Bike repair stand
#126
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: NE Indiana
Posts: 8,742
Bikes: 2020 Masi Giramondo 700c; 2013 Lynskey Peloton; 1992 Giant Rincon; 1989 Dawes needs parts; 1985 Trek 660; 1985 Fuji Club; 1984 Schwinn Voyager; 1984 Miyata 612; 1977 Raleigh Competition GS
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YAWN! That just isn't true all the time. I know of a couple of full-time mechanics and they get their tools from Harbor Freight, they buy the top of the line model which I can't recall, and they don't have any more issues than the guys that are up to their eyeballs in debt to SnapOn. Auto mechanics is a lot more demanding of tools than bike mechanics are, so you're wasting money to buy SnapOn quality for a bike, unless of course you don't mind wasting money, or you are professional bike mechanic.
#127
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2022
Location: USA - Southwest PA
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Bikes: Cannondale - Gary Fisher - Giant - Litespeed - Schwinn Paramount - Schwinn (lugged steel) - Trek OCLV
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the professional orange handle models are also high quality (and possibly more of a challenge to obtain)
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#128
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2022
Location: USA - Southwest PA
Posts: 3,920
Bikes: Cannondale - Gary Fisher - Giant - Litespeed - Schwinn Paramount - Schwinn (lugged steel) - Trek OCLV
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YAWN! That just isn't true all the time. I know of a couple of full-time mechanics and they get their tools from Harbor Freight, they buy the top of the line model which I can't recall, and they don't have any more issues than the guys that are up to their eyeballs in debt to SnapOn. Auto mechanics is a lot more demanding of tools than bike mechanics are, so you're wasting money to buy SnapOn quality for a bike, unless of course you don't mind wasting money, or you are professional bike mechanic.
I have a limited number of snap on tools ; I don't make a living with tools so the investment is not warranted (used snap on tools are still expensive at flea markets and garage sales)
#129
Senior Member
#130
Senior Member
#131
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: NE Indiana
Posts: 8,742
Bikes: 2020 Masi Giramondo 700c; 2013 Lynskey Peloton; 1992 Giant Rincon; 1989 Dawes needs parts; 1985 Trek 660; 1985 Fuji Club; 1984 Schwinn Voyager; 1984 Miyata 612; 1977 Raleigh Competition GS
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Craftsman since was sold off by Sears, is making a comeback, for a long while they were junk as Sears tried to make the product cheaper to make more profit.
However, tools found in home improvement places, I would have to say that Dewalt makes the best now, problem with Dewalt is customer service, but, if you take the hand tool back to the home improvement place, they will exchange it no questions asked.
Another company that is making a comeback, is Stanley, for a long time Stanley had junk stuff, and you can still get the junk stuff at Walmart, but if you into a home improvement place you will get the higher quality tools. Some reports are that Stanley is better than DeWalt or Craftsman.
I don't own any of those hand tools I mentioned, I bought my stuff as needed, and then stuck with Challenger, Proto, and SK because they were cheaper than SnapOn and the sort, and better than Craftsman and others like them. SK went bankrupt and some other company took them over, so I'm not sure how good or how bad they are now; but they used to be the most popular tool used worldwide by mechanics. I think Proto bought out Challenger since they're known as Challenger by Proto, and Proto is owned by Stanley, but Proto is now the professional end of Stanley while Stanley is the mid-level brand, this was done because Proto had the reputation of being a professional tool maker, and a lot of mechanics used Proto worldwide.
Keep in mind that tools you find at home improvement places are considered entry to midlevel tools, which if fine for wrenching on a bike, in fact I would say entry level tools would be fine for wrenching on a bike as long as they have a lifetime warranty against anything, and a local home improvement place sells it. That is why a lot of new pro mechanics are turning to Harbor Freight and getting Quinn tools, Harbor Freight asks no questions, and need no receipt when you bring one in for replacement. When a new pro is looking at spending around $30,000 for tools from Snap On and the like, plus adding to the collection every year, and falling deeper and deeper into debt with Snap-On, Matco, and the likes, it doesn't take a genius to figure out ways to circumvent that growing expense. Plus, Snap On in particular, not sure about Matco but I wouldn't doubt it, but at least Snap On is the mafia of mechanic tools. One of my mechanic friends had been using Harbor Freight tools since he got into the business about 15 years ago, he won't touch a Snap On tool unless Snap On is the only company that sells a particular tool and that tool can't be found anywhere else for less; and he's not in debt unlike others that work around him, he too bought a Harbor Freight tool chest years ago and loves it. He claims he hasn't had much issue with broken tools, but sometimes they do, he just goes down to Harbor Freight that same day and they replace it with no problem, and he doesn't have to wait for the Snap On truck to make its rounds.
However, tools found in home improvement places, I would have to say that Dewalt makes the best now, problem with Dewalt is customer service, but, if you take the hand tool back to the home improvement place, they will exchange it no questions asked.
Another company that is making a comeback, is Stanley, for a long time Stanley had junk stuff, and you can still get the junk stuff at Walmart, but if you into a home improvement place you will get the higher quality tools. Some reports are that Stanley is better than DeWalt or Craftsman.
I don't own any of those hand tools I mentioned, I bought my stuff as needed, and then stuck with Challenger, Proto, and SK because they were cheaper than SnapOn and the sort, and better than Craftsman and others like them. SK went bankrupt and some other company took them over, so I'm not sure how good or how bad they are now; but they used to be the most popular tool used worldwide by mechanics. I think Proto bought out Challenger since they're known as Challenger by Proto, and Proto is owned by Stanley, but Proto is now the professional end of Stanley while Stanley is the mid-level brand, this was done because Proto had the reputation of being a professional tool maker, and a lot of mechanics used Proto worldwide.
Keep in mind that tools you find at home improvement places are considered entry to midlevel tools, which if fine for wrenching on a bike, in fact I would say entry level tools would be fine for wrenching on a bike as long as they have a lifetime warranty against anything, and a local home improvement place sells it. That is why a lot of new pro mechanics are turning to Harbor Freight and getting Quinn tools, Harbor Freight asks no questions, and need no receipt when you bring one in for replacement. When a new pro is looking at spending around $30,000 for tools from Snap On and the like, plus adding to the collection every year, and falling deeper and deeper into debt with Snap-On, Matco, and the likes, it doesn't take a genius to figure out ways to circumvent that growing expense. Plus, Snap On in particular, not sure about Matco but I wouldn't doubt it, but at least Snap On is the mafia of mechanic tools. One of my mechanic friends had been using Harbor Freight tools since he got into the business about 15 years ago, he won't touch a Snap On tool unless Snap On is the only company that sells a particular tool and that tool can't be found anywhere else for less; and he's not in debt unlike others that work around him, he too bought a Harbor Freight tool chest years ago and loves it. He claims he hasn't had much issue with broken tools, but sometimes they do, he just goes down to Harbor Freight that same day and they replace it with no problem, and he doesn't have to wait for the Snap On truck to make its rounds.
#132
Newbie
Speaking of Stanley, they used to make some great Made in USA tools. One of my favorites from the 1930's-40's is the Yankee screwdriver. Originally made by North Bros out of Philly and Stanley acquired them in the 40's.
Here are a few North Bros and Stanley Yankee screwdrivers. They all work perfectly.
Here are a few North Bros and Stanley Yankee screwdrivers. They all work perfectly.
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#133
Senior Member
I need to repair my bike repair stand.
Does anyone know where I can get a good bike repair stand repair stand?
-mr. bill
Does anyone know where I can get a good bike repair stand repair stand?
-mr. bill
#134
Mad bike riding scientist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 27,700
Bikes: Some silver ones, a red one, a black and orange one, and a few titanium ones
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Park. It’ll hold another stand easily.
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Stuart Black
Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
Old School…When It Wasn’t Ancient bikepacking
Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
#136
Senior Member
#137
I got my stand from Aldi when they had it. Pretty sure this is the same one. https://www.amazon.com/Yaheetech-Adj...s%2C198&sr=8-3
Before that I had a trainer I put the bike in for repairs. Worked great unless the repair required removing the rear wheel.
Before that I had a trainer I put the bike in for repairs. Worked great unless the repair required removing the rear wheel.
#138
Live not by lies.
I like our Snap-On guy, but I definitely tease him. “So if I spend $1,000 on $500 worth of tools you’ll throw in a $10 hat or $5 pair of socks?”
#140
Mad bike riding scientist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 27,700
Bikes: Some silver ones, a red one, a black and orange one, and a few titanium ones
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None. The micro clamp is a pain to use. You pretty much have to unscrew it to unclamp it and you have to clamp it, hold the bike, then screw in the handle. It’s fiddly The linkage clamp is much easier to use. Close the arm and the bike is clamped.
__________________
Stuart Black
Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
Old School…When It Wasn’t Ancient bikepacking
Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
Stuart Black
Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
Old School…When It Wasn’t Ancient bikepacking
Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
#141
This is what I bought a couple of months ago. So far it performes well.
I think that's true of most stands.
I've been seeing some good reviews on this one...
https://www.amazon.com/Bikehand-Mech...ef_=ast_sto_dp
I've been seeing some good reviews on this one...
https://www.amazon.com/Bikehand-Mech...ef_=ast_sto_dp
#142
Full Member
I have work stands at home and also in the Lower 48 in our RV. The one at home is a Feedback and it works well. I found a NOS Ultimate when looking for a stand for the RV. Apparently Ultimate’s main business was/is making music stands and they spun the work stand off to Feedback. The Ultimate is even more sturdy that the Feedback. I wish their locations were reversed.
Park products are great. Ultimate/Feedback is just another good option. Happy wrenching.
Mike
Park products are great. Ultimate/Feedback is just another good option. Happy wrenching.
Mike
#143
Senior Member
I have been using the Topeak stand . I bought it several weeks ago when Bike Tires Direct had them on sale. I had been using an old Spin Doctor stand and it had a fixed height so working on bottom bracket issues was not fun. I still use the old stand at my shop in Ventura. The new Topeak is very similar to the Feedback and about the same price. It is very sturdy for just about anything I need to do. It is unique in that it has a little small parts storage container on top for things like cable ferrules or spoke ends. I also have the Feedback handle bar flop stop that is awesome , I just bought another one ( on sale at BTD) for the stand in Ventura.
#144
I've had one of these for several years now and have zero complaints. Really well made, durable, portable, tall enough for the land of the giants, and IMO a bargain and a half. I'm sure you can pay 2-3 times the price and not get anything any better.
https://www.amazon.com/Yaheetech-Mec...A3AN9QJNQ0FYAY
https://www.amazon.com/Yaheetech-Mec...A3AN9QJNQ0FYAY
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#146
Senior Member
I have 2 of the Aldi's bike repair stands that I bought several years ago. One for $30 the second one was $8 . No more than I use a bike repair stand they serve the purpose. Plus I have used them as a third hand around the house a few times too