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Looking for a Small, Lightweight, Hex Wrench Multi-Tool

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Old 09-17-13, 08:17 PM
  #1  
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Looking for a Small, Lightweight, Hex Wrench Multi-Tool

I already have this big daddy for long rides:

https://www.performancebike.com/bikes...400153__400153

I'm looking for something smaller, for OCD adjustments while on neighborhood rides.
Seems like I'm using 4, 5 and 6mm hex wrenches the most, for saddle and other adjustments.
I've been taking individual hex wrenches, but I saw this in a shop today:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Blackburn-To...item53fb8ef1ea

It was TINY and very lightweight. Don't know if it would be too small, as far as getting some leverage.

I've found a couple others that look good:

https://www.biketiresdirect.com/produ...s-multi-5-tool

https://www.pricepoint.com/Brand/PRO/...i-Tool-Set.axd

https://www.pricepoint.com/Brand/Sett...Multi-Tool.axd


Those are, basically, what I'm after. Again, 4, 5 and 6mm hex and maybe a phillips and flathead SD. Small and lightweight are essential, as it's going into a jersey pocket.
Anyone have recommendations or have used the models that I linked to?

Thanks!

S
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Old 09-17-13, 08:29 PM
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Just saw this one, too:

https://www.amazon.com/Lezyne-SV-5-Mu...pr_product_top

S
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Old 09-17-13, 08:54 PM
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i own this. https://www.universalcycles.com/shopp...1&category=224

i want this. https://www.universalcycles.com/shopp...4&category=224
id like the addition of a mini chain tool for far from home rides. you never know....
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Old 09-17-13, 09:21 PM
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I have an older version of crank brothers tool you linked to, as well as a tiny Topeak mini 6. I tend to use the crank brothers for wrenching at home, and usually just keep the tiny Topeak in my saddle bag for rides. Both are equally well made, the crank brothers is a little larger and practical to use while the diminutive Topeak is more of an emergency "works when you need it" kind of tool.
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Old 09-17-13, 09:31 PM
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This has just what you need without the weight of the components needed for folding bits. It's the size of your index finger.
Park MT-1
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Old 09-17-13, 10:11 PM
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Originally Posted by MagicHour
I have an older version of crank brothers tool you linked to, as well as a tiny Topeak mini 6. I tend to use the crank brothers for wrenching at home, and usually just keep the tiny Topeak in my saddle bag for rides. Both are equally well made, the crank brothers is a little larger and practical to use while the diminutive Topeak is more of an emergency "works when you need it" kind of tool.
Yeah, I just got the Crank Bros Multi 5.
I like how it lays flat and has all the hexes I need.
I wish it had both a flat and phillips, but I got it for $11.00 on Amazon, so no big deal.
Thanks for the post.

S
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Old 09-18-13, 09:23 AM
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Other than the minimal amount of surface rust these things have gathered, I've found them to work quite well: https://www.fixitsticks.com/
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Old 09-18-13, 09:46 AM
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Lezyne stainless steel multi tools. Very well made, and don't rust.

STL4 at 58 grams give you the tools you list (minus a flat head screw driver, which I can't think of anything, other than possibly some cleat screws, you would use it on a bike)

STL12 gives you a lot more, than you listed, but it's only 115 grams (4 ounces) and fits easily in a jersey pocket.
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Old 09-18-13, 11:17 AM
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I carry one of these. It has a 5mm hex on one end and 6mm on the other end. Used to carry a similar tool with a flat screwdriver on one end and philips on the other, but I found that I never used it, so I quit carrying it. These are available for a couple of dollars each at hardware stores. I also carry a loose 4mm hex, which might be my most used tool since I use it to adjust my cleats.
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Old 09-18-13, 11:39 AM
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Originally Posted by dejock
Other than the minimal amount of surface rust these things have gathered, I've found them to work quite well: https://www.fixitsticks.com/
seems like a nice idea.

but the ones noted as 'original' and the 'Roadie/Tri' sets - their language "Anodized aluminum body with permanently installed steel bits"
which means the versalility of having other bits is negated - all for the princely sum of $29.99

If one wants the 'replaceable' bits version - $35
seems a bit steep and very succeptible to chinese knockoffs...
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Old 09-18-13, 05:29 PM
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Originally Posted by cyclezen
seems like a nice idea.

but the ones noted as 'original' and the 'Roadie/Tri' sets - their language "Anodized aluminum body with permanently installed steel bits"
which means the versalility of having other bits is negated - all for the princely sum of $29.99

If one wants the 'replaceable' bits version - $35
seems a bit steep and very succeptible to chinese knockoffs...
True. They are a little expensive for what you get, but, they are small and lightweight, come with a 4,5,6 and flathead and will easily fit into a jersey pocket like the OP wants. And they're made in the USA
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Old 09-18-13, 07:09 PM
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https://www.specialized.com/us/en/ftr...ools/emt-micro

72g, $15 ... works for me
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Old 09-18-13, 07:18 PM
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Nothing is as versatile and light as the Ritchey CPR-9 for modern bikes.

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Old 09-19-13, 05:51 AM
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Topeak Mini 9 is pretty versatile for a light weight

https://www.topeak.com/products/Mini-...mini9pro_black
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Old 09-19-13, 06:08 AM
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word to the wise. for tools. always go topeak or park tools.

no ifs
no butts.
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Old 09-19-13, 07:52 AM
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Originally Posted by coasting
word to the wise. for tools. always go topeak or park tools.

no ifs
no butts.
Nice try. The Ritchey CPR-9 is 25 grams and has 8 useful tools for the fittings you find on modern road bikes (9 tools if you count the bottle opener). Park's MT1 is heavier, has fewer tools, and has some use design flaws, e.g. the hex heads are too short for most bottle cage bolts. I mean, it has nut wrenches, for heaven's sake. Yeah, nuts...like, what are those?? Not smart design.

Neither Park nor Topeak can meet the CPR-9 performance standard. I don't think anyone else can either.
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Old 09-19-13, 01:26 PM
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don't see how carrying any of these tools will be lighter/less complex than carrying three individual hex wrenches in the size you use. Keep it simple is my belief.
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Old 09-19-13, 01:37 PM
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Originally Posted by pdxtex
i own this. https://www.universalcycles.com/shopp...1&category=224

i want this. https://www.universalcycles.com/shopp...4&category=224
id like the addition of a mini chain tool for far from home rides. you never know....
I have the 2nd one, and it's been the best multi-tool I've ever owned. This and a set of light plastic tire levers and only the most catastrophic of breakdowns can stop you. I'm sure it could be made lighter out of Ti or something, but I'm not too worried about that.


Even the 8mm allen is useful for when that crank loosens up. The chain-breaker actually does a better job than the specialist cb that came with my toolkit. And it has come in handy multiple times on the road.
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Old 09-19-13, 02:06 PM
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A phillips head screwdriver is pretty essential to have too, especially if you ride Speedplay cleats.
Originally Posted by zvez
don't see how carrying any of these tools will be lighter/less complex than carrying three individual hex wrenches in the size you use. Keep it simple is my belief.
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Old 09-19-13, 02:46 PM
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Originally Posted by zvez
don't see how carrying any of these tools will be lighter/less complex than carrying three individual hex wrenches in the size you use. Keep it simple is my belief.
I'd bet that throwing a trio of typical, steel, Allen keys on a scale would be heavier than the 25gm CPR9, and I'd consider the inconvenience of chasing around 3 individual pieces in the seat pack or wherever to be more complex than grabbing a single fixed tool like the CPR. Of course, you'd also loose the convenience of have 6 other tools available, too.

Action Tec used to offer a titanium hex key set...but that's cheating!
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Old 09-19-13, 05:09 PM
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I use a topeak hexus ii. a chain breaker is a ride saver.
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Old 09-19-13, 06:20 PM
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If I need to carry the bare essentials I carry this:


I got it on sale for $5 on sale @ performance; they've since rebranded it another inhouse brand but it's still the same. Still a bargain @ $10.
At just under 2 inches long and 1 something inches wide, it lacks a chainbreaker but I can sure use it to disassemble a good 80% of my bike with just itself; very durable and well made too.
All metal; no plastic whatsoever. Probably has on par/ better build quality than my primary topeak alien.
https://www.performancebike.com/bikes...93_-1___000000
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Old 09-19-13, 08:24 PM
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garage sale find, $1. I don't have any Allen bolts on my bikes.
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Old 09-20-13, 10:07 PM
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I don't know how tiny you're looking for - I have the TopPeak Mini 18 in each of my bikes. Couldn't imagine needing anything smaller.

https://www.performancebike.com/bikes...551_1030274_-1
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Old 09-21-13, 07:03 AM
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Originally Posted by h2oxtc
I don't know how tiny you're looking for - I have the TopPeak Mini 18 in each of my bikes. Couldn't imagine needing anything smaller.

https://www.performancebike.com/bikes...551_1030274_-1
I dunno if 185gm meets the lightweight requirement...
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