The Fix It Sticks concept was launched in 2013 with a Kickstarter USA campaign backing the idea of a simple, ultralight, Ergal alloy take-down T-way wrench tool – two identical modules that had at each end permanently pressed-in bits specific for bicycle field maintenance that could be assembled into a T-tool – to replace the standard, large and heavy, steel and fixed T-wrenches riders used. It became wildly popular: the pebble rolled into an avalanche, and shortly the initial idea of a niche bicycle tool somehow shifted to the firearms world.
The concept expanded, improved and purpose specific bits and additional tools were introduced, such as the excellent Sloky torque drivers, to the point that today Fix It Sticks is the “gold standard” for firearms field maintenance tool sets. Not only sports shooters, members of military and law enforcement units and hunters ordered Fix It Sticks, but then, manufacturers such as Barrett Firearms and Heckler & Koch, and whole military units started asking for custom kits. Ironically, although the original idea of a take-down alloy T-way tool is still available – as the Fix It Sticks Lightweight – all the firearms kits are now built around one of the four available, fixed T-way wrenches made in tool steel… full circle around, as they say.
The Works toolkit from Fix It Sticks
I received one of the bestselling Fix It Sticks firearms toolkits, aptly called “The Works”, since in the manufacturers’ description it’s basically multiple kits all rolled in one, stored in a compact soft black nylon carrying case. The Works toolkit is available either with an all-in-one Sloky torque driver (15-65 in/lbs) or with four individual Sloky torque limiters in the same range; I received the kit from the manufacturer with the individual limiters, however, I also tested the kit with a sample of the all-in-one torque driver which was shipped to me separately. An additional version of the kit includes the Modular T-Drive instead of the standard T-handle wrench.
The Works includes a selection of 1/4′′ (6.35 mm) electroless Nickel plated bits in both metric and SAE hex, Torx, Philips and slotted measures, specific tool bits for Black rifles, Glock handguns, and the 1911, plus various specialized tools for firearms maintenance, cleaning and repair. The kit also includes a standard T-way wrench and 1/2" bit adapter, and the mentioned four torque limiters ranging from 15, 25, 45 and 65 in-lbs. The black nylon carry case features two removable molded bit holders and internal elastic webbing for additional tools; Molle webbing on one side and a Velcro padded and removable magnetic patch on the other, that can be used to hold small ferrous parts or screws.
The Works toolkit testing
Well, realistically testing a toolkit can only be done using it on whatever gunsmith job I have to perform; and I have to say I’ve been using almost exclusively Fix It Sticks’ The Works toolkit for everything in the shop. I now never leave home for the range without it, and in these couple months of firearms, optics and accessories testing for all4shooters.com, there was basically no instance in which the toolkit fell short of delivering the performance needed to get the job done.
The Works includes a reasonable selection of bits that can be easily complemented with the usual custom sizes and shapes that our very specific firearm needs. The quality of the bits and T-way wrench is top notch; materials and finish are on a par with the highest quality professional tools.
Fix It Sticks is a system, that can be customized as needed, and it offers a great selection of specialized bits: my suggestion would be to add a few of the longer 2” bits, available on the catalog in sets of six or even individually. Some jobs, such as torquing down the recessed screws on rifle stocks, especially when a torque limiter is used, may require longer bits. In my case, as I’m primarily a rifle shooter, the Rem 700 bolt opener and the AR ejector and extractor FIS specialty tools would be a great addition to the kit, as are the Optics Bubble Level Set, and they can all be ordered directly on the Fix It Sticks web shop.
The nylon carry case is spacious and allows for additional accessories and tools to be easily added, to further personalize the kit: things like a small flashlight, a pair of folding pliers, and a 6” Bahco adjustable spanner.
The torque limiters are a fundamental part of the kit, and you will wonder how the hell you managed to work on your guns without them up to now… They are all manufactured by Sloky, and are very accurate. The all-in-one Sloky torque driver (15-65 in/lbs) is slightly less accurate at around 10% but can be so much more convenient, as it weighs less and a single tool replaces many, in the same way a zoom lens can replace a whole bag of prime lenses for a reflex camera. I do prefer to take the all-in-one at the range usually.
To wrap up, The Works tool kit from Fix It Sticks is possibly the best compact “field” tool kit I’ve ever tested, so much so that I also use it in the workshop! The torque limiters include all of the ranges for everything gun related, and – I'm repeating myself – the quality of the bits are among the best I’ve used.
The Works toolkit from Fix It Sticks: conclusion
The price may be a little steep, at 264,95 euro MSRP for the kit with individual torque limiters – but shop around as good deals are always around the corner – and, granted, this kit is not for everyone, as not every firearms enthusiast performs a lot of gunsmithing. It is rather for the serious shooter, instructor, and professional; not everyone shoots every type of gun under the sun – as a matter of fact, to this day, even I have yet to use the 1911 Bushing tool or the shotgun choke bits, but they’re there should I ever need them.
There are Fix It Sticks kits of every size and configuration, including dedicated kits for specific firearms and purposes, and even for specific sport disciplines, there’s no doubt that every shooter will find a suitable tool kit for their needs and budget on the FIS webshop, while the advanced/professional shooter will find The Works toolkit from Fix It Sticks really hard to beat.
For more information, www.fixitsticks.com
