[TiJoe]

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.

 

[RustyIron]

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. 😲 😆

 

[Nat]

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).

 

[Rodmunch]

I bought the Park tool after I noticed by eye that my brand new Giant Trance's derailleur wasn't straight and the shifting was not crisp. It wasn't the hanger, the dropout was not made correctly. So the only fix was to "align" an already straight hanger. I have seen this a few times now where the tolerances or other assembly issues between swingarm and hanger (FS) or frame and hanger (HT) prevent a properly aligned derailleur. I ended up using it on many other bikes including those owned by family and friends who would otherwise have to go to a shop. I think it has been invaluable.

 

[lefthanded]

It wasn't the hanger, the dropout was not made correctly. So the only fix was to "align" an already straight hanger.
I have seen this a few times now

Thanks for reporting. I've been wondering this when people report that new hangers came bent.

 

[VegasSingleSpeed]

I don't know what I'd use it for if I owned one.

 

[Travolta]

This would serve nor purpose as I don't own a derailleur.

 

[BarryR]

I have the Park DAG-3. Expensive but it's a great tool. You need it when you need it which might not be often.
Quite costly but nicely made and works great.

Excellent upgrade from the DAG-2 which I'd borrowed in the past.

 

[J.B. Weld]

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.

 

[alexbn921]

I have only ever found 1 new bike with a perfect hanger. The rest have had needed at least a small tweak.
Replacement hangers I take for spares on trips get mounted/aligned and then put in my spares bag.

 

[Tama John]

I've had a park dag-2 for years.

Essential tool IMO

If your mechanic or LBS does not have a derailleur alignment tool, that would be weird and I'd go somewhere else.

 

[Cleared2land]

Just a bump...

 

[TiJoe]

On your derailleur hanger, or this thread?

 

[RS VR6]

My friend has one.

 

[Cleared2land]

it got quite

 

[lefthanded]

it got quite

It's done. About half of the participant have the tool and like having it, and the other half doesn't have it, or would be fine without.
In the participants of this poll are, people how own the tool are probably over represented as those are more likely to notice and participate in this poll than others.

What I find most interesting is that about 90% of the tool owners do not want to miss it in their box. It would be interesting to understand that a little better.

 

[Bikedog22]

It's done. About half of the participant have the tool and like having it, and the other half doesn't have it, or would be fine without.
In the participants of this poll are, people how own the tool are probably over represented as those are more likely to notice and participate in this poll than others.

What I find most interesting is that about 90% of the tool owners do not want to miss it in their box. It would be interesting to understand that a little better.

There's a lot of us that ride strictly singlespeed. I love bike tools and have some that I bought in the 80s kicking around. My geared bikes collect dust and I don't need a hanger tool for track ends. Both my geared bikes have overbuilt derailleur hanger interfaces, and as small builders they take a bit more care with replaceable hanger quality and alignment.

 

[Cleared2land]

What I find most interesting is that about 90% of the tool owners do not want to miss it in their box. It would be interesting to understand that a little better.

I think areas where the trails present opportunities to grab or impact the derailleur, you'll find more mechanics and riders that maintain their bikes with a hanger tool. It's just not uncommon to find tweeked hangers that do not appear bent, but are enough to impact the shifting. When I am provided with minor shifting issues, this a quick first check for me before taking additional measures to correct the issue.

YMMV

 

[J.B. Weld]

What I find most interesting is that about 90% of the tool owners do not want to miss it in their box. It would be interesting to understand that a little better.

That seems natural. Why would someone want to miss any tool in their box?

 

[Nat]

That seems natural. Why would someone want to miss any tool in their box?

I don't miss my 4th Hand cable puller (thank you AXS).