Lisle 44220 Emergency Brake Cable Release Tool: For Quick and Easy Emergency Brake Cable Release Review

This thing seems pretty useless to me. I bought it after watching the video, but even the creator of the video admitted he wouldn't use this tool again and opted for pliers. This thing comes with instructions on how to use it, and there are tons of videos to teach you, but even with all that, it's still a pain in the ass. I spent a few hours trying to figure it out. Just use pliers, your life will be much easier.

Other reviews are correct. This tool did not work to disconnect the parking brake intermediate cable on my 2002 Yukon. To separate the cables you need a Schley Products SLY-10500. Yes, this one is more expensive, but its size and design absolutely work. However, this Lisle 44220 was perfect for connecting a new intermediate cable to my existing working parking brake cable.

If you thought you were getting an old, rugged 1950's style brake controller, you're not. This is a very thin tool that is good for adjusting star nuts on well-greased brakes. But if you're trying to move a rusty star nut on an old car or boat trailer that gets submerged in salt water all too often, this subtle brake adjuster will disappoint you a bit. Thin metal allows for great flexibility. The purchase is justified for the price.

The old plate was dark steel and made in the USA as shown. What I received was a brilliant instrument made in China. It's impossible to tell where it was made unless you open the box. There is no label on the packaging. Lisle is getting smart and more of their stuff is made in China and they still charge the same price. They follow the path of the craftsman. I won't be buying a Lisle again, if I wanted cheap imported tools I'd go to the cargo port and pay a lot less.

I installed new brakes and adjusters on my homebuilt trailer with rebuilt RV axles which made adjustment much easier. It's always been a screwdriver for years, but there's so little room to work with these drums, even with the jack jacked up, the little leverage this tool gives was worth the $3 spent...although I suspect it will be in the tool box for a long time before it will be used again. All in all, I'm still waiting for the first Lisle tool to be a disappointment. I think the tool is…