"John B." wrote

But more realistically, there are a host of jobs that you simply
cannot accomplish if you don't have the correct puller, spanner,
whatever.

--
John B.

True. Yet I still see gear pullers priced from $19.99 at HF to $479.99 at
Graingers, and most of the time, they will both get the gear off. And the
longevity of the item has a LOT to do with the skill and finesse of the
mechanic using it. (As well as the original metallurgy.) Still HF will
give you another if one fails .......... generally. If you bring in
employees, all bets are off, as they can screw up an anvil.

Steve