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I spent $80 on a 'universal' bottom bracket tool that stripped two cranks before I threw it out
Bought it from a discount tool truck last year thinking it would save time on all those weird press-fit jobs. The metal was so soft it rounded out on the first real use, and then it mangled the splines on a customer's Shimano crank. Had to eat the cost of a new crankset AND explain why their bike was in the shop for three extra days. Now I only use the specific tool for each standard, even if it means waiting a day for the right one to ship. Anyone got a brand for press-fit tools that actually holds up?
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the_piper3mo ago
Yeah, those discount truck tools are a total gamble. I've had good luck with the Park Tool BBT-90 for most press-fit stuff, it's pricey but doesn't flex. Eating a crank cost is the worst way to learn that lesson.
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the_jennifer3mo ago
My buddy learned that lesson with a cheap press from a flea market. It flexed so much we heard a crack before the bearing even seated. He spent more on a new frame than a good tool would have cost. Now I just save up for the right tool the first time, even if it hurts. What's the worst tool fail you've seen?
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wright.drew18d ago
Wait wait wait... he HEARD a crack before the bearing even seated? That means the frame was already flexing way too much to hear that. I've seen cheap presses bend aluminum cups but never thought they'd actually crack a shell before the bearing was in. That's insane. I would have been so mad. I bet that flea market guy didn't even feel bad selling him that junk. Makes me wanna go double check all my cheap tools right now.
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