There are a lot of multi-tool concepts out there but that didn’t stop Jonathan Sabutis of New York City from launching a Kickstarter project to bring out his Ringtool concept. This tool is a simple round ring (as the name implies) that features a variety of hex bits. It can be used as a keychain and even a bottle opener for that post ride refreshing beverage.
It is even TSA approved. Video and features after the jump
We first heard about the Fixit Sticks back in January when company founder Brian Davix took his concept to Kickstarter. We’re happy to report that the campaign was a success – a big success earning more than double the original goal. Now the simple multi-tool is ready to ship. Five versions including a standard set, as well as sets for roadies and mountain bikers are now available for order. Video after the jump
The Hero Kit is something that can truly save the day as this bicycle rear kit includes tools, small supplies and even a step-by-step manual that help make common bike repairs. It includes a 12-function multi-tool, Tyvek tire boot, frame and cleat bolts, chain links, brake and gear cables and even zip ties. It sure beats having to take the bike to the shop when you’d rather be out riding.
The Swiss Army name has become kind of generic for anything that does multiple tasks, but only true Victorinox products live up to the true “Swiss Army” name. So when we heard that Victorinox was releasing a Swiss Army Bike Tool we were intrigued.
This is more than a multi-tool – and from the looks of it far better too. It consists of five main components in an impact-resistant plastic case, and includes an L-wrench, a set of plastic tire levers and a selection of commonly used bits along with a stainless steel adapter for mounting said bits on the L-wrench. In other words it offers a little “bit” of just what a cyclists might need and in a compact package.
There are plenty of multi-tools on the market but the MULTI is one could fit in a wallet. Made of high-strength aluminum (alloy 7075 T6) or grade 5 titanium this multi-tool offers 11 tools including an RFID (TSA approved) minimal plate wallet, flat head screwdriver, Phillips head screwdriver, nest wrench, two-inch straight edge/ruler, bottle opener, twist top bottle opener, wing nut wrench, can tab-popper, smartphone tablet stand and box opener.
However to get the MULTI tool that fits in a wallet will require some investors to open their wallet and get over to the creator’s Kickstarter site. Video after the jump
We remember that childhood game of “Pickup Sticks” but the Fix It Sticks is something you might want to pick up and put in your pocket before a ride. This bicycle multi-tool was developed by Cat 3 racer Brian Davis, who is now trying to bring it to market via a Kickstarter project.
What makes this one stick in our minds is that it provides more leverage than most mini tools. The sticks are made of aluminum and hold standard ¼-inch hex and steel bits, so any bits you have will work and go along on the ride. As the video below shows the design is simple, but sometimes simple works best. Video after the jump
Apple’s commercials once noted “there is an app for that” but let’s be honest there never was an app that could cut wood, open a bottle or loosen/tighten a screw. But now there is an iPhone case in the works that features an aircraft grade alloy multi-tool fitted inside a polycarbonate shell.
While not ready for retail yet, the Task One’s makers are looking to raise funding via Indiegogo. This casing essentially transforms the iPhone into a Swiss Army Knife with a plethora of gadgets including useful bicycle tools, including a 2.5-inch knife, 1.8-inch sawblade, small and large flathead screwdrivers, medium Phillips screwdriver, pliers with integrated 3-8mm wrench, wirecutters, six metric Allen wrenches, a spoke wrench, wire stripper, ruler and a bottle opener. Video after the jump
Clearly something is going on, as in the past month we’ve seen all sorts of innovative new tools that put a twist on the traditional shovel and sledgehammer/axe. Now the Woodman’s Pal shows that campers, hunters and other outdoors types have been doing something wrong. This multi-tool features a sickle hook blade that can cut back branches up to 1.5 inches in diameter with a mere single stroke. It also features a 10.5 inch carbon steel blade for normal cutting and there is even a bottle opener. All these devices have a bottle opener so maybe it is beer company that is behind this conspiracy of tools. Continue reading Woodman’s Multi-Tool
Because you can’t bring every tool you might need when you’re off biking, hiking or camping; having a multi-tool is never a bad idea. A better idea is to have something like the Leatherman OHT Multi-Tool, which is the first of its kind tool to be designed with one-handed operation.
It means one-hand to open blades or even pliers, as it features spring-loading for the crucial tools. The tool offers everything you might need for simple bike repair, plus a whole lot more as it includes a strap cutter, oxygen bottle wrench and even threading for common-size cleaning rods. Continue reading One Handed Multi-Tool for Everything!
In the fictional world of George Orwell’s 1984 Ingsoc was the political ideology of the totalitarian government, and it was known for double speak, a type of hiding the real message. InCOG on the other hand has nothing to do with a nefarious world order, but it offers another take on hiding things.
In this case it is about stashing tools for a bicycle… within a bicycle! The InCOG is a bike-specific multi-tool that can slide into the bike’s handlebars, thus being where it is needed most. The main tool includes hex wrenches and screwdriver bits, while a second tool comes with tire repair kit. It can fit into virtually any handlebar because it basically a series of compartments slung together by an elastic band, thus snaking its way in and out of the bar.
The tool kit is available for pre-order on Ideacious and we say this is an idea whose time has come.
For 2011, Blackburn Design haas introduced a new line of Toolmanator multi-tools for the occasional adjustment or emergency that all of us encounter at some point while cycling. There are three different models in the Toolmanator series, but the one that caught my eye was the Toolmanator 3. Having been actively cycling for over 20 years, I have accumulated quite an assortment of multi-tools and I really did not need another one. The feature that persuaded me to purchase the Toolmanator 3 was the built in Mini Shock Pump… essentially eliminatiing the need to carry a shock pump in my pack. Continue reading Hands On: The Tool to Pump You Up… in a Pinch
As any good adventurer knows, it is good to have a sidekick for your journey. Likewise, a wingman comes in handy for so much more than just cruising the bars. A sidekick and a wingman should be reliable through thick and thin, and now you can actually buy one of each – of the multi-tool variety that is.
At last week’s SHOT Show in Las Vegas, Leatherman introduced the Sidekick and Wingman – two new tools that feature contemporary design for the first-time multi-tool buyers. Both tools will be made from 420 stainless steel and feature Leatherman’s popular outside-accessibility-to-tools design, including a saw, knife, scissors, screwdriver, pliers, bottle/can opener, serrated knife and much more.
While meant for the price-conscience buyer – the Sidekick will retail for $29.99 and the Wingman at $39.99 – when they arrive in September of this year, as with other Leatherman products these products still feature the company’s industry-leading, no-hassle, 25 year warranty. Move over Swiss Army Knife, we’d rather have the American-made Sidekick or Wingman with us on our next journey.