Wolf Tooth's new 8-bit Pack Pliers are a clever approach to multi-tools. Eight attachment bits sit inside the handle of master link pliers and are held in place with magnets. Those bits fit into an 8mm swivelling hex head that has a 4mm opening for the bits.
Details• Master-link pliers feature a swiveling 8mm hex bit on the end, with a 4mm opening to accept a variety of bits that are stored in the handle
• Includes a spoke wrench, valve core tool, flat head #3.5 and Phillips #2 screwdriver bits, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8mm hex bits, and T10, T25 Torx bits
• Also installs and removes master links, clears tire sealant clogs from valve stem, and tightens the valve stem lock nut
• Made of 7075-T6 aluminum handles, CrV tool steel swivel head, S2 tool steel bits
• Magnets keep all bits in place
• Ball detent swivel head designed to access hard-to-reach places
• Handle provides extra torque
• Pliers compatible with 9, 10, 11, and 12-speed master links and chains (not compatible with Campagnolo 12-speed chains)
• Master Link storage is compatible with SRAM PowerLock Link, Shimano Quick-Link, KMC Missing Link and other similar master links (not compatible with Connex Links by Wipperman)
• Available with coloured accents: black, silver, red, purple, orange, blue, gold, green, and gunmetal
• Weight: 68g (verified)
• Size: 146mm x 20mm x 9mm
• Master links are not included
• Made in the USA
• Price: $69.95
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wolftoothcomponents.comI've been using these pliers for a little while, and I like them more than I thought I would. There are some obvious downsides: it's a miracle I haven't lost any of the bits yet, and it's annoying that it's
almost a complete repair solution but is missing a chain tool. But I've come to really appreciate the extra torque versus typical micro multi tools. Especially when taking some stubborn pedals off because someone who will remain nameless did them up to three ugga duggas. The tool feels sturdy, almost a little heavy, but it's in line or lighter than other multi-tools with similar functionality.
I'm not sure it's enough to convert me away from on-bike tool storage, but this could be a good option to throw in your bag on a big ride or a bikepacking trip.
Because to me if 8 bits is enough for you then you must be some sort of moron.
Do you even wrench brah?
And another situation, which I surprisingly encountered recently with an fresh eagle xx1 chain, was a stiff link, presumably from some botched shift that went unnoticed... quick links and pliers alone are not going to help you fix that.
Your mileage may vary, obviously, based on some people never needing or having one in X number of decades of riding.
Why break it again? That just seems like a temper tantrum
store.fixitsticks.com/collections/all-cycling/products/chain-breaker
The chain tool on my ancient heavy but alas not oft carried trusty Topeak multi tool has set the length on every new chain I have bought for the last 5-6 years since my proper one broke. Works first time every time.
Can we have a poll please. "When was the last time you used a chain tool out on the trail?"
Or even expand it to what tools have you used out on the trail.
ride.lezyne.com/products/multi-chain-pliers
Hope I m not jinxing myself for the next ride...
You might think you're clever, but my hubs don't need a chainwhip to access any "paws".... or pawls either.
You did in fact have some other non-destructive options, such as taking the wheel off then unbolting the derailleur jockey wheels, allowing the chain to be moved out of the way of the cassette. Pull it off the chainring and you can tape it out of the way (chainstay or seatstay, whichever you prefer).
Next up HGTV ...
Yep, easily the best tool on the market. I've had mine for 5 years now. No reason to ever change it.
Needing a chain breaker is a rare need, but when you need it, you REALLY need it.
Luckily my bike has an integrated chain tool (E29), because I use it.
The question is how much stuff you want to carry all the Time for using it every once in a decade? Seems like wearing ski boots all year because you’re planning on hitting the slopes around Christmas.
Personally I prefer to ride without tools and other stuff/junk and walk home a few miles once a year or so... even with cleats not a big deal... a run is still a workout.
I always wonder what folks are bringing on rides when I see groups of guys heading out and everyone is wearing 30l backpack stuffed to the point of zippers almost popping?
I over-carry for sure. But I don't think it's extreme for where I ride (when I get to ride). Urban park in town? I slim it down. Big ride in the big mountains? I minimize risks I don't feel like dealing with and increase my chances of helping myself and/or others. I don't think a chain tool is the make or break thing in that regard, especially if it means an overnight with some bears.
www.instagram.com/p/CHtjxHwn4a3/?igshid=1v075iklavzzu
Ya gotta admit he thinks outside the box.
I am in Marin county. Thats where I ride the most. So are the guys I see riding out on the trails with the massive backpacks that keep me guessing what they might be filled with.
So far we established chain breaker...
Anyway, No, at home I don’t cary jackets, bear sprays, tools, pumps, tubes... really anything but water. Loops out here a around 10 miles and the worst thing that can happen is you run across a cougar and the am not talking kitty cat I am talking wealthy older lady... also just roll out the next best fire road and call an über...
Anyway, yes if I am doing a massive shuttle ride in the sierras for example I bring some stuff, but honestly never more than what could fit in my shorts pocket.
You say 50k rides... so in the worst case 25k back... thats 5 Hours of brisk hiking, no need to spend a night... yeah it would suck but so does Carrying a super heavy backpack with the major difference that if something breaks it only happens once in a while but you carry the heavy bag all the time...
Only issue i had in the last few years was a completely busted rim... nothing fiting a backpack could have helped me. I jogged out 8 miles of prime Utah downhill with my bike on my back and I didn’t even have the slowest time of the day on Strava. Yeah I needed new cleats after that one and yeah it sucked but looking back it’s a good story
You do you in Marin and enjoy it however you do.
And I got the joke after I typed that sentence out. I’m leaving it.
Just carrying a spare link doesn't do shit when the busted link is still partially attached to the chain which is how it usually goes.
Try to insert your master link when the chain is broken on the wrong side. Twisted chains are also common.
My last broken chain was 6 days ago. Whiteout the EDC I would be stranded. Before that the chain was snapped and twisted 12 days ago, same story without the EDC chain breaker I would have ben stranded.
Now if we could get the bike/parts companies to cut down on all the different head types and sizes we could get rid of a bunch of tools....
www.bing.com/videos/search?q=how+to+break+a+quickl+ink+with+a+shoelace&docid=608032533353202408&mid=055F72BDBE1B6D583D66055F72BDBE1B6D583D66&view=detail&FORM=VIRE
The spectra is slick, tough and easier on the hands then wire.
To answer your question, the derailleurs on my road bike are 10 years old (10sp Ultegra SL), on my commuter about 7 years (replacing the original ones which would have been 30 next year), and on my FS MTB 3 months (XO1 Eagle). TBH I haven't had to adjust the eagle derailleur since building the bike up so I don't remember what the head on the limit screw is. Of the other 5 bikes in the family belongning to my kids and wife, the running gear varies from 3 year old X9 to 10 year old Dura Ace, but all of the derailleurs would have Philips head screws.
Call me when 10-bit version will be aired
Not everyone wants the same things from a tool, if you try to build a true all in one tool it ends up being bulky brick. Why do you think topeak successfully makes like 100 different multitools? It isnt affecting you, as someone who doesn't care, when they make tools for people that do care.
Headed out to take my something-or-other blackburn multitool to Pisgah for a few days, where, unless I decide to make my levers more horizontal or need to adjust them after a crash, it will live in my hip pack and have zero impact on my experience.
Peace.