Tools

The discussion came up on the touring list about what tools to carry. So I decided that I would create a page devoted to that topic. So here’s what I’m currently carrying in my Carradice Seat bag

I have a bag of small parts which includes

I should be able to repair any chain problems with this kit.

Duct tape is like the force, it has a light side and a dark side, and it holds the universe together. 🙂

There are various lengths of 6 mm bolts. These fit almost all the racks and accessories on my bike. There are also cable housing bushings and cable terminator crimps, for doing repairs on the road.

Bees wax is good for waterproofing, fixing squeeks, and making zippers work better.

Need I say more?

Only duct tape and bungie cords are as important as zip ties.

That pretty much covers the repair and spare parts. Now for the “tools” part of this list.

I put this on every bolt I install. Keeps things from rattling apart.

I’m going to look for a lighter version.

I’ve straightened a chain plate with a pair of these.

I may eliminate this, or try to find a smaller version. It’s probably the heavies tool in the pack.

There are bolts that require all six of these sizes on my Surly.

The three sizes of nuts on my Long Haul Trucker.

I may eliminate this. It’s unlikely I will be changing the bottom bracket on the road.

I’ll replace this with a Stein Mini Cassette Lockring Driver, when I acquire it. This is kind of a place holder for it.

Handy for pulling wires from tires and splinters from fingers.

Don’t leave home without them.

This has a chain break, allen wrenches and spoke wrench. Unfortunately I’ve found that on my bike not everything will reach or work. However, it keeps me from carrying doubles of tools, to work both ends of a bolt. This tool has saved me from having to hitch a ride home a number of times.

Sometimes better than duct tape, when you need to keep tension while holding things together. Can be used as emergency handlebar tape.

Another tool I may remove or replace. The Park multi-tool has a spoke wrench.

This bank bag makes a good tool pouch to carry all the tools in. Spare parts are in a separate heavy duty zip lock bag.

I’m still refining my tools list. This is what I have now. In the future I’m going to remove some of them to reduce weight. I just need to decide which can go and which must stay. I’m pretty well satisfied with the list of spare parts. They’ll allow me to repair the most common failures I expect to see on the road.

I also have two spares of each size of spokes on the bike. I want to add a fiber emergency repair spoke, also. Except for the most catastrophic sort of failure, I should be able to support myself with this kit.