Essential Tools Starter Pack

Non-Negotiable Tools (You’ll Actually Use All the Time)

These tools aren’t fancy, and sadly I can’t 3D-print them. But you’ll use them on almost every brand whenever you service suspension. You probably already have most of these.

Quick note

This page lists the non-negotiable “real tools” you’ll use constantly. The Shockwave Parts clamps and specialty tools make things safer and easier, but these basics are what make DIY service possible in the first place.

Safety baseline

Fully depressurize before any service. Small shafts and threads usually need low torque (often under 10 Nm). For clamping, use paper with a single spray of 70% isopropyl, clamp minimally, and avoid excess heat (plastic clamps can soften/deform).

The essentials

Bench vise

Nothing substitutes holding parts steady.

Spray bottle with 70% isopropyl alcohol inside

Non-negotiable for using shaft clamps.

Shock pump (≥300 psi)

Any standard pump for air shocks will work.

Bleed kit with fittings & syringes
  • Syringes ≥20 ml capacity
  • Long flexible tubing for forks like Cane Creek DB IL
  • Affordable kit (Has the best syringes in my opinion)
Syringes with tubing for lower-leg service
  • At least 100 ml capacity
  • Thumb-ring style preferred
Squeeze bottle (sauce bottle)

Makes it easy to add small amounts of oil precisely without mess.

Torque wrench (2–20 Nm) or luggage scale
  • Small shafts and threads require very precise torque.
  • Luggage-scale trick explained here

Fork top caps

Why sockets are worth it

For forks, you’ll see a lot of “all-in-one” top cap tools. They work, but they’re a bit risky and it’s easy to slip and damage parts. If you want to do this cleanly, get real sockets.

Warning

All-in-one tools can slip and round a top cap or scratch the crown/steerer area. If you use one, go slow and keep everything square.

  • Common fork sizes: 32 / 28 / 26 mm
  • RockShox note: 24 mm is used sometimes. The chamfer is usually higher, so a normal socket can often work.
  • Best practice: choose chamferless sockets when you can, especially for shallow top caps.
Links

We’ll probably sell proper sockets on our website in the future if demand is there.

Normal tools you probably have

What you’ll reach for constantly
  • Seal picks: For removing seals and O-rings without damage.
  • Rubber gloves: Essential for bleeding most shocks with the glove technique.
  • Sockets 7–19 mm
  • Spanners 7–24 mm
  • Allen key set
  • Torx key set
  • Strap wrench
  • Adjustable spanner (up to 32 mm)
  • Wood stud (~30 cm × ½″ thick): Backing block for pressing small parts.
  • Small plastic pan: For catching oil.
    Always dispose of used oil at your local bike shop!

Lubricants & fluids

What to stock