You are missing the "No I don't own one, but it is on my list of tools to purchase"

 

I don't. I was thinking about that, though. But this isn't about wanting, it's about having.

 

I do but I'm a tool "enthusiast".

 

I think that tool doubles as a lever alignment tool. Something I'd never use. I eyeball it.

I have no need for the hanger tool either. I've needed one once. Back in 1988 when I laid a roadbike down and slid into a curb at speed. I took it to a shop because they had to straighten the stays too. Dude used a string to confirm alignment.

 

That's what the LBS is for. They've straightened mine a few times over the years, and most likely will again some day. Maybe it will become more of a problem with 12 sp derailleurs, but so far, too infrequent to want one. I've been lucky, I guess.

 

I bought one about 2 years ago after borrowing them maybe 3 times in 30 years.

The only time I used my new one it proved the hanger was straight.

 

I own one. Never felt the need before 12 speed. Gets minimal use.

 

I have one. it came in handy quite a few times already.

 

I used them when I was a mechanic in bike shops in the 1980s. When I had my shop in the 1990s, I used them on every new bike build, along with aligning all dropouts and other frame checks because everything just works better when it was built correctly to begin with. I check the hanger alignment on my bikes after a crash, if shifting is a bit off, or after replacing a derailleur hanger. It always makes the rest of the adjustments easier.

 

I just have spare hangers. Cheaper and easier than trying to bend one back.

 

Each of the three brand new replacement hangers I've installed in the past 2 years were not straight when I put them on, and have required adjustment with the derailleur hanger tool upon installation.

 

It goes down in the list of tools I'd like but would use so rarely I can't justify it cluttering up a tool drawer. Same with the Park headset remover, it's satisfying to use but I use it maybe once a year and you could do the same job with a hammer and wooden dowel.

 

That was the last bike tool I used. Well second to last. Headset press was the last. Allthread and washers.

 

Yes, and I use it all the time. For example, I was enjoying a soy mochafrappachailatte at Starbucks, and I had leaned my machine up against the window so I could admire it as I sipped, when a gust of wind caught it (it is very light), knocked it over on the derailleur. But when I got home I straightened it out in like one minute, problem solved.

 

I used to use one at the rent-a-tool at my LBS. My hanger was usually pretty bang on. If your shifting is crap, worth having to diagnose.

 

But you don't OWN one so you must check the "no" box lest you get blocked by the OP.

 

Yup - I did... was just clarifying that even though I don't own it, I have used it...

I might buy one though. Kids are tough on derailleurs.

 

If you get a tool, make sure you get the left handed version...

 

I have 2 of them

 

We ride on trails that have rocks that seem to seek out derailleurs. Trail side hanger replacement is not entirely uncommon, but tweeked hangers are common. Many here carry spare derailleur hangers in pack. It's a regularly used tool. When shifting issues arise, I commonly ensure the hanger is correct before seeking other culprits or causes.

This thread is really a spillover from

https://www.mtbr.com/threads/axs-skipping.1227865/page-2#replies

where the OP begins to express distaste with those who feel the need to buy, use or own a derailleur hanger.

 

This thread is really a spillover from

https://www.mtbr.com/threads/axs-skipping.1227865/page-2#replies

where the OP begins to express distaste with those who feel the need to buy, use or own a derailleur hanger.

Are you purposefully telling lies about me or do you really not understand what I wrote over in that thread? Did you even understand that the hanger wasn't the problem in said thread?

 

Pretty valuable tool to easily rule out/fix a major cause of shifting issues.

You can get knockoffs on Amazon for less than you would pay a shop to service your derailleur. Arguably less relevant on modern bikes, but if you do any of your own service seems like a no brainer to me.

 

Don’t get me started on Chinese knockoffs…

 

Used it this morning to nurse my already bent hangar back to somewhat ridable condition, had a race today and the hangars I ordered didn't arrive in time.

 

Singlespeed track ends for the win.

 

Yes. Main reason was I exploded a rear derailleur accidentally going big+big on a slightly too short chain after swapping to a rear wheel w/ a larger cassette. When I replaced the derailleur, shifting sucked no matter what I did, until re-aligning the hanger. In the last 4 bikes I've built or rebuilt, the hanger alignment was good - acceptable, but they've never been anywhere near spot on (except maybe the frame before the exploding derailleur). I think with any of the things that can affect a rd's shifting, it's better to start at near-perfect alignment vs. good or ok.

 

Large Cannel Locks and a heavy hammer get it done. And, no need to remove it from the frame when hammering. That crackling sound you hear in your carbon frame while you're hammering and twisting, ignore it.

I'M KIDDING OF COURSE!

 

THe Park DAG was one of the first bicycle specific tool I ever purchased. In college 25 years ago. I still have it! Any mechanic that says they can eyeball a straight hanger and derailleur is mistaken.

 

I have 2. I spent most of the 90s and early 200s as a pro shop mechanic. And I still do all my own work so I couldn’t live without one.

 

I have one, but it is a ZTTO and it's not very good

 

I picked up a cheap DAG2 copy a few years ago. It does a good enough job. When you're chasing an indexing problem, a slightly bent hanger is often the culprit.

It was worth the $50 as I haven't had to replace a hanger yet, and I guess I've used it half a dozen times on my bikes and some buddies bikes.

 

I have a complete frame alignment table, jigs and old school steel frame alignment set. I used to use it often 20 years ago. These days, every frame I have measured, has had very good derailleur hanger and frame alignment. it is almost a complete boat anchor these days.

 

These days, every frame I have measured, has had very good derailleur hanger and frame alignment.

It is not uncommon to find brand new bikes with out of alignment hangers. Like Rodmunch mentioned above it isn't the hanger that's bent but a slightly imperfect or misaligned interface at the dropout. That's why even when installing a new derailleur hanger it's still best to give them a quick check.

 

Buying the tool didn't appeal to me, so I dug through my stockpile for a shoulder bolt, thumb screw, some cold rolled, and some square tubing of a couple different sizes. A few minutes at the welder and lathe, et voilà! Frankly, I've found a surface plate, anvil, and hammer to be quicker and more precise. Regardless, nobody cares anymore. Derailleur hangars have gone the way of rim brakes and 3x9's. 😲 😆

 

That’s impressive that you were able to do all of that.

You make a great point about how hangers are antiquated (or they’re on the verge of becoming so).