An overview of the products tested:

Jagwire Elite Hydraulic Cutter
Jagwire Pro Needle Driver
Enduro Bearings Pro Bearing Puller BBT-222
Birzmann Disc Brake Piston Pusher
Old wooden trowel

Jagwire Elite Hydraulic Cutter

First impression
The cutter seems a little large at first, as there are many more space-saving alternatives. When you pick it up, the ergonomic shape reveals that there is probably something "more" behind it. The aluminum construction indicates durability. The blade is replaceable

In use
The brake line is placed in the recess provided for this purpose and held firmly in place. The pliers-like handle allows you to cut without any force. The cut is absolutely flat

Conclusion
The Jagwire Elite Hydraulic Cutter has such a simple design that you can neither use it incorrectly nor struggle to get it right. Cutting cables has never been so easy.

Price: CHF 90.00

Manufacturer
www.jagwire.com

Jagwire Pro Needle Driver

First impression
The tool has two functions. The needle starter is used to insert the threadless pins into the line so that they can then be countersunk more easily with the press up to the stop. This tool also has a simple and robust design.

The press-fit device holds cables with a diameter of 5 or 5.5 millimetres. The cable should be inserted until the end with the pin protrudes between the two levers. Then simply tilt the clamp in the appropriate direction. This tool can also be operated like a pair of pliers. It pushes the pin in without using much force. If it does not sit flat, there are two reasons. Either the cable has not been inserted correctly or there is still brake fluid residue on it. Then it will slip a little. If you repeat the whole process, the pin will sit seamlessly in the line.

Conclusion
After the third use at the latest, you will be able to connect the cable and the pin perfectly in one go. Practice makes perfect and working on the brake line is child's play.

Price: CHF 70.00

Manufacturer
www.jagwire.com

Enduro Bearings Pro Bearing Puller BBT-222

First impression
The puller comes in a handy roll-up case. It contains 9 stainless steel collets, which are designed for removing bearings with an inner diameter of 8 to 32 mm. The main tool is a slide hammer made of stainless steel. This can be used as a regular hammer thanks to the two screw heads supplied (brass and rubber). The set is well made, which is reflected in the price

In use
Pulling old or stuck bearings out of hubs or bike frames is often a nerve-wracking task. Not so with the tool from Enduro Bearings. It is important that the work is carried out with the necessary calm and that the collets are carefully inserted into the bearings. Once the puller is perfectly seated in the bearing, it is pre-tensioned until it fits snugly. The slide hammer is then screwed on and the counterweight is pulled backwards with a lot of momentum. This work step must also be carried out precisely, otherwise there is a risk of slipping and damaging the bearing.

Manufacturer
www.enduroforkseals.com

Birzmann Disc Brake Piston Pusher

First impression
The brake piston pusher impresses with its simple design. It has a simple and robust design combined with simple functionality

In use
Thanks to the tool, there is no need to remove the wheel or brake shoe. It is
only the brake pads are removed. Then turn the piston pusher slightly and ride it between the pistons and the brake disc. Then simply turn and push the pistons back into the brake shoe in parallel. Damage or tilting is impossible.

Conclusion
With the Birzmann Disc Brake Piston Pusher, squatted brake pistons can be repaired in no time at all. Or you can easily create space for new pads so that they don't rub against the brake disc.

Manufacturer
www.birzman.com

Old wooden trowel - bargain tip

You don't need expensive tools for certain jobs, but you do need a "third" hand

In use
Everything has an end, only the wooden ladle has two. Once it has served its purpose in the kitchen, it is a practical helper in the workshop. When replacing a suspension fork or changing headset bearings, the trowel keeps the numerous components in the correct order. A practical side effect: wood as a material leaves no damage to the bike or parts.

Conclusion
The wooden trowel is a great helper when used in the head tube. The shaft often fits through the bearings of rear triangles and holds them in place when working on them. And the best thing is that upcycling gives the trowel a new lease of life.