Knipex pliers/wrench. Looks great for using a cassette removal socket. What size would you recommend 7" or 10"?
This was a great list of tools! I use these very often and there isn’t really anything that will do the job as good as these.
Re excess wax on the chain. That shouldn't be a problem if you wipe down the chain (I use blue shop towels) after dipping. Per Zero Friction, the key is wax in the chain, not on the exterior. Wiping should still leave enough to repel dirt and water.
In the UK Halfords do a pair, two off, of locking pliers for about twenty quid....they do the job as I don't use adjustable spanners.
Great selections and a couple new to me choices. For the +1 more tool I would suggest a metric tape measure. Much easier to measure with & to replicate set ups from bike to bike.
Great tips. Additionally I would think that every bike shop should have a wheel trueing stand and a spoke thread die. I need to fix my wheels and not every shop can do the job properly. It seems that building a new wheel is quite a difficult task and it is best be left to the pros.
So excited for your torque wrench video! Long term subscriber. All these look good and I've a whole set of small pliers (5pc set for fine work/ almost electronics style) my dad got me 20 years ago that I've kept nearly Immaculate and get used Far more than one would think just tinkering around home with 2 styles of cutters included. The rest of these tools I'm considering. Going to look up knipex now
Got a full socket set. No adjustable wrenches for me.
I like using spanners(wrenches?) on the very on odd occasion I touch my retro bike
Great recommendations! Thanks Russ!
All these are must-haves! ( Agree also with the comment regarding the Rubber Mallet,. Bought one recently discovered how often I use it.
I was riding this morning and broke out in laughter thinking about the dime bag pocket!…LOL
Realized I need a derailleur hanger alignment tool. I also like my pedal wrench (thin).
A small grease gun makes life so much neater.
I've got a hanger straightener in my Ebay cart, just haven't pulled the trigger yet. debating whether or not to DiY one.
So dang useful.
All great tools! Does anyone use a cable puller to set up the brake cables?
Loving that hat by the way Russ!
Great video, I was suffering from nostalgic whiplash from the OmniWrench in the thumbnail lol 10/10
This video is awesome! You guys should come out to ojai and ride this December!!!!
Would a pedal wrench be a part of the basic must-have tools? I have the Park Tool one and it surprises me how often I’m swapping out pedals.
I think a pedal wrench is not a must-have, unless you own multiple bikes and multiple pedals. When I owned a single bike and set and upgraded, my bike shop removed the old and installed the new for free. Now that I have more, I love my cheap Amazon pedal wrench
@@trevorpick4976 I own 11 bikes, 10 of them are vintage. Every one of them I’ve removed old pedals and replaced with new. Or upgraded or changed if a set of pedals didn’t work out. Since I only started working on my own bikes just a year ago, I’d say the pedal wrench is essential.
I swap between flat and clipless sometimes depending on the technicality of the trail and have needed to remove pedals for transport in the past. Thankfully all my pedals have an allen key cut into the inner end of the axle and I always have allen keys with me.
The problem with modern bikes is that you require more specialist tools that were never previously required. I recently built in 1984 Vintage Colnago all done with a few basic tools that most of us have around the garage.
Double ended cyclists spanner was all you ever needed for a carry tool
@@thebrowns5337 So true 👌
Yes!! So frustrating watching people mess with their limit screws and barrel adjusters to no end. Straightening the derailleur hanger makes your bike shift the way an expensive bike is supposed to.
Love the shoe on the wall 🙃🙃😜
4:11 The cut-away from the reference to Mortal Kombat had me laughing. You were reminded of Goro!
Zip tie pliers, who knew such a thing existed. Interested, my dog's trailer has several for the fiberglass poles and they always annoy me with the rough edges.
FYI toenail clippers do an excellent job of snipping zip tie ends off flush so they're no longer a hazard- no need for flush cutters
Hit it with a lighter
I am curious to know peoples opinions on wheel truing for the casual rider noticing a wobble in the wheel.
The knipex is great but mine is just too small for many jobs. Should have gone one size up
What size did you get?
What about your wrench 🤣
DAG is a great tool, a good substitute is to thread a rear wheel into the hanger (has to be a rear QR wheel), like Russ said, the size of the wheel amplifies small degrees of variation the same way the actual tool does. And another vote for the third/fourth hand tool, although it’s probably not as necessary with disc brakes becoming the norm
Can't have too many tools. I think I had a cable tensioner at one time.
Chain link pliers - so far I always have opened Shimano 8sp QL by pressing plates together and sliding them. Is this tool for so called single use QL's costing like my whole chain?
After 9spd the tolerances are so tight it requires a tool to open and close.
Thanks mate! It was like a matching piece of puzzle!
Russ, those are pliers and I would recommend a zip tie gun which can be adjusted for size and tension.
Which size do you recommend for the Knipex?
5 or the 6.
Definitely agree with the knipex. I have all sizes in my tool box.
Also i believe it's pronounced.
NÍ-PEX
Russ got the pronounciation quite right. I know, because I live in the hometown of Knipex in Wuppertal (Germany).
The seal pick is useful for snagging hot chains from a hot wax dip 🥵
What size is the Knipex wrench? Do you recommend a "most used" size or collect all the sizes? :-)
6-inch in the video. 5 for travel.
I love your videos! However, the audio seems to be super super quiet. It seems to be an issue I see with your videos a lot. Otherwise great content.
In over 30 Years I’ve used a RD hanger tool maybe 6 times. Personally I don’t think it’s worth the investment. Borrow one from a club member when you need it. Also, there’s no way I’m messing around with that tool on a carbon frame and risking breaking the frame. If the hanger is bent replace it.
Carbon frame? What’s that? :)
@@PathLessPedaledTV I know you know because I see you riding that lovely Salsa Cutty.
@@billmaidment5623 technically that is Laura’s bike. I sold all my plastic ones.
@@PathLessPedaledTV I’ve got two words for my metal bike. Aethos rules!
Does my head in when people pronounce the k in Knipex, it's like knife.
Took me a bit to realize he was saying "flush cutters" and not "flesh cutters".
I wondered what twerk ranges were - sounded epic! Then I remembered he was talking about torque.
include chinese torque wrenches pls
They're just called spanners
I got a torque wrench before I had a stand 😂
What size is your Knipex Wrench ?
6 inch
Oops, accidently sent this my wife. 😁
That derailleur alignment tool is a blatant copy of the Park DAG 2.2. Please don’t support companies who criminally rip off designs from the original designers.
If it saves me money I'm good with that. Park Tools aren't going to go bust.....for the amount I use them I would never buy them.