Park Tool MT-40 Multi-Tool - Review
Park Tool's blue (what other color would it be?) MT-40 multi-tool is on the large side of thing when talking about pocket-sized helpers, but it certainly packs a bigger punch than a more race-focused multi-tool. The $54.99 MT-40 includes 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8mm hex keys, both a T25 and T35 Torx bits, a flat blade screwdriver, a nifty C02 inflator, and a burly chain tool that rivals what some people use in their home shops. All of that adds up to 235 grams on my scale and a not so small package, but its flat shape should mean that it won't be too bothersome in most pockets. www.parktool.com
MT-40 Details
• 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8mm hex
• T25, T30 Torx
• Flat blade screwdriver
• 11-speed compatible chain tool
• C02 inflator
• Keyring holder
• Dimensions: 8cm x 5.5cm x 2cm
• Weight: 235 grams
• MSRP: $54.99
• 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8mm hex
• T25, T30 Torx
• Flat blade screwdriver
• 11-speed compatible chain tool
• C02 inflator
• Keyring holder
• Dimensions: 8cm x 5.5cm x 2cm
• Weight: 235 grams
• MSRP: $54.99
Sturdy feeling aluminum side plates sandwich the MT-40's tools.
The opposite side is home to the MT-40's chain tool and thread-on C02 inflator.
Performance
Multi-tools come in all shapes and sizes, so it's easy to get what you need without having too little or too much, but I feel like they should be split into two distinct categories regardless of how many tools they include. One group consists of multi-tools that should be thought of as nearly disposable given that they seem to last about one season before they fall apart, and they often have tool bits that don't fit snug enough or are so flexible that you're worried they might snap on you. The other, higher-quality group is comprised of tools that you might have in your backpack for years on end - they're always there, they don't rattle apart, and the bits fit properly, so you're not worried about rounding off every bolt you touch.
The 8mm slip-on adapter slides onto the 5mm hex key and is held on via a spring-loaded detent.
Park Tools' MT-40 fits into that second category. The tolerances of all of the hex keys are spot-on, so much so that I wouldn't hesitate to grab the MT-40 when I'm working in the shop. Each key can also be rotated out from the tool body easily, but without them being so loose that they rattle around and require snugging up. The 8mm slip-on adapter that slides on over the 5mm hex key is a clever way to save some space, and it functions just fine for a trail-side repair, but I think I'd still prefer a standalone 8mm key as I keep expecting to lose the adapter. The thread-on C02 inflator is interesting, and it's worked pretty well the couple of times that I've needed it - simply push it onto the valve firmly and then thread the C02 canister into it until air begins to flow.
The C02 adapter threads onto a short stub next to the chain tool. Thread it off to use it, then thread it back on when you're done.
The MT-40's chain tool feels extremely sturdy.
Most pint-sized chain tools can make you feel like you're drunk and like you have the largest hands in the world. They can be finicky to use due to companies trying to make them as small as possible, but that's not the case with the chain tool on the MT-40. This thing feels super solid, especially the fold-down handle, but it doesn't make for a lightweight multi-tool. I'll take that tradeoff any day.
As impressed as I am with the MT-40, I was surprised to see some of the plated hex keys have a bit of rust on them already. This might be down to how I'm carrying it, slipped into a bib short pocket up against my back, where it probably sees more than its fair share of salty sweat.
Pinkbike’s Take:
 | You can find lighter and smaller multi-tools, so look elsewhere if you're all about having the smallest package possible. But if you want a sturdy feeling multi-tool that you'll probably have for years on end, the kind of multi-tool that you hesitate to lend to other riders for fear of not getting it back, the MT-40 is it. - Mike Levy |
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Where's the southern continent's goodness? You know, the palaces of various paved streets and stairs that make up the crazy life of urban downhill?
Pinkbike, please.
"if you're all about having the smallest package possible"
And we all know I would do anything to get rid of my smallest package.
I'm not even sure we get that here!
The difference between Clagg and a few other british mud types. haha
Best tool out there
Also, you can't use CO2 when you have a complete blowout with tubeless, but you can when you burp -- you know, when you burp enough to only leave about 15 pounds in the tire and you need 25-30. Also, on long rides in the middle of nowhere (Porcupine Rim in Moab, for example), it's just a good idea to carry at least a spare tube and some CO2. I thought this could be a useful feature.
I missed the T25 somehow.
I still don't understand the point of the C02 adapter on the tool. You have to carry 1 or 2 cartridges anyways. If you're going to carry that you might as well carry the pump portion with it... and likely the tubes together. It just makes the tool bulkier than it needs to be. And if you're someone that carries a traditional pump and doesn't use C02 it's even further pointless.
C02 and latex sealants are a no mix situation unless you want to sealant to clump up/freeze and fail. But for burp refill since there is air in the tire and you can let the sealant roll to the bottom of the tire while you inflate from the top... I can see that.
Either way... just my opinion. Don't see the point for adapter on a tool like this.
yeah, T35 seems redundant on a multi tool?
T25 most common used size for rotor bolts, control clamps and some finishing kit like Zipp
personally I prefer the Park AWS-10 hex key set, if I am taking any tool with me, and generally don't need to take tools to as my bikes are very well maintained; I can count the number of mechanical issues I've suffered on 1 hand in the past 10 years; predominantly tubeless tires failures caused by broken glass bottles on the trail. Most recent was a spoke snapping on the DT Swiss factory wheels on my road bike, piercing the tire/tube and not something that could be solved on the road.
If you are breaking chains (and needing an on-trail chain tool) something is wrong with the chain tool used to install your chain, or you have a damaged drive train (cassette / chainrings) that is causing secondary damage to the chain and causing it to fail.
good point about crash damage on the trail requiring chain repair! Although in my Whistler experiences, mech damage is normally rolling back down the mountain to the nearest bike shop or the hotel room