Cool Tool bicycle tool

[knucklebuster]

One thing that surprised me about this thing is how slim the head is.  Def

the slim profile is so it can be used as a cone wrench for bike axles 

my friend dug his up from the depths and it has the 916 area code on it-I'll see if I can remember to take a picture sometime I visit

[Grant Lamontagne]

Here it is, thanks to a generous Multitool.org member, my Gerber Cool Tool!



As you can see, it has different markings on the head than some of the others posted here:





And, here it is in comparison to the SpydeRench so you can get an idea of how wide the jaws open. 



Admittedly, if you take the file out of the jaws on the Spydie it can open more, but then you also run the risk of all the bits falling out.  I didn't have my Guppie handy to compare jaws with it, but it looks like the Cool Tool is the best because of the amount of handle for leverage.  While the Spydie may be longer when stretched out, it also has a pivot in the middle, and as a result I'd be leery about exerting serious pressure at the opposite end.

It is an interesting tool, although somewhat limited- perhaps if I was a cyclist I might appreciate it more, but I will say that I do like the allen keys and adjustable wrench ideas!  Very handy stuff, although I'm not certain how exactly to use the socket that fits in the middle.  Perhaps I am missing a piece still?

Def

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Look's a lot cleaner than my poor abused example does

Bloody generous whoever you are

[kwakster]

To Def: The socket is held in the jaws,

[Grant Lamontagne]

That explains the cutouts on the side! 

Thanks again!

Def

[NutSAK]

One thing that surprised me about this thing is how slim the head is.  Def

the slim profile is so it can be used as a cone wrench for bike axles 

...and as a pedal wrench.

[J-sews]

As you can see, it has different markings on the head than some of the others posted here:

Hmmm, interesting. I also note a small notch in the casting, right beneath the worm drive. The notch isn't on my Cool Tool. (a pre-Gerber version, below at right) I wonder what the notch is for?



 

[Grant Lamontagne]

I noticed the notch earlier as well but I didn't notice that yours didn't have it.  I have no idea what it might be for... anyone have any idea what it's for?

Def

[Ed Borden]

Has ANYONE found where these COOL TOOLS can be CURRENTLY purchased from???

[J-sews]

Has ANYONE found where these COOL TOOLS can be CURRENTLY purchased from???

Howdy Ed. I'm afraid surfing eBay is the only suggestion I've got.

[Grant Lamontagne]

Or looking around on a forum/collector's group like this one.  You may also be able to find one for sale at sites like Bladeforums.com, Knifeforums.com, EDCForums.com, BritishBlades.com or at various bicycling forums.  They've been discontinued for years and as such can be a pain to find, which is why collectors are after them.

Try making a post in the Tools Wanted section near the bottom of the Main Index- you never know, someone may have an extra, and that's the best way to find it.

Def

[riparious]

Found this thread while looking for a Cool Tool to replace the one I got in 1994 or so. Thought I would share a few things.

I went to school at CSU, Chico in Northern Californa in the mid '90's. Robert Seals (Bobby Seals as we knew him) had a ranch about 20 miles out of town. While I was an engineerging student there was a large overlap between the Human Powered Vehicle team, and the Collegate Cycling Team. EVERY cycling engineering student had a Cool Tool. I believe it was one of the first bike specific multi-tools.

Bobby sold the rights to Gerber in 1995, which was announced to dealers in December that year.

http://www.bikepro.com/impressions/cooltool.shtml

As far as features: The hex keys can be inserted 180 degrees from their storage position to make the tool longer and provide more leverage, if you are careful the thin jaws of the wrench can be used as a tire iron, and the groove on the back side in line with the axis of the chain tool screw is a spoke wrench (not sure if that feature is on all models). Also, a rubber O ring holds up much better than the OEM rubber band.

I will re-post if I find a reliable source of Cool Tools.

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Found this thread while looking for a Cool Tool to replace the one I got in 1994 or so. Thought I would share a few things.

I went to school at CSU, Chico in Northern Californa in the mid '90's. Robert Seals (Bobby Seals as we knew him) had a ranch about 20 miles out of town. While I was an engineerging student there was a large overlap between the Human Powered Vehicle team, and the Collegate Cycling Team. EVERY cycling engineering student had a Cool Tool. I believe it was one of the first bike specific multi-tools.

Bobby sold the rights to Gerber in 1995, which was announced to dealers in December that year.

http://www.bikepro.com/impressions/cooltool.shtml

As far as features: The hex keys can be inserted 180 degrees from their storage position to make the tool longer and provide more leverage, if you are careful the thin jaws of the wrench can be used as a tire iron, and the groove on the back side in line with the axis of the chain tool screw is a spoke wrench (not sure if that feature is on all models). Also, a rubber O ring holds up much better than the OEM rubber band.

I will re-post if I find a reliable source of Cool Tools.

Great post, and welcome to the forum mate

[J-sews]

Yes indeed, thanks for the info!!

[max6166]

Ditto! And please let us know if you find a supplier.