Perhaps the only problem with a fully stocked toolbox is that you can’t (or don’t) bring it adventuring with you. Think about it, when is the last time you actually brought a tool kit with you on a road trip, bike ride, weekend backpack or day on the slopes? But sure enough, when something breaks or needs tightening, you’ll curse your lack of foresight. Surely, there must be a better way? Cue the Matrix music: what if I told you there was a solution that boasted an array of forty tools, weighed one ounce, and fit in the palm of your hand? The Lever Gear Toolcard is just that, Neos and Neettes…so eat that red pill and let’s find out what this baby can do.
Forty tools in one tiny, stainless steel package; that’s the idea behind the Toolcard. It’s got all the basics (screwdriver heads, box cutter, straight edge, can opener) and an array of extras that would make the average pocket tool green with envy. I won’t go into detail on every function, but here are some quick thoughts on the tools I used most often/thought were the coolest:
Flathead and Phillips Screwdriver heads: Smaller than your average drivers, these still got the job done. Two sizes of flathead came in handy for different situations, and the small size of the Phillips head made it ideal for trailside derailleur adjustments.
Box cutter: Sliced and diced through all manner of shipping packages and pesky household containers. Tough to use if there are several layers of tape standing between you and your sweet mail-order goods.
Prybar/Nailpuller: Some things are meant to be full sized. It was a serious struggle to remove a crooked nail during a home renovation project. In a pinch, it would work, but my fear is that the Toolcard might suffer serious bending from excessive force.
Metric/American wrenches: Yes, wrenches! Metric sizes 5mm-13mm, American size 5/16-1/2”. All of them are true to size (measured at Home Depot), and though tricky to get on, they definitely do the job. Tough to work in tight spaces where the bulk of the Toolcard gets in the way of your lefty-loosey action.
Can opener: A little tricky at first, but will certainly open those campfire beans without issue.
Straight edge with ruler: Used it daily for notebook sketching (straight lines are tricky by hand!). Great for marking lumber cuts and measuring small items like screws or nails.
Bottle opener: It opens bottles. I mention this because it’s awesome that Lever Gear made sure to include one. I have no problem admitting to you that I used this function more than any other. It works, it works well, and it stood up to heavy abuse.
That’s just a small taste of what the Toolcard is capable of. Personally, my favorite feature is the optional money clip. Pop it in place and say goodbye to that old hunk of leather that’s been taking up space in your back pocket. Oh, and for those of you that won’t ever part with your wallet, well, the Toolcard can slip right in with your credit cards. I won’t be going back to my old billfold ever again.
Also worth mentioning is that LeverGgear products are made right here in the USA. The laser-marked graphics on the Toolcard are burned into the steel, so they won’t fade over time. And for you frequent flyers, this little do it all tool is TSA compliant.
Tough as nails, can carry my credit cards and provide on the spot repairs during outdoor adventures…yeah, you can call me a fan of the Toolcard. So next time Morpheus has a loose bolt on the Nebuchadnezzar, don’t reach for the toolbox, just dip into your back pocket instead. You can check out more features and a video of the Toolcard in action at levergear.com.
The Good: Forty tools packed into a stainless steel, 1oz package that is the size of a credit card.
The Bad: Tools tough to use in tight spaces; some features take a little practice to get used to.
The Verdict: The Toolcard is versatile enough to handle almost any repair situation. Leave your toolbox at home, Mr. Handyman.