Review on Park Tool Brake Locking Ratchet by Brandon Mcvey

Okay so technically a bit overpriced but the alternatives aren't worth exploring unless you're using a specific type of cable or have some dexterity. IceToolz and Pedro messed up a perfect design by putting barbs on their gripping surface, which is fine for plastic-coated cables but will rip bare cables or silicone-lubricated stuff that's preferred in higher-end Shimano component groups; Hazen doesn't include a locking mechanism, meaning you still only have one hand free, which is fine most of the time, but sometimes problematic; This tool from Park brings it all together with extra padding on the handles, although the metal quality and rivets appear to be almost the same as the IceToolz (same diameter rivets, same 3.2mm chrome steel, maybe a slightly tighter fit and processing ). It would be fairly easy for competitors to step up their game as the cable pulls and put some pressure on Park, but until then it seems Park's rare awareness of the dangers of jagged teeth on the grip surface - that's why you're paying close to $50. for this tool. If you only use plastic-coated cables—and many local bike shops tend to use this type on general-purpose bikes—cheaper tools with serrated grips will likely work for you. surfaces as long as you are careful.