I didn't actually end up using the bands they came with. I went out and got a couple sets that work a little differently, so I never ended up getting the tool. I think the kind I got have a point on them that sticks up higher than the ones that came with the mecatechs, and have been secretly wondering if it was somewhat to blame for the boots tearing prematurely. I also used redline super spendy hyper fantastic synthetic grease instead of what they came with and have also been secretly wondering if it could have at all weakened the boots up some causing my CV woes as well. I guess sometimes it's a curse really, my inherent compulsion to always try and tamper with things that is.....