Fix It Sticks give you the torque of a T-wrench, but pack down into a minuscule size, ideal for storing in a bike pouch or in your pocket. Originally a Kickstarter project to make a three-way wrench that would fit into your pocket, Fix It Sticks now sell three different models to the general public: the Original, the Replaceables, and the T-Way.
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Since this isn’t a cycling blog, let’s talk about the most interesting version first: the Replaceables model. Weighing in at 118 grams (or a little over 6.5 oz), the Replaceables version uses standard interchangeable 1/4″ hex screwdriver insert bits, so if you don’t like the collection of bits that it comes with, you can swap them out for your own.
It includes a variety of screwdriver bits: metric hex 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm hex, Torx T25, and Phillips #2. Neodymium magnets hold the screwdriver bits in place. Since the Replaceable Fix It Sticks are made entirely out of steel, you can apply up to 54Nm (~478 in-lbs or 40 ft-lbs) of torque.
Of course marketing a product to cyclists is going to drive the price up a bit. But also keep in mind that Fix it Sticks are made in the USA – that contributes to the higher pricing as well. A pair of Fix It Sticks, plus all the bits, and a carrying case, is going to run you about $36.
Fix It Sticks aren’t just for bike maintenance – they look like they would work great for all sorts of general purpose tasks and applications. They’re compact enough to be especially at home in all but the most minimalist of EDC or compact tool kits.
Buy Now (Replaceables Fix It Sticks via Amazon)
Unless you are really into metric hex keys, which are needed for most bikes you can buy these days, you might be more interested in the version Duluth Trading Company sells. Rather than a bunch of metric hex bits, they include large and small slotted bits, Phillips #1 and #2, Robertson (square drive) #2, Torx T25, and 4mm and 5mm hex bits.
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Buy Now (Replaceables Fix It Sticks via Duluth Trading Company)
The Original Fix It Sticks model weighs only 55 grams (about 1.94 oz), because it’s made from anodized aluminum – not steel – and the bits are fixed in place and not interchangeable. It can only stand up to 15 Nm (~133 in-lbs or 11 ft-lbs) of torque. They sell six different models with bits for different applications.
The original Fix It Sticks will run you anywhere from $24 to $34 depending on which configuration you buy.
Buy Now (Original Fix It Sticks via Amazon)
More Info (Fix It Stick Website)
There is also the T-Way Wrench, which is less portable because it doesn’t separate for storage. Because of this, and its all-steel construction, Fix It Sticks says the T-Way Wrench is stronger and capable of standing up to more abuse, although they don’t say how much torque it can handle. Like the Replaceables model, the T-Way can accept any 1/4″ insert bit, holding them in place with neodymium magnets. It ships with 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm Hex, and Torx bits.
The Fix It Sticks T-way wrench will run you $26.
Buy Now (T-Way Wrench via Amazon)
Pete
Check out the ‘Kershaw select fire’ it is also a 1/4″ t-handle that I think is a little more versatile.
BikerDad
I think one of the Replaceables is going to make it onto my Want List. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a small bit selection that matched what I want, but this one is actually a bit better than most, at least for my purposes.
Let’s have a review of the Select Fire, that looks really good. It does not, however, look like it can handle anywhere near the torque of the steel Fix-It Sticks.
Nathan
sold – awesome idea. only wished they would have made an anodized AL version of a replaceables. they would have gotten more of my money.
Bought 3 – on for me, and 2 for some bike guys I know. Thanks for the heads up
Daniel
I have the Original Fix-It-Sticks from the Kickstarter campaign. They have a been a great tool for the bike, but I have found myself using them at home more than I expected.
They are a great tool and I highly recommend them.
Stan
Made in USA, way to Fix It Stick company. Definitely will consider buying this for a friend who does work on bikes.
Sure this might be more expensive than something you can pick up at Harbor Freight, but this also supports American workers. For me, that is worth the cost. In the past, this used to be more important to a large amount of people as well.
Blythe M
Might pick this up for snowboarding to adjust bindings on the mountain
Ken
I don’t recommend the Replaceables aluminum model; the metal is just not strong enough for most fasteners on a bike, let along anything else (the metal split on mine. There many better folding bike tools, e.g Topeak, with more bits that are cheaper and weigh about the same as the steel Fix-It Sticks.