Good tools…

Good tools are a real pleasure to work with. Makes looking forward to using them kind of like watching cookies bake. You can’t wait until the next batch is ready. Although, that’s not really a problem at my house. I typically polish off the cookie dough before it makes it to the oven.

I was given a set of external bottom bracket installation tools a while ago at Interbike by the tool’s designer, a friend of my friend Brian who owns Off-The-Chain bike shop in Hollister, CA. Upon returning home, I put them in my tool box, forgot about them, and continued to use the sharp edged tool that Shimano supplies with their cranks. The Shimano tool does the job, but dang, the edges are sharp. Park’s tool is moderately better with its trademark blue plastic dipped handle. FSA makes also makes a tool that is slightly offset so that it clears chainstays better than the straight Park and Shimano – also makes it so you are less prone to busting knuckles when removing the cups. Park should take a cue from FSA and make theirs offset.

But why, when the beautifully CNC and anodized gold Enduro tool is available. It’s machined to fit on a 1/2″ ratchet wrench. It has stainless pins pressed into it that perfectly (and 100%) engage the bottom bracket.Bottom bracket installation and removal has never been such a pleasureable job. This isn’t, however, a good tool. It’s a great tool.