We come across the same problems also.  We use the Park PC3 chain tools and have to replace the pins fairly regularly (and find that many people that say they know how to use them may not really know how...so watching for the first few seconds helps). You can also buy direct from Park Tools replacement parts which has been very helpful when you can replace just the chain tool handle or just the T shaped screw part.  The parts are about half the price of a new tool and less waste.   Same goes for any of Park Tools products such as crank arm extractors and bike repair stand arms, etc.  You can get a parts catalog for free through QBP and I assume through Park but you don't need any account to order from Park directly.
 
the pump?  I am at a loss but the silca seems to hold up the best for Schroeder valve using the little brass screw type head. 
 
Troy
BICAS
Tucson AZ
----- Original Message -----
From: "Mario Bruzzone"
To: "The Think Tank"
Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] On Shop tools
Date: Mon, 31 Mar 2008 11:10:01 -0700

With the Park Tools, you can replace just the pins--it's usually much cheaper (and creates less waste!) than buying a whole new tool.

But yes, those are things that break all the time for us as well.

Cheers,
Mario Bruzzone
Bike Kitchen
San Francisco


On Mon, Mar 31, 2008 at 9:53 AM, Sherief <sgaber@gmail.com> wrote:
Hello all,

This is Sherief from the Austin Yellowbike, and I was hoping to pool the thinktank's experience with shop tools prone to breakage and the like.  We're currently having huge issues keeping up with Chain Tools and Presta Valve pumps especially... it feels like not a week goes by without at least one of each of these tools breaking.  W/r/t the chain tools, we recently switched from the nicer Park tools to the cheapest we could get out of the catalog, but with the way those break there's effectively no net savings and even when they are functioning the new cheap ones are no good.  We try to make sure people know how to use the tools before they do, etc.  But my question(s) today is: Do people have any similar experience out there with broken/breakable tools-- specifically good ways to prevent these breakages?  Does anyone have any recommendations for good chain tools /PV pumps that can withstand a bit of overeager volunteerin g?


Best,
Sherief

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