Read some reviews about these creases or chrome strips etc I found them excellent, the surface is slippery and helps get the bead onto the rim. A set of three is handy but when I use them I find two and sometimes one is enough. Worked well on motorcycle tires and lawn tractor tires. It's easier to avoid pinching than my trusty Beck-Arnley 18" tire changer that I've used for over 50 years. Thought the shorter length would be an issue but not really. I'm a 73 year old male and I shouldn't be doing this. Things are bigger, but I don't know any better. It's so nice to have tools I can keep riding with. Excellent purchase.