TRAIL TOOL KIT

Abrar Bin Ayub
Jun 21, 2020
3 min read

Updated: Jul 2, 2020

This tool set has been put together for single day/ small trails which means I am never too far from any habitation. The idea is to have minimal functional tools with weight in consideration since I carry it in my hydration pack. The tools are used for adjustments, tightening any loose ends or repairs for small falls mostly to just make it back. I don’t carry any spares generally on these rides and therefore don’t carry tools that are needed for replacement of parts. I also don’t carry puncture kit on these trails because I am in most cases close enough to a small shop that will do the job.

MOTION PRO MP TOOL

This sure is the most purpose build tool for motorcycle riders. It can work on

· 8, 10, 12 & 14 mm external Hex bolts

· 5 & 6 mm internal Hex bolts

· small & medium Straight slot screws

· #2 & #3 Phillips screws

The kit includes a ¼” and 3/8” socket drivers so you can add any socket based on your motorcycle apart from 1/4” 10 & 12 mm that comes in the kit. You can buy other size attachments to add value to kit based on your motorcycle.

Weight-

Cost- $62 , ~ Rs 4700, in USA

Link to buy is here

KNIPEX PLIER WRENCH

Though the MP tool covers most small sizes but not all. You still need something to open wheel nuts, anything that is above 14mm or other odd plier jobs. This always resulted in addition of adjustable wrench in the kit, though they would save the weight but were never precise.

After I used my friend Aditya’s Knipex Plier wrench I was sold that this needs to be added in my kit. It is a 180 mm long tool that can go from 0 to 40 mm at jaws. Now what is different here is that the jaws move parallel to each other unlike other adjustable pliers. The design is such that the torque you apply is multiplied to clamp the jaws which makes sure that it doesn’t slip on bolt head. I can open wheel nuts with it, isn’t that amazing? There might be a place or 2 where the size of jaws will restrict you to work but I have mostly been able to work around. Yes, it does cost as much as about 5-6 times adjustable spanner, but I think this German piece of art is totally worth it.

Weight – 250gms

Cost – ~ $69, Rs 5288, in India

Link to buy is here

LEATHERMAN SURGE

It is a heavy multi tool and not a toy. Every single tool in it is very functional and well built using high carbon 420 steel. The well-integrated replaceable wire cutter in the pliers is something that you no more must worry about going bad. There is a crimping tool and a wire cutter in it as well. To have a separate serrated blade is luxury on moto camping days if you are not bothered by the weight of the tool. The blades come with marking outside to identify and can be operated with single hand. There is T- shank slot on the tool and comes with saw and file to use which ever you would like to. This also means you can buy any standard T- shank tool in it. I use the file for puncture patches. The spring-loaded scissors cut, surprisingly even metal. There is a ruler on body for basic small measurements. There are can and bottle opener present as well. A bit driver comes with a Philip and flat. There is also an accessory bit set that you can buy separately. This tool is more like for general use on trails with me and less for motorcycle reasons. The list of tools in it are listed below.

01 Needle nose Pliers

02 Regular Pliers

03 Premium Replaceable Wire Cutters

04 Premium Replaceable Hard-wire Cutters

05 Stranded-wire Cutters

06 Electrical Crimper

07 Wire Stripper

08 420HC Knife

09 420HC Serrated Knife

10 Saw

11 Spring-action Scissors

12 Awl w/ Thread Loop