I also own a Cushcore bead dropper, which is kind of a Pedros lever on steroids with a nice rounded handle so you can push the bead down into the central well of the rim pressing down at 90˚ to the sidewall. Does exactly what's it's supposed to, but didn't make a dent in the horrible welded, 'you can stand on me, but I'm not budging' tyre/rim combo.
Similar to my experience with the CushCore bead dropper tool on a tennerager-level-stubborn tyre/rim/insert combo: Conti CrossKing/Reserve 30HD/CushCore. Took more force than I was happy applying to get the bead off, involving a combination of inappropriate tools from around my garage. I'd not stand a chance of removing the tyre trailside if something happened.
For anyone looking for the Vittoria tool, this might be worth a look. Doesn't specifically state it's the MTB version although that's what's pictured (the box at least has 'MTB' on it) and no mention of the 6 tyre lever things. £12.99 vs the ~£25ish it is most other places: https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/pliers-and-tyre-lever/_/R-p-X8910022
Never found an issue with Wera hex or Torx wrenches. Use the ball end for low-torque just spinning the bolt and then nip up with the other end and check with a torque wrench. Not rounded a bolt head or wrench in the 5 years I have been using Wera wrenches. Have to admit I am mechanically sympathetic and look after tools.
Nail clippers as mentioned above are great for cutting zip-ties.
Tyre fitting tools have moved on so much since I have been riding. The Vittoria tool and a Tyre Glide have made a great difference - especially with tyre liners and poor rim and tyre combinations. My thumbs thank the inventors of these!
Chain link pliers - made joining or splitting a chain at the split link so much easier!
Cable cutters. Nothing has beaten the old Suntour ones I lost 😭. The Park ones are ok - but just not as good.
Most used tool in my tool box – Knippex plier wrench.
Also the best tool I have for resetting brake pistons. Parallel action and smooth jaws work better than any other of the various tools I've tried over the years.
@tthew how do you do this? I can’t picture how this would work. (I’ve got a set, one of my favourite tools)
