Multi-tool Shootout
Edited 4/29/06 - comments to Mr. Yang re: Toolmanator
Ok, I admit it, I'm a tool junkie. Moreover, I'm particularly addicted to Multi-tools in various configurations. Doing ranch work and general outdoors stuff, such tools are absolutely indispensable. After many years, we started riding bikes again, so I just had to have at least one multi-tool. BUT, one wasn't enough, it tool four to get it out of my system.
The findings:
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Spin Doctor - RESCUE FS ($19.99 via Amazon)
This was the first (bicycle) multi-tool I bought, basically a quick look at the features and price and snagged it because I wanted one NOW and didn't want to invest a huge amount. Visually, the unit fits together nicely, but looks a bit on the clunky side. However, once in hand, that perception changes. The two "pods" fit together tightly and come apart with zero effort when you depress two buttons (with the company logo on them) on the sides. The lock mechanism holds the pieces together tightly and securely, no rattling or slipping around.
One of the tire irons is incorporated in the smaller of the two "pods." The other is one of the "spoon" blades on the other "pod." Both are robust and should do the job without problem.
On the larger of the two "pods" five of the tool spoons have a locking mechanism. This is a simple, and large, thumb sized plate on the back of the pod - no fingernail ripper here. The tools that lock are the tire iron, the three box end wrenches (including spoke wrenches and flat screwdriver) and the knife blade. These are all tools, from experience, that require leverage in many uses and the lock is and excellent idea. In our liability driven society, the knife blade must also be UNLOCKED before it can be opened.
As with the Toolmanator, the various tools fit tightly and securely on their pivot pins and don't rattle, flop around or exhibit any other annoying behaviors. I also find that having the box end wrenches each to it's own spoon to be a large advantage, as the wrench heads fit into and manipulate much easier. The same applies to the spoke wrenches, as they share the very tip of the wrench spoons.
One design problem with this type of tool is that the actual tools (the "spoons") must be relatively short so the tool can be compact. This often makes reaching the item to be adjusted RIGHT at the edge of "reaching." It's not a major issue, but makes it a bit more difficult and less enjoyable to use the tool.
Oh yes, I've scrutinized at my bike, I've explored at my wife's bike, I've searched the kids' bikes, but I have yet to find a single Torqs screw on any of them (G) A bonus tool, I suppose.
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Tire Iron 2
8mm wrench
9mm wrench
10mm wrench
bottle opener
14ga spoke wrench
15 ga spoke wrench
Screwdriver flat
screwdriver phillips
knife blade
chain breaker
Allen 2mm
Allen 3mm
Allen 4mm
Allen 5mm
Allen 6mm
Allen 8mm
Torqs
Carry Case
* Each wrench on it's own "spoon"
* Spoke wrenches on different "spoons"
* Locking plate for wrenches, blade, tire iron
* Separates by squeezing locking "buttons".
* Tool materials and stamping very clean, high quality in appearance.
* Pouch included
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Blackburn - TOOLMANATOR ($29.99 Performance Bicycle via Amazon)
(inserted comments to Mr. Yang's review)
I feel somewhat compelled to respond to Mr. Yang's review. In the overall, I don't disagree with him in any particular, but I feel he may not be giving the tool a fair "in it's proper use" evaluation. In actual fact, as Mr. Yang says, one would be "better off" buying a good set of ball end allen wrenches and a set of metric combination wrenches - IF one works only at the bench. A "purpose made" single use tool is ALWAYS better than a "combination" tool, this is the law of nature.
None of the multi-tools are intended to be "bench" tools, but field expedient emergency tools. Given my compulsion to "scientific method" I did actually use each of the reviewed tools, ON THE BENCH, for several days. Even now, I use the Bell tool for bench work on a regular basis. (which should tell us something about the Bell tool)
There are two fundamental factors that cause the problems Mr. Yang speaks of. The first, is, of course, that the multi-tools' tools (say that one six times fast) are NOT of the same quality as a "bench" tool. No question of that. The second, and most prevalent factor is that most people, for whatever reason, think that mechanical work requires them to emulate a gorilla. Evidently, one's manhood is somehow connected to how tight one makes various nuts and bolts. Not only is this unnecessary, but it causes undue wear on the bike and emotional trauma in the person working on it.
In this respect, I agree with Mr. Yang that the (various) multi-tools can be less than adequate for the job.
However, in my/our experience, the type of work we need to do in the field, is such that, with a properly set up bike without gorilla emulation mode on, ALL the multi-tools in my original test would do the job.
(end inserted comments)
The Toolmanator is by far, the best looking, most visually appealing tool I've seen. It just plainly looks fast sitting on the bench. With ruler in hand, it's slightly smaller than the Rescue FS, but the way the thing packages, with the tire irons snapped on top, it takes slightly more space in your bag. The Toolmanator fits in the case for the Rescue, but only BARELY. With the tires off, it's still a tight fit, yet is is measurably smaller.
Both of the tool "pods" are relatively small and are a bit harder for me to grip than a larger piece. My impression of the tool overall is "loose." However, I note that the tools and their pivots are all tight and secure, but the two "pods", when snapped together, tend to rattle against each other (the snap fight is not tight).
On my unit, the silver "3D" Blackburn name plates (four total) are glued into recesses on each side of the two "pods." All four of these are peeling and trying to fall off. The worst is that they leave a sticky residue. The name plate certainly isn't something I judge to be of an value at all, however, given that this is the most expensive of the tools tested, it would seem logical that the quality be a bit higher.
The tool "spoons" on this unit are about the same length as with the Rescue, and the same restrictions/issues hold.
The 8 and 9mm wrenches are on the same spoon, one at the tip, one further back. The spoke wrenches are on the same spoon as the 10mm wrench, away from the tip (behind the box end.) In unrestricted use, this is fine, but when space is restricted, this makes using the particular tools VERY difficult.
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Tire Iron 2
Allen 8mm
Allen 6mm
Allen 5mm
Allen 4mm
Allen 3mm
Allen 2mm
chain breaker
phillips
8mm wrench
9mm wrench
10mm wrench
14 ga spoke wrench
15 ga spoke wrench
(chain) Link Holder
* The 8&9mm wrench "heads" are on the same "spoon"
* 10mm wrench and both spoke wrenches are on the same "spoon"
* VERY hot looking, looks fast on the bench
* The two halves are very difficult to separate. I had to pry with tire irons. Maybe they'll loosen up with use.
* Tire irons are separate pieces (good) but the "clip" to the tool is isn't secure.
* No pouch included
* Small size but awkward shape when "assembled"
* Plastic logo inserts all ungluing (and sticky.)
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Topeak - SURVIVAL GEAR BOX ($11.95 Amazon)
I'll admit, I've been around my wife and daughter too much. This tool kit is just plainly "cute". It's small, unobtrusive and stays on the bicycle. It now lives on my wife's bike. The tools will do the job, but they're of the lowest quality of the sampling of tools I've taken. Not high quality, not "pretty," well formed or nicely finished (not that this detracts from getting the job done). I would note that the individual tools are loose in this kit. Out in the dirt, without a "workspace" this might prove to be a real disadvantage. At the same time, the kit has tire patching materials, something I have to carry separately with the other multi-tools and/or tool kits.
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Tire Iron 2
Tire patches
Scratcher
glue
Chain breaker w. handle
8 & 10mm wrench (double ended)
9mm wrench (double ended) spoke wrenches
8 & 6mm Allen (combo)
5mm & flat screwdriver (combo)
3 & 2 mm Allen (combo)
Bike mounted tool box
* plastic, very compact, "tool box"
* Tube mount, quick release
* Tool quality is relatively low
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**BEST BUY?**
Bell - 109543 QUICK-TOOL ($9.99 Amazon)
I calculate I'm ALIVE because of Bell (motorcycle accident 20 years ago). I OWE them some allegiance (and willingly give it). My entire family wears Bell bicycle helmets. This tool jumped off the page. Inexpensive, reasonably good looking, and if I didn't like it, it would certainly make a good "starter" for the kids (or one of them at least).
However, I was completely taken by surprise by this tool. It's about the same size, it has fewer tools, but it WORKS. If feels right in the hand, the tools (spoons) are a bit longer so it's easier to reach the item you're working on. The frame feels solid, the tool pivots are tight, the tools themselves don't flop around.
The shape is smooth and rounded and folds up without bumps, lumps or protrusions. This one fits best in my various storage devices (i.e. wedge or CamelBak). Ultimately, this is the tool I'll end up carrying day to day.
Quite frankly, this isn't what I expected!
Slot screwdriver
Phillips screwdriver
2mm Allen
2.5mm Allen
3mm Allen
4mm Allen
5mm Allen
8mm Allen
1/4" square drive (socket drive)
8mm socket
9mm socket
10mm socket
Tire iron
14 g spoke wrench
Carry Case
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