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Tools - multitools
Lifeline 14-in-1 Multi-ToolLifeline 14 in One Multi-Tool

Lifeline 14-in-1 Multi-Tool

6
by Steve Worland
UPDATED Thu, Oct 15, 2015 04:24

First Published Apr 19, 2014

2
£15.99

VERDICT:

6
10
Decent diddy multi-tool, but the small heads could be more durable
Weight: 
86g
Contact: 
www.wiggle.co.uk
How we test

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The Lifeline 14 in 1 multi-tool is one of the smallest properly useful multi-tools available for under £20. It doesn't have a chain-splitter though.

Lifeline tools are developed in the UK and sold by mail order giant Wiggle. A sub-£20 multitool is always going to be compromised in some way, but the 14 in 1 performs better than most. Measuring just 60mm by 35mm by 10mm it's small enough to fit in any pocket or tool pack but with tool lengths that are just about long enough to get enough leverage for simple bike tweaks.

As the name suggests, there are 14 tool heads, including allen keys covering 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8mm, plus T25, 27 and 30 Torx keys, plus double Phillips and flat head screwdrivers. It's a nicely made unit, available in either silver or black, and it only weighs 85g.

Where are the compromises? Well, despite the hardened surfaces of the tool heads, care is needed when you're using them on less than perfect bolt heads: the small Phillips screwdriver and two of the small allen keys rounded off very easily. Also, you can't expect to get a decent chain splitter on a tool for this sort of money. And that's fine, as chain splitters that come on budget mini tools are often not very good anyway.

There are much cheaper tools than this if you don't need as many functions, and there are much more costly ones if you want a decent chain tool or more size and leverage. The Lifeline 14 in 1 is about average if you value tiny size.

Verdict

Decent diddy multi-tool, but the small heads could be more durable.

road.cc test report

Make and model: Lifeline 14 in One Multi-Tool

Size tested: Black

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

The marketing says

"A compact 14 function multi-tool with a wide range of precision tool bits for on-the-go repair and adjustment. With beautifully machined CNC side plates and only 86g weight, the LifeLine 14 in 1 multi tool is the perfect all-rounder for road and MTB use."

It's a simple and tiny mini tool, marketed without any major claims.... which is a good thing as it's nothing very special. But it does the job as a pocket/saddle pack back up tool for roadside tweaks. You'll need to pay more to get a tool with a decent chain splitter too

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Hard-Coating Black or Hi-Polish Sliver

Precision forged and CNC machined tool bits

7075 Aluminum CNC side-plates

Hex Keys: 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm and 8mm for pedals and headset bungs

Torx: T25, T27 and T30

Screwdrivers: Phillips 2 & 1, and Flat-Head 3mm & 4mm

Weight: 86g

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
6/10

OK for the price but screwdriver heads are not very tough.

Rate the product for performance:
 
6/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
6/10
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
9/10

Low weigh and small size are its highlights.

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
7/10

Easy to use.

Rate the product for value:
 
7/10

Decent value, but consider getting a chain splitter tool too.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Average.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Small size.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Fragile screwdriver heads.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.

Would you consider buying the product? No.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? No.

Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?

Spending a little more would get you something that would last longer, but this is a good choice if tiny size is important to you.

Overall rating: 6/10

About the tester

Age: 58  Height: 181  Weight: 78kg

I usually ride: Merlin Ti  My best bike is: Ibis Silk SL

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: cyclo cross, commuting, touring, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding, fixed/singlespeed, mtb,

 

Lifeline 14-in-1 Multi-Tool
lifeline

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2 comments

Avatar
surly_by_name | 10 years ago
0 likes

For road riding, Fix it Sticks (http://www.fixitsticks.com/) are all you need and awesome to boot!

A 2.5mm/3mm and 4mm/5mm (or even a flathead screwdriver/4mm and 5mm/8mm if you want to remove your Look pedals, don't use SRAM Red and don't have 3mm bolt on your stem) set and you are good to go. Lighter and less bulky than a multitool 'cause you don't have to carry around a lot of useless stuff.

Avatar
rojre | 10 years ago
0 likes

How many more multi tools are to be invented ? Its mind boggling there must be a new one on the market every few days. Talk about over crowding !

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