Park Bike Tools... 
#1 2012-07-30 11:20am
- Advan
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Park Bike Tools...
I consider myself a tool snob. Not that I enjoy paying a premium for names like Snap On, MAC, etc., but I will certainly pay for quality when it means less down time, or even worse, a broken tool that could cause serious injury (happened to me on several occasions using inferior tools). By inferior tools, I am referring to a lot of tools that I have personally broken or seen others break- almost all made in either China or India.
My tool collection mainly consists of Craftsman, Snap On, and MAC. All made in the USA. Almost all of my Park bicycle tools, to my knowledge, are made in the USA.
Until...today. I returned two broken USA made Park screwdrivers to my local bike shop to warranty. These screwdrivers have been around for at least 10-12 years of heavy service and have given their best. My two most commonly used bike tools. After the shop ordered and received my warranty tools, I went in today to pick them up. The instant they hit my hands, I knew they did not feel right. If you are a tool guy, you know what I am talking about. I turned over the tag cards to see where they were made, and lo and behold, they are both made in China.
I guess, I will make my screwdrivers last a little longer before I finally give in to getting warranty replacements from Park Tools. A big disappointment to what I think of the last holdouts of US made hand tools.
Wanted- White Industries Freewhee 19T and 20T, Mongoose Stainless Steel bars for a Moosegoose, and Big Gulp bars- because I think they look goofy enough to cruise with!
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#2 2012-07-30 11:31am
- maximum85
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Re: Park Bike Tools...
totally hear you on the "feel"...i have nearly all Mac products,pre stanley owned..they still are top notch to this day..i am not crazy about all parf tools,but the ones i have are decent.
Respect yourself enough to walk away from anything that no longer serves you, grows you, or makes you happy.
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#3 2012-07-30 11:39am
- BMX*Racer*1983
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Re: Park Bike Tools...
maximum85 wrote:
totally hear you on the "feel"...i have nearly all Mac products,pre stanley owned..they still are top notch to this day..i am not crazy about all parf tools,but the ones i have are decent.
Slow down it's Park Mr Parf.....
[img]http://i423.photobucket.com/albums/pp314/buddysam1/new/sig2-1.jpg[/img]
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#4 2012-07-30 12:12pm
- cat-walk
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Re: Park Bike Tools...
Even if they are made in china, don't you still get a life time warranty?
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#5 2012-07-30 2:37pm
- Advan
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Re: Park Bike Tools...
Yes, still under warranty. But hate to have down time on more frequently broken tools. I waited for two screwdrivers from Park for over two weeks.
Wanted- White Industries Freewhee 19T and 20T, Mongoose Stainless Steel bars for a Moosegoose, and Big Gulp bars- because I think they look goofy enough to cruise with!
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#6 2012-07-30 2:40pm
- oldmanjoe
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Re: Park Bike Tools...
Advan wrote:
Yes, still under warranty. But hate to have down time on more frequently broken tools. I waited for two screwdrivers from Park for over two weeks.
I love my park tools as well, but isn't a screw driver a screw driver, at least within reason? Get a good tip and a good grip, and I don't care where it comes from.
"Any man with a microphone, can tell you what he loves the most" - Jack White.
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#7 2012-07-30 2:41pm
- mtbwrxwagon
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Re: Park Bike Tools...
I've got Craftsman screwdrivers, if they ever break, walk right into Sears and trade out, just a trip in the car is all.
[img]http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2880/9017375016_d9a59b829d_z.jpg[/img]
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#8 2012-07-30 3:08pm
- Coco
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Re: Park Bike Tools...
For the most part new Park stuff is crap.The shop stands and truing stands are excellent but wrenches, cone wrenches ect is not so great and there is better. I like Hozan better than Park, especially when it comes to headset presses and facing/cutting tools.
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#9 2012-07-30 3:16pm
- Dropspeed
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Re: Park Bike Tools...
I really like my Park tools and have had no issues at all...Pedal wrench, all types of crank pullers, freewheel removal tools, chain break, spoke wrenches, flat cone wrenches...ect.
I guess mine are all USA made being they are 20 years old...
I have hobby A.D.D.
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#10 2012-07-30 3:20pm
- FatGuy
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Re: Park Bike Tools...
Lots of Craftsman is China made now too 
Looking for a late Basic Small Town Hick frame!
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#11 2012-07-30 3:24pm
- mtbwrxwagon
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Re: Park Bike Tools...
But I can still walk in and exchange it if needed
[img]http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2880/9017375016_d9a59b829d_z.jpg[/img]
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#12 2012-07-30 3:25pm
- Advan
- Pro MemberHey Santa, you geriatric wanker...where's my bike?
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Re: Park Bike Tools...
It all depends on who you ask and what they do with them. With regards to the grips, well, these are pretty cheezy. I think Northern Tool has better gripped screwdrivers!
oldmanjoe wrote:
Advan wrote:
Yes, still under warranty. But hate to have down time on more frequently broken tools. I waited for two screwdrivers from Park for over two weeks.
I love my park tools as well, but isn't a screw driver a screw driver, at least within reason? Get a good tip and a good grip, and I don't care where it comes from.
Last edited by Advan (2012-07-30 3:29pm)
Wanted- White Industries Freewhee 19T and 20T, Mongoose Stainless Steel bars for a Moosegoose, and Big Gulp bars- because I think they look goofy enough to cruise with!
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