In this article I will share my experience with the BSCTools Cable Poker Tool in combination with BSCTool Screwdriver SDH-1 handle. That removes the need of keeping a pointed spoke in a BERA CLIC+ Toolbox to open up a cable casing of a mechanical shift or brake outer cable. I will try to compare with the PB Swiss Tools Straight Picktool (that has a slightly different use case).
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Key features BSCTools Cable Poker Tool
On the product page of the BSCTools Cable Poker Tool you can read the following product description:
Beautiful tool for opening out a cut cable casing.
Replaceable titanium point inside a stainless steel screwdriver bit with a CNC machined and anodized aluminium handle.
End cap of handle unscrews for storage inside.
I have been a long term fan of mechanical groupset, simply because I’m a mechanical engineer and if you have set-up a mechanical groupset well, it simply runs. But even with a high quality cable cutter like the Park Tool CN-10 Cable Cutter the cable squeezes on the cutting edge of the SIS cable.
For years it required a modified spoke (point) to open-up the inner liner of the (mechanical) outer cables. The PB Swiss Tools Straight Picktool 7676.3-80 BL was a friendly priced tool that could do this as well. But since I’m mainly using high quality bits (PB Swiss, Wera) in combination with a quality 1/4″ bit holder, so this cable poker bit from BSCTools is amazing. It removes another tool when you go out on a short cycling trip, while just packing another 1/4″ bit like the BSCTools Shimano Preload Tool Bit for Hollowtech II Cranks.
I was blown away by the fact that we are talking about a replaceable titanium point inside a screwdriver bit. This is some cool engineering work from David Gunthorpe. This DNA of high quality tool builder like David is also seen in the BSCTools Screwdriver SDH-1 handle, that is an amazing combination with the BSCTools Cable Poker Tool bit. Size, grip, locking mechanism of the bit and the storage option in the Screwdriver SDH-1 handle make it a very good allround solution.
Concluding thoughts and wrap-up
The price point of the BSCTools Cable Poker Tool is £ 29,99 or € 34,35 (of which £16.66 is for the Screwdriver SDH-1 handle). The price point is not cheap for a Cable Poker Tool bit, but fair for a compact solution with workshop grade quality. The Screwdriver SDH-1 handle can be used for all 1/4″ quality bits.
- Did you hear about BSCTools and their high quality products before !?
- If you are using BSCTools products, which are you using ?
- If you have ideas for new or improved tools, please let me know in the comments as well.
If you just need a Cable Poker than the PB Swiss Tools Straight Picktool 7676.3-80 BL or a pointed spoked are cheaper. However in combination with the the Screwdriver SDH-1 handle and the “replaceable titanium point inside a stainless steel screwdriver bit” you have a solution that can do way more use cases (in a compact form factor).
Interested in other quality reviews on this website ? Please click on one of the main categories below:
About BSCTools
BSCTools originally started the business servicing bikes and slowly made more of our own tools as the need arose for use in the workshop. We started selling these hand made tools on eBay and before long we struggled to keep up with demand, so we started to get the tools manufactured.
Gradually we sold more and more tools, expanded our range during lockdown and are now purely focused on producing quality bicycle tools. BSCTools likes to make high quality, precision tools that make the job of the mechanic that much easier – the right tool for the job!
BSCTools is always developing new tools – please get in touch if you have any tool ideas or suggested improvements to our current tools!
A comprehensive list with all 1/4″ bitholder and screwdriver reviews can be found here: