Manufacturer: Byrd
URL: www.heinnie.com

Product name: Byrd Wrench

Features
•    Single-handed opening, 8Cr13MoV blade.
•    2 position wrench
•    Round file/ locking mechanism
•    4 hex bit screwdriver heads (2 phillips, 2 flat medium and large in each)
•    Adjustable spanner

Average weight
250g 7.9oz

RRP
£69.95

Unique in its field, the Wrench is not based on the standard pliers set-up like every other model on the market but on a sliding adjustable pliers design. This kind of lateral thinking is typical of the sort of products Spyderco produce (for those that don’t know Byrd is a subsidiary of Sypderco) and this is why they’ve taken the knife market by storm.
It’s obvious that a great deal of thought has been placed into making this tool something a little different - there are some features I really like and others that I am less keen on - but we’ll come to those later….

The wrench itself can be adjusted into two positions, with a further adjustable spanner located at the other end – opening to a maximum of around c19mm.
There are four hex style screwdriver bits stored under a file, which fit into a socket at the end of one of the handles. I tried some DIY and they work as well as any other hex drive bits. Incidentally, these drive bits are standard size and can be easily replaced if one breaks/is lost or you want to customise.

The wrench can be taken apart and used as separate tools: it’s possible to tighten a bolt with the screwdriver part whilst also holding the nut steady with the making the multi-tool almost twice as long if extra purchase or reach is needed on a stubborn screw. A point of note, however, the wrench has fairly large, smooth adjustable spanner in the other hand – something that would be impossible to do with other multi-tools! It’s also possible to open the wrench jaws 180 degrees teeth and the spanner is smooth which could prevent a problem with grip. It also has a flat nose (rather than needle nose) design so any small, fine work could be impractical.

As you would expect from a knife maker, the Byrd has a wide, locking knife blade (2¼ inch long cutting edge) with the signature birds’ eyehole to facilitate single-handed opening (in fact this is the only tool that can be deployed with the tool closed other than the wrench itself of course). It opens easily and locks securely into place and the blade sharpens easily and holds its edge adequately.
In use it’s very comfortable to use - I was easily cutting 1 – 1½ inch saplings with no discomfort. The width of the blade adds to its strength - and your confidence!  The competition seem to place more emphasis on the pliers rather than the other tools carried, however, with the Wrench, the emphasis appears to be 50/50 wrench/ knife.  I think this is about right as most of the jobs where multi-tools are used involve one of these.

 The tool is maintained within a pocket clipped black cordora pouch, with a popper closure.  I found the popper closure came undone too easily and substituted the pouch for a Velcro fastening into the jungle. However, whilst testing in this country though, I used the pouch and found it held securely enough so perhaps I’m being over cautious?

Whilst testing in the jungle the tool suffered from repeated immersion in water - not to mention the humidity.  During the course of the week, two screwdriver bits and the file developed surface rust within a few days. The rest though, held up well and a little TLC took the rust off after I got back to civilisation.

On another note, I do feel that the tool would benefit from a good wood saw. I find that apart from the pliers, the main uses for a multitool are cutting and sawing.  A good, aggressive saw would make all the difference.  However, the main issue I have with the Wrench is the system holding the handles closed. The file is held in place by a free spring pushing the end of the file into a retaining slot and the end of one of the handles. The file end then sticks through the slot and into a small hole into the other handle. This is the only thing keeping the handles together. The problem I encountered is that, because the wrench is adjustable, it’s easy for the file end and the hole it’s supposed to sit in to misalign.

A minor irritation? Perhaps, but very annoying when trying to open the knife blade one handed and the handles just pull apart instead.
The other weak point with this design is the free spring holding the file in place, if this is mislaid; not only will it not close but also the screwdriver bits can escape because the file keeps them all in place.

Conclusion:
With the exception of the very usable knife blade (the best I’ve seen in my opinion), I feel that the tools on the Wrench appear to be geared towards use around the home/ car rather than in the field.
There are some very useful features - the larger useable knife and the ability to split the wrench to undertake two jobs simultaneously for instance. However, for me, the negatives are the file spring & closing mechanism, the stub nose design, the susceptibility to rust and the lack of a saw.
Having said that, the tool costs less than a similar sized Leatherman and it’s very unique.


Reviewed by Mark Aspell

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