Editable Multi Tool
 

Thanks to you guys helping me decide, I am going to be designing an customisable multi tool, where you can choose what tools you need, and you can attach the right tools that are specific to your bike model. What do you think? A bit of guiding by you people of this bike forum would be helpful :). Thank you

+ I will post my sketches when I am done sketching.

Already done. Fixit stix.

My thoughts.

2, 2.5, 3, 4, 4.5, 5, 6, and 8 mm hex
T15, T20 and T25 torx
chain tool
7, 8 and 15 mm open end wrench (hydraulic hose fittings and fixed gear wheels)
Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) cross tip screwdriver.
Probably a flat tip screwdriver

These should all be available.

Note that the screwdriver should not be Phillips but JIS. There is a difference. JIS screwdrivers will work with Phillips head screws but Phillips head screwdrivers will strip the head of JIS screws. Shimano derailleur adjustment screws are JIS.


-Tim-

At first read I thought the title meant "edible multi tool." That would be something... work on your bike, then have a handy snack.

Each tool on a hook at the end for pivoting(open and close) where you can easily unthread the rod the hooks are attached to would be nice, as long as the whole system is secure and doesnt flex.
Remove what you dont need/want and add what you need/want, depending on the bike.

And if its less that the fixitsticks, all the better since a quick search shows those are not cheap.

Heh. Read it that way too.

Someone posted this thread https://www.bikeforums.net/general-c...ulti-tool.html two days ago. Maybe y'all can collaborate.

This is what I thought as well. I'm in for this idea.

One idea is to visit a used bike shop or co-op and just take note of the fasteners on different bikes. You'll quickly identify which tools are ubiquitous, and which ones are more specialized. For instance 3 to 6 mm allen wrenches will be on virtually all bikes made in the past few decades.

Now think about the design of the tools as tools. For instance, larger diameter fasteners usually need more torque. And the tools need to be robust enough to withstand repeated use. Having the right metallurgy, and controlling your supply chain, will be important for the tools to be durable and precise.

I recall this being available 20-some odd years ago. I distinctly recall this idea in one of my supplier catalogs, thinking "well now, that's absolutely genius!" though I also recall it being insanely expensive back then too, thus it didn't go anywhere.

It's one thing to make some one offs for yourself and buddies, it's something else entirely to market such things to the public. For something like this to be successful, it really HAS to come in at a price point similar to other popular tools, or represent an incredible value over traditional tools, typically by filling an existing gap in the market.

Somewhat similar to the Gerber/Leatherman multi-tools. I have a couple of the Gerber models that included the changeable jigsaw blades. I thought it was an awesome addition, but most other people didn't feel it was worth the $50-$80 bump in price compared to otherwise identical models without the interchangeable blades. Thus, no longer on the market!

I've been using a now discontinued multi-tool for many years, called the Topeak toolbar.

It's a brilliant design:

1. Very small and lightweight, so it fits into even the smallest saddle bag (1/4 inch ruled paper):
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...4d7a8c4eb2.png

2. Rounded edges, so there's no chance it will puncture a spare tube.

3. Thin but strong aluminum tire levers that slide out of slots on the side of the body.
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...767dbf0f2c.png

4. A tool bit caddy inside the body that stores up to 5 bits of your choice.
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...ffc115dc92.png

5. Bits drop into the swivel head and are held in place with a magnet. Use it as a screwdriver for tight spaces.
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...8fa94dcec9.png

6. Or swivel the head 90º to make it a right angle driver.
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...3accf8febd.png

I can think of a couple of things that would make it better:

1. A detent on the swivel to help it stay in screwdriver or 90º position.
2. A ratchet mechanism on the swivel.

This tool has gotten me and others back on the road again many times.

Anyone tried a bracelet, yet? I'd need to choose a couple of links to remove, given my skinny wrists. Looks good, not sure how practical it actually is in real-world terms tho..

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...d906a7be3b.jpg

Hmm. Cool design. But that doesn't look very comfortable, given all the vibration you hands receive when holding the bars.

Yeah i thought the same, especially as it appears to be all-steel (if it's to be of any use) it can't be very light..

Any 6mm hex driver can do all the tools you need. But the guys who want nut drivers will have to figure out where to stow them

Most of my screws are drilled-out for security reasons, and I'd need a 19mm spanner.

If you're serious about this, and think you're onto something, I'd reconsider posting your sketches. I assume they won't be patented or anything, so they could easily be stolen by someone that recognizes an innovative design.
Also, have you familiarized yourself with all/most of the other designs out there, so you know what works and what doesn't, and so you don't unintentionally infringe on someone else's patented design ?

I see myself losing all those little tips. Magnet or no magnet they will fall off when I am trying to get things done.