Unleash the Power (Tools You Need to Build Your Electric Bike)

Getting ready to convert a bike to electric? Wondering what tools you need? I’ve got you covered, it oonly take s a handful of tools, but you need the right ones.

I’m tackling this in two step; disassembly and assembly. Both steps need a couple specialized tools and I’m going to point out some tricks to help your conversion go smooth….

So, what tools will you need to convert your bicycle to a mid-drive motor powered eBike? Continue reading to find out which tools you will need and what their purpose is.

Tools Needed To Disassemble A Bike To Convert to Electric

There are some basic tools you will need to convert your bicycle into a mid-drive motor eBike. Wrenches, screwdrivers, a chain tool, a bottom bracket tool, crank arm extractor, and zip ties.

Hex Wrenches

One of the main tools you will need is a set of different wrenches. You will need different sized wrenches for specific parts of the bike.

You will need an Allen wrench, or hex key set, which fits the bolts of your bike. You will also need a monkey wrench or socket wrench, and a spanner. Many of the parts required to add the mid-drive motor to your bicycle frame require wrenches to ensure they are tight against the frame.

8mm is required for crank arm removal, along with 4, 5, and 6mm for items on the handlebars.

Pedal Wrench

You’ll need to remove the pedals which is usually a 15mm wrench. Dedicated pedal wrenches are longer providing more leverage and thinner because often times the space is very constrained. If going your own bike maintenance is in your future, I highly recommend getting a pedal wrench.

If you’re getting ready to build a mid-drive eBike from a kit PLEASE check out the series of instructions and videos at 👉 How to Build a Mid-Drive eBike

15mm Open End Wrench

A 15mm open end wrench is needed to turn the crank removal socket.

Bottom Bracket Removal Tool – IMPORTANT

The bottom bracket shell has a bearing cartridge that requires a special splined tool. Most are the “Shimano” style, but there are a bunch of different styles.

Screwdrivers

There are some cable clamps and covers that might need a screwdriver. Have a Philips and flathead available. Sometimes cables Smaller parts on the handlebars might need a screwdriver as well.

Chain Removal Tool (Chain Breaker)

To remove the front derailleur the chain will need to be separated. If you don’t have a master link, you’ll need a chain breaker. The breaker pushes a chain pin out of the side plate so that the chain can be disassembled.

I highly recommend getting a new chain, mid drive motors are pushing 3 to 4 times harder than a average person can pedal. If your chain is weak it’s going to break.

Many biking multi-tools have a chain removal and repair tool. These aren’t as nice a heavy duty tools, but you can get by with it if needed. A favorite multi-tool among MTB riders is the Crank Brothers M19. Here’s a video I did – Crank Brothers M19 Tool Review

Crank Arm Puller (Extractor)

A crank arm extractor, or crank puller, is used to remove the basic three-piece crank types: spindle arms, square-type, and splined-type spindles. The crank is tightened onto the spindle using a crank bold. There may be a dust cap covering the crank, which you need a flathead screwdriver to pry off (other models have slits in the center for an Allen key or holes for a pin spanner).

The threaded portion of the crank arm extractor is screwed onto the crank arm. The rotating tip presses against the bottom bracket spindle, pushing itself and the crank away from the spindle.

Side Cutters

These are going to become really handy when installing zip ties later. I like the small size. I only use these to cut plastic so they stay sharp.

Zip Ties

Conversion kits for eBikes come with various cords that must be connected properly for the motor to run. The last thing you want is loose wires dangling all over the eBike as you ride. Zip ties can help you secure the wires to the bike frame, thus keeping them out of the way of moving parts.

It would be counterproductive to spend time installing the mid-drive motor kit only to have a wire pulled out during your first ride. Zip ties will help keep everything nice and tight against the frame, keeping the motor and battery safe.

Optional Tool: Bike Cable Cutters

When converting an older bike to electric upgrading the brake and shifter cables only makes sense. The confidence in knowing that all the functional components are in good working order will make every outing a blast.

The cable cutters cut cleanly through the cables without the cable unwinding. This makes it easy to route the cables and install cable caps.

Optional Tool: Heavy Duty eBike Repair Stand

This tool is optional but does make fixing an eBike or installing a mid-drive motor kit easier. A heavy-duty repair stand can hold bikes up to 55 kilograms or 110 pounds. The Bikehand Bike Repair Stand is one of the best models out there. It is portable and made of aluminum, allowing it to be light weight and compact when folded, yet heavy duty enough for most bikes.

The height can be adjusted, and it features a 360-degree rotating head with teeth clamps for easy release. This model has a tool plate, which is magnetic to hold parts and tools in place securely and is easy to attach or remove. Read reviews and check current prices with this shortcut link 👉 Bikehand Bike Repair Stand

Tools Needed to Build a Mid-Drive EBike

I’m going to start off saying, You need ALL of the ABOVE PLUS…..

Bafang Bottom Bracket Locknut Wrench – IMPORTANT

The Bafang kit comes with a special wrench to tighten the BB lock nut and cover. You can’t assemble this kit without this tool. The cover is actually a standard BB lock nut with 16 splines.

The primary lock nut has 4 splines, the instructions say tighten to 50 to 60 NM. I have never measured how much torque I apply to the nut, but I’m guessing way above 60 NM, because I bang it on with a rubber mallet.

Rubber Mallet

I use the mallet to insure the bottom bracket lock nut is tight. Yup… I bang on it until it’s really tight. The most common complaint from folks is that the motor loosens, I’ve never had this happen.

Blue Painters Tape

Okay, I get it “tape” isn’t a tool, but I use it as a tool. Every bike is a little bit different and the wiring will seem to flow different on each bike. I use the painters tape to temporarily bundle and route the wires. It’s easy to take off and adjust, once I get a good idea how the wires should route I remove the tape and route in a more permeant fashion.

Side Cutters

For sure during the installation process you’ll be clipping the tags off zip ties. Small sharp side cutters that can snip the zip tie close will make the installation more professional looking.

What is a Top-Quality Mid-Drive Motor Kit?

One of the best and easiest to install mid-drive motor kits on the market is the Bafang Mid-Drive Motor Kit. These come in a variety of watts, typically 750 watts or 1,000 watts, depending on your needs. Always ensure you purchase a battery that is compatible with the wattage of your motor. Bafang mid-drive motors are compatible with 48-volt and 52-volt batteries.

This motor is throttle and pedal assisted and can reach speeds up to 30 miles per hour. Learn more about the Bafang Mid-Drive Motor Kit with this shortcut link to Amazon 👉 Bafang Mid-Drive eBike Kit

Finishing Up

Installing a mid-drive motor kit on your bike can be done easily and quickly with the proper set of tools. Some tools are not 100% necessary, but they make disassembly and installation easier and can be used in the future for regular eBike maintenance. Keeping your eBike motor and battery well-maintained will extend the life of your motor and battery and keep you riding longer.

If you’re getting ready to build a mid-drive eBike from a kit PLEASE check out the series of instructions and videos at 👉 How to Build a Mid-Drive eBike

Be sure you fully read the installation guide that comes with your mid-drive motor. The steps to disassemble the bike in preparation for the motor will be the same, but the installation process may vary slightly if you purchase a different motor than the one discussed here. They will follow similar steps, but wrench and screwdriver sizes may vary, and other components can differ slightly.

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