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Wisconsin start-up takes an innovative approach with its new multi-tool.
The lowdown: Innovative prototype multi-tool anticipated to be available to consumers early next year
Pros: Extremely lightweight and durable; T-grip handle for great torque; made in the USA
Cons: Still in development
Sturdy and compact, able to provide serious torque, with no articulating parts to break: what else could you ask for from the bold new multi-tool anticipated for release early in 2013 by Fix-it-Sticks? The Appleton, Wisc., start-up claims its tool will be the lightest cycling multi-tool on the market, shedding as much as a quarter of the weight of many competitors.
The concept is simple and highly functional. Scrapping the standard frame with various sizes of hex keys and other tools that pivot on a spindle to unfold, the “Sticks” are independent aluminum rods, each with a different size steel hex bit or other tool at either end and a hole through the center.
The consumer can opt to take just two sticks for the ultra-lightweight four-tool option or three sticks to add the convenience of two more tools.
Two independent rods work together as a unit. Using them is as simple as sliding one through the flat-bottomed hole in the other to form a cross on its side. The resulted use has at least as much torque as the T-handle hex key set in your shop with the added bonus of a sturdier neck, so smaller diameter tools are put under less rotational strain.
The “T” design enables the use a variety of hand positions, including both hands for extra leverage.
Read more: Velonews.com