The Milspin Rhino Bar is a USA-made mini EDC pry bar tool that retails for $15.
It’s described as being a hardened stainless steel prying tool, keychain screwdriver, box cutter, and minimalist tool.
Milspin says the Rhino Bar is a versatile tool can be used for opening cans or bottles, removing nails or staples, scraping paint or glue, and tightening or loosening screws. They also say it can be used to break glass in an emergency.
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The Rhino Bar is machined from a single piece of stainless steel, although Milspin doesn’t specify the alloy type, other than to say it’s “hardened stainless steel.”
The Rhino Bar is a keychain-sized EDC tool, measuring 3″ long, 0.35″ wide, and 0.35″ thick. It weighs 1.3 oz. There’s a slot at the end for a loop of paracord or a keyring.
Price: $15
I come across a lot of one-piece mini pry bars, multi-tools, and misc. EDC doodads. The appeal with this one is that it’s compact, simple, made in USA, and affordable.
Is it useful? Maybe. $15 is a lot less to risk than what it costs to get a fancier tool made from titanium.
The Rhino Bar isn’t unique; there are others like this one on Amazon and elsewhere, but Milspin’s version is made in the USA.
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fred
Might not be terribly useful – but I can see these as stocking stufferrs. Amazon says that the price represents a 25% off sale.
Here is an alternative that comes with a 1/4hex shaft. Alos interesting – not sure how useful:
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1021395182
Stuart
Mini pry bars are definitely useful; the question is whether one needs something like this in their pocket.
And if not kept in one’s pocket, why not get a mini pry bar like the Vaugan for half the price. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009VM66Q/?tag=toolguyd-20
I like one-piece tools. There are so many different styles these days, all claiming to be better than the next.
I was talking with a brand manager about sacrificial chisels yesterday. This coincidentally popped up in a search for something else, and seemed worthy of a brief post.
fred
Perhaps part of my skepticism about utility is misplaced or due to personal preference and how things fit in my hands. My wife, for instance, finds some small sewing scissors and snips work fine for her – but I can hardly get them to function. At 3 inches a pry bar might fit in that category for my hands – but work OK for others. I do have a pair of diminutive Lang pry bars that I find useful:
https://www.beachaudio.com/lang-853-06-2st-2pc-pocket-pry-bar-set/?utm_source=adwords&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_OCyyaCT_gIVymtvBB1muwvnEAYYByABEgLRp_D_BwE
and a Wiha 26810 for light-touch prying:
https://www.wihatools.com/products/precision-chip-lifter?variant=42483205341440¤cy=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic
fred
While on the topic of miniature tools – I always wondered about some of the miniatures from Lee-Valley-Veritas. They have a line of miniature planes that while toy-like in size – they claim to be fully functional:
https://www.leevalley.com/en-us/shop/tools/hand-tools/miniature-tools/101508-veritas-miniature-tool-sets
Also when looking at Keiba pliers – I saw that they make some as small as 70mm (2.75 inch) long:
https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/KEIBA-BT-010-Small-Pliers-Brothers/dp/B000BHJQUW
Jared
I’ve got the miniature block plane. It does indeed work. It needs some tuning out of the box though, which is kind of tedious on such a small tool.
To be clear, it produced some shavings once I had it adjusted, but the blade wasn’t super sharp and I couldn’t get it to cut totally even.
I’m sure I could strop the tiny blade into usefulness, but its more of a novelty for me than a tool so I haven’t gotten around to fiddling with it much.
fred
I see that they sell a honing guide made for that set of tiny planes.
Jared
Ha! That’s something I didn’t know. Thanks Fred.
I bet there are people out there using these tiny tools for their tiny crafts…
Joe H
I like using a mini block plane mainly to quickly chamfer the edges on rough pieces of wood/construction that I throw together to make it a little nicer, like the 2×4 bicycle stand holder and maintenance center I made to keep all my bicycle stuff on the wall in a garage.
fred
Lee Valley is also doing a birthday promotion that ends at
midnight tonight. They say if you spend $245 (before tax) they will send you a $45 e-gift-certificate for a future purchase.
fred
LV Sale notice:
https://www.leevalley.com/en-us
Mini honing guide:
https://www.leevalley.com/en-us/shop/tools/hand-tools/miniature-tools/110480-veritas-miniature-honing-guide?item=05P8520
Adam
I’ve got the Veritas Mini Mitre Plane and Shooting Board they released this past year and I’ve used it extensively. As long as you can reliably hone the blade (I have various shop-made and manufactured sharpening/honing jigs), their miniature tools are completely functional. Now, they cut some corners by using some basic bolts/screws here and there, and in the case of the shooting board, there are quite a lot of differences to its full size equivalent, but I actually consider them to be more “real tools” than fun display pieces. I will say though, the tiny Norris adjuster has a ton of slop and is definitely not easy to use at such a small scale. But once you get your blade set, it stays put. FWIW though, the black “presentation box” they gave me is complete garbage. The molded insert was cracked and deformed all over the place, as it’s made of extremely thin flocked plastic. It was by far the most disappointing part of the set.
Franco
At Christmas time, there are so many of these keychain XX in one type EDC tools, which are all great stocking stuffers.
This one, not sure too many will find it a cute or cool gadget. Might need a lot of explaining of what it is and does….which usually is a sign of not a great gift.
Ted
Good input Fred!
AlexK
If I see this while waiting on line, I might buy this. Not sure that it will do anything my multi tool (which lives on my belt) can’t do, but it looks cool. At first I thought “who needs it for nail pulling”? If you have your hammer, it’s probably next to a cat’s paw, but then I thought that sometimes a take a hammer a distance from my tool bag, and if this was on my keyring, I’d use it.
Thanks for showing this Stuart. I’m curious what the other comments will be. The link that Fred gave is also interesting. I lost five minutes of my day looking at the Fix It Sticks.
Nathan
it’s an ok Idea and I agree not being made out of unobtainium and the cost associated means they might not sell any to the man jewlery crowd.
but this is better In my opinion. cost is about right. might should have an actual cap lifter notch on it.
also not sure why it’s 0.35 x 0.35 but eitherway.
Outside of that I still wouldn’t buy one – I don’t get the EDC pry tool. vs the EDC knife, screwdriver, pry, nail cutter, . . . . . . . . . etc
but I think they item is better than the others I see around. but yes I know I’m also too picky
MM
You asked about its dimensions. My honest guess? Someone had a bunch of surplus 3/8 square stainless bar stock or key stock and decided to make a simple product out of it instead of selling it for scrap value. This part is designed to be manufactured as simply as possible, which is likely the same reason they didn’t put a cap lifter notch in it or a small groove in the point to pull nails.
Adam
I think it looks like an excellent addition to my finish carpentry kit, always seem to need something small for detail work. Love that it’s made in the US. Great find!
MM
Mini pry tools can be very useful but this one just doesn’t seem very practical to me. It’s a bit short, and I think it was a poor design decision to have the handle end squared off so much. You can’t pry very hard with a 90 degree corner digging into your hand. Rounding over the end where the lanyard hole is located would make it more comfortable to use.
It’s nice that it’s made in the USA but it seems like very little thought went into its design.
Jared
I agree, this doesn’t seem like the one to pick for EDC. There’s a plethora of designs on the market that seem to have better ergonomics and more functions.
It’s almost like a chisel/pry bar hybrid. Maybe it could be useful as a toolbox item – like a sort of precision wedge. Who knows if it’s sufficiently hardened for that type of use though.
Eric
Would be interesting if the hole in the end would fit a 1/4″ ratchet – combine this with a small bit ratchet would make for a handy pseudo adjustable-head pry bar.
fred
Lang – possibly others too – make 3/8 and 1/2 inch drive pry bar attachments:
https://www.jbtools.com/lang-tools-852-combination-pry-bar-heads/
Robert
Going to Amazon I wanted to buy it because of the USMC tie in. But how would you carry this in your pocket, even on a key chain, without gauging yourself? On Amazon there seemed to be a transparent cylinder packing, but I suspect that’s only for shipping because it looks like you can’t access the attachment hole while in the cylinder.
What am I missing?
Bonnie
Just seems half-hearted in it’s design. I’m not a big EDC kinda person, but you’d get more use out of throwing a butterknife in your pocket than this weird piece of scrap stock being sold for $15.
Mark M.
I carried a titanium one my keychain for a few years but never used it, ended up giving it to a friend who thought it was cool. If you are in an environment where you can’t carry a knife, having something like that is definitely better than a key (or nothing), but I can’t say that I’m a huge fan. But I also almost always have a knife on me, not that I pry with it but a big ZT makes for a pretty good wedge.
BigTimeTommy
I suckered myself into buying a kershaw keychain prybar and it mostly adds weight to my pocket and opens a bottle once in a while. I’m a real knucklehead for buying it. I’m still convinced “EDC” stuff is just a marketing thing to get over on guys who love to shop but want to feel “masculine” about it.
Stuart
EDC is a broad category, spanning from highly functional tools and accessories, to useless pocket jewelry, and everything in between.
Kent+Hanson
I concur with your “EDC” comment, especially on IG there is non stop “EDC” influencers showing off the newest and smallest and lightest knife/wedge/tactical bracelet. Most of everything that is shown is never in the wild, always well lit home studios with a table full of things that are shiny and without scuff marks so they have obviously never been every day carried.
BigTimeTommy
I used to work with a guy who liked that stuff. He’d bring his newest purchase in to show us, and then it would be safely wrapped up and tucked back into his truck never to be seen again. I think he used an inexpensive Milwaukee fastback knife daily at work.
M
EXACTLY!!!
It’s frustrating as hell trying to find something that’s worth a damn to actually “EDC” with all these “influencers” jumping on the latest and greatest widget they just got in the mail from XYZ….who likely paid them for the review.
Almost near as infuriating as the “pocket check” videos. Some of these folks carry a ton of crap on their person. But maybe that’s just all my musculoskeletal injuries speaking for me. I try to carry as little as possible and stage the things I actually use in smaller kit bags in a bag or in my vehicle.
BigTimeTommy
Love seeing pocket checks on reddit where some IT guy is going to work with two guns, four knives and a handful of titanium beads. Gotta be prepared.
M
LOL yeah that’s just dumb….what the heck you need titanium beads for anyways?
And don’t get me wrong I understand the 2 is 1, 1 is none mentality…but come on. If you feel the need to carry 2 guns and 4 knives you need to reassess or priorities and work on your situational awareness skills because you likely have none. My work both in and out of the military now takes me into some really shitty places. Half the time I don’t even carry a spare magazine let alone a backup gun or more than a slim folding box cutter to open packages with.
Stuart
People like to flex online.
I like seeing “pocket dumps,” but assume most people are exaggerating.
Jack D
Jeepers. After appearing twice in one sentence here, I finally had to stop reading these comments to look up what EDC meant. Come on, Stuart, not everyone knows every abbreviation…LOL. BVD 2 XYZ N XTC
Stuart
Sorry – I had it written out in one part, but ended up nixing the passage and didn’t add it back in elsewhere.
EDC = everyday carry. This could include everything from a watch, wallet, keys, multi-tool, folding knife, pry bar tool, whistle, etc., and also tech tool kits, medical supplies, or whatever. It’s a broad range of personal and professional gear.
We talk about it enough (https://toolguyd.com/?s=edc), but I’ll try to remember to keep writing out the abbreviation. The one time I don’!
fred
For my generation – no one knew what EDC, LOL or dozens of other acronyms were. But men wore a suit, tie and hat to work or even a ball game. They carried a handkerchief (not tissues) in their pockets and probably relied on a wristwatch to tell time. Office workers night have pens and pencils stuffed into pocket protecters. JFK’s image as a vital bare-headed young president ruined the hat business. Fashion senses have killed suit and tie sales. Disposable tissues are much more sensible than stuffing a mucous covered handkerchief back into your pocket. The cell phone is probably messing with wristwatch sales. Pens and pencils still have their use but less so in the office – as who writes a handwritten memo anymore. And email and texting loves acronyms with fewer keys to hit to get your thoughts across.
Steve
The best EDC item I’ve had is a finger nail clipper. All of these other items add too much weight and lack enough utility for me. Would like some clippers with a decent small knife and possibly some other utility. Simple, lightweight and keychain useable. I have a Leatherman Squirt, but removing that today as I’d rather walk to the truck than use it. I use my clippers all the time though – for fingernails and plenty of other things…
Jared
I have a Nite Ize “Doohickey” on my keychain. I mention it only because it’s cheap, small and lightweight.
I paid ~$3 Canadian for mine. It’s probably less in the USA.
It’s too short to be much of a pry tool… but sometimes it’s enough and since it’s $3, I never worry about damaging it. It comes to a thin edge that works as a box opener – I sharpened mine into a cutting edge. It has a carabiner closure, so it’s easy to remove from my keychain.
It has those dorky “wrench” cutouts too, that never seem useful to me (but you could turn an insert bit if you so chose), plus a bottle opener, flatblade screwdriver and some measurement markings (since it’s so short, not sure how much function this adds either).
Nevertheless, if you can’t have a knife and want something, light, cheap and inconspicuous – I think it’s worth $3.
When I just googled it I see there’s a new version with a serrated blade on the inside edge – I’m not sure if that’s an advantage or not.
Stuart
I’ve posted about that one before too. (https://toolguyd.com/nite-ize-doohickey-keychain-tool/)
There’s also a scraper version (https://toolguyd.com/nite-ize-doohickey-6x-one-piece-multi-tool/)
The original Doohickey is currently just under $7 at Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FIX126K/?tag=toolguyd-20
Jared
That’s the one! The OE Doohickey is the one I was talking about.
I’m not sure the scraper version is an improvement to be honest – mine scrapes just fine and I’d rather not have the sharp corners in my pocket.
It seems weird that it’s $7 in the USA – someone who wants one might want to watch for a sale. When I bought mine it was during a sale at Atmosphere (a Canadian outdoor/sports gear company ) and it was right around $3 with tax. It’s actually cheaper on Amazon.ca than Amazon.com right now – which almost never happens:
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00FIX126K?linkCode=gs2&tag=toolguydcad-20
Blocky
I recently added one of these to my kit:
https://www.amazon.com/Metal-Magery-Sheet-Skin-Wedge/dp/B087ZV91PX#aw-udpv3-customer-reviews_feature_div
The curve is basically perfect. Incredibly thin while still quite strong.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen another product so highly reviewed.
Jared
I’ve got one of those too! Excellent tool.
Like you said, it’s thin and strong. Excellent for automotive trim, for example. Seems hard to explain why it’s so good until you try it, but I read some reviews that convinced me to try it.
I don’t know that it’s an “EDC” or pocket-type tool, but it does things other pry bars can’t. Definitely worth having around.
Jerry
I have one too, well designed and strong for how thin the pry edge is.
fred
We had many of these from Avery. With many aviation customers and metal/sheetmetal fabrication and refurbishment work – I think they got regular use. I can see how they would find alternative uses elsewhere.
Ted
Always insightful! Thanks Fred.
Scott K
I think you asking, “is this useful?” is very prescient. I’ve always found these appealing, but I’ve never bought one because I’ve never really needed one and been disappointed I didn’t have one. I’ve also had concerns about some being a bit too sharp for my pocket. I know you’ve mentioned the widgy bars from CountyComm- I bought a set of their maratac keychain drivers that work well, but are less convenient than my micra or dime.
Joatman
I agree with your assessment. The one above appears to be a bit sharp to be putting in a pocket. They look like something that would be useful and I’m sure they might solve a problem a couple times a year…… and probably more if you’re in a particular profession. I’ve tried to convince myself I need one, but couldn’t do it. If I had one on my keychain I would know that my truck is nearby…..so I’d rather keep a larger one in it.
John
If attached to a keychain in true EDC fashion, would it be confiscated by TSA at airports?
Stuart
For something like this, it could depend on the TSA agent.
I would say no, as it’s a tool under the maximum length, but they might argue it’s a cutting tool.
Scott K
I think there’s a lot of subjectivity here. I had a small pair of scissors confiscated from a first aid kid (that I forgot to check). I would assume something generally sharp could be taken.
A W
The idea of an EDC keychain box cutter strikes me as something that I would not want riding in my front pocket.
If you need to cut boxes, a folding or retractable knife is a safer and more practical solution.
Franco
I looked at most of the comments and see that most are not too impressed with this. It’s very, very plain, and as someone else mentioned, they couldn’t even bother to notch it for a bottle opener. The person on the video opens a bottle with it, but in a manner that a stone, piece of wood or scrap of anything lying on the ground can be used to open a bottle.
Sure, its made in the US, but for $15, not for me…and I love pocket type gadgets.
I think that DooHickey thing that Jared posted is probably more helpful, and half the price.
When looking at it on Amazon, you get bombarded by 100’s of these types of EDC gadgets. This one (link below) looks like a made in China gadget that probably won’t hold up. Otherwise this has lots of good features for EDC, if only it was made by a quality company. (Then it would probably cost twice the price)
https://www.amazon.com/POXIMO-Multitool-Tactical-Survival-Flashlight/dp/B09MDYJX89/
Scott K
I agree that a dedicated bottle opener notch seems obvious. I know that some people seem to think that everything having a bottle opener is gimmicky, but I’d rather have fewer items on my keychain. I really like the bottle opener on my gerber dime.
Ball_bearing
Bottle openers are overrated
You can open a bottle with a Bic pen.
https://youtu.be/gnOnQF91gVs
Or your wedding band
https://youtu.be/bdzUHoTwGXU
Or your belly button, but I don’t want to get banned, so instead, here are a few different methods.
https://youtu.be/GZ7vWyhl0Ok
Now, a jar opener/gripper is a good thing to have, but an old pair of oil filter pliers works great.
Al
What do they mean by “battle hardened”? Did they kill people with it? Forcible entry? FOD-kill an enemy aircraft?
fred
I like your FOD joke. In our fabrication business we had a serious FOD program – as debris much smaller than this pry bar – left behind to rattle around in an instrument panel might easily down an aircraft.
Maybe the company (Milspin – aka Proof Products USA LLC) who says that it is veteran owned – has employees/owners that can make the “battle hardened” claim.
Rx9
Not sure. I’ve heard (I think from something I read once by GRU defector Vladimir Rezun) the Spetnaz are trained to use shovels for such purposes, so I’d guess someone in the USMC said “why not a pry bar?”. Ask anyone who has been to a correctional facility, and they’ll tell you the entire toolbox is fair game.
Ask the TSA, and they’ll probably tell you that you have to leave this item behind.
Mr.X
A guy on the other side of MA from me has been making this type of thing for years. Atwood Knife and Tool. High quality and expensive, limited production stuff mostly in titanium. His designs have been ripped off and mass produced for some large, well known tool/knife companies. I can see the utility of a mini pry-bar, not-quite-a-knife, style tool if the user is opening a LOT of boxes and crates. Otherwise, an EDC pocket knife, multi tool, or other handy implement can probably do the job. For $15, it seems reasonable. I’ve also seen many similar tools made from the handle of an old, worn out or broken adjustable wrench. Does the same thing and its free.
Luke
I keep the CRKT Pryma on my keys at all times. comes in handy when I am worried about breaking the tip of my pocket knife. 😀
https://www.crkt.com/pryma.html
Ct451
I made a pry bar with very similar dimensions to this for a friend because he keeps using a box-cutter to open the case backs of watches to replace their batteries. Instead of a square front I gave it an oval shape. He still starts with the cutter and if the tip breaks he might try to pop the back open with another tool or if it’s harder pry it open with the tool I made.