WORKSHOP: Precision tools for your workshop

Words: Joe Dodd                                                                                         Photos: Chris Herron
 
Get your bike running to the millimetre, PSI and Nm with a collection of precision workshop tools.

Digital inflator
 
Having a pump with a digital gauge will take out the guess work with an analogue gauge. It will allow you to get correct pressures every time, some down to the .1 of a PSI.
 
Digital pressure gauge
 
If you don’t have a pump with a digital gauge on it, a separate gauge like this is perfect. Consistency is king, so once you have a gauge stick to it!
 
Chain checker
 
Every tool collection should have a chain checker in it.
 
Digital shock pump
 
Get you forks and shock setup perfect every time with a digital gauge.
 
Torque wrenches
 
We have 3 here:
 
1 adjustable travel one for 4-6Nm
 
1 small one for 2-14Nm
 
1 one large one 15-65Nm
 
Cutting guide
 
A must for cutting steerers. It keeps the cut straight and precise. You can also use it to trim handlebars.
 
Hose cutting tool
 
A sharp blade that will cut through hydraulic hoses cleanly ensuring a precise fit.
 
Digital Vernier calipers
 
Allow you to get accurate measurements of all sorts of things.
 
Sharp knife
 
Very handy for a collection of things, from lifting stickers, cutting grips and well – many things!

A Digital gauge on a pump will allow you to get correct pressures every time, down to the .1 PSI. This images shows a compressor head with a gauge, but there are many manufactures that make standard pumps with a digital gauges.

A small gauge like this is perfect to check pressure before a ride and small enough to fit in your pack whilst out for a ride. I would always recommend a gauge that allows you to lower the pressure whilst the gauge is still on for an accurate reading. It also makes life easier to get to that desired perfect pressure.

A cutting guide is a must if you plan on cutting bars and steerers. The guide allows you to get a perfect straight cut every time.

Hose cutters come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. They are a really sharp blade that cuts the hose perfectly straight and doesn’t crush the inside of the hose.

Chain checkers are necessity in every tool collection. Each chain checker is slightly different so follow the instructions on which ever one you buy. Keep on top of chain wear for a longer lasting, smoother running drive train. It will also save you money in the long term!

Small torque wrenches are perfect for almost ever bolts on you bike. They cover things like, stem bolts, rotor bolts, rear mech mounting bolts and pivot bolts.

Large torque wrenches are used for higher torque bolts such as some pivot bolts, crank bolts and cassette lock rings.

Lots of companies are making smaller torque wrenches with a small range of adjustability. This Park Tools one goes from 4-6Nm in .5 increments and comes with a selection of bits (3mm, 4mm, 5mm and T25) Prefect for stem bolts and seat post clamps. They are also really compact which is perfect for travelling.

Digital shock pumps are great for getting the perfect setup to a .5 of a psi. You will get consistent results with a digital gauge.

Digital Verniers are useful for a collection of things especially when .1mm makes a difference. They are perfect for measuring seat post sizes,  bar clamp sizes.  They are also useful for measuring rotor wear.

A sharp knife is great for cutting cables ties on externally routed frames. It looks clean and get rid of the sharp edges of the cable tie.