The third-hand tool is probably the single most useful tool I have in my toolbox. It may not get used as much as some of the wrenches, but it is indispensable when brakes need adjusting. The green handled one shown is mine, the other I borrowed from the Velo for the photo. Though they are clearly different designs, they both perform the same function. The one that I have pulls the brake cable, squeezing the brake calipers together at the same time, leaving you with one hand free to tighten the bolt. Before I got this tool I had to squeeze the caliper and pull the cable with one hand and tighten the bolt with my other hand, an operation easier accomplished with three hands, hence the name of the tool. Easier written than accomplished; it is one of my older tools in the box. Nothing here that is going to become over-stressed and break during use, so I expect it will last a lifetime.
One of the blogs I like to check into on a regular basis is Cycling Art Blog. The master of that domain often posts about vintage cycling - everything from riders in the pro peloton, the races they were in, equipment, bikes, and lately, I have been noticing, tools. This got me to thinking about my own toolbox. Our tools are not at the glamorous end of cycling; no, they are at the other end, the gritty, greasy downright dirty end. But without them, how would we keep our wheels spinning smoothly. When undertaking any little bit of bicycle maintenance, or anything a little more complex, having the proper tools at hand will make all the difference.
I don't have one of those useful boards on my garage wall to hang up all my tools, so that they are easily visible, and within reach. Instead, I just throw them all into a tool box. I use an old ammunition box, which can be found at pretty much any surplus store; they close securely, and are essentially waterproof. I throw all sorts of rogue cycling stickers on it, that way there is no question as to its purpose. Lets look inside.
The only bike-specific tool I have encountered that did not fit in the box are chain whips. Everything else, from cone wrenches, spanners, third-hand tool, chain-breakers, crank-pullers, etc, as well as spare parts and other accessories fit nice and snug inside. Most of my larger tools, and some smaller ones, are shown here. I will do another post on the ones I consider to be especially useful, and the ones that are essential.
