I get the feeling most people are anti Park Tool here

I don't think folks are anti-Park and their stuff isn't all that expensive. If you're a home user Sette tools work fine, but if your job relies on those tools you're going to go with Park. Some Park tools aren't that great, but they also make quite a few quality tools that no one else does. As someone who has been using Park tools to make a paycheck for a few decades I can say they're just fine, unless you're really cheap or a tool whore.

Not anti Park Tool at all , buy the best tools you can afford , no matter what name is on it .

I like my park tools

Many of my Park tools are 15 years old when I first started wrenching on bikes...considering they were used professionally for many years and they're still great, that's pretty cheap.

That said, they are built to professional standards so they might be overkill for the home mechanic who occasionally works on their bike.

The only problem I've had with my Park Tools is convincing airport security not to take it away when I left the big chain tool in my bike knapsack carry-on by mistake. They ultimately concluded that it was not a terrorist's torture device and it made it both ways safely.

I have a mix of brands; Park, Sette, Pedros, Nashbar, etc. If I need something that I know I will only use once or twice, I will buy something a bit cheaper, but something that is going to get used often is usually Park. Also, the amount of spare cash that I have on hand when I am in the need, or want of tools might dictate what brand I buy.

mtnbiker72 said:

Many of my Park tools are 15 years old when I first started wrenching on bikes...considering they were used professionally for many years and they're still great, that's pretty cheap.

That said, they are built to professional standards so they might be overkill for the home mechanic who occasionally works on their bike.

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no tool can ever be overkill!

I think people are anti park tools that are common tools like Hex Keys, and common wrenches. People are very pro Park Tools when it comes to bike specific tools. I read a lot of stuff about people saying Park Tools like Hex Keys and wrenches are not as good as what you would find in any hardware store.

Dremer03 said:

I think people are anti park tools that are common tools like Hex Keys, and common wrenches. People are very pro Park Tools when it comes to bike specific tools. I read a lot of stuff about people saying Park Tools like Hex Keys and wrenches are not as good as what you would find in any hardware store.

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Dunno about that.
I have a park hex set, and a screwdriver set.
Decent quality, low $$.

savagemann said:

Dunno about that.
I have a park hex set, and a screwdriver set.
Decent quality, low $$.

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Absolutely no issues with mine either .

I am only anti-park on the tools they make poorly. Bondhus hex keys are superior to Park, so they get my money. I have great respect for Park tools like the professional truing stands, headset press, and facing tools.

I'm not anti-Park, either, have the old $150 tool roll, and I love the thing.

But I have pretty near ZERO brand loyalty for anything in my life that I use. There are 'off-brand' tools that have been squirreled into the tool roll, and that's because I know they are quality, as well.

Everyone else has pretty much said it.
No anti Park Bias.
They aren't the end all be all of bike tools but they do offer a good selection of mostly decent stuff.

I don't think anyone here is anti-park. I think you get that impression since most new bike owners are looking for tools and only really ask about the cheaper tools. Buy the important stuff in Park. I have Park BB tool, Cutters, and Spoke Wrenches. Chain whips and the stuff like that can be something like Sette or Nashbar. Keys definitely Bondhus. The Sette Headset press is a nice steal for $50 bucks, if you think you need or want one.

Their tools are expensive because there's no competition and are fairly specialized. The materials aren't exactly tool grade, but gets the job done. Aside from their crank arm, bottom bracket, and cassette tool, I don't see the need to buy anything else Park for a home mechanic.

I like Park tools. When I was in college I couldn't afford them but now I am a rich engineer I buy them The thing is specialized tools are expensive no matter what industry you're in.....automotive, aerospace, or bicycle. Even though Pedros, Sette, IceToolz or (insert name here) tool company makes a more cost effective alternative Park hasn't reduced their prices to compete because they are seen as the "industry standard"

Park has some nice tools, I think the key is to decide what you really need from them, and what could be got elsewhere for less. I mean like the allen wrenches, no need to spend more for a specialized set when any quality set will do. I use to do automotive and have spent $10k+ on tools, and it can be a little frustrating paying a lot for some stamped steel wrench.

I think people are pro Park bike specific tools, but con Park torque wrenches and con Park normal tools like screwdrivers and box wrenches.

Just a second thought on the matter. This weekend I threw away my 15+ year old SW-1. Inspite of it being a bit clapped out and the rubber grip being a bit trashed I had to really fight the urge to keep it. Only thing else that hard to throw away is old porn mags

For the record I replaced it with a new SW-1. As for the old mags? Well, there's always the internet