Dropped $120 on a Park Tool cable cutter that barely outlasted my old ones

I figured splurging on the fancy cutter would save me hassle at the shop, but the blade chipped on the third brake cable install. Has anyone found a reliable brand under $50?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_emery1mo ago

Spent $120 on a tool that can't handle three brake cables? That's rough buddy, sounds like you got the "premium disappointment" package. Park Tool's QC has been kinda hit or miss lately I swear, their nameplate does more work than the actual cutting edge these days. For under $50 I'd just grab a basic Felco or even a cheap Knipex knockoff, sometimes the simple stuff holds up better than the fancy overpriced garbage. Honestly the whole "you get what you pay for" thing is a lie when it comes to bike tools, half the time you're just paying for the right color anodizing.

ivan_mason1mo agoMost Upvoted

I guess I've just learned to be careful with the higher end tools ever since a buddy of mine, @the_emery, showed up with a fancy torque wrench that clicked way too early. Ended up snapping a bolt clean off on his brand new frame. Sometimes the simple gear just works better and doesn't come with all the hype. I still use an old wire cutter I found at a flea market for ten bucks, cuts through brake cables like butter. The coating on the handle is peeling off but it does the job just fine. All that money spent on a name doesn't always buy you a better cut.

mary_martin2217d ago

Whole consumer culture is just paying extra to be disappointed now lol.