The True Utility FIXR Pocket Tool packets 20 tools into one clip-on tool that is small enough to hang on your belt loop or clip to your gear bag. It even comes in a reusable plastic case. Let’s take a closer look.
Note: Images can be clicked to view a larger size.
What’s in the box?
FIXR 20-in-1 tool
Leather snap case
Instructions
The FIXR pocket tool is a multi-tool that is made of black titanium coated 422 grade stainless steel. It’s super small and takes up almost no space.
The FIXR has 20 tools. On the top edge you can see the Bicycle Spoke Wrench (#1), and the Measuring Ruler (#2). Note that if you buy through UK based True Utility, the ruler is in centimeters which isn’t too helpful for those of us here in the USA 🙂 However, Amazon sells a version that has inches.
On top is a titanium coated plate that rotates and clicks into place to extend five different tools that include a Nail Cleaner (#3), Small Flat Eyeglass Screwdriver (#4), Medium Phillips Screwdriver (#5), Small Phillips Screwdriver (#6) and a Wire Stripper (#7).
On the left side you will find the Pry Bar (#8) that has a Large Flat Screwdriver (#9) on the top edge of the pry bar and a Medium Flat Screwdriver (#10) on the bottom tip of the pry bar. Along the left bottom edge there’s the serrated Box Opener (#11) and the Quick Release Clip (#12).
If we flip the FIXR over, we will find the 6mm and 8mm Spanner/Wrenches (#13, #14) to the right of the pry bar. Along the bottom edge is a file (#15) and you can see the blade in the center (#16). Then the opening to the right of the blade is designed in such a way that it doubles as a 14mm, 12mm and 10mm Spanner/Wrench (#17, #18. #19). Then last but not least is the hook of the quick release clip which doubles as a Bottle Opener (#20).
With multi-tools like this one, I’m always a little skeptical on how well each tool really works. It’s like the old saying “jack of all trades, master of none” kind of thing. On tools that wasn’t too useful was the small eyeglass screwdriver because it was too thick for the screw slots in my glasses. The medium sized Philips screwdriver wasn’t shaped correctly either, one section was wider than the other. Then the ruler wasn’t too helpful because it’s metric. I also noticed that the blade wasn’t easy to use since it’s located in the center of the tool and the carabiner clip is in the way.
So which tools did I actually find to be useful? The box cutter and the flat screw drivers on the ends of the pry bar were my most used tools while testing the FIXR. I don’t drink beverages in glass bottles with caps, so I didn’t have the opportunity to try the bottle opener and I didn’t have any reason to try the wrenches or spoke tool. I did use the blade to cut some loose threads on a shirt, but found it to be awkward to use due to its placement.
The True Utility FIXR pocket tool has some useful tools and its compact size does make it easy to carry around. You just have to decide if the tools it offers are ones you might really need. For me, I’ll just stick with my Leatherman Squirt.
Source: The sample for this review was provided by True Utility. Please visit their site for more info and Amazon to order the US version.
Product Information
| Price: | $15.99 |
| Manufacturer: | True Utility |
| Retailer: | Amazon |
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Re your comments on the fact that the tool is in in metric, there are only 3 countries in the world that have not adopted the metric system as their official measuring system.
This is from Wikipedia – ” the US remains the only industrialised country that has not adopted the metric system as its official system of measurement. Many sources also cite Liberia and Burma as the only other countries not to have done so.”
Most of us use the metric system routinely.
DON
This website is based in the US and most of our readers live in the US, so I don’t see a reason argue about it.
A US audience will of course want to know if a ruler has centimeters only, but a small number of Americans are already using the metric system at home. (Wishing they didn’t have to keep waiting for our country to shed its old British units.)
The US adopted the metric system in 1980. I use both SAE and metric in a cabinet shop. There is a standard (SAE) version of the tool at Amazon. This is the one I have. The other tools should become useful as I carry the tool daily. I’m looking forward to it.
My job takes me to some unique places in Alaska and this has become part of my EDC kit. Clips on to the back of my day pack and I am sure it will save my lunch some day. Bummed as I did not get the leather or plastic container from AZ.