Any Objective Multi Tool Tests?

R

RickG55

Joined
Nov 21, 2004
Messages
51
I read in this forum and others about how various makes and models of multitools have their strengths and weaknesses, but for the most part, these opinions are based on user experience. Has there ever been any independent testing done on these tools comparing their construction, breakage, how much torque they can withstand before breakage, etc. In other words, any Consumer Reports?
 
I have read some reviews which are mostly opinion based and tend to focus more on things like accessibility of the implements, how well they seem to lock, and so forth. If there were such tests as you describe, it would be interesting reading indeed.

Reviews that I have seen here at BFC (for the most part) have been very well written by people who are knowledgable and in most cases are serious users. I have come to rely on the information here and always look forward to new reviews.

As a pretty serious multi user, I try to hold to my own philosophy that a multitool is only a stand-in when you don't have access to the proper tool.To this end, I am not overly interested in torque and breakage although I would find it interesting as I said.:)
 
Matches said:
I have read some reviews which are mostly opinion based and tend to focus more on things like accessibility of the implements, how well they seem to lock, and so forth. If there were such tests as you describe, it would be interesting reading indeed.

Reviews that I have seen here at BFC (for the most part) have been very well written by people who are knowledgable and in most cases are serious users. I have come to rely on the information here and always look forward to new reviews.

As a pretty serious multi user, I try to hold to my own philosophy that a multitool is only a stand-in when you don't have access to the proper tool.To this end, I am not overly interested in torque and breakage although I would find it interesting as I said.:)
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The reviews written here are very good, for the most part. I just always like to see different tools put through the same torture test to see where the strengths and weaknesses are--I think there's more objectivity in those types of tests. For myself, I think about things like torque and breakage because they can indicate strength of material. I agree with you regarding multitools being a sub for the proper tool, but when I'm a two-day walk or paddle away from civilization, or I'm only going to get one chance to perform a task, I just like having full confidence in the multitool I have with me.

Now, having said all this, the reality is that there's probably no substantive difference in quality between the brands, so it boils down to a Ford/Chevy preference. Maybe I'm a multitool geek. :D
 
Yes, you sound to me like the multitool bug has gotten you. I certainly understand your position if you are out in the wild...I'm usually within two minutes of more tools. Might be an interesting topic...if anyone switches their carry, knowing they will be far from other tools:cool:
 
Hi RickG55,
Most reviews I have read on the forums are very good and the testers appear to have pput the tools through their paces. I have found reviews on a web site called backpackgear.com. They do not review every every multi-tool available, but they have an initial review, a review of the knife/tool after several months usage, and a final review of the knife/tool again after several months use. The reviewers tend to use the tools for camping and outdoors activities but they also comment on everyday usage. Again, these are often subjective reviews but I find most to be very thorough.
Hope this info is helpful.
Neil
 
mouse123 said:
Hi RickG55,
Most reviews I have read on the forums are very good and the testers appear to have pput the tools through their paces. I have found reviews on a web site called backpackgear.com. They do not review every every multi-tool available, but they have an initial review, a review of the knife/tool after several months usage, and a final review of the knife/tool again after several months use. The reviewers tend to use the tools for camping and outdoors activities but they also comment on everyday usage. Again, these are often subjective reviews but I find most to be very thorough.
Hope this info is helpful.
Neil
Click to expand...

It's very helpful, thank you. I'm going to head on over there and read up.
 
What kind of torture tests would you like to see?

I wonder how many broken leathermans a guy could send back to leatherman in one year before they started to wonder what was going on, lol... :)
 
Leatherman4life said:
What kind of torture tests would you like to see?

I wonder how many broken leathermans a guy could send back to leatherman in one year before they started to wonder what was going on, lol... :)
Click to expand...

I think if you tell them it's all in the name of science, you'll be good to go. hehe
 
Hi RickG55,
Sorry if I got the site wrong, but you have the right site. Hope it is helpful.
Neil
 
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