Crank Brothers M17 multi tool

Crank Bros M17 doesn't just look cool, it's a really nice tool to use.

The M17 comes with the standard range of tools that you would expect, such as allen keys from 2mm through to 8mm and two screwdrivers, Phillips and flat. All of the tool bit are hi-ten steel, so they should last. They're fairly short too, which should reduce the chance of a tool bit twisting and snapping off. The downside is that they might be a little short for some fiddly operations but I've had no trouble so far. The 8mm in particular is very stubby, which means that when you're trying to apply some serious oomph to shift a cheeky crank bolt there's much less chance of slipping. It certainly helps that the frame of the tool, in handsome gold anodized aluminium, is surprisingly comfortable to use and always feels secure.

The real star of the show however is the chaintool. The wide head of the tool (which also contains some nice deep spoke keys and a couple of spanner heads) gives a comfortable and stable grip for even the most stubborn of chains. I used it on a strapping half link chain with no problems at all and it also coped well with hefty single speed chain that my workshop tool won't accommodate at all.

If I have any quibbles it's that it doesn't come with tyre levers and the rubber strap keeping the tools secure is probably going to go awol one day. That's me being picky though, this is a really good tool and it's quickly become a favourite in my toolkit.

Verdict

One of the best multi-tools I've used. If it came with tyre levers it would be just about perfect.