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From an AliExpress copy, to a 3D-printed chain wax break-in tool, through to a fresh electric ratchet, there’s a sprinkling of tools for all levels within.
Among the longer features I also created a number of galleries that show off a long-standing obsession (problem?) of mine – New Tools Day. And looking back, even I’m surprised to write that I covered 60 (!) new tools in 2024. And scarily, that doesn’t include the 11 new tools covered here.
Scroll on to see a mix of tools aimed at taking with on a ride, in a travel case, through to those for leaving in the workshop. You’ll find regular cycling tool names such as Pedro’s and Birzman, some new tools from specialist tool manufacturers such as Vessel and Knipex, and a few rarer finds from the likes of Leap Components and Alt-Alt.
And as always, you won’t find a single ad or affiliate link here. Rather Threaded (and everything else we do) is made possible by members of Escape Collective. A big thank you to those that make it happen, and a request to join them if you’re not already a member. Here’s to more in 2025!
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Pedro’s recently released a new emergency-type chain breaker, the Pack Chain Tool (US$32 / AU$56). It’s designed to be carried on a ride, but it should also suffice for casual home use.Most emergency-type chain breakers are built into multi-tools, but there are a number of standalone options, too. The Pedro’s is on the larger size (77 g), but that also makes it more comfortable and practical to use.The nearest competitor is the Park Tool CT-5, however the marginally larger Pedro’s Pack Chain Tool adds a tyre lever, chain hook, master link storage, Presta valve core tool, and four sizes of spoke wrench. It works with 1-13 speed chains.Pedro’s do a great tyre lever. The one that doubles as a handle in this tool isn’t quite as grand, but it’ll do the trick in a panic. Whether it’s too big to carry will be a decision for you to make. The tool itself functions smoothly and efficiently, and doesn’t feel like it’s trying to dig a hole into your hand while you push the chain pin. I do, however, wish the handle locked in place to ensure rattle-free carrying.Disc brake caliper piston presses are an emerging category in the cycling tool world. The SRAM Ultimate Piston Press is arguably the benchmark, but its US$94 / £91 / AU$162 retail price makes it a tough purchase for those not working in the trade. As with many things, it didn’t take long for a blatant copy to appear on Aliexpress.Curiosity got the better of me and so I paid AU$38 (approx US$26) for this copy. Branded “Allt”, it’s a close copy, but there are some subtle differences that prove it is in fact a cheap copy. Firstly, the SRAM press uses a ACME-type thread that is designed to be stronger in a press application and require less winding, whereas the Allt has a cheaper metric thread. The quality control of the Allt also leaves a bit to be desired, with a number of scuffs and marks, plus it was assembled incorrectly from the factory (causing it to drop into two pieces). Just be warned that while they’d make nice Christmas ornaments, neither the SRAM Ultimate Piston Press nor its AliExpress copy are narrow enough for Shimano road calipers. For the latter application I’d suggest the Mini Piston Press (covered in the previous edition of New Tools Day) or the highly affordable sliding plastic wedges from Escape member Chris Heerschap (see same previous link). Or if you’re feel really fancy, then mechanic Detail Bike Tech in the UK just started selling a machined-down version of the AliExpress copy. And while these dedicated tools reduce risk of piston damage, the old methods still work, too.My latest tool purchase. Made by 3D-print specialists Leap Components, this contraption is a gauge for checking the alignment of aluminium derailleur cages found on SRAM Transmission AXS (S-series, GX, and X0).Priced at US$14, this carbon-filled nylon widget simply clips onto the outside of the cage and acts as a go-no-go gauge. Just know that my photo shows it used wrongly as the derailleur cage lock pin needs to be in the “B” setting (that’ll make sense for those experienced with SRAM’s Transmission).The tool follows the contours of the cage and checks whether both pulley wheels are in expected alignment to each other.SRAM’s Transmission derailleurs are incredibly strong, but the dangling cage remains the one thing to easily damage. This is a simple diagnostic tool at a fair price.It’s a rather specific role, but with SRAM Transmission cages having a purposeful angle to them, the old use of a metal ruler (or eye-ball level) is no longer valid. And unfortunately, it makes a tool like the Abbey Bike Tools PreHag (top) useless, too.As something I had dreamed would exist, the new Vessel Cordless Electric Slim Ratchet (400ER3) had me quite excited. After waiting approximately a month for my backorder from Amazon Japan to land, I’ve come to realise this may not be the tool of my dreams. As covered on Instagram, this new USB-C rechargeable tool offers low torque assistance (just 1 Nm), while the tool can be manually driven up to a quoted 60 Nm.Such anticipation comes from me being absolutely smitten with Vessel’s electric screwdriver (bottom), one of my favourite things from 2023. Although a lot more expensive at approximately US$100, the new ratchet sticks to the theme, being something you can use as a manual tool that then drives itself with the push of a button.The ratchet comes with a 3/8-inch square adapter, but it also works with regular 1/4-in bits. Unfortunately the tool only works in a pre-fixed direction, meaning you need to switch the bit to the opposite side of the tool in order to reverse the turning direction.it is impressively compact. Here it’s pictured against a Snap-on 1/4-in ratchet. Still, the lack of torque and fixed direction make this a harder one to love than Vessel’s electric screwdriver. While looking unlikely, time will tell if it becomes a favourite like I’ve found the screwdriver to be.After making a workbench mat for sizing up cartridge bearings, Enduro Bearings has now released a second version to assist in matching angular cartridge headset bearings.The concept is to take the rusty bearing and run it along the mat until you find a match. The idea is sound, but the unfortunate reality is that there are some weird sizes that are .1 mm apart and therefore I still prefer to measure headset bearings with calipers.Bearing angles are another issue to overcome. This trick offered to measure the inside angle of a headset bearing is something I’ve covered previously.The new Mechanic Workbench Headset Bearing ID mat feels to have a thicker construction and a more spill-proof top than the original version (behind). It measures 61 x 35 cm. Overall it’s a nice mat, but I suggest sticking with digital or Vernier calipers for the purpose of identifying bearings when the original markings have worn or rusted away.Birzman has a bunch of new tools aimed at disc brakes, such as this Dummy Rotor for travel purposes. Sold as a set of two (US$17), it’s basically a disc brake pad spacer with an external clip to keep it retained in the caliper. There’s even a soft and grippy material for where it clamps onto the caliper. They weigh 44 grams a piece.I haven’t tried it on every brake, but the few I tried it on lacked the secure hold I’d expect of a dedicated tool designed to hold securely.I get what Birzman was trying to do and the Dummy Rotor is at least easy to install into a caliper. Still, I find the fitment of the standard pad spacers to be better. Such spacers are included with new bikes and brakes, and are therefore typically free if you ask at a shop you frequent. Another new disc brake tool from Birzman is the Piston Release Tool (US$21). Designed specifically for use in four-piston brake calipers, the tool has the dedicated purpose of blocking three pistons while the fourth one is mobilised (via squeezing the brake lever).The concept is sound and is in fact well aligned to how many brake manufacturers recommend servicing such calipers (and remedying sticky pistons). The flip-flop design is rather clever, too. The tool is specifically designed for calipers with an 11 or 12 mm gap. Just a heavy warning (that the tool and instructions lack) that this tool isn’t for all SRAM four-piston calipers.SRAM Code and DB8 calipers have a 13 mm gap, which will lead to a piston lying in a puddle of brake fluid on your floor if you blindly trust this tool.The tool works, but I still prefer the concept of 3D-printed tools that are sized to perfectly match a specific brake model and will prevent moments of forgetfulness/stupidity. Once again 3D-print extraordinaire Chris Heerschap offers a wide selection of such things.One more from Birzman. This time it’s the Sprocket Remover (US$42), a rather effective alternative to the humble chain whip.Designed to be faster and simpler to use than a chain whip, the sprung design is opened with a thumb and then released onto 10-19T cogs (7-13 speed). Indeed Birzman isn’t the only company with such a tool design. Pictured is one from BBB, which as you can see, is shaped to grasp a larger-sized cog (approximately 12T and up). It was missing a hang hook. Now it’s not. It’s a small detail I’d like to see Birzman add. It works perfectly, most of the time. I’ve experienced some slipping on both ultra-tight and worn cassettes (separate things), and its grasp does tend to favour being placed onto bigger cogs rather than the outmost 10 or 11T. There’s a lot to like here, but I wouldn’t want it as my only cassette-holding tool. Expect a deep dive into cassette tools in the new year.Alt-Alt’s modular bearing press system is something I’ve covered extensively, first looking at the more affordable Acetal (plastic) kit, and recently the new Alt Extractors. Along with those new extractors, the small Canadian company recently released a Shop version of its press kit, aimed at the professional user. It may look a little industrial and the CA$640 (approx US$450) asking price for everything shown is by no means small money, but this is arguably the most versatile bearing kit out.The molular functionality of the kit is unchanged, now just in a more durable material option. Interestingly Alt-Alt still recommend doubling up and getting many of the drifts and sleeves in Acetal for when pressing/pulling against surfaces that may mar.The company allows you to piece-meal the kit, and will soon allow the purchase of individual drifts/sleeves, too. Many items are optional extras, such as this quick set nut. The handle is also optional. The kit uses centre sleeves and external drifts, all designed to keep everything in perfect alignment during the install proccess. About to go together. There are no bearing size markings on the pieces, rather you simply choose the piece that fits the dimension of the bearing. That may sound finicky, but the provided upright storage of the pieces means you can very quickly match to the bearing. I’ve covered the basics before, but really there’s a fortune of different features to this kit and plenty of scope for expansion (all covered on the company’s website). At the time of writing Alt-Alt is only able to ship within North America. I’m a big fan of screw removal pliers, and with Engineer’s patent now up, we’re beginning to see an increasing number of alternative options. Knipex is one such entrant, and has recently added a smaller and larger size to accompany the previous single-model offering.Rounded a bolt? Screw removal pliers can sometimes be the perfect answer.The Knipex is extremely similar in concept, but adds a Slip-Joint style design that aids in clamp force. The Knipex 82 01 200 (on the right) is where the German plier specialist started with the design, and I was pleased to see a smaller option (82 01 150, second from left) added to the range. This smaller version is designed to grip bolt heads between 3-16 mm in diameter, now making it my preferred option over the original Engineer PZ-58.Got a 3D-printer and into waxing chains? You geek!
There’s been a good thread in Escape‘s member-only Discord regarding tools to ease the break-in of a freshly waxed chain. Member David C came up with these glue-together pulley wheels to which you add skateboard wheel bearings (#608) and mount to a plank of wood or similar. Cool concept, but I found the stiff links of a freshly waxed chain would jump off the pulley wheels, and so I adapted the idea.I remixed a Chain Keeper design of another maker to fit the same bearings (albeit twice as many), and voila, a quick and simple way to mobilise the chain links after it has taken a hot bath. I deserve zero credit for this one, but I have uploaded my adaption to Printables for free download. As outlined on Printables, I suggest just three of the Chain Keeper pieces rather than the mix pictured here.
