Review – Leatherman Skeletool Multi-Tool Pliers and Bit Kit
The Leatherman Skeletool weighs in at just 142 grams—placing it well within the realms of your standard bicycle multi-tool. Yet, this 7-in-1 tool has the capability to deliver a significantly greater level of functionality compared to many bicycle multi-tools on the market today.
As the stand-alone product, the Leatherman Skeletool comes with a 420HC stainless-steel combination blade, dual type pliers, a wire cutter, a bit driver and screwdriver bits, a removable pocket clip, and a carabiner/bottle opener.
The Skeletool is designed with ease-of-use and handling in mind. All the tools can be accessed single-handed from the outside of the unit. The blade and bit driver also feature a locking mechanism, so there is no risk of sudden closure, or of you losing your screwdriver bits mid-task.
The versatility of the Skeletool as a cycling multi-tool comes as a result of the Leatherman locking bit driver system. As standard, the Skeletool arrives with flat head and Phillips screwdriver bits; with the spare one able to be housed within the shell of the tool. When partnered with the Leatherman Bit Kit add-on however, you gain a massive 42 other tool bits. The Bit Kit includes almost every screwdriver head, torx key head, and hex key head you are likely to need for bicycle maintenance; with the possible exception of not including a chain-tool or some of the larger sized hex keys (8mm for example).
The Skeletool trumps a lot of standard style bicycle multi-tools because of its inclusion of a serrated knife and a set of pliers. These two instruments have proven extremely useful on all of my past bikepacking tours; invaluable for performing tasks such as nut tightening, thorn extraction, and no-end of camping tasks and fixes.
The addition of the comprehensive Bit Kit means that you could almost leave your standard bike tool at home if you had the Skeletool in your saddlebag; the hardened carbon steel bits are superbly crafted and allow for exact tightening and tuning. As mentioned, you would likely still want to take a chain-tool with you on a bike tour; but, having the Skeletool in your pocket you can be sure that you will be able to fix and repair the majority of your mechanical problems out on the road or trail.
Lightweight, built to last, and with a massive range of functions; the Leatherman Skeletool now makes it into my saddle-bag selection for any bikepacking or endurance ride.
Disclaimer: Leatherman UK provided Life In The Saddle with a Skeletool for test and review
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