PSA: I spent $45 on a 'universal' bottom bracket tool that stripped two cups before I gave up

I had a mid-90s mountain bike come in with a square taper BB that was totally seized. The local shop was out of the proper Park BBT-22, so I grabbed a no-name 'universal' tool from the auto parts store. The metal was soft, the fit was sloppy, and it rounded out the splines on the first cup after about five minutes of careful torque. Tried the other side, same result. Ended up having to drill and chisel the thing out, which added over an hour to the job and ruined the frame's shell. The tool cost $45, but the real loss was the customer's vintage frame and my time. Some guys say a cheap tool is fine for a one-off, but I'm now convinced that for specific, high-torque applications like this, the proper tool is the only way. Has anyone else had a 'universal' tool fail this badly on a common job?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_richard8d ago

Universal" tools are junk. I just wait for the proper Park tool now.

taragibson7d ago

Come on, it's a bike, not a space shuttle. A cheap multi-tool got me home twice last week. Waiting for the perfect brand name part seems like overkill for a simple flat tire.