A workshop kit is designed for the bench: more comprehensive, often case-mounted, and built to cover the full range of service and build tasks you'd face at home. Expect to find torx keys, cone spanners, a chain tool, cable cutters, a spoke key, and a cassette tool alongside the standard hex and screwdriver set. These kits make sense if you're servicing your own bike regularly, building wheels, or doing seasonal overhauls.
What should a bike tool kit include?
The essentials for any home workshop kit:
Hex keys (Allen keys) 2mm through 10mm; you'll use 4, 5 and 6mm constantly
Torx keys T25 and T30 for disc brake rotor bolts and some stem/bar fasteners
Screwdrivers flat and Philips; still used on cable adjusters and some older components
Tyre levers plastic; essential for tube changes and tubeless setup
Chain tool for sizing and breaking chains
Chain checker to monitor wear before it damages your cassette
Cable cutters for clean brake and gear cable cuts
Cassette lockring tool + chain whip for cassette removal and installation
Spoke key for basic wheel truing
Torque wrench for carbon components and anything with a spec; non-negotiable on modern road and gravel bikes
Pedal spanner (15mm) slim-jaw; standard spanners won't fit
Complete your workshop setup
- A bike workstand transforms every service job; worth the investment if you're doing more than occasional maintenance
- Chain lube wet, dry or wax depending on conditions; always have a bottle in the workshop
- Bike cleaning kit: degreaser, brushes, and frame cleaner; regular cleaning extends component life significantly
