If you’re installing bar end mirrors, here’s the exact tool list you need right away:
- Allen Keys
- Phillips screwdriver (based on vehicle model / bar end mirror)
- Torque wrench
- Bar-end adapters (if required)
- Thread locker (medium strength)
With just these essentials, you can securely mount most aftermarket bar end mirrors without wobble or vibration.
Wait—Before You Start Tightening Bolts, Explore This
Most riders think installing bar end mirrors is a “plug and play” job… until the mirror spins on the highway, the clamp slips on a pothole, or the bolts get chewed up. The real secret isn’t the mirror—it’s how you use these five tools.
Allen Keys
Allen keys come in many sizes, but you don’t need the whole universe of them for bar end mirrors. Most sets include sizes from 2mm to 10mm, but only a few are actually relevant for our setup.
Sizes Available: 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm
Sizes Needed for Bar End Mirrors: 4mm, 5mm, 6mm
These three sizes cover 99% of aftermarket bar end mirrors, so a mini set from 3–6mm is more than enough.
Phillips Screwdriver
Most riders already have a Phillips screwdriver lying around, but bar end mirrors don’t use every screw type under the sun. Only one or two sizes actually matter for this setup.
Sizes Available (Common Range): PH0, PH1, PH2, PH3, PH4
Size Needed for Bar End Mirrors: PH1, PH2
In short, PH2 covers the majority of bar end mirror screws, and keeping a PH1 as backup is more than enough for this category.
Torque Wrench
You don’t need a big, heavy automotive torque wrench for bar end mirrors. Mirror bolts use low torque values, so only compact, small-range wrenches are relevant for this setup.
Types / Ranges Available: 2-10Nm, 5-25Nm, 10-60Nm
Range Needed for Bar End Mirrors: 5-9Nm, 6-12Nm
A small 2–20 Nm torque wrench is perfect — it covers everything a bar end mirror installation requires without being oversized.
Bar-end Adaptors (If Required)
Not all handlebars have the same inner diameter, which is why bar-end adapters come in different sizes. You only need the ones that match your handlebar’s internal measurement — nothing more.
Sizes Available (Common Range): 12-14mm, 14-16mm, 16-18mm, 18-20mm, 20-22mm
Sizes Needed for Bar End Mirrors: In short, just match the adapter size to your handlebar’s inner diameter, and you’re good to go.
Thread Locker
Thread locker comes in different strengths, but you don’t need the heavy-duty stuff for bar end mirrors. A small bottle of medium-strength compound is all that’s required to keep bolts from loosening due to vibration.
Types / Strengths Available:
- Purple (Low Strength)
- Blue (Medium Strength)
- Red (High Strength – Permanent)
- Green (Wicking / Post-assembly)
Type Needed for Bar End Mirrors:
- Blue – Medium Strength → Perfect for clamp bolts and expansion bolts
- Purple – Low Strength → Optional if you want lighter hold on small adjustment screws
Avoid red thread locker — it’s permanent and requires heat to remove, which is unnecessary for mirror installs.
A drop or two of blue thread locker is enough to keep your mirrors stable, even on long rides or rough roads.
Summary
Installing bar end mirrors doesn’t have to be a guessing game. With just a few essential tools, you can ensure a secure, wobble-free fit:
Allen Keys: 4mm, 5mm, 6mm cover nearly all mirrors.
Phillips Screwdriver: PH2 for most screws; PH1 as backup.
Torque Wrench: Small 2–20 Nm range handles all required torque.
Bar-end Adapters: Match the adapter to your handlebar’s inner diameter.
Thread Locker: Blue (medium strength) keeps bolts from loosening without making them permanent.
Stick to these sizes and types, and your bar end mirrors will stay firmly in place, even on rough roads. No extra tools, no overcomplication—just precise, reliable fitment.