Review on 🔧 Efficient Granite Talon Tyre Levers: Expert Master Link Pliers & Quick-Link Chain Removal Tool by Matt Venable

I chose this Granite Talon ($12) over the Wolf Tooth Pack ($33) because (A) it uses heavy-duty nylon (instead of alum) as the lever for tires and (B) they are broken down into 2 parts (easier when used as tire levers) and (C) 1/3 the cost. I chose bright orange so I won't be forgotten/lost on the trail. Before purchasing, I read the reviews below that this item only works for compressing/removing the main link, not for expanding/setting the main link (except with external cutouts). Because of the price, I really just wanted to cut the grooves of the Dremel to give it the shape of the Park Tool MLP-1.2 (or Wolf Tooth, for that matter). Luckily I tested (12spd/SRAM) and found that expanding/adjusting the master link "as is" with no modifications works great: no slipping, no nasty complications. A small mod I made was to add a small magnetic strip inside the lever that holds the main links (picture). The holes for the main links are a bit loose and just fall out when folded over. Simple mod/fix - no big deal. (There is enough depth inside the lever so that the magnetic stripe doesn't touch the other lever when mated.) I've also read that they don't "snap" together, which is entirely true, but that's normal given the infrequent use this tool on the trail that just sits in my backpack. I actually tried modifying it first by adding another magnetic strip to hold them together (pic) but quickly decided to cancel it because (A) it almost got worse (the main link broke off, stuck to the magnet mod when separating the levers), and (B) I couldn't make the magnet strong enough for the 2 levers to magnetically snap together, and (C) the included rubber band (x2 included) actually worked better than my idea with the magnetic closure, especially if it is placed in the upper part just below the pin (fig.), as indicated in the attached instructions. Simple but very effective! You just always keep a rubber band there; when stored in packaging and when converted into tongs. Simply allow the elastic to stretch while releasing the 2 levers, flip the lever, then connect the pin like pliers (and do the opposite when pulling back). The rubber band does not interfere when working with pliers (Fig.); and simply hold it by one arm when using it alone as a tire lever. Highly recommended!