Review: Wolftooth Encase Hex Wrench Kit

 If you have a minimalist toolbag on your bike, you probably at some point run out of space. One alternative is to stow your tools into your handlebar, but then it would rattle. The Wolftooth Encase system solves that problem by wrapping the tool in a rubber sleeve that slips into your handlebar end so it doesn't rattle.

The wolftooth system comes with a spoke wrench, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8mm allen wrenches, a collection of torx wrenches, a spoke wrench, and both flathead and philips heads screwdrivers. The handle features a swivel head so you can place the tool in the right place. Cleverly, the swivel happens in only one plane so you can still rotate the tools when screwing or unscrewing something.

The penalty is that all wolftooth systems stuff is extremely expensive. I bought it only as part of a scratch and dent sale and it was still expensive. There's also a corresponding encase sleeve with a chaintool, but since one of my two handlebar end spots is taken up by a bar end shifter, I only bought the wrench set.

I was skeptical of how easy it was to get the entire toolkit flush with the handlebars, and indeed it doesn't sit flush, but that's a good thing --- when you need to extract the toolkit, you still need a bit of extra grip so you can pull the tool out.

Identifying the correct sized wrench is a bit of a headache --- the labels aren't quite easy to read, especially in the dark, but after a bit of fumbling you can get it out. With magnetic attachment systems each bit fits right into place with a satisfying snap. However, the magnetic attachment system is not very strong. I left a bit in a hex socket once after tightening when I removed the body but the bit remained in place. No problem, as soon as I reached to put the bit back into place I discovered the problem.

Everything is held together with rubber bands that you have to slip off when you need to extract a bit for use. It's a bit of a hassle, but I have yet to lose a bit.

Compared to the regular multi-tools, it's light and saves a lot of space. But it's also too expensive for me to deploy on all my bikes, so it only gets used on my light day-riding/commute bike. I can recommend it if you have only one bike, but I suspect a bigger saddlebag is a better (and cheaper) option for most.