Muc-Off 17 in 1 Multi Tool
113g £20.00

The Muc Off 17 in 1 Multi Tool is a compact model that fits comfortably in the palm but is still effective for shifting stuff on the road, trail, or indeed, just while checking the bike(s) over post wash, or before heading out. At £1.17 per tool, it also represents decent value for money.

There are some compromises, which may be deal breakers, depending on your bike(s). The 8mm Key is in fact an adaptor. This is functional enough - will nip pedals and crank bolts tight but is so easily lost- ours made three bids for freedom in as many uses.

Compact design means the 5mm won’t reach some deeply recessed fasteners, and while the chain splitter is similarly functional, we’re talking joining and splitting only, not calming a stiff link.

Pros: Compact, yet user friendly design, caters for most fasteners on contemporary road, gravel and mountain bikes.

Cons: Minor moans but a T30 Torx would be welcomed, 8mm bit is easily lost.

Specification

Measuring a bijoux 7.5x4.3x1 cm (Length, Width, Height) It feels sturdier than 113g might suggest We’ll get on to materials in a minute, first the tools. We have a 2,2.5,3,4,5, 6 and 8mm Allen keys, Phillips ½ heads, flat head screwdriver, T25 Torx, bottle opener cum spoke wrench (catering for Shimano (4.3/4.4/hex4.6) and Mavic m7 and a chain breaker catering for 9, 10 and 11 speed derailleur chains.

Now, I say 8mm key- it's an adaptor that slots atop the 6mm key. Functional enough but care is needed not to lose these. I’ve a couple of caps salvaged from old/broken multi tools, and they’ve fitted fine. A friendly bike shop might let you have one if you were a good customer and asked nicely However, slip it somewhere safe if you’re using the 6mm.

Aside from the aluminium alloy side plates, nickel plated Chrome Vanadium tooling features throughout. Chrome Vanadium is an alloy of metals, including carbon, manganese, Silicon, chromium. Offering good corrosion resistance, it’s a popular choice for hand tooling, so multi tools are obvious candidates. Muc Off sell the compact design as being convenient for carrying but also accessing awkward areas, such as bottle screws on smaller framesets, or nipping saddle cradles snug.

Performance 3.25/5

Despite relatively short bits, the design means it’s very nimble in tight spaces and still has reasonable torque on weathered stuff such as cleats and other hardware in muck's firing line. They haven’t felt whippy under load- square taper crank bolts and pedals being prime examples. However, I have come close to permanently losing the 8mm bit during these sessions. As I said in my opening paragraph, length can present a few issues when tackling recessed fasteners.

Non-starters for these Tektro brake levers and though I had no problem whipping the lever off its mount, the 5mm bit would just reach the expander wedge on Ursula’s left bar end shifter.

I was able to nip it tight enough, so it didn’t rotate but needed a longer key to get it properly snug.

Back on track, machining and therefore fit, is also reassuringly precise-I've not had any issues with rounding or er, chewing, even on bargain basement chrome plated fasteners. In common with multi tools per se, the spoke keys are a little basic and very much of the emergency rescue type.

These are incorporated within the chain tool’s handle. I’d carry a dedicated key(s) on big rides, but nonetheless, the keys will shift a spoke nipple and give minimalists a sporting chance of taming a wandering rim. This part also features a bottle opener, so you can celebrate afterwards. The chain tool has done its thing reliably enough - on 9, 10 and 11 speed chains but it’s very much splice and rejoin, not designed to adjust a stiff link.

Corrosion Resistance & Durability 3.5/5

Though we don’t show contempt for our tools, some casual neglect happens- a damp wedge pack, pannier, bar bag is a reality, especially on tours or following a foul commute home. I’ve left ours in damp luggage, winter jersey pockets and indeed outside on a bench for a few wintry nights. I was pleased by the absence of taint, although a periodic once over with an oily rag does wonders for keeping plated steels blemish free year-round.

The aluminium sidebars have also kept their looks, despite bouncing around in pouches and pockets, although I’ve generally parked ours in these bottle cage tool cases which feature a glossy, almost carbon effect shells and net compartments.

Chain splitters tend to be weak spots, the pins, or spreader slots tending to shear and crumble in my experience. I was initially a little sceptical on the durability front. I’m not saying its fragile and have split a few 9 speeds (and pruned a few 10speeds before joining with magic links) but it has felt less substantial than some. When all’s said and done, infrequent, emergency use shouldn’t cause any problems.

Value 3.5/5

£20 for a 17-function tool is favourable. Arguably its closest rival is the LifeLine 18 in 1 Multi Tool with Co2 Inflator (now £21.99). It tips the scales at 112g features a chain tool with retaining hooks, CO2 inflator compatible with Presta and Schrader valves, 2,4,5,6 and 8mm Hex keys, Philips and flat head screwdrivers, Torx T25 and T30 bits, 10mm open spanner, Mavic compatible and 3.23, 3.33, 3.45 and 3.96 spoke keys. Steve was impressed with some of the features, although particularly welcomed the chain tool’s long handle and the tool’s ergonomics in tighter spaces.

Giant Toolshed 13 also looks like the Muc Off but has different functions. It has three spoke keys, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8mm Allen keys, T25 Torx SL5, Philips screwdriver, Valve Core tool, MTB tyre Plug and chain breaker.

Passport CDW Multitool (Now £26) is another favourite of mine and I’d argue a better bet if you’re seeking a pocket workshop for touring, or group riding. Especially with bikes of differing ages and genres. That said; at 278g heft may be an issue for some. Topeak Ninja 16+ is £32.29. However, it's extremely compact and includes the following 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8mm wrenches.

Also included are 3 Torx wrench sizes with T10, T15 and T25, #2 Phillips and flat head screwdrivers, a chain breaker, a chain holder, and 14G and 15G spoke. I’m also still extremely attached to the Soma Woodie 20 Function Multi Tool which has 2,2.5, 3,4,5 and 6mm (with 8mm cap). 2 and 3mm versions are of the L bend type, for easier use in confined spaces. T10 and T25 torx wrenches cater for disc brakes.

Screwdrivers are another area, often overlooked but Soma have included #3 and #5 flat, #1 and #2 Phillips heads, tyre lever, bottle opener, 14 and 15 spoke wrenches. Finally, there's a "Universal" chain tool, designed for 8, 9, and 10 speed 3/32 chains. Again, at £26.95 its pricier, I would’ve preferred a T30 Torx and the 8mm cap stirs mixed feelings in me. However, it’s very tactile and pleasant to use. Thorn Cycles 20 Function Multi Tool has been around for a very long time but is nicely made for £20, complete with Cordura carry case and has a Rohloff compatible bit (for emergencies).

Summary

There are some compromises and some minor niggles. The 8mm cap is particularly prone to popping off and there are better options for group outings and older bikes. That said, it's worth a closer look, if you’re needing a compact, relatively lightweight tool for quick tune ups.

Verdict: 3.25/5 Tidy little tool for most quick tweaks on contemporary bikes but 8mm bit easily lost.

Michael Stenning

Muc-Off UK | Bicycle & Motorcycle Cleaning | Lube | Tubeless

PUBLISHED APRIL 2024

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