Metolius Torque Review
Our Verdict
Compare to Similar Products
This Product
Metolius Torque | |||||
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Awards | Best Overall Nut Tool | Good Balance of Performance and Weight | Lightest Nut Tool | ||
Price | $17.95 at REI Compare at 3 sellers | $19.99 at Public Lands Compare at 2 sellers | $20.00 List $19.95 at REI | $19.95 at REI Compare at 2 sellers | $14.00 List $15.95 at Backcountry |
Overall Score | |||||
Star Rating | |||||
Bottom Line | If it ain't broke, don't fix it; but you could probably fix a few loose bolts with this classic design | Simple and effective for saving your stuck nuts and cams | Any lighter and we'd have some serious reservations about this tool's durability | The only tool that comes with its own keeper cord | This tool will do the job, but we prefer models with a built-in carabiner |
Rating Categories | Metolius Torque | Black Diamond Wiregate | Metolius Feather | Wild Country Pro Key | CAMP USA Nut Tool |
Nut Cleaning (35%) | |||||
Cam Cleaning (25%) | |||||
Ease of Use (20%) | |||||
Durability (10%) | |||||
Weight (10%) | |||||
Specs | Metolius Torque | Black Diamond Wiregate | Metolius Feather | Wild Country Pro Key | CAMP USA Nut Tool |
Weight | 2.30 oz | 1.62 oz | 0.74 oz | 3.84 oz | 2.64 oz |
Length | 20.5 cm | 20.5 cm | 20.5 cm | 20.5 cm | 20.5 cm |
Leash | No | No | No | Yes | No |
Clip-in Biner | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Rounded End | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Torque is a tester favorite because it strikes a good balance of weight, durability, and functionality. For the ounce-counters, the Metolius Feather is a better choice with its sub-1-ounce weight. For a little less weight and durability, check out the Black Diamond Wire Gate nut tool.
Performance Comparison
Nut Cleaning
Was Metolius the first company to add a blunted smashing surface to the end of a nut tool? We're not sure, but it would be in line with a lot of the innovative designs coming from the little Oregon-based company over the years. It's been copied for sure, appearing on tools from Wild Country and Black Diamond, but the Torque is the first place any of our testers can remember seeing it. This little rounded butt-end equals sweet relief for your palms, especially if you're slamming out nut after nut while cleaning long aid pitches.
Cam Cleaning
The Torque's business end is hooked for snagging cams that have walked far into the back of cracks by the trigger. Since it's constructed from stainless steel, our tester's felt they could pry away at stuck lobes without damaging our bending the tool. The very end of the tool is small enough to fit inside the holes in the lobes of the BD cams sizes .75 and up.
Ease of Handling
Nuts stuck again? Whip the Torque off your harness, clip it to the rope (which has some slack in because you're free climbing, and you're sending), and wail away on that nut till it's outta there. Drop the tool and the nut which are both conveniently connected to the rope, and crank away to the next position where you can rest and rerack. No keeper cord is necessary.
Durability
Like the Wild Country Pro Key, the Camp Nut Tool, and the BD Wiregate, the Torque is constructed from steel and is harder than aluminum nuts and cams, as well as many types of stone (something to consider while you're slamming away at fixed gear). You'd be hard-pressed to break this thing, whether you're using it for its intended or unintended purpose.
Weight
At 2.3 ounces, this tool is in the middle of the pack in terms of weight. We think the extra ounce that the Torque has on the Feather is worth carrying for the durability and wrench feature, so if you're only going to purchase one nut tool, this is the one.
Value
Less than twenty bucks isn't too shabby for a useful device that will save your expensive gear and potentially you snag you a free piece or two. Just don't drop it.
Conclusion
There are no gimmicks here with the Torque, just a well-designed little piece of equipment that needs to live on your trad rack. Whether you're new to the game or you're a seasoned “booty master”, you can't go wrong with this nut tool.