Heavy Tools F.A.S.T Step In

Advantages: Talks back, light.
Disadvantages: Difficult to control, noisy.

...This is in response to Gavino’s thoroughly unfair review of the snowboard Kevgin Fingleton, so please read his opinion before this one. Last time I went snowboarding I found Kevin to be a more than adequate piece of equipment. He skidded merrily across the snow, and was remarkably light compared to most pieces of equipment. He was difficult to control at first due to his wild thrashing, but soon became docile after a few near collisions with trees. He would also provide fascinating conversation for those long expanses of snow, something which no other tool can boast. However, that is not to say that I was without problems. The irritating piglety squeaks which emerged from him whenever I hit a rock or landed heavily after a jump quickly got old, and he seemed to get damaged very quickly, to the point of oozing blood all over... Read review

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Advantages: Cheap, Sturdy, Easy to Use
Disadvantages: None

...The Company Park Tools are an American company manufacturing bike tools for the home and professional mechanic. They claim to be the largest bike tool manufacturer in the world. From personal experience I have found that while Park Tools are more expensive, they tend to be of higher quality than their competitors. Despite being an American company, most of their tools are actually manufactured in the far east. Why would you want a Chain Checker? Chains are said to stretch with use. The chain doesn't actually stretch. What happens is that the pins and bushings are worn away by use, creating play. A worn chain under tension will elongate further than a new one. Once the chain has elongated by 1% or more it is considered worn. This level of wear is not visually obvious. Chain checkers provide an accurate... Read review

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Advantages: Strong, reliable, spring-loaded pliers, rust proof
Disadvantages: Scissors have small cut size

...'ll concentrate on the main features which I have used most: PLIERS: Without a doubt, the main 'tool' on the 800 is the strong stainless steel pliers which sit, when it is closed, completely within the handle housing. This makes it all nicely compact when you have it in it's case on your belt. When open, you can see straight away that the teeth on the pliers are up to the job - they are not going to sheer off the moment you try to tighten a nut on your mountain bike. The pliers incorporate small Tungsten carbide steel wire cutters and sheath stripper - I have use this many, many times. Also, the cutters are triangular, so can be rotated in the future to keep them effective. The best feature on the pliers is their spring-loading. They default to the open position so that you can easily use them with one hand. I can't describe how useful... Read review

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