[ae1969]

I still remember the wise words of Britwrench over 1 1/2 years ago when I did my headgasket.... he said

"tensioning the belts is more an art than a science"

I am no experienced wrench by any stretch of the imagination, I shelled out the $400 for the tool. I don't have the experience of "feel". Over the last year I have pulled my cover off about 12 times. During routine maintenance, for fun etc.... each time trying to learn the "feel". I think I have the feel now, but at first I was waaaaaaayyyyyyyyyy of, even with the 90 degree twist.

I managed to change my belts, do my head gasket, retension my belts at every 5,000 km (because I am neurotic).

.......in my case the tool has payed for itself over and over again...

It all depends what you are planning on doing with your car.

I have had my car a long time and it will stay with me for many years to come, I have plans on adding another one to the stable fairly soon.... so the $400 investment on the tool in my case was a cheap investment.