One Multitool To Rule Them All

Our roadside toolkit is officially lighter and more compact, thanks to a fantastic Leatherman Wave multitool and its forty-bit driver assortment (sold separately). This powerful, stainless-steel utility replaces four standard tools that would otherwise occupy many inches of valuable storage space. What's more, it adds many alternative accessories that may come in handy at some point.

Smartly dubbed the "Wave," I imagine its designer originally intended to call it the "Needlenose-Regular-Plier-Cutting-Stripper-(I would've stopped right there)-Knife-With-Serrated-Spring-Action-Saw-Ruling-Canned-Bottle-Opening-Wooden-Metal-Diamond-Coated-Filing-Bit-Driver," but ink is pretty expensive. Heck, you should see the insane manufacturing bill for TRO t-shirts! Maybe I'll just up the individual price to $500.

Considering how difficult it can be to reach specific parts on a motorcycle, I thought it wise to also order the Leatherman Wave multitool bit driver extension. I'm glad I did because it gives the Wave a more natural feel when loosening or tightening, much like using a full-size tool. It also keeps the bits from slipping diagonally while we turn them, thereby protecting the screw/hex in question from stripping.

For me, the real test finally came when I read that the bit assortment includes a combined variety of standard and metric fittings. All of my bikes being metric, I wondered if their product would include the sizes pertinent to their maintenance. They certainly did and then some.

The collective array features multiple sizes of Phillips, flathead, JIS, Torx, hex and jewelry bits. Each is perfectly scaled to take up as little space as possible but remains quite sturdy when you use it. In short, I'm pretty sure aliens made this thing.

Lightweight but sturdily reinforced, I've yet to come across a product more suitable for its intended purpose. The Leatherman Wave multitool eliminates the need to pack 4-in-1 screwdrivers, needle-nose pliers, wire strippers or a folding hex set and does it all without fuss. What's more, the price doesn't break the bank.

What Compact Multitools Do You Bring On The Ride?

There are a lot of great multitools on the market. Which ones do you prefer and why? Your input is invited. Leave a comment and/or write an article!