I've owned this set for about seven years and, other than a few small scratches from occasionally dropping the separate pieces, it still looks and performs like new. None of the bits have rounded off and the ratchet mechanism is still smooth, seems most multitools do not use tool quality steel but thankfully Silca does for this set. I don't really use it for setting torque since I bought a PRO torque wrench (another excellent investment) but for quick adjustment this is still my go-to.
I've been cycling for 15 years on an amateur basis between races, commuting and overall fitness. A handful of people had encouraged me to wax my chain for a while, but their description made it seem the payoff wasn't worth the effort at
The time. I'm fairly busy and I don't have time to sit and look over a crockpot or have ultrasonic cleaning like I'm baking cakes or watching paint dry. But, the simplicity of this in how easy it is to do made me rethink. It's so simple, I basically walk away, put a timer on and do other things in the garage while waxing chains. So quiet, so smooth, and honestly my favorite benefit is my bike stays cleaner overall. I spend less time maintaining my bike and drivetrain because the bike doesn't pick up nearly as much debris like I would get from using lubes. The chain stripper made this super easy as well to wax chains that weren't new on my bikes. Probably my best purchase and most satisfying maintenance advice I could give to anyone. Buy it, you won't regret it.
Used to accurately check tire pressures. My Silca digital floor pump has to over-inflate slightly, first depicting pump pressure going into tire, then settling down to residual pressure remaining in hose after presta valve closes. So I overinflate by about 3-5 psi, then attach this SKS gauge directly to the tire valve. Gives more accurate pressure actually in the tire. Can then tap the pressure release button on the gauge to set pressure just where I want, and know it is as accurate as possible. It takes a bit of practice to get the feel of holding the gauge in place. You also have to touch the mode button on the gauge to see the pressure changing as you release the excess. But better than my former process of checking tire pressure with a separate gauge after pumping, having to disengage from valve, tap valve to release, or reattach pump to increase, then apply gauge again for final check. Lighted digital display on this is easy to read compared with a dial gauge.
Great product, strips grease and grime pretty quickly. It does contain petroleum distillates, which are diluted enough to not be flammable and not be caustic to your drivetrain/paint job. Does a great job of stripping wax too! That being said, do not spray it on your chain if you just waxed it. It will break down the wax and remove it in a few minutes. I recommend removing your wheel / cassette beforehand, and be sure you thoroughly rinse down the areas you've sprayed the cleaner. It will leave an oily residue if you don't. Also, wear gloves - even though it's biodegradable it's not great for your skin.
