Recent thread about tools and how to carry them has had me looking at multi-tools. Does anyone own one like this and if so, how well do the wrenches fit bolts, nuts and spokes? The points in the boxed end (or is it boxed in?) wrenches look pretty shallow but I like the design of the chain breaker and that it could used for tire levers.

Seems to have what you would need for most emergency repairs.

I always figure these won't be "shop-tool" quality but then, why would use them in the shop? All I need one for is to get back to the shop---that one also has the supersize Allen which some pedals and square-taper cranks need.

The tool I currently have in my backpack is Topeak Power 21, a predecessor of the current Tool Monster. Would buy again, if it still existed. It's light! The two main pieces together are 3.9 oz on my kitchen scale. (The current version is more than 6.) Has the advantage of omitting moving parts. I did recently strike out trying to undo a SRAM derailleur whose bolt was too deep for the bit. I've lost the tire irons and whatever that hook thing is.

Hey, looks like they are going for twenty or thirty bucks on eBay



If I were getting one today I think I'd like to try Fix It Sticks, they use standard 1/4" hex bits so you have the tools you need for your bike, and they can be replaced if you round them off. There's a deluxe kit with a chain breaker and tire levers, and there are torque clutch accessories if that's something you want. Admittedly short on end wrenches.



I always supplement my bike tools with a small Leatherman knockoff, and there are some tiny scissors in the first aid kit.

Does the chain breaker require an Allen wrench to operate? How do you get one to reach it?

I was under the impression that the 2 halves separate leaving the chain breaker within one half and the Allen wrenches within the other. Pictures 5 and 6 shows the tool separated.

I saw the hook thing and thought. Wow a multi-tool with a chain tool. That hook thing is used to hook one link of the chain on each side, you do this to create a loop below the hook think that is not under tension. This allows for you to break the chain in this spot and not constantly be fighting trying to keep the chain loose while breaking or when trying to assemble the links again. At the home shop a wire coat hanger can be cut to do the same thing. It has a prized place in my toolbox!

Ah. Thank you. I did not see those pictures. Pretty good design, if the steel is good.

Anyone who has struggled to fix a chain in the dark on the roadside without entirely removing it, or attempted to close a broken chain in the dark on the roadside either with quick-links (don't drop one--it will be gone forever) or much worse, with a pin (I did this on Christmas Eve while my wife was waiting with guests to start Christmas dinner) will appreciate what four inches of coat hanger can do.

Anyone like myslef who didn't have one at the time can appreciate how much good it could have done.

No multitool is worth having if its cheap- both in price and quality.

Cheap multitools with cheap chainbreakers are useless.

I have a CrankBrothers- something like 18 or 19? Dont remember. All of them are quality.
It has flat and phillips screw heads, plenty(more than needed) of allen heads, a chain breaker that hurts but can break an 11sp chain, and spoke keys to true a wheel. I have trued wheels with it- its legit and works fine.

Ill have to add a small bit of hanger wire to my bags(i hate moving a wedge bag from bike to bike so i have one for each) as I hadnt thought of that. I have an actual spring tensioned tool in my garage for holding the chain when bikes are on the workstand, but hadnt thought of it for side of the road repairs. Good idea.

I picked up this set at InterBike and supplemented it with some bits I use more often. I added a couple short wrenches from a Topeak kit I have.

Another tool I like is the "Tern Tool" (Tern Tool | Premium Bike Gear which I keep in my commuting backpack. It works quite well for most adjustments.
Steve

While I do carry a multi tool, I carry other tools also. What if you need two different tools at once both on the multi tool? Use some common sense and logic on what tools you carry with you.

Example------------a screw is loose, and the allen wrench on your multi tool fits the cap head screw but-------------you also need the 7mm wrench to hold the nut from turning on the other end.

Multitools are nice but I ended better off going over my bike and getting the necessary individual allen keys (or other wrenches). Those plus a small chain tool and tire levers are about all that's needed. They work better, there's not many of them and they are no heavier/bigger than a multitool.

I used to do this, but started riding with a couple dozen kids a few times a week and had to quickly adapt. If i were still riding only alone or with adults, i would keep doing your way- its simple and lacks waste.

The multi-tool I carry separates into two halves, permitting acceptable utility.

I do this as well. Its lighter when I am touring. For my other bikes I pack the Park I-Beam tool.

https://www.parktool.com/product/i-b...ry=Multi-Tools

I'm not really fond of multi-tools, but this one works very well. Its not too heavy either.

Every single thing in that picture is freakishly clean...

Not a fan of gimmicky multi-tools. First time I used the Park I-beam tool chain breaker the pin fell out.
Most tools have too many unusable tools. Keep it simple s.
If you want a chain breaker, carry a chain breaker. If you want tire levers, carry good tire levers.
This and a couple of good allen wrenches will do.

I carry a Topeak Hexus II multi-tool. It has a chain break and hook, 7 allen wrenches, a flat and phillips screw drivers, a 25T torx, tire levers, and even a cool air release button. The tire levers are some synthetic material that makes up the sides of the tool. I've never used them so I can't vouch for their strength. The steel is good, though.

The tool in the OP's link looks a lot like a Topeak Alien II. I have the Topeak and it does good work and works well, there's enough tools included that if you can't fix it, you need a ride anyway. But the Topeak was heavy enough that it got moved to my commuter and replaced with a Topeak Mini 9. The Mini 9 has enough tools to get you out of a jam, the one thing it doesn't have is a chain breaker, and I thought "I haven't used it yet", of course cursing myself to needing a chain breaker on the road (to fix somebody else's bike, and they had a chain breaker, I had the quick link).

The Fixit Sticks tool kit does, indeed, look intriguing. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like it is in production yet. It's not listed on the Fixit Sticks website.

On the other hand, a similar tool is available...the Breaker from Full Windsor. Maybe not as compact but it works well and is fits your hand better than most other multitools.

My first thought too!

My new chains aren't even that clean out of the box.

Yep, that was my concern with the multitool shown in the OP.

I use a Topeak Alien II set. It has two halves. One half has the Allen wrenches and the other has the box ends. It also has plenty of other needed tools, such as a chain breaker, knife, etc. I also carry with me a small adjustable wrench, tire levers, patches, and so on.

The Barstow and Mini-Bar look interesting too. The Barstow chain tool stores inside the handlebar.

If that thing really weighs over 1/2 lb., you'll pay every day that you ride with it on your bike.

IME, most of the tools never get used, & many have no use on a modern bike (hex wrenches).

I'm with asmac- tire levers, chain tool, 2 allen wrenches, & also mini needlenose pliers- surprisingly useful.