[Baulz]

Anyone use Filzer tools from MEC? Are they worth buying, or should I expect them to break/wear-out the 1st I use them?

Mainly looking for cone wrenches that will rarely get used (don't like repacking hubs, but I feel it should be done every 5 years or so )

 

[garage monster]

I've had good luck with all the ones I've bought so far (headset wrenches and BB tool) but I'm a home mechanic. I'm sure the pros will have their own opinion.

 

[canadian-clydesdale]

They work fine for the home wrench, especially cone wrenches. the park versions i have used are not overly fancy either and they are supposed to be the best

 

[IXLR8]

I bought them a few months ago and have not been impressed. One of the wrenches are striped as the metal is quite soft and the free wheel tool keeps breaking links. I am a home mechanic and am wishing I spent the extra cash on the Park tools instead.

 

[Baulz]

Thanks for the replies. I ended up buying a double-end cone wrench, looks good enough to be used once every 5 years! Wanted to get a spoke wrench as well, but they looked terrible. Will be spending a few more $$ to get a Park one.

Also bought the $5 MEC brand chain cleaner, as I hate cleaning chains. It works pretty well, $5 in degreaser should last me the year.

 

[SuperNewb]

Just stay away from Parks triangle spoke wrench. That thing is a POS.

 

[krayzie]

If you want Park Tools and in Toronto you can always walk across the street from MEC and goto Europe Bound, their prices are pretty competitive too.

 

[spyder56]

Dont be fooled by a Brand name . Yes park has the industry name for bike tools , but some of the other brand are fractions of the cost and work exactly the same . We live in a world were brand name sometimes overrules common sense .
Ive had Park tools brake on me and other like Filzer , sette , and pedros work flawlessly .
Not all tools are created equal , just inspect before you buy . Look for things like were are the tools made , are they stamped cut or cast tools , feel the weight of it compared to the other models . My tool box is a mix of all brands . And in the jusk box sits two park BB wrenches that have snaped and some cheap ass chain tool with " no name " . I now own a park chain tool and works great .
Dont forget MEC has a great return policy .

just my 2 cents

 

[glenmore]

Got the MEC recommended Filzer chain tool at MEC, and had a very experienced bike rider buddy show me how to use it on a small section of chain. It promptly bent the primary tooth, which subsequently snapped off when tested by my finger. Needless to say, I'll be testing the return policy at MEC. So much for Filzer.

 

[chansen]

The Filzer chain tool is reportedly a POS. I have the Park one, but my chain was so bad, I decided to take a Dremel tool with a small wire brush to it first. Came out pretty good, considering how rusty is was before I started. The chain isn't stretched, so I've flipped it over with the intention of getting another season or two out of it. Can't say the same for my middle ring, which is toast.

Taking you bike apart to clean and inspect can be expensive, even when you do it yourself. I should have left it dirty and been none the wiser.

 

[langford]

I have a Filzer tool kit for a bike recycling project I work on regularly. I prefer to bring my own tools (mostly Park). Filzer is ok, Park is better.

My best chain tool is a no name I bought with my first 10 speed about 30 years ago. My best tire irons are also no names from the same time period.

 

[tdotrider]

If you're willing to buy online, Pricepoint's in-house brand 'Sette' makes pretty solid tools. Last year I spent $45 (USD, plus shipping) for a tool set and I've been VERY impressed with it, great quality and tons of bang for your buck!