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Park Tool TL-6.3 Steel Core Tire Levers versus 1/2 price look-alikes?

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Porcupine Slim

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Hi,
I like the reliable feel of steel tire levers, but oftentimes, I use plastic levers when I don't want to scratch a black anodized rim.

I was curious about the plastic-covered steel levers and bought a pair of $8usd Park TL-6.* look-alike levers to try them out.

They flex more than I anticipated, so I am writing to ask if anyone has compared the knockoffs with the actual Park levers firsthand.

Are the name-brand Park levers any stiffer than the cheap copies?

Thank you!

Image
 
#3 ·
This is what the guys in my bike shop use. They’re far more tough than they look.

You do you, but I wouldn’t use metal tire levers if I could help it.
pedros.com

Tire Levers

Award winning and universally loved. Molded box construction and proprietary plastic blend makes these the strongest levers available. Chisel tip shape is easy to insert beneath the bead and the slightly thicker shape keeps the tire lever from slipping. Bold shape makes it easy to remove the...
pedros.com pedros.com
 
Discussion starter · #7 ·
Barnaby’sdad said:
This is what the guys in my bike shop use.
Click to expand...
Cleared2land said:
No metal levers for me. I have never needed them. I have used Pedro's for many years with complete satisfaction.
Click to expand...
Thanks. I don't mind using disposable tire levers when I have access to more of them when I need them.

I have some favorite steel levers in my toolbox that I acquired way before Pedros introduced its first products. I have a bunch of mismatched plastic lever survivors as well. I also have specialty VAR and Kool Stop tire tools.

But, I usually change a tire with just my fingers, so when I reach for a tire lever, I usually need a tire lever that can actually augment what I can't do all by myself.

I am curious about the combination of packable steel levers with plastic covers.

If the Park TL-6.3 is stiffer than the copycat knock-offs, I will buy a set.

I don't anticipate having a chance to compare firsthand, so I am hoping maybe someone else has.

Thank you.
 
#8 ·
Pedro’s aren’t disposable. I use them on wire bead downhill tires. Never broke one. I’ve broken park and lezyne plastic ones. If you are flexing the tire lever, your technique may be off.
 
#11 ·
Sorry Slim, I'm not able to contribute to the metal tire levers conversation, because I have never used them or needed them. Many years ago I might could have used them on an old 26" townie with hard wired clinchers, but the Pedro's pulled through.
I'm curious to ask what tires/rims are you needing the metal lever?
 
Discussion starter · #12 ·
Hi,
I don't think "need" is the correct term because the tire/wheel combo that inspired me to look at what kind of tire levers are on the market today was a Specialized 650B Eliminator mounted on a Roval Aluminum Traverse rim. I took it off and put it back on with my fingers, but I no longer work on bikes as a day job, so my fingers are not as strong as they once were.

The combo came on a bike I just bought.

After looking around and seeing the new to me plastic covered steel levers, I decided I "want" to try them out.

I saw that half-price versions were available, so I thought I would try them. I have not used them yet to pull a tire, but while holding them in my hands and giving them a stress test, I was surprised to observe that they flex, which I had not expected. It's not necessarily bad, but I'd prefer it if they were as stiff as the steel levers I am accustomed to.

That is why I wonder if the Park version is a better-made product.

Thank you!
 
#14 ·
Staying on topic…speaking from experience with metal tire levels (I used them on motorcycles years ago)…one slip and you’ve marred your wheel.

Just looking at those levers…they will get the job done, but it’s only a matter of time until you gouge a wheel or remove a finishing coat (I.e. Black coating on aluminum rim). If you’re fine with that, go for it.

Some “flex” with even a good plastic lever is a good thing. Excess flex in the lever tells you that you’re exerting too much pressure, you need to reset the lever(s), and go again.

Not posting this to give you a hard time. Just don’t want to see someone needlessly damage their wheels.
 
#15 ·
Porcupine Slim said:
Hi,
I don't think "need" is the correct term because the tire/wheel combo that inspired me to look at what kind of tire levers are on the market today was a Specialized 650B Eliminator mounted on a Roval Aluminum Traverse rim. I took it off and put it back on with my fingers, but I no longer work on bikes as a day job, so my fingers are not as strong as they once were.

The combo came on a bike I just bought.

After looking around and seeing the new to me plastic covered steel levers, I decided I "want" to try them out.

I saw that half-price versions were available, so I thought I would try them. I have not used them yet to pull a tire, but while holding them in my hands and giving them a stress test, I was surprised to observe that they flex, which I had not expected. It's not necessarily bad, but I'd prefer it if they were as stiff as the steel levers I am accustomed to.

That is why I wonder if the Park version is a better-made product.

Thank you!
Click to expand...
Why not use Specialized levers? They are plastic with a metal core and are very strong. They also hook on a spoke to hold the tire in place while you mount the tire. Just another option maybe?
 
Discussion starter · #16 ·
Hi,
I did not know about the Specialized levers. Even after searching for them and finding the "EMT" levers, it is not obvious where the steel is placed.

The blue levers came up near the top of a tire lever search, and they caught my attention.

Thank you.
 
#17 ·
Porcupine Slim said:
Have you ever had a chance to try the Park TL-6.3 I am asking about?
Click to expand...
Yes I have. They are narrow and do not have a large purchase in the tire bead. As such they can damage the bead and/or nylon belting of the tire. They are also not as thin as I expected. They have a strong metal core and two layers of plastic, so they are a bit thicker than one would expect.

Mounting tires is a bit like discussing chain lube. Just don’t provide input. I am trying to provide input that I’ve learned the hard way from over 35 years of doing this crap, but clearly I’m an idiot. I tried explaining to an avid cyclist just yesterday how to mount tires sans tire levers and he was not capable of understanding. Good luck, it’s possible you may learn your own way.
 
#18 ·
I own several sets of levers, from those pictured (old version), Eldi/Intense branded levers (these are literally small motorcycle levers), Pedros, Prestacycle, Minoura aluminum, and several other options. They all have their uses, but the large steel levers are really only any good for pulling fork seals/changing moped tires.

Using them on rims that are not steel is a good way to get them to damage finish, or break the rim in the worst case (since it seems that really lightweight rims tend towards tight fit.

The plastic Pedros get the overwhelmingly large amount of use, and in a professional setting (no misuse), you can expect them to last a few hundred tires...for the consumer, that's pretty much lifetime.
 
Discussion starter · #19 ·
dan l said:
Yes I have. They are narrow and do not have a large purchase in the tire bead. As such they can damage the bead and/or nylon belting of the tire. They are also not as thin as I expected. They have a strong metal core and two layers of plastic, so they are a bit thicker than one would expect.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the info. I'll probably order a pair with the hope that they are thicker and stronger than the cheapies I bought this week.
 
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