Wolf Tooth 8-Bit Kit One Review - Is This The Best Multi-Tool?

Words by: Liam Woods

Is This The Best Multi-Tool?

Do you ever wish that your multi-tool had more options, storage for multi-links, tire plugs, valve core, or even just had a larger overall lever so you could actually tighten up bolts as needed? The Wolf Tooth 8-Bit Kit One could be the ultimate multi-tool for exactly these reasons. Wolf Tooth has been making some really awesome tools for a long time now. One of their most popular tools is the Wolf Tooth Masterlink Combo Pack Pliers, which flew off the shelves when they first came out. Then we have also seen an increase in popularity of the Wolf Tooth Encase System that stores bits and tools in your handlebars. Now Wolf Tooth has gone a bit further and combined the two ideas, building off the classic pack pliers and the storage of bits in and around the tools. The Wolf Tooth 8-Bit Kit One really is one of the more complete multi-tools on the market. 

Coming in three different parts and each sold separately if you need it that way, each tool stacks nicely and isn't extremely big when it's all put together. It is a really awesome package when you think about what this tool can bring and store. Below is Wolf Tooth’s breakdown of each part:

8-BIT PACK PLIERS MULTI-TOOL

The 8-Bit Pack Pliers Multi-Tool has 17 functions. On one end of the multi-tool, an 8mm hex swivel head serves as a driver for the bits that are stored inside: flat head #3.5 and phillips #2 screwdriver bits; 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, and 6mm hex; and T10 and T25 Torx-compatible bits. A spoke wrench and valve core wrench are stored on the back and a rasp is on the inside of the upper handle for clearing sealant from valve stems. On the other end of the multi-tool, pliers for master link installation/removal and tightening/loosening of valve stem nuts.

8-BIT TIRE LEVER + RIM DENT REMOVER MULTI-TOOL

The 8-Bit Tire Lever + Rim Dent Remover Multi-Tool has two functions. A slender, ergonomic plastic tire lever is on one end opposite of a machined aluminum rim dent remover. The tire lever will work with all tubed and tubeless tires, while the rim dent remover is compatible with all metal rims.

8-BIT CHAINBREAKER + UTILITY KNIFE MULTI-TOOL

The 8-Bit Chainbreaker + Utility Knife Multi-Tool has three functions. It has a chainbreaker on one end and a retractable utility blade on the other. The chain tool is operated by an included 3mm hex L key that doubles as a tire plug inserter. A machined slot fits the L key and converts the entire multi-tool into a tire plug inserter, with the forked end of the L key extending outward. The handles of this multi-tool slide open to provide storage for tire plug inserts, a valve core, and a spare mini utility blade. 

Specs: 

Weight & Dimensions:  

8-Bit Kit One: 171 g - 146mm x 20mm x 28mm
8-Bit Chainbreaker + Utility knife Multi-tool: 71 g  - 146mm x 20mm x 11mm
Tire Lever + Rim Dent Remover Multi-tool: 29.5 g  - 146mm x 20mm x 8mm
8-Bit Pack Pliers: 70 g  -  146mm x 20mm x 9mm

Material:  

7075-T6 aluminum handles, CrV tool steel swivel head, S2 tool steel bits
High-strength nylon composite tire lever

Max Torque:

Max torque for 8 mm hex bit – 40 Nm
Max torque for 4, 5, 6 mm hex bits & T25, T30 bits – 20 Nm
Max torque for all other bits – 10 Nm

In Use:

I’ll first start with the overall kit when all three parts are put together. It is a large-ish rectangle and quite a bit bigger than your average multi-tool, but the size does come in handy when you get down to using the tool. At about 146mm long and 26mm tall, it's a bit of an odd shape compared to other multi-tools. But I found it to nicely slide into a backpack without issues, as well as it wasn't too awkward in a storage pocket on my bib. 

As you might expect, when you have everything you need, nothing happens. So I was waiting for a group ride where everyone just had issues; it was bound to happen. Eventually it did and I was able to give the tool a fair shakedown. The first thing I used was the multi-tool part, grabbing a t-25 and 4mm hex key. After a crash during the group ride, some bars got twisted and a headset was loose, so we pulled out the right bits and tightened it up. No issues at all. It was nice how large the handle was as many multi-tools either dig into your hand or feel like they are about to break when getting stuff snug to continue on a ride. 

The other major fix I had that day was a flat tire. We had what looked like a hole that could be plugged. I pulled out the tool and grabbed the tire plug tool, a bacon strip and started to plug it up. It was a pretty big hole and right on the corner knob of a Maxxis Minion, so while two bacon strips initially sealed the tire, the plug ripped out in the first couple corners and we were back to the start. We decided to just throw a tube in it as we wanted to get back and not have plugs keep ripping out. I was able to use the tire lever pretty easily and take the tire off as well. So with this one flat tire I got to use the tire plug, the bacon strips that are stored in the tool, and the tire lever. 

In both cases on the trail, the 8-Bit Kit One worked great and I was able to keep riding and help out my buddies' bikes. I wanted to try out some of the other tools on the trail but I got impatient and just did them in the shop. I wanted to see how well the chain tool worked as well as test the rim dent puller. The chain cutting tool design is somewhat unique. It’s not totally new when it comes to multi-tools but again, one thing I liked was how big the handle was and how much leverage you got while breaking a chain. Oftentimes a multi-tool chainbreaker barely works and you are not sure if the tool is going to break before your chain pin comes out. This was not the case. The chain tool could almost be used for your home toolbox. While not quite durable enough for shop use, I'm sure if you cut a few chains a year you wouldn't have any issues with this part of the tool. The rim dent tool worked like a charm, too. As far as I know this might be one of the only rim dent tools out there and let alone on a multi-tool, so it’s super rad to see. You can easily get a dent out on the trail so your tire can seal again and keep you riding. 

Pro:

• Just about every tool needed while out on trail
• Large handle to fit well in your hand
• Has those “just in case” tools for when you need them

Cons:

• Size is a bit big for normal storage while riding
• More expensive than most multi-tools

What's Worldwide's Takeaway?

Using the 8-Bit Kit One is the best part. You almost get stoked when out on a ride and someone asks if you have a multi-tool. I'm like, “Yea! What do you need?” because I know this tool can do just about everything while out on the trail. Quite honestly, one of my favorite things is just showing off how rad this tool is. Wolf Tooth really executed well with this full 8-Bit Kit One, getting just about every necessary hex bit and torx bit, while including a flat head and a phillips head for your normal screws, chain pliers, a round file, a spoke wrench and valve core tool, tire lever, rim dent remover, a chain breaker, tire plug tool, a razor blade and storage for a masterlink, tire plugs, valve core and a spare razor blade. There really isn't much missing from the Wolf Tooth 8 Bit Kit One and it's ready to save your rides or most likely your buddies' ride. 

This article was written / authored by Liam Woods. Liam has been in the bicycle industry for over 10 years as a racer, professional mechanic, service manager and as of late, media and content creator. Liam has ridden thousands of different bikes, ridden countless components, tested endless MTB apparel of all kinds and written reviews on it all. He's a key piece to the Worldwide Cyclery "All Things MTB" content creation puzzle. He also makes consistent appearances on the Worldwide Cyclery YouTube channel and Instagram.