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Torque Slimline 16 multitool review

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Liam Mercer's picture

Liam Mercer

Since beginning his mountain biking career while working as a resort photographer in Greece in 2014, Liam became a freelance contributor at off.road.cc in 2019. From there, he’s climbed the journalism job ladder from staff writer to deputy technical editor, now finding his place as technical editor.

Partial to the odd enduro race, heart rate-raising efforts on slim-tyred cross-country bikes, hell-for-leather e-MTB blasts or even casual gravel jaunts, there’s not a corner of off-road cycling where Liam fears to tread. With more than 40 bike reviews under his belt and hundreds more on MTB, e-MTB and gravel parts and accessories, Liam’s expertise continues to be cemented and respected by the industry.

Product reviews

The Torque Slimline 16 is a lightweight, comprehensive multitool that can sort out most trailside mishaps. The slim design makes it perfect for stashing in your pocket or slipping into a bum bag, but it can become a little fiddly when winding down a bolt.

Found on the Slimline 16 is a chain tool with five spoke wrenches cut into it, Allen keys in 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8mm, a T25 Torx bit, a 5mm flathead screwdriver, and a PH2 Phillips head screwdriver.

The tools are made from chrome vanadium, which won’t rust, and they all fit into a super skinny 70x42x8mm package. There's also a bottle opener for those post-ride brews.

torque slimline 16 allen

Every tool is marked with its size, which makes for super easy tool choice and it reduces the trial and error faff. The larger Allens connect positively with their bolts, though the 2mm key isn’t quite as sharp – I’ve had to be a bit more careful while using this bit on tough bolts.

Torque Slimline 16 fold

The only real niggle with the Slimline 16 is its chain tool. It has a tendency to flap about when other tools are in use and, when packing away the chain tool, you must wind it all the way down or it won't sit properly. In truth though, these irritations are a very easy trade off for its slender design.

More consequentially, the 8mm Allen is a slip-on adaptor on the 5mm Allen. As it’s so small, and the 5mm is so commonly used, I’ve already lost it to the abyss of trailside foliage.

torque slimline 16 size

There are tools out there with more functions that cost much the same, but very few come close to being as slim and pocket-friendly as the Torque Slimline 16. If you’re looking for a lightweight tool that’s good for every situation (apart from tyre removal) the Torque Slimline 16 does the job well.

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