Bicycle Mechanics - tool question (reliability/quality)

I want to know if any of you guy's know something about Filzer tools, MEC carry this brand of tool, readily available (ie no internet order or 2 week wait for a crank puller) for about 1 or 2$ cheaper each tool than Park tools and around 5$ less each than pedro's (whats locally available)

they look strangely similar to the park tools but come on an orange package instead of blue.

do you know if they're any good ?

link of said crank puller

http://http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442618874&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302693989&bmUID=1235286500295&bmLocale=fr_CA

I never heard of them and the link doesn't work.

they are decent. I'd say they're similar to what nashbar offers.

MEC is a canadian shop like REI for USA and filzer is their house brand.

link of said crank puller

http://http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442618874&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302693989&bmUID=1235286500295&bmLocale=fr_CA

The double http// is causing the link to not work.

I've never regretted paying top dollar (or even over-paying) for really good tools. Sometimes you pay more for certain brands than they are really "worth" because of the confidence you have that you can't go wrong at least. (A certain company's cable cutter does disappoint though...)

Of course if a professional mechanic uses cheaper tools because he knows from experience that they stand up well and don't damage the work, then by all means go for it. But when you consider how much you spend over 30 years on shorts, cleats, tires, chains, sunglasses, energy bars, and other stuff that wears out or gets used up, a few hundred dollars for top-quality tools doesn't add up to much.

"The bitterness of poor quality lasts much longer than the sweetness of low price."

For an extra buck or two I'd go with Park. If the difference was significant and I wouldn't use the tool often I'd consider the cheaper one.

I buy Park, Hozan and Var. Cheap tools are never a good deal.

Before I bought a cheap tool that I wasn't going to need very often, I'd pay a bike mechanic to do the job with a good tool. Headset cup tools and anything to do with carbon forks come to mind.

The other tool rule I live by is, "Never settle for cheap (because light and flimsy) tools to carry with you on rides." In an emergency, in the rain, when it's getting dark a long way from home, is *exactly* when you want the very best chance of getting back on the road. Three or four shop-quality Allen wrenches and an 8-mm box/open-end wrench will fix almost anything on a bicycle nowadays and, wrapped in a piece of cloth to prevent rattling, weigh less than most "multi-tools." And you won't have the "*****-hitting-the-heart" feeling when you discover on the road that the geometry of the clever little multi-tool won't allow it to reach where you need it.

Covered here: http://www.bikeforums.net/archive/index.php/t-288684.html
Filzer is a Canadian marketing company offering MEC private labeling. Cheap tools as with other "cheap" items are often not the bargains they appear to be. They may work for an occasional user and certainly would live a short life if used in a professional setting. I always try to buy the best I can afford and most of my tools have given me 15 - 20 years or more of service life. That is worth a few dollars more to me. YMMV.

I want to know if any of you guy's know something about Filzer tools, MEC carry this brand of tool, readily available (ie no internet order or 2 week wait for a crank puller) for about 1 or 2$ cheaper each tool than Park tools and around 5$ less each than pedro's (whats locally available)

they look strangely similar to the park tools but come on an orange package instead of blue.

do you know if they're any good ?

link of said crank puller

http://http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442618874&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302693989&bmUID=1235286500295&bmLocale=fr_CA

I have said tool. I don't use it much more than taking cranks off say once a year if that. If you plan on doing more work than that on your bike, suggest you spend the $2 more and get the Park version.

In the Spin Doctor kit I bought, the cassette removal tool and the BB tool weren't hardened. I had used the cassette tool 5-6 times and it was looking pretty sad. With one r&r, the BB tool's tines were pretty nicked up, even though one cup was plastic. So, they have already been replaced; Ouch!

The rest of the tools have been "O.K." However, you usually need two of the same cone wrenches to actually do anything. So, I've added several Park wrenches to the set. Clearly a better wrench, made with hardened steel. What you pick depends on what you want.

If you like good tools, but are on a budget, buy only the ones you need for the job at hand. Slowly, you'll collect a decent set. Spread the cost out. bk

I have the Filzer crank puller from MEC. I probably use the tool about 10 times per year and, at that rate, I think it will last longer than I do. If it doesn't last a LONG time, I'm sure MEC will replace it.

I actually have 50+ Filzer tools and they seem decent. I hated the cable cutters in the beginning but have lately improved my technique and don't hate them so much (would still try other brand if replacing). I bent one of the allen keys under extreme torque with a two foot cheater bar.
No other problems.

so by what you guy's say (and what ive learned today) cheap tools are not agood bargain (i know this,i only buy snap on or mastercraft maximum tools usually because they carry a lifetime replacement)

the filzer tools are laser cut hardened titanium steel and MEC (mountain equipment COOP) customer service informed the tools carry a lifetime replacement plan (Park does not as far as i know)

I have 2 or 3 park tools and wasnt really impressed,like say a cassette remover that was not long enough to reach the bottom of the hole in the cassette maybe its just a bad batch, who know's

anyways, simple information i wanted to carry to you for the filzer tool construction, i will buy one and tell you if it is a solid,precise,easy to use tool

I have the Filzer crank puller from MEC. I probably use the tool about 10 times per year and, at that rate, I think it will last longer than I do. If it doesn't last a LONG time, I'm sure MEC will replace it....

Well, there's some helpful experience-based information. Thank you.