PNW Components Pebble Tool Review

Pacific Northwest Components (PNW) was started by a husband and wife team with the idea that quality bike parts should be available at reasonable prices. Now, they offer parts, accessories, clothing, and tools like the Pebble. Though we have not previously used a tool from PNW, they obviously put a lot of thought into the design and construction of this miniature multi-tool.

Performance Comparison

Features

The PNW Pebble Tool is designed to incorporate tools for the most common repairs in a neat little package. The tool has six different functions commonly used to make adjustments on your bike and should cover you in the event you need to make some small repairs on the trail.

The Pebble comes with standard-size 3,4,5, and 6mm hex bits. You will also find an integrated Dynaplug tubeless tire repair (it comes with one installed) and a T25 Torx bit that is exposed by unscrewing the Dynaplug tool. The top of the hex bit has a round recess that the tip of the tire plug fits nicely into when the tools are collapsed. This thoughtful feature allows storage of the Dynaplug in the insertion tool without worrying about it falling out.

Ergonomics

Despite being one of the smaller repair tools on the market, the ergonomics of the Pebble Tool are quite good. The tool only measures 2.5" x 0.75" x 0.5", but it does not feel too small to add leverage when trying to break loose or adequately tighten a bolt. The tools are a good length for most repairs, and the overall small size of the tool doesn't impede function and use.

It has a smooth, anodized aluminum body with rounded edges, and the width of the tool sits nicely in the palm of your hand. PNW did a nice job adding bevels to all the sides and rounding the edges of the tools to prevent uncomfortable use. When the tools are collapsed, your hand will be pushing on nothing but smooth metal when wrenching.

The 3,4, and 5 mm hex tools on the Pebble protrude approximately 0.75" from the body when extended, while the 6 mm and T25 bits measure approximately 0.5" when deployed. They aren't the longest bits by any means, but since the body is so small, they fit almost anywhere and work well for most adjustments. We liked how the Drynaplug was easily removed to install a new plug, and incorporating a T25 tool below the Dynaplug is a considerate use of space. The Pebble clearly wasn't designed to do a lot of obscure repairs on the trail, but it does a great job with the consistent little repairs and adjustments that occur frequently.

Portability

While it may not be the most feature-rich tool we have tested, you would be hard-pressed to find one that is more portable. PNW claims that the Pebble is roughly the same size as a piece of fun-size Halloween candy, which is an accurate description. Boasting such a small footprint, riders can easily slide the Pebble into a pocket without worrying about it being uncomfortable during a ride.

Living up to its name at a slim 51 grams, you'll be equally hard-pressed to find a lighter-weight tool. For those looking to shave weight with a tool that offers a tubeless tire plug feature, you likely won't find a lighter option. The overall dimensions of the Pebble Tool again land it on the lowest side of the size spectrum. This tool really packs a lot of good functions into something you can easily slip into a pocket, and will take up next to no room in any size pack.

Ease of Use

The Pebble Tool is simple but still scores fairly well in this metric. The tool doesn't have a case, so it's ready to use as soon as you pull it out. The tools are easily identifiable, which makes selection straightforward. At first, the tools were a little stiff to extend, but with use, it became a lot easier. The manual also notes people can adjust the Allen-head screws that hold the functions in place if they ever feel too loose or tight.

Once you pull the Pebble Tool from your pocket or bag, all of the tools fold out from the middle of the tool. The 3, 4, and 5 mm hex bits are on one side of the tool, and the 6 mm, Dynaplug, and T25 Torx are on the other. If you need to use the T25, the Dynaplug extension easily unscrews thanks to the knurled grips at the base.

Construction Quality

The Pebble is quite a durable piece of equipment, with a nicely machined aluminum body and features that hold up well to abuse. There is no plastic to be found on this tool, and the anodized metal held up well to regular use.

Consistent use of the tools in the garage and on the trail during our test period showed no evidence of damage. The hex bits do rock a little when placed into a bolt – as we found to be the case with most tools – but they did not cause any issues with slipping or stripping. The hex bits retained the same nice, square edges they had out of the factory. We didn't notice any rounding or damage to these bits, even when removing pedal pins, which can require some force.

The T25 gripped Torx bolts nicely and didn't spin or cause any damage to screw heads. The splines of the Torx bit do not show any evidence of twisting or rotating, which can occur with poorly made tools under a lot of torque. Admittingly, we left the Pebble in the rain, dropped it on concrete, and tossed it into mud and sand to see how it would handle adverse conditions. Through the muck and mire, there were no issues opening the tool afterward, and any dirt and grime were easily removed with a few smacks against the hand or by blowing on it.

Should You Buy the PNW Components Pebble Tool?

If you are looking for a multi-tool for basic repairs that's incredibly easy to carry, the PNW Components Pebble Tool is a near-perfect lightweight tool. The Pebble is one of the lightest and smallest tools we have ever tested and disappears almost unnoticed in your pocket. This tough little tool features just the right number of tools to manage common adjustments and keep you on the trail. With a fair price tag, the high-quality Pebble Tool hits home for the minimalist rider.

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