Opinion

Always with you: a bike tool on your waistband

14/10/2025

Translation: Katherine Martin

Where to put your bike tool – on the bike itself or in a separate bag? Fix Manufacturing has come out with an ingenious tool that provides the perfect response to this question: on your waistband.

I like gadgets. But only if they’re really cleverly made and solve a problem elegantly, for instance. Like the dilemma about where to put your bike tool while riding. Where to put your tools for fixing minor punctures? There are products for on or in the frame, for saddle bags or other bags and, of course, you can also simply throw everything into your rucksack. I don’t think any of these solutions are practical.

And this is where manufacturers like Fix Manufacturing come into play. The Californian company has already won me over with its small electric bike pump for on the move. The Eflator Mini is now a constant companion of mine.

Matchbox-sized bike tools

This summer, I got to know and love the little matchbox-sized tools from Fix Manufacturing. There are tools for bikes and skis and snowboards, as well as for skateboards.

What’s ingenious is the idea to combine the small toolbox with a belt. But it can also be attached to a rucksack using a suitable adapter. Or carried in a small saddle bag. I usually use a belt and either the Wheelie Wrench X Dynaplug or the Wheelie Wrench Pro on my gravel or mountain bike. If I’m wearing bib shorts, for example, the tool can fit into one of the jersey pockets while I’m riding.

The Wheelie Wrench X Dynaplug for tubeless tyres from Fix Manufacturing

The Wheelie Wrench Pro comes with a spare chain lock, among other features.

Bike folding tools

Fix Manufacturing All Out Belt

Bike folding tools

Fix Manufacturing Wheelie Wrench X Dynaplug

Bike folding tools

Fix Manufacturing Wheelie Wrench Pro

Bike folding tools

Fix Manufacturing All Out Belt

Bike folding tools

Fix Manufacturing Wheelie Wrench X Dynaplug

Bike folding tools

Fix Manufacturing Wheelie Wrench Pro

On but also off the bike

I’ve now gotten so used to the belt that it regularly keeps my trousers from slipping down, even when I’m not on gravel paths and trails. This is where it becomes apparent the tools have many everyday uses. In addition to high-quality and robust hexagonal bits, ring wrenches, tyre levers, plugs and other tools, each of these folding tools also boasts a bottle opener. The next BBQ is already in the diary.

My conclusion: I like these kinds of gadgets. Or in the words of the manufacturer: Only Fools Don’t Carry Tools.

The Wheelie Wrench Pro from Fix Manufacturing also has a bottle opener.

Header image: Patrick Bardelli

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Patrick Bardelli

Senior Editor

Patrick.Bardelli@digitecgalaxus.ch

From radio journalist to product tester and storyteller, jogger to gravel bike novice and fitness enthusiast with barbells and dumbbells. I'm excited to see where the journey'll take me next.

Opinion

This is a subjective opinion of the editorial team. It doesn't necessarily reflect the position of the company.

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