PB Swiss BikeTool and 470 Adapter

The PB Swiss BikeTool is a clever designed multi-tool for on the go, and I will compare it with my Lezyne V10 multi tool. The PB Swiss Tools 470.M Adapter is part of this 1/4″ bit based BikeTool. The adapter is 1/4″ bit holder that can be used in combination with a 5 mm. hex/allen key.

Furthermore I will share my thoughts on why every home mechanic should have the PB 470.M Adapter and a set of PB Swiss Tools allen keys.

PB Swiss BikeTool Design

“Small, handy and robust. The high-quality BikeTool from PB Swiss Tools is the right companion for biking enthusiasts. With a weight of less than 98 gram, it is hardly noticeable. The rounded edges protect against injuries from crashes. Its dimensions are 101 x 36 x 21 mm.”

The PB Swiss BikeTool is basically a plastic 1/4″ bit holder that has room for 8 bits. Furthermore it has room for the PB Swiss Tools 470.M Adapter,  while the 5 mm. hex l-wrench is securing the bits in the holder. The following high quality bits are part of the BikeTool:

• Hex 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 6 mm
• Torx T25
• Phillips-Head PH2
• Bit for slotted screws, size 3

On the front and backside of the holder a tyre lever is clicked. The PB Swiss Tools precision bits can be pushed out of the holder with the 5 mm hex L-wrench. Personally I would replace the Torx T25 with a Torx T27 bit to tighten Shimano Dura Ace 9000 chain-ring bolts. The bit for slotted screws I would replace with a 8 mm. hex bit.

So you can really customize the PB Swiss BikeTool to your own needs.

Lezyne V10 multi-tool vs PB Swiss Bike Tool

Currently I’m using the Lezyne V10 multitool for emergency repairs when I’m on the road. The Lezyne V10 has a swiss army knife design that folds out a set of tools:

1. Hex 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 mm
2. Torx T25, T30
3. Phillips-Head
4. Chain Breaker: (9/10/11 speed)

Although the Lezyne V10 product description states that the tools have a chrome vanadium coating, you can see corrosion happening in the picture above. And the tool is less than 1.5 year old and maybe used one time to help a cycling friend.

Advantages PB Swiss BikeTool

• Replacing Precision Bits and with the specific ones you need. Replacing tools is impossible with the Lezyne V10 multi tool;
• Tyre levers are included, no need need to carry an extra set like the Tacx Mini Tyre levers.
• Spare PB Swiss Tyre Levers are available for purchase in case you break or loose one;
• PB Swiss Tools has a reputation of durable and high quality products so the BikeTool will last for years;
• Simple but reliable design … 🙂

Disadvantages PB Swiss BikeTool

• PB Swiss BikeTool misses a chain-breaker (my personal preference to have a chain breaker with me);

Over the past 25 years of cycling a chain breaker has saved my cycling buddies and myself a numerous times. Unfortunately PB Swiss Tools doesn’t have a chain-breaker. It’s understandable because the PB BikeTool is the only cycling specific product of the Swiss Tools firm.

I would like to try and see if I can attach the Topeak Super Chain tool or the Pedros Six-Pack Chain Tool to the 5 mm. hex l-wrench (and still have a compact tool-set).

PB Swiss Tools 470.M Adapter a must have for every home mechanic

PB Swiss Tools is also known for its rainbow colored hex key l-wrenches, that are widely used by professional mechanics and local bike shops. Personally I do have a set of long allen wrenches with ball heads that is almost 20 years old, and despite intensive use you hardly see any signs of wear. So for EUR 35,- it is a rock solid investment for years.

I’ve attached the PB Swiss Tools 470.M Adapter to the 5 mm hex key l-wrench,  and have it in my toolbox as part of the set. It combines perfectly with PB Swiss Tools BitBox and the long l-wrenches give you a perfect reach when you put the adapter on the long side or a strong force when you put the 470.M Adapter on the short side.

Only other brand that offers a similar kind of adapter is Silca in their HX-ONE Home and Travel Essential kit. Their adapter only fits the 6 mm. hex key l-wrench and isn’t sold separately. You would need to buy the complete set for a price of $ 125,– . A similar PB Swiss Tools set will cost you roughly € 40,– or € 50,– In other words half the price for at least the same product quality (or even better).

If you use only the PB Swiss Tools 470.M Adapter with a precision bit, you can quickly hand turn the bolts of your bottle cages that are hard to reach with a hex l-wrench or ratchet tool.

Concluding thoughts and wrap-up

PB Swiss Tools BikeTool is a clever designed multi-tool for on the go that can be customized to your own needs (you can replace the 1/4″ bits). The BikeTool has tyre levers included, I personally miss the chain breaker.  Since the some tools in the Lezyne V10 are already rusted, I expect the PB Swiss BikeTool to be more durable.

You can get the PB BikeTool for € 26,75 which is a good price for the high quality tool you get. The BikeTools is available in 6 different colors: black, red, yellow, blue, green and purple.  A spare PB Swiss Tools 470.M Adapter will cost you € 5,05. 

The adapter will fit perfectly with the rainbow colored hex key l-wrenches that are used by many professional mechanics. As  mentioned in before I have a set of allen keys that are over 15 years old, so you can’t go wrong with purchasing PB Swiss Tools.

If you are looking for a nice present for a cycling friend you may have found it.