Which tools are better? Spin Doctor or Sette?
10-31-08, 06:30 PM
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Which tools are better? Spin Doctor or Sette?
Since I'm lacking the money to be top dog home mechanic and buy Park Tools or Campy, which is the better of the two brands? I'm assuming Spin Doctor is Performance Bike's tool brand, and Sette is from Price Point. Both seem to be about the same price.
10-31-08, 06:42 PM
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I have no experience with Sette but the Spin Doctor tools I've used have been quite satsifactory. Some are made by Lifu which is a well regarded maker.
10-31-08, 06:52 PM
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Both are similar grade, wouldn't be surprised that some, if not most, are just rebranded from the same manufacturer.
10-31-08, 07:23 PM
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I have the Spin Doctor Pro set and a lot of it is just rebranded Lifu. With that said, I haven't had any problems with the tools. Then again, I only build and service bikes for my friends.
10-31-08, 07:24 PM
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bf is right. Assuming you want to start with a basic set, I'd just be on the lookout for whichever was cheaper. Given current prices, the Sette ST-21 kit gives you more for a slightly lower price than does the Spin Doctor Essential Tool Kit.
10-31-08, 07:27 PM
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Thanks for the quick replies and insight to the possible rebranding of these tools.
10-31-08, 08:51 PM
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I just replaced a Shimano BB with the spin Doctor BB tool and the teeth are Kinda chewed up from one use. Not hardened metal, I guess. Also, the way the tool was made, there is no way to hook a torque wrench to it. I am going to upgrade this to a Park tool. However, this is the first problem I have encountered since buying a "Team" toolset three years ago. bk
10-31-08, 10:21 PM
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I just replaced a Shimano BB with the spin Doctor BB tool and the teeth are Kinda chewed up from one use. Not hardened metal, I guess. Also, the way the tool was made, there is no way to hook a torque wrench to it. I am going to upgrade this to a Park tool. However, this is the first problem I have encountered since buying a "Team" toolset three years ago. bk
11-01-08, 03:44 AM
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bk, I assume you are referring to the "two flats" design of the tool, which allows an open-ended wrench to fit, but not a closed-end or a socket. You can adapt a torque wrench to work on that type of tool by using a crow's foot wrench attached at a 90-degree angle to the axis of the torque wrench.
11-01-08, 07:25 AM
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I have a Spin Doctor (Lifu) Campy bottom bracket/lock ring tool and it has a recess for a 1/2" square drive ratchet or torque wrench plus a 21 mm hex. It seems well made and works well. I don't know if it would hold up to daily shop use but it's been fine for my needs.
It is more convenient to use than the Park BBT-5 that does the same jobs and may be more durable.
It is more convenient to use than the Park BBT-5 that does the same jobs and may be more durable.
11-01-08, 11:51 AM
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A poor man can't afford to buy cheap tools or he will be forced to buy them twice.
11-01-08, 01:34 PM
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I am going to upgrade, because the teeth really are chewed up after one use. Th BB came out real easy, because it had been greased before installation when new. And, one cup was plastic. bk
