Topeak Toolbar or CRKT Getaway driver?

[Anthony]

I own neither of these tools, but would like some comments on them and how they compare to those who have handled/used both.  I'm really liking the Topeak Toolbar..holds more bits and looks generally better.

Topeak Toolbar


CRKT Get-A-Way driver

[Tarrodemierda]

as a dedicated bicyclist id choose topeas,as it has nice bit set-up already.but on the other hand if youre not bicyclist,you would have to change the bit set-ups i think to suit yiur needs,and did you realise or see,that the bits in topeak are  short ones so you would have to shorten the bits you want to use&carry with topeak.

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Although I've not got that Topeak model, I can say that there quality is top totch, and built to do the job as I've been a happy user of there gear for years

I'm really not keen on CRKT's at all I'm afraid

[J-sews]

I've not handled the Toolbar and so cannot comment on it. Other products from Topeak though have generally been pretty well made.


Def and I each picked up a Get-A-Way Driver when we were in Maine last week. Some initial thoughts:

The $12.95 price makes it pretty easy to buy. Quality is so-so, and we noticed that the bit adapter on Def's did not stay in place securely. Mine seems fine. Also note that it uses "short" bits like Mikko said about the Topeak. The factory bits have detent balls to keep them from getting lost. Many people don't realize that the Getaway has a pretty decent LED flashlight on board, which could come in handy.

[Tarrodemierda]

I've not handled the Toolbar and so cannot comment on it. Other products from Topeak though have generally been pretty well made.


Def and I each picked up a Get-A-Way Driver when we were in Maine last week. Some initial thoughts:

The $12.95 price makes it pretty easy to buy. Quality is so-so, and we noticed that the bit adapter on Def's did not stay in place securely. Mine seems fine. Also note that it uses "short" bits like Mikko said about the Topeak. The factory bits have detent balls to keep them from getting lost. Many people don't realize that the Getaway has a pretty decent LED flashlight on board, which could come in handy.

(Image removed from quote.)

  crkt also uses short bits? i have never noticed before.but where a mna get those bits separately to make his own set-up?

[I'm Still Bison]

Topeak's stuff is top-notch,the tire levers could serve duty as pry bars.

[Grant Lamontagne]

While looking at the Get-A-Way Driver I decided that the only real benefit to this over a basic screwdriver set was that it acts as an adaptor to allow you to use standard sized bits in the Zilla Jr or Lil Guppie.  Since I don't (yet) have either of these tools, I don't see this as being a great tool overall.

Don't get me wrong, I like it, and I can see the benefits of having a selection of screwdriver bits handy, I just don't think it offers much over a dedicated multitool and bit set.

Def

[max6166]

Don't get me wrong, I like it, and I can see the benefits of having a selection of screwdriver bits handy, I just don't think it offers much over a dedicated multitool and bit set.

Those are pretty much my feelings about every bit driver gadget I have come across. As drivers, most of them are even less functional and portable than a simple 1/4" bit handle.

[J-sews]

While looking at the Get-A-Way Driver I decided that the only real benefit to this over a basic screwdriver set was that it acts as an adaptor to allow you to use standard sized bits in the Zilla Jr or Lil Guppie.  Since I don't (yet) have either of these tools, I don't see this as being a great tool overall.

Don't get me wrong, I like it, and I can see the benefits of having a selection of screwdriver bits handy, I just don't think it offers much over a dedicated multitool and bit set.

Def

I agree, which makes it all the more apparent that CRKT stopped short on the Get-A-Way design. Why oh why did they not simply add a ratchet mechanism?

[Grant Lamontagne]

If they did, I'd rate it significantly higher.

Def

[AndyTiedye]

I have the Toolbar and like it.  I use it mostly as a bike tool,
but it has a pretty useful bit set for other things as well.
Note that it comes with 9 bits compared to 5 for the Get-a-Way.
Nice ergonomic swiveled bit driver too.

[american lockpicker]

Where is the Topeak Toolbar made?

[Grant Lamontagne]

Topeaka?   

Sorry, couldn't help it...

Def

[Anthony]

Where is the Topeak Toolbar made?

For the price (about $20) I'm guessing overseas, but I could be wrong.  Andy might know since he's the only one here that owns one I think!

I might hold out for the official MT.org bit driver kit thing before I make a purchase...

[Grant Lamontagne]

It's coming, really it is!

Def

[AndyTiedye]

Where is the Topeak Toolbar made?

For the price (about $20) I'm guessing overseas, but I could be wrong.  Andy might know since he's the only one here that owns one I think!

I don't know.  It doesn't say on the tool anywhere I can see, and I don't have the packaging anymore.

[I'm Still Bison]

IIRC,Topeaks are made in Taiwan.

[gadgetman7]

I actually have both. The Topeak is well made but I've had trouble with the head swivelling unexpectedly. ThCRKT is well made but a little heavy.

I agree that a multitool or bit set is better but I have a unique use for these bit drivers. I take them in my carry on baggage. I've flown with bit drivers for a couple of years without incident. In fact last week I took took the Get Away driver to Pennsylvania from Atlanta. Went through security both ways without trouble.

Of the two I like the CRKT better. It's seems to be easier for me to use. YMMV. Besides, it has a bright little LED but more importantly a bottle opener.