Cone wrenches for overhauling hubs

[larsonian]

I'm looking to get some cone wrenches so I can overhaul my wheel hubs and am looking for advice on which combo of wrenches to get. I'm in the process of slowly adding tools to my collection as I start new projects (assuming I'll continue to use them inthe future)

I don't think I need the Park Shop Tool set, so I'm looking at the Park Double Set:

DCW-13/15
DCW-13/14
DCW-17/18
DCW-15/16

A) Is it a good idea to have all 4?
B) Is there a better size combo to get?
C) Anything else to keep in mind? (I'm not sure what size I need for my hubs, is there an easy way to measure?)

Also, as an added bonus question: do I need to get the bearings at a bike shop or can I pick up 1/4 bearings from the hardware store? That's the standard size, correct?

Thanks in advance

[xerxes]

I have a set like this, with two sizes each end:

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=32405

Not workshop quality and probably not as good as Park tools spanners/wrenches, but I've had them for years and have had no problems with them.

I don't think you need to tighten cone lock nuts super tight in any case, just nip them up. The whole assembly is secured by the quick release/wheel nuts in addition to the cone locking nuts and I've never had any of my hubs come lose.

[nfmisso]

I have this Avenir set:
http://www.amazon.com/Avenir-94-27-902-Cone-Wrench-Set/dp/B00165P53K/ref=sr_1_1?s=cycling&ie=UTF8&qid=1345219645&sr=1-1&keywords=avenir+cone+wrench

As Xerxes alluded to; cone wrenches are fragile. Cones are snugged tight, not highly torqued.

[larsonian]

Thanks for the responses, guys. I hadn't seen the style with 2 sizes on each end, that seems like a good idea.

I had seen those Avenir ones, but the reviews were all over the place on their quality. I'll give them another look (and remember to be gentle on them...)

[nfmisso]

Make sure that no one ever uses your cone wrenches for anything but bearing cones, and all will be fine.

If you are handy with a hack saw and files, you can easily make your own......

[DaveM]

I prefer to use standard open end wrenches for the locknuts which means you wouldn't have to get a 17 or 18 most likely.
13, 15, 17 seem to account for about 90% of wheels, but if you don't get a full set, pretty much guaranteed that you'll need a 14 & 16.

[FredS]

I use a Nashbar tool set, it has a set in it that has worked for me so far.
http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_524452_-1___202586

[Bill]

Here is a thread if you are pretty handy with torches and such.... http://forums.bikeride.com/thread-931.html