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This really makes me curious, Lezyne Stainless-20 has a separate tool -- tire lever (however I don't see clearly on pictures how it looks like). The specification of Stainless-12 does not list tire level, but judging how the chain tool looks like it seems it could be used as tire level (unofficialy).

So maybe I rephrase my question to be more precise -- did anyone successfully (without breaking/bending the tool and cracking the rim, etc) use the handle of chain tool (of Stainless-12, lower brother) as tire lever?

Once again: I am asking about version -12, not -20!

Update: Just to avoid any misunderstanding -- Lezyne chain tool handle:

enter image description here

Image taken from http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/

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  • That chain tool handle spins. How do you think you could get enough leverage to use it as a tire lever?
    – paparazzo
    Apr 11, 2015 at 12:14
  • In a word, no. You should carry a separate set of tire levers or a Quick Stick if you expect to fix tires on the road. Apr 11, 2015 at 12:18
  • @Blam, what do you mean "spins"? What is the minimum length of tire lever so one could get enough leverage? Apr 11, 2015 at 12:53
  • If you're talking about that flap on the chain tool, that's there to hold the chain tool from turning as the main tool handle is turned to thread in the screw. It is the wrong shape to use a tire lever, and it's positioned improperly. If desperate I might try using it for that, but there would be considerable risk of damaging the tube or rim, plus it would be painfully slow (if it worked at all). Apr 11, 2015 at 13:15
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    Answer a question for us: Why do you not want to carry a proper tire lever of some sort? Apr 11, 2015 at 14:15

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Based on lezyne's site specs, that 12 tool is not meant to be used as a tire lever.

I would say, having had a lot of experience using make-shift tire-levers while on the job as a bike messenger, that it would damage your rim, and cause aggressive wear to the tire sidewall (leading to side-wall blowout).

Save yourself the $20-80 in tires, and the $100+ in a rim/wheel. Buy some Pedros from your nearest bike shop. http://pedros.com/products/tools/wheel-and-tire/tire-levers/

http://www.lezyne.com/product-mtools-stainlesstools.php#.VSkorJFVhBd

12 style: "TOOL BITS: Hex 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8mm Star Shaped T25 Phillips-Head Chain Breaker: (9/10/11 speed) Spoke Wrenches: Mavic Mtv, 3.22, 3.45"

Note: They explicitly list the 20 as having a tire lever, which is clearly a different tool.

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  • In my opinion, the Quick Stick is far better than standard tire levers. Apr 11, 2015 at 14:14
  • I can't say I have any experience with them, though I've seen them around. I could see how the narrower leverage point creates less tension while trying to remove a tough tire. Maybe a quick stick and a pedros? I prefer the pedros because I've never felt it come close to breaking, though I've broken a park-tools, and 2 other no-name levers. @DanielRHicks
    – mattM
    Apr 11, 2015 at 22:52

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