Orro M-Torque 5

Orro, better known for its bikes than its multi-tools, has come up with the M-Torque 5, a multi-tool that – if you have the appropriate fasteners on your bike – covers all the essentials for mid-ride tweaks. It's a smart idea, well made and a good price, but check that you actually need the star-shaped Torx keys.

• Pros: Easy to use torque wrench, solid piece of kit
• Cons: T30 Torx not that common, weighty

If the Orro M-Torque 5 looks familiar that is because it's made by Birzman and we tested its big brother, the M-Torque 10 just last month, and I was pretty impressed.

> Find your nearest dealer here

The main highlight over other multi-tools is that it has a built-in torque wrench, set to 5Nm, a figure that is most common for use on stem bolts at either end.

It's simple to use as you just open the required tool out at 90 degrees and grip the tool while placing your thumb on the silver disc that you can see on the longest side. It's important to hold the Orro correctly, because how you handle a torque wrench can affect the finished result, and could lead to over-torquing.

Once you've hit the 5Nm limit your thumb will depress the button with a discernible click and that's when you stop tightening. Unlike most torque wrenches, the Orro will let you continue to tighten the bolt so you have to concentrate to make sure you don't miss the button click – not that that's likely, it's quite distinct.

Over recent years we're seeing more components being secured by the star-like Torx bolts rather than hex key variants, which is why Orro has chosen to include a T25 and a T30 on the torque end of the M-Torque 5, along with a 4mm hex key.

At the other end you get a 5mm hex and a crosshead screwdriver, which when you add it all up will deal with pretty much any issue you're likely to find while out for a ride.

> Buyer's Guide: 10 of the best multi-tools

T25 is the most common Torx bolt found on stems these days, but the inclusion of a T30 on the torque end seems a bit of an odd choice. Yes there are T30 stem bolts out there, especially at the steerer end, but there are way more 5mm hex bolts, so I'd prefer to see that using the torque setting over the Torx.

Birzman actually makes an M-Torque 4, which has 4mm and 5mm torqued hex keys, with a T25 and flathead screwdriver on the other end, for two quid cheaper than the Orro, which might be a more realistic option.

When it comes to quality, the Orro is very hard to fault; it's a very well made piece of kit. There is no slop when the pieces fit into various bolts and the whole tool looks like it will last to give plenty of use.

The torque wrench doesn't need to be calibrated and Birzman guarantees it for up to 10,000 clicks, which will last you for years. Using it alongside my own £150 calibrated torque wrench, the results of the Orro were very impressive and well within limits.

> Buyer's Guide: 5 of the best torque wrenches

The Orro is rated to IPX4 which means that it'll stand up to water spray – which it could be subject to if you keep it in a jersey pocket. So far, I haven't had the same rusting issues that I found on the M-Torque 10, but I'll keep an eye on things and update if needs be.

For its size the Orro is quite weighty at 100g (claimed 90g) but it is still small enough to make no real difference in your pocket or saddle bag. Most of the weight is in the torque wrench, and the gains outweigh the weight penalty.

As for value, the Orro is a cheap torque wrench that works really well for its £24.99 price tag, and the quality is very good. The Birzman M-Torque 10 does look better value, though, at just £10 more for the added tools. But if you just want the smallest tool option to cover the basics, the Orro is a good choice, although if you have no Torx bolts on your bike then I'd suggest you go for the Birzman M-Torque 4 for £22.99.

Verdict

Great little multi-tool – if you need to torque the Torx