Park Tool TL-5 Tire Levers

No, you should avoid using these on carbon rims. Because they are made of forged steel, they lack the flexibility and protective qualities needed to prevent scratching or cracking delicate carbon surfaces.

They are likely overkill for standard road tires. These are heavy-duty tools designed specifically for stubborn, tight-fitting tires like downhill mountain bike or motorcycle tires where standard plastic levers would snap.

While they are much safer on aluminum than carbon, you still need to exercise caution. Because they are rigid steel, they can scratch or gouge aluminum rims if you are not careful during the tire removal process.

The Park Tool TL-5 set includes two levers, which is the standard amount needed to effectively remove most stubborn tire beads.

You should choose these when you are dealing with extremely tight tire-and-rim combinations where plastic levers flex or break under the pressure. The forged steel construction provides the rigid leverage required for heavy-duty applications.