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LATEST UPDATE: MARCH 19th
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Oxford Torque RT10 Mini Ratchet Set
139g £34.99
The Oxford Torque RT10 Mini Ratchet Set is a compact ratchet set complete with all the common tooling to tweak contemporary bikes by the road, or trailside but thanks to the standard ¼ inch adapter, is readily expandable. Should you lose a bit to the undergrowth, or beneath the fridge, replacements and, indeed, customisation are simple and cost effective. Sure, those looking for a fully laden pocket workshop with chain-breaker will need to look elsewhere: I'm happy enough carrying a standalone tool. My only minor grumble concerns the tyre levers. Though they'll do the job, in common with similar designs, they're "get you out of a jam" last resort territory.
Pros: Nicely engineered, comprehensive bits as standard, ¼ inch adaptor means ready supply of alternative bits and customisation.
Cons: Tyre levers better suited to looser beads.
Specification
The Torque R10 Mini Ratchet Set is a ten function multi tool and, basically, what you'd get if you popped a car mechanic's ratchet set through a matter shrinking device. Measuring 10.8x3.3x2.3cm it fits nicely in the palm but feels robust and not unduly fiddly.
The ratcheted wrench is made from electroplated heat treated 6140 steel, adaptors are made from Chrome Vanadium steel, while the PH2, flat five screwdriver, T25 Torx, 2, 2.4, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8mm bits are made from S2 steel. These should cover most bases from the off. Bits sit in their composite tray for easy reference and safe keeping and are flanked by two small nylon tyre levers.
Back to the steels, 6140 is a forged steel alloy, often used in automotive and similarly demanding applications since it is easily hardened and ultimately enjoys high strength to weight properties. S2 steel is another popular choice for tooling since its very resistant to wear and repetitive use. However, it is less resistant to corrosion than other blends.
Standards of finish seem reassuringly good and the reversable ratchet smooth and operating with a satisfyingly audible whirr ‘n' click. I should perhaps point out at this stage, there's no torque function pre-set, or adjustable. While there's no soft carry case everything sits nicely contained, so long as you've popped it into a side pocket, pencil case, or similar, there shouldn't be any of that annoying (sometimes disconcerting) tool kit percussion across anything less than pristine tarmac.
Performance 3.75/5
Though a little slower to prime and use compared with the penknife type designs, the Oxford R10 Mini Ratchet is pleasant to use-to the point where I've tended to reach for it while doing little jobs in the workshop. The magnetic connection ensures bits snap in and are held snugly. The handle length and ratcheting action continue the convenience factor and I've found it reassuringly nimble around the usual suspects; bottle cage mounts in small compact geometry frames being case in point.
You’ll still want a small, standalone Allen key, should you want to snug a chainstay bridge bolt down without removing the rear wheel, but you’ll still need to deflate the tyre. Otherwise, being thinner than traditional, penknife style multi tool gave knuckles and paintwork a sporting chance in confined spaces, say when tightening rear brake callipers on Audax and similar builds fitted with four-point carriers, seat post clamps etc. The ratchet motion has also helped with keeping correct cable tensions when tightening a clamp bolt following replacement - front derailleurs can prove particularly temperamental, especially on old school touring triples.
With the extension fitted, the R10 mini ratchet set has also proven surprisingly efficient on higher torque fasteners, such as pedals, old school square taper crank bolts and indeed, stubborn quill stem bolts. Not forgetting that oft neglected, very arthritic SPD cleat hardware. Nonetheless, I’d be tackling these parts sparingly, especially pedal threads that may have been starved of grease. I’m pleased to report there’s sufficient reach for taming recessed fasteners and expander wedges, such as those found on bar end shifters, but I needed something longer for Tektro RL520 brake levers.
Now, this leads me into the custom territory I was referring to in my opening paragraph. I've switched Ursula and Denise from the standard plastic Hollowtech II bearing preload, requiring a relatively heavy, unwieldly spanner in favour of an aluminium alloy unit turning via a 10mm Allen key.
Adding a 10mm bit meant I could simply slacken the two clamp bolts, snug the preload down a fraction to remove any slop and retighten the crank bolts by the roadside. Same goes for security skewers using a dedicated, system specific keys. Add a T30 Torx bit means you can tackle chainring bolts- not an everyday duty but a godsend should you need to snug one down or even replace a ring mid tour.
Obviously for rack hardware and other nutted components, you’ll need a ring spanner, too. Out on the road, I’ve gone with the humble, crude but strangely effective (and dirt cheap) “giveaway” spanners made from pressed steel - no issues with knuckle clearance. At home, I’ve gone for the 8, 9 and 10mm ring types.
As for the tyre levers. These are kind to rims and more rigid than I was expecting. However, I found them most effective on supple, compliant tyre beads; CST Xpedium , Pirelli Angel DT , and WTB Exposure Road Tubeless Tyre I struggled to shift with tighter beads and would always pack some bigger standalones to default to.
Durability/Care 3.5/5
Standards of finish are generally of a high standard and while it’s good practice not to leave tooling in soggy or damp wedge packs, we’ve all done it. Freckling on the tool bits, has been conspicuous by its absence - unexpected, given S2 steel’s slightly lower resistance to corrosion. Besides, this is easily deterred with a quick, oily rag wipe-over now and then.
The electroplated wrench has also remained taint free to date. I gave ours a light waxing, while giving bikes a good deep clean and hard paste but that says more about me, than a reflection of the tooling quality. Otherwise, no signs of wear, rounding, or deterioration, six weeks down the line. Besides, given the ¼ inch bit, replacements are easily acquired and expanded upon.
Value 3.25/5
We’ve tested decent multi tools with chain breakers for £20. Muc-Off 17 in 1 Multi Tool and Lifeline 18 in 1 Multi Tool (now £21.99) being prime examples. Both cater for most fasteners you’re likely to find on contemporary bikes and the Lifeline also features a CO2 adaptor. Passport CDW Fold Up Tool (now £26.99) is essentially a Topeak Alien homage and is still a firm favourite. It’s also arguably a great fit for tackling bikes of different genres and eras too, thanks to the ring spanners. However, despite considerable, wallet friendly charms, at 278g its quite hefty.
Topeak Ratchet Rocket Essential HD is a fifteen-function design complete with Cordura carry case and 15 bits. Arguably a closer match and a little cheaper (£30 rrp) It features a ratchet tool bit, magnetic holder, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8mm Allen keys, T10, T15, T20, T25 Torx and PH2 driver. Need a chain tool? Topeak’s Ratchet Rocket comes in at £35.99. However, there isn’t an 8mm Allen key and steel tyre lever may be strong but aren’t kind to rims. If you’re prone to leaving multi tools on the work bench, or wrong wedge pack, Topeak Hide ‘n’ Tool makes good use of the dead space within Hollowtech II cranks but it’s a good bit dearer than the Oxford (Now £55.00). Then of course, there’s Oxford Torque Covert 7 (now £39.99) if you prioritised a chain tool.
Summary
The Oxford Torque R10 Mini Ratchet is a well-made and pleasant to use multi tool. It wouldn’t be highest up my list if you wanted a “Swiss Army Knife” pocket workshop - the sort fully loaded for every eventuality. Rather, the Oxford Torque R10 Mini Ratchet is what I’d call a fettlers tool. Though very useable on contemporary bikes, it’s particularly suited to those who like to build custom “on the bike” toolkits meeting the specific needs of them and their machines.
Verdict: 3.5/5 Nicely executed ratchet multi tool-particularly for those who like to customise but tyre levers could be improved.
Michael Stenning
PUBLISHED MARCH 2025
