Crank Brothers F15 Multitool

There are a load of fine multi tools out there. A short list of fine units: Lezyne, Specialized, Crank Brothers. Ok. Actually, there are not too many good ones. There’s really a load of crap and gimmicks. This F15 Multitool is on the Gucci side, but it’s well engineered and thoughtful.

Lots of multitools come with some sort of thick rubber band that you are supposed to put around the tool when you are not using it. In my experience these are about as user friendly as trying to put a sweater on a porcupine. The F15 has an aluminum sleeve that makes it really easy to store the tool when you are not using it. The tools slide right back in and even have a little magnetic connection to keep 'em locked in place.

Good multitools are all metal. Many use plastic plates to hold the whole thing together. Trouble is, plastic flexes more than Macho Man on Arsenio Hall, and as a result, it falls apart, like Macho Man’s rap career. When the plastic side plates flex, the bolts that hold the whole tool together loosen. Then all your tools are loose, and next to useless. Plus, you can’t torque on a multitool that’s falling apart. Multitools are tiny, they already have lackluster leverage, you don’t need to make it worse with a floppy tool. That goes for a lot of things in life, actually.

A proper multi tool also has the end of the tool forged around the pivot thingy. Most multi tools just take a m5 wrench and literally wrap it around the pivot bolt. But good ones, the best ones, this one… they forge the tool, then drill a hole so the pivot can go thru it. Much tighter fit, and it makes for a lighter, svelter tool. Tight fit means less room for play to develop, which means longer lasting tools.

This multi tool has all the stuff you’d want for basic allen keys, and it’s a fine daily multitool to bring with you. Chain breaker, normal sized hex bits, small Phillips screw driver. If I were going on a tour, I’d also pack a loose M5 and M4 key, and a 10mm box wrench, but that’s it, as far as metal tools go.