Crank Brothers mini-tool

I purchased this tool for the Dakar. My LBS recommended it, and I think that someone here recommended it as well. I know that people generally carry more tools and so forth with them on the mountain bike, and I will learn over time what more I might need as my skills and distance on the trails increase.

This mini-tool seems quite comprehensive, but I can't seem to get the "tool flask" open :o Has anyone had any luck actually opening/using it? It is probably a grip issue on my part... The only one they had was the gold version, and for a tool it is attractive, though of course that is of minimal importance. More importantly it appears to be large enough that my hands will have the leverage they need to actually use the thing.

take it back. they can open it for you and grease it so that it works for you.

Hadn't even thought of this simple solution! I will be carrying this in a corder of my Camelbak, so it would be nice if it were inside the carrying flask.

as much as I hate to admit it, I am used to not being able to open stuff. I ask complete strangers for help sometimes...

You ought to be able to find a leather or Cordura case - with a snap, velcro or drawstring closure - that you could re-purpose to protect your Camelbak or seat bag from your tool.

It might not be a perfect fit, but if you're having an issue with the brand new "flask," I wouldn't risk not being able to open it when you really need it. Metal containers get dented and misaligned and harder to open as they get older. Grease and wax not only dry out over time, they tend to migrate, so that they either go away entirely, or make your gripping surface slippery, defeating the purpose.

Good point Oakleaf, I also want to protect the tube from my tool - though I already have it wrapped up in a small cloth. Considering that I cannot even begin to make the lid budge on the enough enough know which end IS the lid, I don't think I should trust it anyway.

Thanks, both of you!