
When the chain sagged while coasting on my 2006 Co-Motion tandem, I need a tool to remove and service the Shimano freewheel. This lockring tool combined with a chain whip made the job easy. It dropped right down into the splines of the freehub smoothly thanks to both the guide pin keeping things straight and the splines of the tool matching so well to the splines of the hub. No slip or wiggle, very solid while turning, got that hub right off, cleaned up, re-lubed and we are back on the road.
There are two versions of this tool, one with the guide pin and one without. I was recommended the version with the guide pin by some friends, and definitely agree that it's worth the small upcharge. Easy to align and stays secure.
I used this tool to remove and install cassettes on both my road and mountain bikes. I like the guide pin because it helps in making sure attachment to lockring is correct. This tool is a must for the home mechanic - the ability to remove cassettes is necessary for proper cleaning and maintenance
It aligns and seats well. It is better than the old one I can't find without the pin. It's been effective on expensive and very, very cheap cassettes. It's machined well, but won't blow you away. For that I'm still not going call it a an awesome value.
Can't perform the procedure without this tool, which pays for itself with the very first use. Seems durable enough for years of use in the future, even if used at a pro shop.
If you are serious about cycling, you need this tool as it is the only way to remove a cassette from your wheel. Don't pay a shop to do this simple task for you, get this cassette tool, and a chain whip and you are all set!