no motor?

I've used mine enough to justify carrying it with me, it doesn't take up much space and I'm glad it's there when I need it. I use it for a number of things when doing maintenance too - it's one of the last things I would want to leave at home.

RoadKill

Tube, patches, pump, and multi-tool every time and they all get used on occasion. I have an 8 mile each way commute so it's far enough that I really don't want to have walk back home from even the half way point.
Last couple times I used the mult-tool were for handlebar and seat adjustments so nothing mission critical for getting to work, but if I didn't have the tool with me I probably would have forgotten to make the adjustments when I got home and would still be riding in an uncomfortable position. I don't know if there are many things that could possibly happen where the multi-tool was the the only reason I was able to make it home, but it's so small and light that if I want to save the weight I'll skip the french fries for lunch one day.

noisebeam

In over 100k miles of commuting, touring and recreational rides I have only loaned it. Never used myself.

wphamilton

Maybe a couple of times per year, including helping other cyclists.

I'm a little amazed at always taking the tool-kit off whenever you park outside. If I did that, I probably wouldn't keep them on the bike in the first place. Just a pouch in my pocket, if that.

Classtime 

I used my MT-1 today: a rattle on rough pavement turned out to be a loose bottle cage that I tightened when I got to work.

79pmooney

I use hex keys far more often then the rest of the functions on the multi-tools. So I do not carry one, just the hex keys that fit that bike. The small "L" shaped hex keys are nice to work with; far nicer than most multi-tools on waterbottle cages and many derailleur screws. I also carry the specific tools that a particular bike might need. Derailleur bikes - a spoke wrench and a spare spoke is on many of them. Fig gears - a 6" crescent or Perdro's Trixie for the rear hub nuts. Sometimes a chain tool. And when I am headed into the country, a Leatherman with my keys in it. (Into the city it is a Gerber and keys; lighter, smaller, more pocket friendly and faster for bike lock-ups but nowhere near as good a tool.

Ben

c0urt

I use mine for adjustments and stuff, and to sort out paint issues.
but mostly to help other people who are not prepared on group rides.

no motor?

I use mine to help others too, it seems like whenever I ride with friends I'm the one who knows how to repair things and I better have my own tools then.

Kedosto

The multi tool is insurance. And just like every other form of insurance, you're not quite convinced you really need it... until you do. A solid routine maintenance plan makes carrying a multi tool seem unnecessary, but as soon as you leave it at home...? You don't wanna go there.

I've carried tools for decades, and can probably count on my fingers the total number of times I've actually used them on the the side of the road. But when I needed that one particular tool... PRICELESS! I should mention I only carry what I specifically need. No screwdrivers, chain tools, or pliers. In fact, I don't carry a "Multi-tool" at all, I carry 4-5-6 allen, master link for chain, patch kit, mini pump, CO2 cartridge, and a spare tube. I stuff a few plastic wire ties into the nooks and crannies because they offer valuable versatility. Oh and BTW, only carry quality tools -- there's nothing worse than being stuck on the side of the road with a breakdown, except being on the side of the road with a breakdown and a stripped out, broken tool in your hand.


-Kedosto

OmegaWolf

I've used mine a few times over the last 3 years. I seem to need it a lot more frequently when I don't bring one with me.

rumrunn6

Monday my rack mount loosened so I had to use the philips head for one bolt & a hex head for the other bolt, both on the same multi-tool

if you have fenders, you might want a dedicated nut driver within easy reach too. these don't usually need a tweak once they are set, but you never know

noglider 

The weird thing is that I don't usually carry a spoke wrench, but once on a commute home, I broke two spokes. I used the spoke wrench to make the bike ridable. Without it, I would have needed to carry the bike, as it was so taco'd that it would not roll even with a lot of force. I'm not convinced I should carry it, but given what happened to me, maybe I should.

globie

I use mine mainly in the office after I've encountered an issue on the way to work. I've used it curbside maybe six times in 11 years of commuting, and like many others here, have offered it to other riders about the same number of times.
My commuter is so heavy, I don't mind the weight, and I don't worry about people getting into my saddle bag when I lock up.
As sure as you ditch the thing, that's when you'll need it.

deephate

I have never used mine and I have not loaned it out but I gladly would. I carry a lot of stuff I don't seem to need. I feel like if I didn't have it I would need it. I do have AAA and a cell phone so maybe I should lighten my load.

SylvainG

My multi-tool has both a spoke wrench and chain breaker. Never had to use any of them, yet. For an emergency spoke, this is what I have:
https://www.amazon.com/FiberFix-Emer.../dp/B001GSMQZC

Never had to use it either and was wondering if I should keep it in my saddle bag, but I know my luck with Murphy's law so the first day without it, I would break multiple spokes...

Archwhorides 

A very nice thing about disc brakes is that a broken spoke will not disable the wheel. I've relied on that more than a few times.

noglider 

When I took a three-month tour, I brought spare spokes. That makes a little sense. I don't think carrying spare spokes on a commuting ride makes a lot of sense, steel or fiber.

noisebeam

Some wheels stay true enough to ride on with a broken spoke. Such as the Mavic Aksiums on my SuperSix.
I've broken about 4 spokes in 100k miles, but never repaired until at home.

cyccommute 

I'm not sure where you are getting your information. Everything I can find at from the CDC is pretty clear on helmet usage and its effectiveness. From a page titled "Injury-Control Recommendations: Bicycle Helmets"

From Bicycle Safety


Their message seems pretty clear.

As to tools, yes, I carry them and I've used them. Not daily or even weekly but enough to justify carrying them.

MMACH 5

If an adjustment can wait until I reach my destination, I'll use the full-sized tools I have at my office and at home. It's fairly rare that I need my multi-tool on my commute. I've used it more for other riders on social rides.

pdlamb

Hmm, I was remembering the WABA blog from a few years back: Feds Withdraw Claim That Bike Helmets Are 85 Percent Effective | Washington Area Bicyclist Association It seems the message has not percolated through the bureaucracy yet.

Back to the multi-tool question: I used mine just yesterday afternoon. Headed out the door, I noticed a couple screws were loose on my panniers. Two minutes later, they're tight and will hopefully stay that way for the next 12 years!

(Note I'm really not trying to turn this into another helmet thread. My intended point, poorly made apparently, is that I regard a helmet more as a talisman, but I've used the multi-tool enough to regard it as a useful tool that's worth its weight to carry.)

cyccommute 

Based on this meta analysis of numerous studies, the WABA blog post is worth about as most blog posts.

I don't want to turn this into a helmet thread either. However a helmet, like a multitool, is something that I carry and use on a frighteningly regular basis. I've popped far too many helmets against the ground to doubt their efficacy.

Nachoman

Once this past weekend. For a slight derailleur adjustment on a bike that was loaned to me and probably hadn;'t been ridden for months.

jon c. 

I carry one, but have never used it. I've used tire tools too often and a spoke wrench once, but never the multi-tool.

devianb

I used to carry one all the time because of "just in case." Never once had to use it while out riding.