Crankbrothers M17 Multi-Tool

At first, I bought this Crank Brothers multi-tool just to get the chain tool to replace the cheap one that I had just broken. I had another simpler multi-tool from Park, but I thought that it was always handy to leave a spare in the car or in the toolbox. It was not much more expensive than just getting a good chain tool anyway.

 What I got from the M17 was much more than I had anticipated. The chain tool works very well, and I sometimes use it instead of my dedicated chain tool when this one is closer by. It’s easy to get enough hold/leverage to push the chain pin out, and the chain tool’s screw/pin is made of strong material. If not using a quick-link, the tool drives the pin straight and holds the chain pretty well for a multi-tool. 

 The M17 contains pretty much every bit needed to build a complete bike (8-6-5-4-3-2.5-2mm allen bits, T25 Torx, flat #2 and phillips #2 screwdriver bits, #0-1-2-3 spoke wrenches, and 8-10mm open wrench cutouts. People who have different Torx fasteners to hold their brake levers or else might need to carry another small L-shaped wrench, but I’ve never needed to. If a Torx T-10 is needed, the M19 from Crank Brothers has it and it’s not that much bulkier to carry so you might as well but the biggest model.

 I am someone who easily gets annoyed by rattling sounds of parts on my bike or tools in my backpack. With the nice little rubber strap that keeps everything together, this tool doesn’t have any rattling part and is protected from other things that could touch it. It makes for a well held-together and silent tool to carry, and that’s a good thing for those who carry it in their bike’s downtube or wattle bottle. I also use the little rubber piece to hold a quick link and a presta adapter. One could also tighten or loosen the two sides of the multi-tool for easier or harder-to-turn bits.

 The M series are cheaper than the Y series from Crank Brothers, and their F-series might be a bit smaller but they have sharper edges. The M17’s shape is really comfortable when using it, and it has less chances to break something in your pack if you crash on it.

 Durability-wise, you can tell by the pictures that after around 10 years of use, it still looks pretty good and works as well as a new one. Nothing ever came loose, the finish is durable (and well protected by the black rubber band), and the bits don’t seem to use. I have never seen rust on it, and it spent many summers in my backpack without rain protection. It’s backed with a lifetime warranty, but after already many years of good use, I don’t see myself needing the warranty at all. I seriously can’t see how there could be a better multi-tool ever. Five stars!