This New Tiny $45 Multi-Tool Puts a Ton of Functionality on Your Keychain
TiMate's GripNGo Vault leads with its driver but makes itself indispensable with its other essential capabilities.
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When it comes to super-compact multi-tools , the feature set is almost invariably streamlined, limited by the constraints of real estate.
However, the smartest ones still manage to pack in essential functions and some flexibility too.
CNC-machined from grade-5 titanium, the Vault balances toughness, light weight and high bit-driving power, plus additional functions. (Note: I would wager the brightness of the tritium vials in this image was augmented in post.) - Credit: TiMate
That's what we are looking at with TiMate's pint-sized fidget-friendly new GripNGo Vault .
It balances impressive bit-driving power with the ability to add other key functions, all for less than 50 bucks.
Vault rock
Primarily an incredibly compact screwdriver, the roughly two-inch-long GripNGo Vault is CNC-machined out of light, tough grade-5 titanium, enabling it to tip the scales at just 1.6 ounces.
This narrative GIF pretty succinctly demonstrates the Vault's finest features. - Credit: TiMate
The downsized heir to other TiMate products such as GripnGo 2.0 and Arcos can easily slot in as a keychain item, as a pendant around your neck, clipped to a bag or thrown in a pocket.
Clad in a sandblasted metallic finish or stealthy PVD black, the Vault boasts eight slots for glow-in-the-dark tritium vials that make it easy to spot in the dark (or your bag).
The mini utility blade serves as a reminder that you don't need much of edge to cut deep. - Credit: TiMate
Function-wise, its focus is made clear by the "vault" itself, which boasts a grip-improving textured surface and can hold six 4mm driver bits, looking almost like the cylinder of a classic revolver.
However, you can also swap two bits for a miniature utility blade and eternal pen, dramatically boosting the functionality.
Swapping in the eternal pen along with the blade dramatically expanding what the Vault can do. - Credit: TiMate
As the promo video demonstrates, you really don't need much of a cutting edge to open packages, slice up leather and more.
Though the barrel probably makes extended writing awkward, the pen tip can mark up paper and other surfaces with no need for ink.
The Vault's textured 'cylinder' securely holds six bits, arranged like the chambers of a classic revolver. - Credit: TiMate
These implements plus the driver bits are stored securely via magnets and a mechanical push-slide lock, ready for you to choose one to insert into the magnetized hex socket and bring into action.
It's worth noting that the Vault's driving ability is somewhat limited in its reach and leverage by the small size, but a tradeoff has to happen somewhere, right?
Availability and pricing
The TiMate GripNGo Vault is currently available on Kickstarter for the Launch Day Special price of $45.
It comes with six driver bits, plus the pen and blade bits, with the option to add more of each. Estimated delivery is December.
TiMate GripNGo Vault
About the Author:
Now managing editor, Steve has served in a variety of roles with GP since 2019. Having previously written and edited for such publications as Men's Health, Men's Journal, Esquire and ESPN, he enjoys covering a range of topics — but mostly those pertaining to cycling, snow sports, pocket knives and motos — and dreams of a utopian world in which everyone's bike seat is at the proper height.
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