The humble nut tool: the tool that no one really wants to have to use. Yours is probably relegated to the back of your harness—until those moments when it becomes your saving grace. When used effectively—whether for freeing some booty or doing a little “gardening”—you’ll be thankful you brought it. These are the best climbing nut tools for every different need—from best all around to lightest, from budget options to the most durable, and of course: the one that most resembles a penis.
Best All Around Climbing Nut Tool
If you’re looking for just one nut tool, the Wild Country Pro Key Nut Tool with attached Leash is it. While the leash may seem gimmicky, it’s definitely saved more than one climbers ass (or at least gear).
Wild Country Pro Key Nut Tool w/ Leash
Price: $18
Weight: 3.85oz
Material: Aluminum
Features:
- Integrated wiregate carabiner for easy attachment.
- Flattened striking surface for less pain while hammering away.
- Added extendable leash ensures you won’t drop this critical tool.
Compare Prices: REI │ Backcountry │ Amazon
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Best Lightweight Climbing Nut Tool
If every ounce counts, the Metolius Feather is for you. What it lacks in durability it makes up for by being the absolute lightest option on the market.
Metolius Feather
Price: $18
Weight: 0.74oz
Material: Aluminum
Features:
- Ultra lightweight, you’ll hardly notice it’s there.
- Integrated wiregate carabiner for easy carrying.
- Extremely thin design allows you to get into even the tiniest cracks.
Compare Prices: REI │ Backcountry │ Amazon
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Sturdiest Climbing Nut Tool
If you’re finding yourself absolutely smashing and torquing your nut tool, you’ll want something strong. The stainless steel Metolius Torque is for you. This thing is seriously strong and effective at removing the most stubborn nut.
Metolius Torque
Price: $15
Weight: 2.3oz
Material: Stainless Steel
Features:
- Flattened striking surface for less painful use.
- Stainless steel is incredibly strong and sturdy.
- Built in wrenches fit most common bolt sizes for tightening on the go.
Compare Prices: REI │ Backcountry │ Amazon
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Best Climbing Nut Tools Budget Option
If price is your biggest concern, the Black Diamond Nut Tool has everything you need and nothing you don’t. And at only $11, it’s quite the deal.
Black Diamond Nut Tool
Price: $11
Weight: 1.6oz
Material: Chromoly Steel
Features:
- Lightweight, simple, and inexpensive option.
- Attachment point functions as bottle opener.
- Pro tip: wrap the end in climbing tape for a softer striking surface.
Compare Prices: Black Diamond │ Moosejaw │ Backcountry
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Best Climbing Nut Tool/Knife Combo
Why carry two things when one will do the job? The Trango Shark combines a nut tool and small knife, two indispensable tools for every trad climber. An obvious choice for our best climbing nut tools list.
Trango Shark
Price: $25
Weight: 2.92oz
Material: Stainless Steel
Features:
- Stainless steel blade can’t open when a carabiner is attached.
- Combining two useful tools in one but still under 3oz.
- Plastic piece covers knife blade when not in use to minimize risk of cutting hand.
Compare Prices: Trango │ Moosejaw │ Backcountry
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Nut Tool with Most Comfortable Striking Surface
If you’re tired of hurting your palm and scraping your knuckles every time you try and remove a stopper, the CAMP USA Nut Key is for you. It’s ergonomic rubber handle will change the game for you.
CAMP Nut Key
Price: $12
Weight: 2.4oz
Material: Chromoly Steel
Features:
- Offset handle creates better clearance for striking as well as ergonomic design.
- Rubber handle plus finger holes allow for more comfortable and controlled use.
- Strong steel while still being inexpensive and lightweight.
Compare Prices: Moosejaw │ Backcountry │ Amazon
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Honorable Mentions
Not the best climbing nut tools in any one categry, but still worth a look. Both of them are great options for nut tools and might just fit your bill perfectly. These are our honorable mentions climbing nut tools.
Black Diamond Wiregate Nut Tool
Price: $18
Weight: 1.62oz
Material: Chromoly Steel
Features:
- Integrated wiregate carabiner for easy attachment.
- Rounded striking surface for more comfortable use.
- A slightly heavier and more expensive version of the BD Nut Tool.
Compare Prices: Black Diamond │ Moosejaw │ Backcountry
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Omega Pacific Solution
Price: $16
Weight: 1.48oz
Material: Steel
Features:
- Integrated wiregate carabiner for ease of attachment.
- ½ inch wrench for tightening bolts.
- Good price point and weight.
Compare Prices: Amazon │ Backcountry
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Nut Tool that Most Resembles a Penis
Dick’s Nut Tool
I mean…come on. We couldn’t not include this. Just in case you need a gift for a bachelorette party…or something. Unfortunately the Kickstarter on this “nut tool for people who like to go hard” failed to get funded back in June 2015. But the Kickstarter site lives on and is definitely worth a read. If this was in production, it definitely would have made out best climbing nut tools list.
Any favorite nut tools of yours we left out? Have a good story of a nut tool coming in clutch? We want to hear about it! Comment below!
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