Most durable (corrosion) multi-tool?

[benb]

Curious if anyone has an opinion on what's the best damn multi-tool.

Everything I've ever had if exposed to NE weather rusts and gets obnoxious after a while.

I've got a Crank Bros one on my Space Horse and a Topeak one in the bag on my MTB.. both those bikes get rode in just about any weather. Both those tools are on their last legs.

I've got Fix-It Sticks plus a separate chain tool in the bag for my Trek Domane, they look pristine but they are only a year old and that is the "fair weather" bike, and I also think the Bontrager seat bag I have on it might be better sealed against water.

I need to replace the seat bags on both the gravel bike + MTB, maybe I'll pick up more of the Bontrager bags along with new tools. The Bontrager one has a separate liner that most of the other bags I've had don't have and seems to have a semi-sealed zipper.

[chiasticon]

I've had a stainless steel Lezyne one for years that still looks brand new. even better, their carbon ones with titanium bits! #pimp

[mktng]

I know it might seem crazy.
But I, at least once a year, clean my multi tool with a toothbrush.
I usually just use some light cleaner, and then a bit of bio lube/tenacious oil.
My lezyne tool has lasted me 5 years now. Still works like new.

You sure your current tools aren't salvageable ?

In any case. I use the CRV20 from Lezyne. Its darn good. Having a chain breaker on every ride is also really nice. I've even had to use the serrated knife a few times.

[benb]

This stuff can happen fast.. I'd probably need to be cleaning the tools with alcohol and then applying oil to them every time the bike got wet.

Almost nothing on the bikes in question has any corrosion after lots of years so I'd hope I could find tools that were a bit more resistant.

A better saddle bag might be key too, but I'll check out the Lezyne tools. I have a Lezyne pump on one of the bikes and it's not showing any corrosion.

[p nut]

My tools that live in a saddle bag gets rust as well. But my multi-tool that I have on my mountain bikes, strapped to the saddle with Backcountry Research straps (http://backcountryresearch.com/race-strap-mtb-saddle-mount.html) show no signs of rust. Being out in the open allows them to dry out, minimizing rust/corrosion.

[ripvanrando]

I've had a stainless steel Lezyne one for years that still looks brand new. even better, their carbon ones with titanium bits! #pimp

+1

My lezyne carbon 10 looks new. It has been to hell and back

[Peter P.]

I sympathize with benb's problem.

You would think making a rustproof multi-tool would be a feature the manufacturers would be eager to offer.

But I imagine the price difference would cause said manufacturer to lose too much market share, so it becomes a race to the bottom.

As an alternative if you can't find rustproof tools, may I suggest storing your multi-tool in a small ziplock bag and/or spraying the tool periodically with a non-oil based based lube such as WD-40 Specialist Dry Lube, Boeshield T-2, Super Slick Stuff, or other Teflon based lube? I suggest a Teflon based lube because it may make less of a mess on your hands when you have to use the tool.

This thread actually brings to mind the tip that we should maintain our seat bag tool kits, including inspecting the spare tubes, patch kits, etc., periodically.

[Dead Man]

I've got the steel/alum fixit stix, and they're rusted. The steel parts anyway. The rust doesn't bother me.... riding in damp PNW. I've had them in the jersey pocket tool pouch for a couple years now.. I expect they'll last many more years, even rusty and completely neglected.

However.. for just a bit more money, you can buy the Ti version, which ought to be completely corrosion resistant. I almost splurged for it.... but went with the cheaper steel kit after all.

[moonhoo]

I prefer to carry separate keys for what I need, which are three hexes and one Torx so they can be individually replaced or transferred onto different bikes as necessary. Also, fewer parts to corrode, no?

Would love to find a small chain breaker though. I know I'm tempting fate by not carrying one.

[srsoltis]

I prefer to carry separate keys for what I need,

Me, too.

Would love to find a small chain breaker though. I know I'm tempting fate by not carrying one.

This one looks pretty cool.

https://www.bikerumor.com/2017/08/23/cleverstandard-chain-barrel-chain-breaker-tool-no-speed-limit/

[benb]

I've tried the plastic bag, it kind of works but the bags biodegrade fast and also end up tearing pretty quick from road vibration.

Perhaps I could find a really mini "stuff sack" at EMS/REI whatever that was waterproof and could go in the saddle bag.

[cp43]

Not exactly what you asked for, but a waterproof saddlebag: https://www.arkel-od.com/en/seat-bag.html

I have two of them, they are well made. However, they aren't on my bikes that get ridden the most, so they haven't seen too much abuse.

I think something like that would work better than a stuff sack in a standard saddlebag.

Chris

[drewellison]

I've had great success with Evapo-Rust to remove rust. Maybe get some more life from those tools?

http://www.evapo-rust.com/product-info/

How about one of those screw-top plastic water bottle carriers instead of a tool bag. Those should keep the contents dry.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CG68NQE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1