Customer Reviews

Bell Emergency Quick Bike Tool

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Ok, I admit it, I'm a tool junkie. Moreover, I'm particularly addicted to Multi-tools in various configurations. Doing ranch work and general outdoors stuff, such tools are absolutely indispensable. After many years, we started riding bikes again, so I just had to have at least one multi-tool. BUT, one wasn't enough, it tool four to get it out of my system.

The findings:

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Spin Doctor - RESCUE FS ($19.99 via Amazon)

This was the first (bicycle) multi-tool I bought, basically a quick look at the features and price and snagged it because I wanted one NOW and didn't want to invest a huge amount. Visually, the unit fits together nicely, but looks a bit on the clunky side. However, once in hand, that perception changes. The two "pods" fit together tightly and come apart with zero effort when you depress two buttons (with the company logo on them) on the sides. The lock mechanism holds the pieces together tightly and securely, no rattling or slipping around.

One of the tire irons is incorporated in the smaller of the two "pods." The other is one of the "spoon" blades on the other "pod." Both are robust and should do the job without problem.

On the larger of the two "pods" five of the tool spoons have a locking mechanism. This is a simple, and large, thumb sized plate on the back of the pod - no fingernail ripper here. The tools that lock are the tire iron, the three box end wrenches (including spoke wrenches and flat screwdriver) and the knife blade. These are all tools, from experience, that require leverage in many uses and the lock is and excellent idea. In our liability driven society, the knife blade must also be UNLOCKED before it can be opened.

As with the Toolmanator, the various tools fit tightly and securely on their pivot pins and don't rattle, flop around or exhibit any other annoying behaviors. I also find that having the box end wrenches each to it's own spoon to be a large advantage, as the wrench heads fit into and manipulate much easier. The same applies to the spoke wrenches, as they share the very tip of the wrench spoons.

One design problem with this type of tool is that the actual tools (the "spoons") must be relatively short so the tool can be compact. This often makes reaching the item to be adjusted RIGHT at the edge of "reaching." It's not a major issue, but makes it a bit more difficult and less enjoyable to use the tool.

Oh yes, I've scrutinized at my bike, I've explored at my wife's bike, I've searched the kids' bikes, but I have yet to find a single Torqs screw on any of them (G) A bonus tool, I suppose.

(18)

Tire Iron 2

8mm wrench

9mm wrench

10mm wrench

bottle opener

14ga spoke wrench

15 ga spoke wrench

Screwdriver flat

screwdriver phillips

knife blade

chain breaker

Allen 2mm

Allen 3mm

Allen 4mm

Allen 5mm

Allen 6mm

Allen 8mm

Torqs

Carry Case

* Each wrench on it's own "spoon"

* Spoke wrenches on different "spoons"

* Locking plate for wrenches, blade, tire iron

* Separates by squeezing locking "buttons".

* Tool materials and stamping very clean, high quality in appearance.

* Pouch included

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Blackburn - TOOLMANATOR ($29.99 Performance Bicycle via Amazon)

The Toolmanator is by far, the best looking, most visually appealing tool I've seen. It just plainly looks fast sitting on the bench. With ruler in hand, it's slightly smaller than the Rescue FS, but the way the thing packages, with the tire irons snapped on top, it takes slightly more space in your bag. The Toolmanator fits in the case for the Rescue, but only BARELY. With the tires off, it's still a tight fit, yet is is measurably smaller.

Both of the tool "pods" are relatively small and are a bit harder for me to grip than a larger piece. My impression of the tool overall is "loose." However, I note that the tools and their pivots are all tight and secure, but the two "pods", when snapped together, tend to rattle against each other (the snap fight is not tight).

On my unit, the silver "3D" Blackburn name plates (four total) are glued into recesses on each side of the two "pods." All four of these are peeling and trying to fall off. The worst is that they leave a sticky residue. The name plate certainly isn't something I judge to be of an value at all, however, given that this is the most expensive of the tools tested, it would seem logical that the quality be a bit higher.

The tool "spoons" on this unit are about the same length as with the Rescue, and the same restrictions/issues hold.

The 8 and 9mm wrenches are on the same spoon, one at the tip, one further back. The spoke wrenches are on the same spoon as the 10mm wrench, away from the tip (behind the box end.) In unrestricted use, this is fine, but when space is restricted, this makes using the particular tools VERY difficult.

(15)

Tire Iron 2

Allen 8mm

Allen 6mm

Allen 5mm

Allen 4mm

Allen 3mm

Allen 2mm

chain breaker

phillips

8mm wrench

9mm wrench

10mm wrench

14 ga spoke wrench

15 ga spoke wrench

(chain) Link Holder

* The 8&9mm wrench "heads" are on the same "spoon"

* 10mm wrench and both spoke wrenches are on the same "spoon"

* VERY hot looking, looks fast on the bench

* The two halves are very difficult to separate. I had to pry with tire irons. Maybe they'll loosen up with use.

* Tire irons are separate pieces (good) but the "clip" to the tool is isn't secure.

* No pouch included

* Small size but awkward shape when "assembled"

* Plastic logo inserts all ungluing (and sticky.)

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Topeak - SURVIVAL GEAR BOX ($11.95 Amazon)

I'll admit, I've been around my wife and daughter too much. This tool kit is just plainly "cute". It's small, unobtrusive and stays on the bicycle. It now lives on my wife's bike. The tools will do the job, but they're of the lowest quality of the sampling of tools I've taken. Not high quality, not "pretty," well formed or nicely finished (not that this detracts from getting the job done). I would note that the individual tools are loose in this kit. Out in the dirt, without a "workspace" this might prove to be a real disadvantage. At the same time, the kit has tire patching materials, something I have to carry separately with the other multi-tools and/or tool kits.

(13)

Tire Iron 2

Tire patches

Scratcher

glue

Chain breaker w. handle

8 & 10mm wrench (double ended)

9mm wrench (double ended) spoke wrenches

8 & 6mm Allen (combo)

5mm & flat screwdriver (combo)

3 & 2 mm Allen (combo)

Bike mounted tool box

* plastic, very compact, "tool box"

* Tube mount, quick release

* Tool quality is relatively low

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**BEST BUY?**

Bell - 109543 QUICK-TOOL ($9.99 Amazon)

I calculate I'm ALIVE because of Bell (motorcycle accident 20 years ago). I OWE them some allegiance (and willingly give it). My entire family wears Bell bicycle helmets. This tool jumped off the page. Inexpensive, reasonably good looking, and if I didn't like it, it would certainly make a good "starter" for the kids (or one of them at least).

However, I was completely taken by surprise by this tool. It's about the same size, it has fewer tools, but it WORKS. If feels right in the hand, the tools (spoons) are a bit longer so it's easier to reach the item you're working on. The frame feels solid, the tool pivots are tight, the tools themselves don't flop around.

The shape is smooth and rounded and folds up without bumps, lumps or protrusions. This one fits best in my various storage devices (i.e. wedge or CamelBak). Ultimately, this is the tool I'll end up carrying day to day.

Quite frankly, this isn't what I expected!

Slot screwdriver

Phillips screwdriver

2mm Allen

2.5mm Allen

3mm Allen

4mm Allen

5mm Allen

8mm Allen

1/4" square drive (socket drive)

8mm socket

9mm socket

10mm socket

Tire iron

14 g spoke wrench

Carry Case

I was looking for a toolkit that had everything, socket wrenches, allen wrenches, screw drivers, and the Quick-Tool had them. This tool was a little bigger than the previous one that I had lost, but that didn't really bother me. If you pull real hard on it while turning screws and bolts, it does sort of bend at the joints.

So far I like it though, it has a lot of features and is inexpensive. Not sure about it's durability but it hasn't given out on me yet. 5 stars for price and features, -1 for bending.

This is a handy gadget to carry on my daily trek to and from work, saving space and time as opposed to having to dig through a tool pouch for the proper item. However, it does not contain a wrench with which to remove hub nuts which would make emergency tire changing problematic.

I"ve now had this bell multi-tool for 3 years. It's worked ok, but I don't carry it anymore. It's pretty hefty and a bit cumbersome to use. My seat wedge is on the small side and tool took up too much space to get a tube in there. The single tire lever is ok for my mountain bike, but useless on my road bike. In contrast, my little ratcheting Dakine snowboarding tool has a bit and a tiny wrench that works on every nut/bolt/screw on my bike, so I carry that 99% of the time anymore.

The socket head design is clever. I"ll probably give mine to my wife since her bike has more need for the sockets. My bike doesn't need them at all.

They're inexpensive and sold along with inexpensive bikes, so it's worth having something.. but it's not the best tool out there by any means even given the price. I think my Dakine was under $10.

Title says it. I haven't had to depend on it yet but it seems up to an emergency fix. Small, light and reasonably sturdy - for the $5 + I paid it's hard to complain.

Take this tool with me on every ride and have found it to be very able.
Not one piece has fallen off, or broken off this tool with the hard use it has been given. Would like it to be lighter - only reason for 4 stars and not 5.

The product description says that this item has a tire lever and a 14 gauge spoke wrench, but these tools are entirely absent. Since those promised features were the reason I chose this tool over others, it has obviously failed to meet my needs. Otherwise, the construction seems sound if a bit bulky.

Liked the look and price of this plus it's always nice to have ready if you're into biking. Have not used it yet but feels well made

This is a very solid tool with good features, one of which is the size--perfect for an under-seat bike bag.

I'm not handy and I get my bike worked on by folks who know what they're doing, but carrying this has come in handy a few times on rides. I bought it a few years ago and it's held up well.