Torque Covert 7 Crank Multi-Tool Review

This Torque Covert 7 multi-tool could be better. It could also cost more. I’m happy to accept the cost-cutting aspect of it in exchange for the lower price tag. The tool is a bit rough around the edges. Actually, that’s not true. It’s not that it’s rough around the edges, it’s just that other ‘fancier’ brands would do a bit or rounding-off and nicing-up of the edges.

• Price: £40.00
• From: oxfordproducts.com

The Torque is much more of your no-frills approach. It also rattles around in your crank spindle until you spend a few seconds wrapping a bit of gaffer tape around the wide end.

As you can see, it’s not exactly stainless steel either. I would definitely recommend taking better care of it than I have. Mainly by removing it before you hosepipe wash your bike and letting it sit there for a few days in your crank axle, going a bit orange. An occasional spray with GT85/WD40 et al wouldn’t go amiss either.

So, apart from the relatively decent price tag, why am I recommending this tool?

Well, it has a chain tool. Which is completely essential for a day or weekend away. It has space for spare powerlinks too. But the main reason I like this tool is because it’s very effective when it needs to be. It’s a decent length for leverage and the articulating bit-holder head is great for working on bolts that, as we cyclists know, are often in really bloody awkward positions or angles. Seatpost head bolts for example. The leverage is also helpful for tightening/loosening things that require more force than more rinky-dink compact multi-tools can dish out (thru-axles, pedal axles, etc.).

Oh, the Torque Covert 7 fits inside hollow cranks greater than 21mm diameter. I’ve only ever used it in Shimano cranks. Should you need a tool that this Covert 7 doesn’t have (e.g. 8mm Allen for certain pedal axles, or 2mm Allen for brake lever reach adjust, for example), you could always buy the required socket set bit and keep it in the open end of the tool.

This product features in our Daytrippin’ Kit Essentials buyer’s guide

Review Info

Ben Haworth

Orange Switch 6er. Stif Squatcher. Schwalbe Magic Mary Purple Addix front. Maxxis DHR II 3C MaxxTerra rear. Coil fan. Ebikes are not evil. I have been a writer for nigh on 20 years, a photographer for 25 years and a mountain biker for 30 years. I have written countless magazine and website features and route guides for the UK mountain bike press, most notably for the esteemed and highly regarded Singletrackworld. Although I am a Lancastrian, I freely admit that West Yorkshire is my favourite place to ride. Rarely a week goes by without me riding and exploring the South Pennines.

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