Just wasted $40 on a cheap headset press that bent on the first job

Picked up a no-name headset press from an online shop for $40 thinking I'd save cash. Tried to press a headset into a steel frame yesterday and the whole thing bent like a cheap spoon. Had to stop the job, order a proper Park Tool press, and explain to the customer why their bike wasn't ready. Lost the $40, plus a bunch of time and my rep took a hit. Anyone have a go-to brand for tools that won't fail when you need them most?

3 comments

3 Comments

nathan_barnes2mo ago

Yeah, a steel frame is actually the hardest test for a headset press. That's why the cheap ones fold.

elizabethblack2mo ago

Feel your pain on that one.

margaret_flores171mo ago

Tried to press a headset into a steel frame once with a cheap tool. The whole thing just gave up and bent in half. Felt like trying to push a noodle through a brick wall. Pretty sure that press is still hiding in my garage out of shame.