Ever got stuck in the wilderness? Mountain bikers and other outdoor sports enthusiasts always have to rely on themselves when in doubt. You're just about to hurtle down the last few metres into the valley and then your tyre bursts, the chain breaks or a gear cable snaps. You can't go any further and you're also stuck in a dead zone. You've also sprained your ankle.
The Leatherman Signal was developed for such - or similar - situations. Its 19 tools are designed to include exactly what you really need to survive in the wilderness. With the sturdy and sharp knife, saw and pliers, you can get pretty far out there. But it is the robust wire cutter, the flint, the knife sharpener, the hammer and the whistle that make the Signal a survival tool.
Please observe the manufacturer's instructions for carrying tools with one-handed, lockable knife blades.
Bikers will be interested in the bit holder and the optionally available Leatherman Bit Kit is definitely worth considering, as it contains Allen and Torx spanners as well as screwdrivers in the most common spanner sizes. There is even a miniature screwdriver for sunglasses. In the event of a puncture, the plastic carrier of the set also serves as a tyre lever. Only very few buyers will need all the Anglo-American spanner sizes. But with the 1/4-inch ring spanner, simple bits from the home toolbox can also be used with the tool. Also useful for bikers: The interchangeable wire cutter cuts the gear cables cleanly, but is not afraid of stainless steel spokes either. The crimping pliers are perfect for clamping cable end caps without running the risk of crushing the cap and cable end. What's missing? Chain riveter, nipple tensioner. And the manicure set has to be purchased separately.
"We have spoken to many trained survival experts who know exactly what is important when you are out in nature. Especially if you get lost or have to spend an unplanned night in the open, you need a fire, suitable tools and a way to make yourself noticed without having to rely on modern technology," says Jason Carpenter, Product Manager at Leatherman, summarising the essence of the Signal tool.
Leatherman gives a 25-year guarantee on its tools so that you can enjoy them for a long time. But so much expertise and safety comes at a price. At 149 euros, the 216 gram Leatherman Signal is not exactly a bargain, but that would have surprised us. The price includes a nylon holster weighing 23 grams. The bit kit (89 grams) costs a further 45 euros (RRP). Further information can be found on the Leatherman website
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