which multi-tool is best?

rob crompton said:

I broke my Kool Tool, and they don't seem to be available anymore -
though i'd be pleased to hear otherwise. (I deserved it - i was trying
to undo a cross threaded pedal with the Kool Tool adjustable spanner
and a 12" adjustable for more leverage - the adjustable bit of the jaw
broke off. But I was desperate at the time)

So what's the best minimal but adequate tool out there? Requirements
would be at least chain tool, pedal spanner, usual allen keys, cross
and flat screwdriver and some kind of sockets/spanner capability.
Topeak Alien II looks promising but rather expensive.

I'm not a fan of purpose built multi-tools, I think they are a triumph
of marketing over function. To my mind you're better off putting
together your own custom cluster of tiny bits. With careful choice
you'll end up with far superior tools that take up no more space than
an all in one (in fact, they can be easier to cram into small packs
because they're individual elements, not one single lump.) You can
also take only what you need, and nothing extra, as is the case with
most multi-tools.

I carry a Facom 1/4" drive sliding T, a small 50mm extension and a bit
adapter with a selection of hex and screwdriver bits. See here:

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gareth.evans490/MiniTool2.jpg

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gareth.evans490/MiniTool1.jpg

I promise you these will take *way* more abuse than an Alien without
letting you down, and given your pedal extraction technique described
above, it sounds like you need reliability 🙂

There's a 50p piece there for scale, and the seatpack is the smallest
in the Topeak range, just enough room for an innertube with a few
tools on top.

That's a very small bundle, and very flexible too. Carry just the
appropriate size bits for the bike you are on and if you want socket
capability too, throw in a couple of 1/4" drive sockets as well.

You'll need a compact stand alone chain tool, but these are widely
available. Just having had a look, I'm wondering if this head unit
could be made to work with a T bar and extension:

http://tinyurl.com/46aop

Might make a super compact option, and only 20 grams.

Your other requirement is a pedal spanner, but I think you're asking a
lot here from a portable tool. That's about the nastiest union on a
bike, and almost anything you carry along is going to struggle if the
pedal decides to be a [censored].

As long as the threads were greased when installed, and not left to
seize for months on end, then you should be able to do most pedals
with the T bar and hex head bit (assuming good quality tools). Other
than that your best option is maybe a 6" adjustable... but I wouldn't
want to lug one around.

Anyway, that's my suggestion as an alternative to a multi-tool, make
yer own.

--

Call me "Bob"

"More oneness, less categories,
Open hearts, no strategies"

Email address is spam trapped, to reply directly remove the beverage.

Call me Bob said:

rob crompton said:

I broke my Kool Tool, and they don't seem to be available anymore -
though i'd be pleased to hear otherwise. (I deserved it - i was
trying to undo a cross threaded pedal with the Kool Tool adjustable
spanner and a 12" adjustable for more leverage - the adjustable bit
of the jaw broke off. But I was desperate at the time)

So what's the best minimal but adequate tool out there? Requirements
would be at least chain tool, pedal spanner, usual allen keys, cross
and flat screwdriver and some kind of sockets/spanner capability.
Topeak Alien II looks promising but rather expensive.

Try and do without a pedal spanner, Rob.

Quoted message said:

I'm not a fan of purpose built multi-tools, I think they are a triumph
of marketing over function. To my mind you're better off putting
together your own custom cluster of tiny bits. With careful choice
you'll end up with far superior tools that take up no more space than
an all in one (in fact, they can be easier to cram into small packs
because they're individual elements, not one single lump.) You can
also take only what you need, and nothing extra, as is the case with
most multi-tools.

Tend to agree, although it doesn't stop me thinking about buying one each
time I see one :-)

Quoted message said:

I carry a Facom 1/4" drive sliding T, a small 50mm extension and a bit
adapter with a selection of hex and screwdriver bits. See here:

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gareth.evans490/MiniTool2.jpg

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gareth.evans490/MiniTool1.jpg

Not as heavy-duty or versatile but the Topeak ToolBar is lighter and its
head will take standard 1/4" bits and sockets with an adapter. It's
rather neat & comfortable, I like it. Only half-length bits can be stored
inside the body, though.

~PB

Pete Biggs said:

Quoted message said:

I'm not a fan of purpose built multi-tools

Quoted message said:

Tend to agree, although it doesn't stop me thinking about buying one each
time I see one :-)

Tools, innit. We are powerless in the face of their shiny glare.

--

Call me "Bob"

"More oneness, less categories,
Open hearts, no strategies"

Email address is spam trapped, to reply directly remove the beverage.

in message <[email hidden]>, rob

crompton (') said:

I broke my Kool Tool, and they don't seem to be available anymore -
though i'd be pleased to hear otherwise. (I deserved it - i was trying
to undo a cross threaded pedal with the Kool Tool adjustable spanner
and a 12" adjustable for more leverage - the adjustable bit of the jaw
broke off. But I was desperate at the time)

So what's the best minimal but adequate tool out there? Requirements
would be at least chain tool, pedal spanner, usual allen keys, cross
and flat screwdriver and some kind of sockets/spanner capability.
Topeak Alien II looks promising but rather expensive.

I have the Alien, it's a very nice and useful piece of kit. With an
Alien, a crank tool and a cone spanner you can completely strip a bike;
I often use it in in my workshop in preference to getting the toolbox
out.

However Edinburgh Bike Co-op sell a clone of it - in two separate pieces
presumably to avoid Topeak's patents - for very much less: the 'Lifu
Pocket 12' and 'Lifu Pocket 7' for twenty-one quid the pair. Allegedly
these snap together like the two halves of the Alien. I can't comment
on their quality. The Co-op also offers the Specialized EMT Comp for
twenty quid which is a known brand and reasonable quality. I have one
of these, too - but I prefer the Alien. It's expensive, but it's worth
it.

--
[email hidden] (Simon Brooke) http://www.jasmine.org.uk/~simon/
-----BEGIN GEEK CODE BLOCK-----
Version: 3.1
GP/CS s++: a+ C+++ ULBVCS*++++$ L+++ P--- E+>++ W+++ N++ K w--(---)
M- !d- PS++ PE-- Y+ PGP !t 5? X+ !R b++ !DI D G- e++ h*(-) r++ y+++
------END GEEK CODE BLOCK------

Call me Bob said:

I carry a Facom 1/4" drive sliding T, a small 50mm extension and a bit
adapter with a selection of hex and screwdriver bits. See here:

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gareth.evans490/MiniTool2.jpg

Ooh, tidy. Do you remember where you got it?

--
jc

Remove the -not from email

Jeremy Collins said:

Quoted message said:

I carry a Facom 1/4" drive sliding T, a small 50mm extension and a bit
adapter with a selection of hex and screwdriver bits. See here:

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gareth.evans490/MiniTool2.jpg

Ooh, tidy. Do you remember where you got it?

They're standard hand tools, you'll get them from any good tool store.

If you want those particularly then get out the yellow pages and find
your local Facom dealer, the part numbers are:

T bar R120
50mm ext R209
Bit holder R235

Should be about £20 altogether, with VAT and a bit of discount.

You could save a few quid by purchasing a different brand, but then
Facom 1/4" drive stuff is the best quality available and will last you
the rest of your life. You'll find too that other brands are slightly
fatter and heavier in the hand (and seat pack), perhaps important to
you.

--

Call me "Bob"

"More oneness, less categories,
Open hearts, no strategies"

Email address is spam trapped, to reply directly remove the beverage.

Call me Bob said:

Jeremy Collins said:

Quoted message said:

I carry a Facom 1/4" drive sliding T, a small 50mm extension and a bit
adapter with a selection of hex and screwdriver bits. See here:

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gareth.evans490/MiniTool2.jpg

Ooh, tidy. Do you remember where you got it?

They're standard hand tools, you'll get them from any good tool store.

If you want those particularly then get out the yellow pages and find
your local Facom dealer, the part numbers are:

T bar R120
50mm ext R209
Bit holder R235

Should be about £20 altogether, with VAT and a bit of discount.

You could save a few quid by purchasing a different brand, but then
Facom 1/4" drive stuff is the best quality available and will last you
the rest of your life. You'll find too that other brands are slightly
fatter and heavier in the hand (and seat pack), perhaps important to
you.

Thanks for the info. My local B&Q doesn't have such things, or I
certainly would have got one by now. I searched Screwfix without luck
too. I'll ask at my local hardware shop, which is eye-wateringly
expensive but has good staff who can probably help me get one.

I usually carry a key-ring thing full of standard allen keys,
which is a bit cumbersome, plus I have to share them between
my cycle bag and toolbox, so they're often in the wrong place.

--
jc

Remove the -not from email

In article said:

On 24 Jan 2005 09:48:23 -0800, "rob crompton"
<[email hidden]> wrote:

[...]

Quoted message said:

That's a very small bundle, and very flexible too. Carry just the
appropriate size bits for the bike you are on and if you want socket
capability too, throw in a couple of 1/4" drive sockets as well.

You'll need a compact stand alone chain tool, but these are widely
available.

And a spoke key (and possibly a knife and bottle opener to match the
Alien). (The Alien does have a little pedal spanner too, but I have
serious doubts about whether it would handle a remotely stuck pedal,
so long as your pedals can be done with a hex bit instead that's
almost certainly a better bet).

rob crompton said:

So what's the best minimal but adequate tool out there?

Slightly more minimalist than your reqs but I like the crank bros
multitools - they're reasonably light but strong, the chain tool is
exvellent (I use it as my main chain splitter).

I bought mine from Cyclexpres, post free:

http://www.cyclexpress.co.uk/products/Crank_Bros_Multi_17_Tool_664.asp

cheers,
tom.

I have a Specialized tool - can't remember exactly what it's called
(EMT? something like that) - which I was given as a gift. It has come
in handy a few times - not least for the bottle opener ;-) - but also
was very useful that time when my derailleur disintegrated 30 miles
from home...

Cons are: it's heavy, and it doesn't have as many features as the
Alien.
Pros are: it is sturdily built and costs a lot less than the Alien.

d.

I notice in your picture you also have some of those Park Super
Patches. I recently bought some of these but - fortunately - have not
yet had cause to use them. Are they any good?

On 25 Jan 2005 08:29:34 -0800, "davek" <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

I notice in your picture you also have some of those Park Super
Patches. I recently bought some of these but - fortunately - have not
yet had cause to use them. Are they any good?

No idea, I'm in the same boat as you mate 🙂

They are in there because they are a small and neat for slipping in a
seat pack, but I've not used one yet.

--

Call me "Bob"

"More oneness, less categories,
Open hearts, no strategies"

Email address is spam trapped, to reply directly remove the beverage.

Call me Bob said:

On 25 Jan 2005 08:29:34 -0800, "davek" <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

I notice in your picture you also have some of those Park Super
Patches. I recently bought some of these but - fortunately - have not
yet had cause to use them. Are they any good?

No idea, I'm in the same boat as you mate 🙂

They are in there because they are a small and neat for slipping in a
seat pack, but I've not used one yet.

Do I hear another person who ordered something costing 49.99 from
wiggle, and bought the patches to receive a net discount of 4 quid?

Richard Bates said:

Quoted message said:

They are in there because they are a small and neat for slipping in a
seat pack, but I've not used one yet.

Do I hear another person who ordered something costing 49.99 from
wiggle, and bought the patches to receive a net discount of 4 quid?

Almost. I think I got mine from Settle Cycles, in order to bump up
past the tenner total for free postage.

--

Call me "Bob"

"More oneness, less categories,
Open hearts, no strategies"

Email address is spam trapped, to reply directly remove the beverage.

I've used Park patches and think they're ok - got me home and I used the
inner tube that'd been repaired with a 'Park' patch for several months after
"Richard Bates" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Call me Bob said:

On 25 Jan 2005 08:29:34 -0800, "davek" <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

I notice in your picture you also have some of those Park Super
Patches. I recently bought some of these but - fortunately - have not
yet had cause to use them. Are they any good?

No idea, I'm in the same boat as you mate 🙂

They are in there because they are a small and neat for slipping in a
seat pack, but I've not used one yet.

Do I hear another person who ordered something costing 49.99 from
wiggle, and bought the patches to receive a net discount of 4 quid?

davek said:

I notice in your picture you also have some of those Park Super
Patches. I recently bought some of these but - fortunately - have not
yet had cause to use them. Are they any good?

Experience seems to suggest that they eventually come unstuck after 8-12
months.

--

Dave Larrington - http://www.legslarry.beerdrinkers.co.uk/
World Domination?
Just find a world that's into that kind of thing, then chain to the
floor and walk up and down on it in high heels. (Mr. Sunshine)

Dave Larrington <[email hidden]> wrote:

: [re park super patches]
: Experience seems to suggest that they eventually come unstuck after 8-12
: months.

I carry a set in case I have more than two punctures. The one time
I've had to use them, they got me home fine. Can't speak for the long
term use since I bin punctured tubes anyway.

--
Arthur Clune PGP/GPG Key: http://www.clune.org/pubkey.txt
It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness

Richard Bates said:

Do I hear another person who ordered something costing 49.99 from
wiggle, and bought the patches to receive a net discount of 4 quid?

Heh. I think I own several water bottles for reasons along those lines,
though the patches were bought from the LBS on the owner's
recommendation when I bought some inner tubes.

But to get back to the subject for a second... the more I think about
it, the more I think separate tools are a good idea. I only use a few
of the tools that are on my Specialized EMT and could well do without
some of the others - eg the spacers/shims for disk brakes (not even
really sure what they are for, never having owned a bike with disk
brakes), and I suspect the spanners would be of limited effectiveness
given their fiddly size and shape, ditto the tyre lever. The most
useful bits are the allen keys, the screwdriver, the chain breaker and
the bottle opener.

d.

On 26 Jan 2005 09:10:45 -0800, "davek" <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

But to get back to the subject for a second... the more I think about
it, the more I think separate tools are a good idea. I only use a few
of the tools that are on my Specialized EMT and could well do without
some of the others - eg the spacers/shims for disk brakes (not even
really sure what they are for, never having owned a bike with disk
brakes), and I suspect the spanners would be of limited effectiveness
given their fiddly size and shape, ditto the tyre lever. The most
useful bits are the allen keys, the screwdriver, the chain breaker and
the bottle opener.

On the subject of the chain breaker... if you decide to go with the
separates option then I can recommend this chain tool head unit:

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/v2_product_detail.asp?ProdID=969759271

Mine arrived this morning (excellent service, thanks Wiggle), and it's
really very small and light. It'll work perfectly well with the T bar
and a couple of hex bits too, so no need to add anything else either.

Plunger winds in with a 5mm hex, can pop a 4mm into the bottom lug to
provide a short (but sufficient) handle.

--

Call me "Bob"

"More oneness, less categories,
Open hearts, no strategies"

Email address is spam trapped, to reply directly remove the beverage.