Cheap Starter Toolkit

January 11th, 2008 by JoelGuelph

If you’re looking to get a somewhat comprehensive toolkit, check this out, for $34.99 from Harbor Freight. Many of the tools in this kit would cost $35 bucks or more for the equivalent Park, Shimano, Wrench Force, etc.

* Spoke wrench
* Chain rivet extractor
* Cartridge bottom bracket tool
* Freewheel remover
* Freewheel turner
* Headset wrench
* Combo wrench
* Slotted screwdriver
* Six metric hex keys
* Pedal wrench
* Two hub cone spanners
* Cotterless crank and handle
* Double-ended L-shape tool,
* Four screwdriver bits
* Three sockets (9 mm, 10 mm, 8 mm)
* Pencil air gauge
* Three tire levers
* Tire repair kit (rubber cement, 6 round patches 3 rectangular patches, 2 rubber tubes, and sandpaper)
* Blow mold case

These tools look similar to some Lifu branded tools I have encountered in the past. My experience with cheap tool sets like these is that they are a great start, but the tools tend to wear out relatively quickly. By that I mean, the cone wrenches will probably last you years if you use them 2-3 times a year for your bike(s), but if they were used in a shop setting, they probably wouldn’t last a month. With that in mind, this looks like a great a deal. I’d recommend just replacing the tools as they wear out. That way you have most everything you’ll need and the tools you use frequently can be replaced with nice, higher end tools.

I’ve never ordered from Harbor Freight before, so I can’t vouch for their service.

8 Responses to “Cheap Starter Toolkit”

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1 Matthew Pahls on Jan 11th, 2008 at 5:32 pm

I bought a similar tool set from nashbar.com and couldn’t be happier. This set will provide you with a great foundation to start your bike specific tool set. It is also lightweight so you can bring it along with you to the trail (things always seem to break after you leave home)….
2 Levi on Jan 11th, 2008 at 9:31 pm

Yeah, for a whole set, that’s a good deal even if the tools don’t withstand heavy use. The chain tool looks a little uncomfortable though.
3 Shaun on Jan 11th, 2008 at 11:45 pm

I’ve heard of Harbor Freight, they have a retail store just 30 miles north of me. They have very good prices. I’ve bought many of their tools and they work well, but many are made in China, so the quality on some of the products are not top shelf. Although I still shop there.
4 Rob on Jan 12th, 2008 at 12:03 am

I got a Sette brand set that looks exactly the same from Price Point and so far, so good. For a just-starting-out home mechanic like myself it’s perfect. The only absolutely necessary addition I had to buy was a cable cutter.

http://www.wearchildren.com
5 Dan on Jan 23rd, 2008 at 4:01 pm

Picked up this toolset in Denver (there is about 4-5 Harbor Freight locations here). I havent used any of the tools yet, but its worth noting that it was only $25 bucks when I bought it. What a steal.
6 Shaun on Jan 31st, 2008 at 10:43 pm

I received a box from Harbor Freight today but they did not send me the tool kit. They sent me a hammer instead!! Although the right item on the receipt. I can’t understand how they can confuse a bike tool kit with a Hammer. I called up customer service and they want me to send back the hammer they e-mailed me shipping labels, Once they receive the product they will send me my toolkit.

I’m never going to oder online though harbor Freight again, I’ll just drive the 30 miles north to get it next time.
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Cheap Starter Toolkit

8 Responses to “Cheap Starter Toolkit”

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