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Found: Fix It Sticks Killer Bicycle Multitool (updated)

Fix It Sticks multitool by Brian Davis
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Fix It Sticks is the brainchild of Cat 3 racer Brian Davis and is a simple, minimal multitool that packs small but should provide more leverage than most mini tools.

“Using a three-way wrench last winter while training in my basement I was struck by the simplicity of the design and the ability to gain leverage to tackle my suddenly dislodged front derailleur,” said Davis. “I kept thinking I’d love to have something like that on the road with me and the idea was born.”

The sticks are made of aluminum and hold standard 1/4″ hex-end steel bits, which means you probably already have an assortment of bits that’ll fit them…and a world of options is just a hardware store away which are fixed in place (see comments for explanation). The project is on Kickstarter, and pledges of $25 and up get a pair of sticks and increasing numbers of bits. It works very simply, the base of each bit also acts as the contact point when inserting one end of the stick into the center of the other, which gives you a T-handle tool. The long, slim design means they should be able to reach just about any point on the bike, too.

More pics below…

Fix It Sticks multitool by Brian Davis

The only concern we see is losing small parts or having them rattle around, but Davis says you can make a pouch out of used inner tubes in a couple minutes, making a convenient and green solution.

Davis is based in Wisconsin and plans to keep manufacturing of the sticks local. He’s also sourcing the tool bits from local distributor and the minimal packaging is printed locally, too.

Fix It Sticks multitool by Brian Davis

Fix It Sticks multitool by Brian Davis

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Rob E.
Rob E.
11 years ago

I like this idea. I have a SCRUZOL that I got some extra bits for. Then I went through the entire bike and made sure that I had every screw and allen head covered with a bit. Now it tours with me. This device looks like I could use it the same way, and maybe get a little more torque, and it might be a little lighter and might pack up smaller. Although keeping track of the bits might be more of a hassle.

Brian Davis
11 years ago

Hi, just 1 thing to clarify the bits in my tool actually DO NOT come out. They are pressed into place. The rationale is this…if given a choice between a fixed screwdriver and a magnetic bit everyone would chose a fixed screwdriver, if that makes sense. Eventually we would like to offer a replaceable bit option, but right now that is not the case. As we grow we’ll get more diverse offerings, thanks for your support and patience. I hoped people would like it, but the response is awesome! We are super pumped!

Chris
Chris
11 years ago

Using bits is a smart move. You can customize it for each bike in the stable and also replace worn bits. Just hope they make the socket for the bit magnetic to hold them in place. A press fit will eventually loosen over time.

Mindless
Mindless
11 years ago

Nice.

I like using bits as some of my bike require odd ones, like T15 or something. I use Topeak mini ratchet tool, but this one also seems nice.

Mindless
Mindless
11 years ago

…and yes, it needs magnets… for MTB use. Dropping bits onto trail or into mud will get annoying. Topeak’s ratchet has it – holds very well.

Hurtin Albertan
Hurtin Albertan
11 years ago

I’d rather the bits don’t come out. Can’t lose them. a 4,5,6 and a flat head or phillips is all I’d really need on the road anyway. I hate actually using a multi tool and sometimes have a three-way in my jersey pocket but it’s a bit awkward.

This is a kickstarter I’m actually going to get behind.

Dave
11 years ago

The only thing missing is a chain tool; but I can’t imagine an elegant way to incorporate that into this minimalist package.

Bravo. Dig it.

DaleC
DaleC
11 years ago

Magnetic bit holders would be better for me, …FOR ME… not the mass market of riders

but I understand the press in idea and like it. It’s probably the way I would do it if I were smart enough to design such a smart tool. 🙂

Looks like I am about to get involved with Kickstarter for the first time.

Hurtin Albertan
Hurtin Albertan
11 years ago

@Dave

You can always toss one of these in with the tools: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/topeak-ratchet-rocket-rx-chain-tool/

ABW
ABW
11 years ago

If you needed a chain tool, you could design one into a third stick. One stick is the chain tool, one stick the handle to hold it stationary, and one stick to turn the chain tool. 33% larger, but still simpler than a standard multitool, with better torque and easier to use.

ABW
ABW
11 years ago

Wait…would that be 50% larger? Hey, all you haters out there, please tell me which of my calculations is wrong.

WV Cycling
11 years ago

I believe Magnetic holders would benefit me also.

Joshua Murdock
11 years ago

This is such a cool idea! This is definitely my next multitool!

dicky
11 years ago

I’m wondering what the final price point will be. Normally projects on kickstarter offer a bit of a break for people who support the project. At $25 (min) for a set with predetermined bits, does that mean we’re talking about a $30 item?

I hate most multi-tools,and carry loose allens (4,5,6 and a press-on 8mm fitting) in a Tülbag. I see this design as superior to that option, but I’m wondering about the eventual success of the product. With so many multi-tools offering way more tools from $20-30, selling a four tool set for @$30 may not be easy. It is a more functional design in many aspects, especially tight places and bolts needing leverage, but one would have to purchase at least two sets to cover all the bases that a standard $30 tool does AND a chain tool.

Trying to think like a consumer.

I’m still in, and plan on pumping the kickstarter on my blog next week, but I would love to hear about the final retail price first… just because I know what kinda feedback I might get.

Wave
Wave
11 years ago

Pedro’s Tulio , has a chain tool and never tear your pocket
http://www.pedros.com/tulio.htm

Noodle
Noodle
11 years ago

This would be fantastic for ski touring as well, with a poi-drive and torx bit.

DP
DP
11 years ago

The tools should have light magnetic pickups in the ends and not provide any accessories. Just go to your LOCAL hardware store and get the tips you need/want and toss them in. Perhaps even keeping the extras in the opposite end of the tool rather than having to have multiple sticks. If you want multiple sticks for speed you can, but really you only need two. The other end can just be a container.

Hmmm
Hmmm
11 years ago

Do they come in a pouch or something? If not, Just don’t carry them in your jersey pocket, fall off, and puncture your spin or an organ…. I’m surprised what people carry in their pockets that could cause severe injury in a crash.

Kark
Kark
11 years ago

I’d be concerned about the strength of the joint at the thin aluminum tube section and the steel bit. In smaller sizes this likely wouldn’t be an issue but with a 5 or 6mm hex key and the amount of leverage available with the handle in place I anticipate that the aluminum section will fail at the bit.

i’d wager on on it actually, but despite that its a clever idea.

..it just occurred to me that the bits may not be the standard short bits I’d assumed but may actually be longer and reach into the thicker portion in the middle of the tool. If that is the case (even if only for the larger bits sizes) I’d feel better about it.

Brian, can you comment on that?

Mark D
10 years ago

I’ve had the chance to play around with a couple of these, and I found the pretty easy to work with. Especially when it comes to putting on water bottle cages or getting some extra torque after the hand tighten.

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