Family bicycle key: description. Set of keys for bicycle

A quality tool has always been an object that greatly facilitates the work. After all, you will agree that even primitive operations can not be done without a good, reliable instrument. It is especially important that the tool does not fail, if it is not used at home, where everything can be postponed for later, and on the road. And if a large number of various keys and screwdrivers can be folded into the machine, then with a long ride on a bicycle you have to choose what is most important and what you can take with you.

In order not to be in a difficult situation during an unforeseen breakdown on the way, you can pre-purchase a universal bicycle key. Why is it so convenient, what functions can it perform, what does it represent? These and other issues will be considered in this article.

A bit about the universal tool

To make an instrument that could help out in various areas of life and at the same time did not take up much space, people have been trying for a long time. Some such inventions become really useful things, while others are frankly inconvenient, and they are forgotten about them.

An example of an absolutely successful universal tool is a marching multitool. It combines a large number of various elements, from the knife to the specific screwdrivers and even pliers. And it takes quite a bit of space. It would be useful to have such a thing for every cyclist, but this is not a multitool. So what is a family key?

What is a universal bicycle key

This kind of keys was invented long ago, because with its small dimensions it contains all the keys that can be useful when dismantling / assembling the "iron horse". Since all the bikes are different, we advise you to see what nuts are on your model before buying such a tool. Often in such keys, it is possible to unscrew nuts and bolts with diameters of 8, 9, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18 and 24 millimeters. These sizes are most often found in old bicycles, as well as in modern mountain or road bikes.

It is such a key metal plate, in which holes are made, corresponding to certain diameters of the heads of bolts or nuts. Sometimes the edge of the plate is ground in such a way that at your disposal is also a flat screwdriver, which can also come in handy. In general, the instrument is fairly compact and light. Whether the bicycle key of the USSR, China or modern Russia is made, its weight rarely exceeds 100 grams, which allows you to always carry it in a small tool bag.

What keys should be in the cyclist's kit?

If you take bike maintenance in general at home, then this will require a slightly larger range of specific tools. In addition to the universal key, a cyclist should preferably purchase the following sets:

• Bicycle keys for the carriage. In modern bicycles the carriage is often made unattended, and to disassemble it, one has to resort to the help of a rather complex instrument.
• Set of hex keys. Hexahedrons in a modern bike fastens more elements than with the help of the usual nuts. This can be a steering and a seat post. Yes, however, even the cables are clamped with hexagon bolts, so without them it is simply impossible to produce a full service.
• Keys for the helmsman. Some steering mechanisms require a specific tool. Sometimes you can do without it. But you have to sweat in the process of disassembly / assembly.
• Keys for pedals. Here, too, its element, and with the help of a special tool you can greatly facilitate your work.
• Key for spokes. He does not differ in appearance, but he can very much help out on the road.

Let's look at each of these tools individually to determine whether they are personally important to you and what they are.

Car keys

If the bicycle carriage is made in an unattended or non-segregated form, you can still reach it. The bicycle key for the carriage looks like a gear and allows you to untwist it completely to replace the failed components or to update the lubricant. If such a key is not at hand, you can use a conventional two-lock key. In extreme cases, a draw-off or gas can come, but it should be remembered that this tool is not designed for such work and it can damage the frame in inaccurate traffic.

If the manufacturer provides a collapsible carriage, then in this case it is possible to do with the usual family key, there is a possibility of disassembling it.

Set of hexagons

Can be executed as separate keys, simply folded into a case, and in the form of a penknife with the possibility to use the necessary size, pushing it out of the handle. Some cheap options can be implemented as key rings worn on the ring.

When choosing a set of such keys, it should be remembered that they refer to the instrument that, like a family bicycle key, should always be carried, especially on long trips. The scope of hexahedrons is growing every year. With their help, the cables are regulated, the connecting rods and steering are tightened, and on some bike models, even the axles of the wheels are fixed. It turns out that the hexagonal set of keys for a bicycle is one of the most necessary and demanded tools.

Wrenches for steering and pedals

Often, when repairing or replacing these parts, hexagonal internal keys are also used. However, in some cases, bicycles have specific fasteners for these parts. Therefore, before buying, you should see which keys are required in your case.

The special bicycle key for the steering wheel can be double-edged and is designed to remove the steering gear. The steering wheel itself is often fastened with either conventional bolts and nuts, or hexagonal.

The pedals can be fastened with an ordinary nut, which can not be fitted with a lockscrew. In such a case, the key for bicycle pedals is a flared head, the handle to which is purchased separately.

Key for spokes

Perhaps, it can be called the smallest and easiest among all bicycle keys. It is a ring, on the sides of which are made grooves of different sizes for all kinds of clamps of spokes. Thanks to this, the bicycle key for spokes is universal, and when you buy it, you definitely will not miss. It is also advisable to carry with you, since the broken spoke in the path can strongly affect the strength of the remaining spokes and it should be replaced immediately, so as not to unbalance the tension of the rim.

How not to be mistaken when buying bicycle keys

First of all, do not immediately react to the cost and judge only on it. Frankly, cheap keys are almost certainly made of metal alloys that are hardly suitable for similar tasks. As a consequence, the keys will quickly wear out, and you will have to purchase new ones.

But high cost can not always be a guarantee of quality. However, it is worth paying attention to certain companies that have already earned a good reputation for several years. It would be superfluous to read reviews about this or that manufacturer of tools.

Why is it important? First of all, such precautionary measures will save money without buying a clearly poor-quality product. But that is not all. "Fused" key when scrolling can damage the nut or bolt, so it will be much harder to unscrew it. Such problems are unlikely to suit you. Especially this applies to hex keys, because they often tighten the recessed bolts, and if the faces of the notch for the key on the bolt "lick", then there is a long and complicated operation to drill this bolt, and even so as not to damage other parts.

In conclusion, I would like to wish that any bicycle key was used only for scheduled maintenance, and force majeure situations were minimal.