SKS Germany is one of the best known manufacturers of bicycle tools and accessories. With the SKS TOM 18 I test the most popular multitool of the Sauerland. The mini-tool directly deserves the price-performance victory and thus belongs to the best multitools. Why this is so, what the TOur Mechanic can and can’t do, you’ll find out here in the test:
The SKS TOM 18 is the price tip in the bike multitool test! From the German company SKS Germany comes the TOur Mechanic or short TOM 18. SKS Germany stands for high-quality bike tools and accessories. What the most popular multitool of the German company (Sauerländer) can do, you will find out in this test.
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Dimensions: 15 x 8 x 8 cm
Number of functions: 18
Special features: 2 x tire levers, brake pad opener, bottle opener, chain rivet compartment for chain pin, neoprene sleeve.
* Werbung - Aktualisierung am 2024-04-22, Preis kann gestiegen sein, Als Amazon-Partner verdiene ich an qualifizierten Verkäufen, Bild:Amazon
The SKS TOM 18 is the multitool price-performance winner! You can buy the mini tool for a small price. Nevertheless, the important tools for a bike repair on the road are available. All edges are pleasantly rounded and thus the bike tool lies securely in the hand. Even with heavy loads nothing twists and thus the SKS TOM 18 is a mini tool with many strengths and hardly any weaknesses.
Tip: You want an overview of the proven bike multitools? Click here for the Bicycle Multitool Test!
SKS TOM 18 highlights & features
What are the big features of the SKS TOM 18 Multitool?
Weight: 184 grams
Dimensions: 15 x 8 x 8 cm
Number of functions: 18
Special features: 2 x tire levers, brake pad opener, bottle opener, chain rivet compartment for chain pin, neoprene sleeve.
The SKS TOM 18 is an all-round successful multitool with sensible equipment. The multitool is compact and with 184 grams pleasantly light. It is possible to work sensibly with the tools and therefore the SKS TOM 18 is the price-performance winner.
In the hand – SKS TOM 18
The compact dimensions and the light weight of 184 grams are immediately noticeable. So good values for the multi-talent. The workmanship is solid and the minitool is immediately comfortable in the hand. The 18 functions are chosen sensibly:
- Basic tools: The TOM 18 has all the important Allen keys (2.5 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 8 mm). The tools are even clearly labelled. This means you have the right tool quickly at hand and don’t have to spend a lot of time fiddling around. Torx T25 as well as Phillips and crosshead screwdrivers complete the package. Thus, the important basic tools are available.
- Chain rivet and nipple tensioner: A well-functioning chain rivet is installed. It contains nipple clamps for nipple sizes G14 and G15.
- Special features: The extras are extensive but not always useful. The integrated brake pad opener is handy when you sit in full sun in front of a wonderful bottle of beer, then the integrated bottle opener also becomes a savior in distress 🙂 with the tire lever can not be useful and I therefore recommend a set Pedros tire levers (pair)* to have with you. Then you don’t get any unpleasant surprises. The large orange plastic piece is a storage compartment for just one chain pin. For reasons of space, the compartment could have been spared.
The SKS TOM 18 is stored in a neoprene sleeve that fits perfectly. This is included in the scope of delivery and the possibly dirty multitool conveniently finds space in it.
In practice
Good
✅ The SKS TOM 18 multitool is solidly made and thanks to the rounded edges, it fits comfortably in your hand. The tools can be extended comfortably. The SKS TOM 18 is also convincing when it comes to screwing with a lot of force.
✅ The chain rivet is minimally longer than comparable models. When working, the chain pins are pleasantly easy to unscrew. Also the lever on the chain riveter is a bit longer than usual.
Thanks to the already mentioned rounded edges, you can apply a lot of force without the firm grip causing pain.
Bad
❌ The tire lever seems less robust and will give way under heavy load and the orange plastic compartment for storing a chain pin could have been saved.
Comparison: current bike multitool models
* Werbung - Aktualisierung am 2024-04-26, Preis kann gestiegen sein, Als Amazon-Partner verdiene ich an qualifizierten Verkäufen, Bild:Amazon
Conclusion
The tire lever will not last long in practice and the orange plastic compartment for the rivet pin could have been saved for space reasons. These are all the criticisms I have of the SKS TOM 18. Otherwise, an all-round successful multitool is delivered that also withstands heavy use. The workmanship is good quality and the price is small. Therefore, the SKS TOM 18 is the price-performance winner.
- 18-in-1 Werkzeug: Das durchdachte, kompakte Minitool TOM 18 vereint die wichtigsten Werkzeug-Funktionen, so dass unterwegs kurzerhand kleinere Reparaturen am Fahrrad durchgeführt werden können
- Mit den 18 integrierten Funktionen wie Inbusschlüssel, Schraubendreher, Torx-Schlüssel, Reifenheber, Speichenschlüssel und Kapselheber/Bremsbelagöffner sowie ein Fach für den Kettenniet lassen sich viele Pannen am Fahrrad schnell beheben
- Hochwertige Materialien: Das Multifunktionswerkzeug aus hochwertigem, rostfreiem Chrom-Vanadium-Werkzeugstahl kann in der mitgelieferten Neopren-Tasche praktisch verstaut werden
* Werbung - Aktualisierung am 2024-04-22, Preis kann gestiegen sein, Als Amazon-Partner verdiene ich an qualifizierten Verkäufen, Bild:Amazon
Alternatives to the SKS TOM 18
Crankbrothers M 19
The SKS TOM has a more comfortable to use chain riveter and it is overall a top mulitool. However, the Crankbrothers multitool has even more to offer: The Crankbrothers M 19 has more tools than the SKS TOM 18, so you might think it’s just 18 vs. 19 tools. In fact, the Crankbrothers M 19 has two open-end wrenches in 8 & 10 mm ahead of the SKS multitool and it has an additional slotted screwdriver size. The two additional nipple clamps can also be particularly important (4 sizes on the M 19 vs. 2 sizes on the TOM 18). Overall, the extra charge for the Crankbrothers M19 is worth it.
- INKLUSIVE WERKZEUG: Sechskantschlüssel Nr. 2, 2,5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8. Offener Schraubenschlüssel 8 mm, 10 mm. Speichenschlüssel Nr. 0, 1, 2, 3. Schraubendreher Philips Nr. 1 & 2, Flach Nr. 2. Torx T-10, T-28.
- KETTENWERKZEUG: Kompatibel mit 8/9/10/11/12 Gängen
- Ergonomisch entworfen: Seitengriffe bieten sicheren Halt auch mit Handschuhen
* Werbung - Aktualisierung am 2024-04-26, Preis kann gestiegen sein, Als Amazon-Partner verdiene ich an qualifizierten Verkäufen, Bild:Amazon
More info
About the manufacturer: SKS Germany has established itself over the years as a specialist of bicycle tools and accessories. Customers should associate the manufacturer with the motto For carefree cycling.
Home page link: https://www.sks-germany.com/
What do you think of the SKS TOM 18? Do you have any questions? Feel free to write me your comment.
