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review
Tools - multitools
Axiom Corker 10-function mini toolAxiom Corker 10 function mini tool

Axiom Corker 10-function mini tool

8
by Dan Joyce
UPDATED Thu, Oct 15, 2015 04:24

First Published Jun 10, 2012

0
£11.00

VERDICT:

8
10
Drinking and bike tool essentials in one compact, sturdy package. Touring cyclists, raise your glasses!
Weight: 
117g
Contact: 
www.paligap.cc, www.charliethebikemonger.com
How we test

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Axiom's Corker has a couple of functions that other multitools miss, adding to the usual collection of Allen keys and screwdrivers a bottle opener and a corkscrew. Cheers!

For most cyclists, the ability to crack open a bottle of beer or uncork a bottle of Burgundy whenever you're out on the bike is a nice bonus. For touring cyclists who like a drink, it means one thing less to pack, especially if the tour is through France, Spain, Italy, California, Australia or Chile. For while there are Leathermans and Victorinox Swiss Army knives with corkscrews, I can't think of another bike tool with one.

As well as the bottle opener and corkscrew, you get 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5 and 6mm Allen keys, and two screwdrivers: a #2 Phillips, which will suit most bike applications (and many DIY jobs); and a flat-head with a 5mm tip.

The most efficient multitool is the one that gives you all the tools you do need for your bike and none that you don't. This Corker's mix of tools is good but I missed a chain tool. Axiom have that covered with the Corker Deluxe, which for an extra £6 and 63g adds a chain tool (like the one on a Carradice 11-in-1, which works okay), a T25 Torx bit (useful for disc brakes), and an 8mm Allen key.

The Corker's tools are made of properly hard chrome vanadium steel with brass plating. The rosewood side panels are darkly stained. I couldn't really care less about this styling, but at least it won't show the dirt as obviously. The wooden side panels are comfortable in the hand too. It feels sturdy, so you're unlikely to have to call upon the lifetime warranty.

At 72 x 39 x 19mm, it's small enough to fit in any pocket or saddlebag but isn't so small that you can't torque up bolts that need plenty of Newton metres, like single 6mm seatpost clamps. The bottle opener and corkscrew work okay, and even if you don't use them very often they're still infinitely more useful than, say, a fish scaler or that thing that gets objects out of horse's hooves.

Verdict

Drinking and bike tool essentials in one compact, sturdy package. Touring cyclists, raise your glasses!

road.cc test report

Make and model: Axiom Corker 10-function mini tool

Size tested: n/a

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

Axiom say:

* Ever wonder why mini-tools never had a corkscrew? Us too.

* Problem solved: Cycling's first mini-tool with a corkscrew!

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Axiom say:

* Modern functions blended with classic grandfather-approved design

* Antiqued brass-plated, chrome-vanadium tool steel bits

* Antiqued brown-stained rosewood sides

* Burned logos

* Allen wrenches = 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6

* Flat / Phillips screwdrivers

* Bottle opener

* Corkscrew – never find yourself with a bottle of wine and no way to open it again – ever.

* Dimensions: 72 x 19.5 x 38mm (2.8 x 0.8 x 1.5")

* Weight: 118g (4.2oz)

* Lifetime Warranty

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
9/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
9/10
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
7/10
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
8/10
Rate the product for value:
 
7/10

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Tools all worked properly. Doesn't hurt your hand.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

The bottle opener, as I use that more often.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

I'd have liked a chain tool, but wouldn't necessarily expect one on a mini tool at this price and size.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.

Would you consider buying the product? Yes.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes.

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 42  Height: 1.78m  Weight: 65kg

I usually ride: Ridgeback Solo World fixed wheel  My best bike is: Planet X Pro Carbon Track (with front brake)

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, cyclo cross, commuting, touring, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding, fixed/singlespeed, mtb,

 

touring
Multitool
camping
Axiom
allen keys

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