mtb_man_14

I was looking for a slim multi tool. I really like the topeak hexus https://www.jensonusa.com/store/produ...ulti+Tool.aspx
but I can't figure out how the chain breaker works in the photo. it looks like you just twist the knob but my fingers arn't strong enough to do that. i can barely manage with a parktool chain breaker. anybody know how it works? that is the only thing thats keeping me from buying it. im also open to other suggestions

mtb_man_14

nevermind. the tirelever has a 4mm allen key for it. but still... anyother suggestions?

kenhill3

Park IB-3:



Crank Brothers Multi 19:

born2bahick

i'll mail you the rusty one that's in my camel back. Don't use it too often. He He

scrublover

Lezyne makes some good stainless stuff.

https://jensonusa.com/store/brand/?510&p=1

IMO, avoid the Crank Bros. Nice design, and works well. Up until the point it turns into a rusty bucket of crap. I tried two that both did just that, very quickly.

ed 

I'm really digging my specialized EMT. I've got a smaller Park IB unit...but the Specialized has a good chain tool. I used it as my only shop chain tool for 3-4 years until I got a real one. Everything else is durable and it has everything I'll ever need on the trail.

Heck...it even has disc caliper shims for that "old skool" centering.

zeo_max

I've read a lot of bad reviews about the Specialized getting the chain tool broken easily in the first couple of uses. They even sell an EMT replacement chain tool. That doesn't sound too promising if they'll sell you the replacement.

ed 

Weird...I've broken so many chains widdit...curious...hmm...

zeo_max

Read the ones here: https://www.mtbr.com/cat/accessories/...86_152crx.aspx

Dannihilator

Here's some advice in regards to reviews from mtbr, take them with a grain of salt.

ed 

I wonder how many of the seasoned and refined home mech's that wrote those...didn't line up the pin.

Chris_F

I have the Topeak in the original link. The chain breaker does indeed work via the 4mm allen in the tire lever. The only complaint I have is that the tire levers don't really stay in the tool well, so you often find them floating around in your saddle bag. Other than that no rust, no stripped allen tools, etc. Works great.

green814

I have been very happy with the Serfas Slimline. So much so, I bought a 2nd for the road bike. VERY COMPACT.

Chris

Ka_Jun

I have the Hexus, too. It's okay, the Torx T25 bit sucks, but, on the other hand, Topeak will send you out a new one.

Zephyr11

I have a Crank Brothers 17 and it didn't rust. Then again, I lived in the middle of the desert almost the whole time I had it. Now that I've moved back to the land of humidity, it sounds like I'll be needing a new tool.

I don't like the Serfas Slimline. It's TINY, but it feels flimsy to me and the skinny sides make it hard to generate torque. Granted I've never broken one, so it might just *feel* flimsy without actually being flimsy.

kenhill3

For those that want to just pack a tool and forget it, unplated steel tools are probably not the best of ideas. Stainless steel, as Scrub linked, may be your best option.

The Crank Bros. is just fine for MY use. I keep it clean and lightly coated with oil, as I do all of my tools (at least the ones that I care about).

dminor 

^^ Over where you are, Ken, I wouldn't doubt you nearly have to keep everything packed in cosmoline between uses .

kenhill3

That just about says it all for around here.

Cosmoline- one of the things (the smell) that keeps me away from Harbor Freight.

ed 

Actually, it goes quite well on toast.

Murphn8r

I've had a Crank Brothers Multi-tool for about 8 years and love it. It hasn't rusted and gets exposed to moisture on most every ride since I keep it in my Camelbak.

MindlessDeviant

I must be nuts because I love the smell of cosmoline

On a side not I wish I lived where you are, its so much nicer up there.

kenhill3

Like the rain, huh?

My aversion to cosmoline is because I detest crappy Chinese tools.

dminor 

^^ Ahhhh, but where else can you buy a whole sliding compound miter box for less than one good drywall screwgun?

-_RebelRidin'_-

I have the park tool one, works well. the tire lever doesnt stay inplace well.
I ave one I won in a race that is awesome, its compact, and got everything I need on it, I'll have to check the brand,

MindlessDeviant

I love the rain when we have our rain weeks Im in heaven! I hate that Texas sucks and closes all bike trails at the slightest sprinkle so the best I can do when its wet is ride a paved trail. I love riding in the rain. If I had the option to move up to Washington which I was looking at for a while but couldnt find a decent job during the economy crash I would be up there in a heart beat.

My love for cosmoline is because it normally means a new rifle has come in! I miss my weapons....