pavement_nyc

Is there a decent multitool that has 4,5,6 allen and 8,9,10, (possibly 15) socket wrenches, as well as flathead and phillips screwdrivers? I never really liked folding tools, are there any that lock into place perpendicular to the handle?

I buy broken bikes on craigslist and sometimes like to try to get them rideable on the spot so I can ride them home. I'm looking for a do-it-all tool, and I think besides that I would only need cable cutters, large adjustable wrench, vise grip, spoke wrench, tire lever and air for 99% of the repairs that I do.

jyl

Park MT 1

"3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, and 8mm hex wrenches
8mm, 9mm, and 10mm socket wrenches
Straight blade screwdriver
The tool is nominally 110mm long, 35mm wide, and 8mm thick"

Not much larger or heavier than a pen.

RubeRad

That Park MT1 looks pretty sweet, and $9.50 from Amazon makes it a good deal too.

I usually praise the Nashbar Woodie, it's got all the allens and many specialized bike tools (spoke, chain, ...) but being folding and not having any box wrenches, it might not be just what you're looking for. You could consider throwing a couple regular box wrenches into your "CL Bag" (if you're bringing a cable cutter you must be bringing new cables too, right?)

dsbrantjr

IMO multitools suck. In my experience, do-it-all tools do it all poorly. Trying to install, say, a bottle cage with one is an exercise in frustration. Get yourself a set of L-handle ball end hex wrenches, a set of ignition or combination wrenches in the smaller sizes and a 15mm+9/16 pedal wrench. The 4-in-1 screwdrivers are not too bad, though. Put everything into a tool bag and you are set to go.

fietsbob

I got one, ekland, at a better hardware store .all allen wrenches . 1.5-6mm.

I use it in the shop because its big enough to provide leverage ,
but for serious longer wrench torque

rydabent

Multi tools are great to get you home with. But-------------you should have good quality regular tools to work on you bike at home.

Juggler2

+1

Juha

I too have moved away from having multitool only when touring. I do carry one for commuting. It's a Topeak something or the other, I forget the exact model.

If you get a multitool, make sure you use it at home first so you know it'll do the job when you need it on the road. On one of my bikes, multitool is too big for a couple of hard to reach Allen screws.

--J

Jed19

Multitools are not meant to be used for heavy-duty work at home. I use them as strictly take along tools for fixing stuff (if need arises) while out riding. Sure, tightening the occasional loose seatpost clamp at home is okay, but I would never think of using a multitool on my pedals or BB.