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On first impressions the ‘Tool Lock’ appears to be a D-Lock complete with a brace to prevent the lock from being levered open. This is what the thief gets to see, however the ‘Tool-Lock’ is also a toolkit, designed for the commuter or adventure cyclist.
Key features:
The barrel end has a 15mm socket. This can be used to tighten wheel nuts and cotterless cranks.
The tips of the shackle are hexagonal. One is 5mm, the other 6mm. These are for common tasks such as adjusting the handlebar or seat. At a push these can be used in place of ‘Allen keys’ for adjusting gears and brakes.
The brace that prevents a car-jack from being used to bust the lock can be detached from the lock and used as a spanner. Most 8, 9 and 10mm bolts can be adjusted with it.
The key fob is a spoke adjuster that also has a small screwdriver for making adjustments to gears.
Not all tools are built into the ‘Tool Lock’ however a lot of the heavier ones are. These are typically the ones needed after an incident (e.g. to straighten handlebars) and can be used to get you home.
Sometimes the ‘tool-lock’ will be more practical than normal workshop tools. For instance, freeing the stem on an older bike could be easier with ‘Tool-Lock’ leverage than with an Allen key.
‘Tool-Lock’ could be afforded a manual with website showing how to undertake common tasks. This might encourage those that fear spanners to have another go at adjusting their own bike.
Security Engineering
With ‘Tool-Lock’ none of the tools can be used against the lock or the bicycle, e.g. to remove components. The tools are not only secured by the lock (and requiring the key to access), they are also hidden away from prying eyes. The Allen Keys are locked inside the barrel and the spanner-set on the brace is hidden by rubber cover that protects the bike frame from getting scratched by the ‘lock’.
Saving weight.
Touring cyclists, commuters and other riders have a need for a D-lock and a capable toolkit. Both of these items are heavy. The ‘Tool Lock’ uses the existing bulk of the D-lock for the tools, reducing the necessity for a large toolkit. This saves weight on and off the bike.
Price: DeLuxe D-Lock Category, frame bracket included.