Our only complaint would be the tolerance with which the two drivers fit together. Since we’ve had it, it’s been a staple for trail rides and we brought it along on a recent bikepacking trip to Pisgah National Forest. This set of bits is arguably the most used, so the Mountain Set is a handy add-on to keep in your top tube bag for the bulk of quick fixes and adjustments. That said, it’s simplicity is what makes this tool quite nice. The two double-sided drivers each have two fixed bits that can’t be removed, so there are four functions in total: 4, 5, and 6mm hex, and a T25. Honestly, it’s not really a bit driver, it’s just two parts and a really nice case. The Fix It Sticks Mountain Set is about as simple as it gets. There is also now a Big Switch, which has standard hex ends on most of the bits.
Note there have been reports of the switch stripping bolts doe to the ball-end tolerances, but I haven’t had that problem.
Another thing that sets the Switch apart is that it features ball-end hex bits, which is always handy for hard to reach bolts. You can also do both and it becomes a T-handle bit driver. In use, the Switch allows its two-sided bits to fit into the handle end of the wrench for use like a screwdriver, or alternatively in the socket end. It has only of eight functions-five hex bits (2.5/3/4/5/6), two Torx bits (T25/T30), and a flathead screwdriver. But what it does have is a core set of tools that work really well. The Switch is clearly an ultra-minimal tool kit that abandons several key functions, such as a chain-breaker, an 8mm Allen hex, and a couple other bits typically found on most folding multi-tools. But there’s a lot of practical utility built into this little gadget. With just four double-sided bits and a wrench, the Blackburn Switch Multi-tool might seem overly simplistic on first glance. If there’s one strike against it, it’s that the shell feels a bit plasticky, but it works and has held up well, so no real complaints there. It’s certainly one of our favorites, and it came along on our trip to Georgia last summer. Put simply, the Mineral Mini Bar feels good and solid in hand and is highly usable compared to most multi-tools we’ve tested in the field. The L-handle is versatile and can be used in multiple positions, making assembly and adjustments pleasant compared to a fiddly folding tool. The main advantages that the Mini Bar has over a typical folding multi-tool are in its leverage and ease of use. Aside from a great name, the tool comes with 10 standard 1/4″ bits (carrier holds 6): 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8mm, Torx T25, Phillips, and flathead screwdriver. The L-handle is made from TIG-welded steel with a durable electroless nickel finish. The Mini Bar is approximately 3.8″ long x 1.3″ wide x 0.5” thick (97 x 33.5 x 12.7mm). The Mini Bar’s plastic handle houses another eight magnets that hold in place six bits of your choice, as well as the L-handle itself.
BIKE MULTI TOOL WITH TORQUE WRENCH DRIVER
All three ends of the L-handle accept standard 1/4-inch bits, each end also has a neodymium magnet to hold bits in place, making them hard to drop and lose, one of the pitfalls of many bit driver tools. The Mini Bar is a compact, L-shaped, TIG-welded steel tool with removable bits.
The Mini Bar is one of three tools offered by Mineral Designs, a two-man shop founded by Justin Dodd and Mike Manzione.
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