Reviews You Can Rely On

Metolius Torque Review

A simple, classic design that is a jack of all trades
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metolius torque nut tool review
Credit: Metolius
Price:  $20 List
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Manufacturer:   Metolius
By Matt Bento ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Nov 23, 2021
91
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#1 of 5
  • Nut Cleaning - 35% 10.0
  • Cam Cleaning - 25% 10.0
  • Ease of Use - 20% 7.0
  • Durability - 10% 9.0
  • Weight - 10% 8.0

Our Verdict

Simple, strong, and effective, the Metolius Torque has everything we're looking for in a nut tool plus an awesome wrench feature for tightening bolts. Every company who puts out a nut tool cuts holes in them to reduce weight. Metolius makes their holes useful, accommodating bolts of four different sizes. We like the weight reduction and functionality all rolled into one solution. The Torque takes the Macgyvering spirit of the nut tool and goes a step further, creating a tool that performs its intended purpose, but also can be used to make climbs safer. To compare it to the competition, check out our article on the best nut tools.
REASONS TO BUY
Best tool for thin crack nut extrication
Comfortable
REASONS TO AVOID
Expensive
Relatively heavy

Compare to Similar Products

 
metolius torque nut tool review
This Product
Metolius Torque
Awards Editors' Choice Award Top Pick Award Top Pick Award   
Price $17.95 at REI
Compare at 2 sellers
$20.00 List
$20.00 at Backcountry
$20.00 List
$19.95 at REI
$19.95 at REI
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Overall Score Sort Icon
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Star Rating
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Bottom Line If it ain't broke, don't fix it; but you could probably fix a few loose bolts with this classic designSimple and effective for saving your stuck nuts and camsAny lighter and we'd have some serious reservations about this tool's durabilityThe only tool that comes with its own keeper cordThis 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%)
10.0
9.0
8.0
9.0
7.0
Cam Cleaning (25%)
10.0
9.0
7.0
6.0
7.0
Ease of Use (20%)
7.0
8.0
7.0
8.0
6.0
Durability (10%)
9.0
7.0
6.0
8.0
8.0
Weight (10%)
8.0
9.0
10.0
5.0
7.0
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


metolius torque nut tool review - four holes make this toll lighter and are quite handy for tightening...
Four holes make this toll lighter and are quite handy for tightening loose bolts.
Credit: Matt Bento

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.

metolius torque nut tool review - heavy torsion could bend this tool, but it's plenty strong for its...
Heavy torsion could bend this tool, but it's plenty strong for its intended use.
Credit: Matt Bento

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.

metolius torque nut tool review - fishing out a cam with the torque's hooked head.
Fishing out a cam with the torque's hooked head.
Credit: Matt Bento

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.

metolius torque nut tool review - though not the lightest tool, the torque doesn't have any sharp...
Though not the lightest tool, the torque doesn't have any sharp points and is hardly noticeable on the back of a harness.
Credit: Matt Bento

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.

metolius torque nut tool review - after a lot of bashing, the torque still looks pretty new.
After a lot of bashing, the torque still looks pretty new.
Credit: Matt Bento

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.

metolius torque nut tool review - 2.2oz or 2.3oz? our little scale flickered back and forth. this...
2.2oz or 2.3oz? Our little scale flickered back and forth. This isn't a heavy nut tool, and the clip makes it so you don't need an extra carabiner.
Credit: Matt Bento

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.

metolius torque nut tool review - after over 2 years of use, the palm guard fell off.
After over 2 years of use, the palm guard fell off.
Credit: Matt Bento

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.

Matt Bento