Hello,
I’m looking for a short 6mm hex key that I can put into my saddle bag to loosen the axles in case of a flat because I’m not sure if my little multitool can manage 15nm.
I did see some short ones from Wera but I do remember Dave Rome saying somewhere that their Hex Plus isn’t optimal for bikes.
Bonus points if it’s light. Not sure if I have the tools to cut/grind a full length one down to size.
cheers
Something like this, from AliExpress?
If AliExpress isn’t your thing, you could try searching for thru axle 6mm hex keys on your search engine of choice, or drop by your local Trek dealer, for the Bontrager branded ones.
This one goes beyond just a 6mm.
Big fan of the Daysaver tool, that’s the easy choice (some people find the bits too fiddly but I haven’t had an issue). You can get the tool in a nice case with some extras from Milkit as the Hassle’off. It’s designed to be mounted on the bike, but slides really nicely into a saddle bag.
If you really just need a dedicated tool, PB Swiss makes most of theirs in multiple lengths. I have a short T20 that I got for a Ritchey stem since none of my multitools have that size.
Search for a DT Swiss Rws 10 Lever, it’s like a quickrelease lever for a thru axle, they are for 6mm.
I’ve had this for years, works well and easy to carry/customize.
Plenty of good suggestions here. The SpurCycle Tool and DaySaver are excellent if you want all sizes covered without compromising the 6mm demand.
If you simply want a 6mm and nothing else, then look to PB Swiss. They sell individual sizes, in various lengths, and all with good corrosion resistance.
I have the short 6mm, ball-end hex key from PB Swiss in my wife’s handlebar bag and it’s great.
Budget option, buy* a bog standard set of hex keys of the type that manufacturers of various bits of non cycling equipment bundle with their products. Might not be the sort of tools that get on geek warning but if it’s in your saddle bag it’s for emergencies only anyway. Stick it in a little resealable bag to stop rust.
*Or produce from that kitchen drawer full of stuff
That is a really good idea, unfortunately I don’t think it will work because the Tarmac axles are not flush but have a sunk in hex hole.
I actually did not have the daysaver on my radar. I have heard about it before several times and even had the web shop open at one point but when thinking about this it did not come to my mind.
Probably the best solution for this specific use case, and about the same dimensions as a standard hex key but with extra functionality.