Best Multitool features

M

Multi 911

Joined
Apr 14, 2002
Messages
8
Well, HSO started it with his posting , but I want to know what everybody thinks are the best, and worst features on thier multitool. I am prototyping my own version with all the toys( that I can think of, anyway) that suit me and my priortys best, but as a friend pointed out to me, there are other points of view that I have not considered.Firefighters and EMT's especially are encouraged to pipe in.
I like a long phillips point screwdriver, a locking blade that is accessable from the outside, strictly one handed deployment, and is tough enough to run a truck over.What else would you put into your dream multi tool? Remember that just because you haven't seen it in one before, doesn't mean that I couldn't machine it...What would you want ( and why) and what don't you use in the tools that you have ( and why)? Dare to dream!
Charles A. Hubbard
 
Hello, Multi. I have a pulse, and my fav tool is the diamond file. I fish quite a bit and that file comes in handy to keep my spinnerbait and jig hooks sharp. A diamond file could also be used for knife sharpening, in a pinch. Patrick
 
I carry a juice cs4 and use the scissors, pliers and screwdrivers most and the saw knife and corkscrew least. I dunno all of what my dream multitool would have, but it should have a wrench for a sebenza.

- Pete
 
Leatherman Wave user, definately the diamond file (on-the-spot sharpening, gets less use now I carry a 3" ceramic hone in my jacket pocket) and the serrated blade (for when my EDC just won't cut it) get more use than any other tool.
 
Well, if you're asking about improvements, there are a couple of changes that I would like to see in the Juice S2. There was a long thread on scissors as EDC a few weeks ago, and someone suggested the concept of a SuperMicra. I like that idea. Since I don't care for the scissors on my S2, I would like to see them replaced with one of my favorite blades - serrated sheepsfoot. Then, turn the pliers into a really good pair of shears. While we are at it, offer the handles with a hard-anodized, midnight blue coating...:)
 
I have never been able to find a good pair of scissors on a multi-tool. I own or have owned a Wave, PST II, and Juice S2. None of them features a good pair of scissors. I have never had or handled a SwissTool, but judging from the scissors on SAKs, it might stand to reason that the SwissTool scissors may be better.

Personally, I always thought the corkscrew was the most useless tool on any multi-tool. I have never in my entire life used one, although I am sure many use one all the time.

The best multi-tool feature is obviously the pliers IMO. But that aside, probably the phillips screwdriver. It is something that everyone will use at some point or another. For survival, I think a good saw is very important. Even on a small multi-tool, the saw can be very useful for cutting things that a normal blade could not tackle.

Bucky
 
I'm kind of a fan of the det cord and blasting cap crimpers you can get on the Gerber 600 D.E.T. and, IIRC, the some of the early Leathermans.

Not that I would ever find them particularly useful (well, maybe for crimping electrical connectors), but more for what they imply... ;)
 
Well, I had not ever really paid attetion if I used the diamond file, but now that you metion it I do pull it out alot...
About saw blades: Have you tried / used the saber saw blades that insert into the holder (i.e. Kershaws and Gerber) Would that be an acceptable option or is a dedicated blade better?
Bucky, A corkscrew never even made it to the list. I agree that it is pretty worthless. A can opener is a toss up for me though, I rarely use it, but it is kinda nice to know that it is there.
Tarsier, Would a partially serrated blade work for you , or is a totally dedicated blade more usefull. ( One coworker keeps his sheepfoot strictly for the " surgical sharp" operations)
Some brands are coming out with extra tool bits that fit on an adapter. What if that ratchet assembly were intagrated? Would that be a plus or not?
EMT's and Fireman, how about a center punch for glass built into the handle some how?
Thanks for all the fedback,
Charles;)
 
I dunno, i like the juice scissors. One thing i would like to see on more multitools is a clip, as long as it didn't make it uncomfortable to use.

- Pete
 
Originally posted by Multi 911
Tarsier, Would a partially serrated blade work for you , or is a totally dedicated blade more usefull. ( One coworker keeps his sheepfoot strictly for the " surgical sharp" operations)
Click to expand...

I prefer fully serrated. I use this type of blade mostly for hard plastics like molded plastic packaging, binders around large boxes, or especially those annoying ties that monitor cords, network cables, and way too many other things are fastened together with. For my uses, the more edge, the better.

For slicing, I like a plain edge clip point or spear point.

Don't forget the color choice, I like midnight blue and forest green. Although I might feel kind of embarrassed ordering multitools that have colors like something out of a Lands End catalog...;)

Good topic, when can I place an order? :)
 
Tarsier,It will be a few years. I'm just getting the prototype ( in Aluminium ) where it will be usable. I'll keep you in mind though when it comes to the real testing phaze, maybe you can help me then too.( By the way, the tool you descibe in an earlier post sounds like an Fiskars " Excaliber", I found a couple on E*bay for less than $14.00. Never seen them in stores though, but I live in a small town and don't get to a rael shoping mall often.
Pete ,I do have a clip on the multitool that I carry right now, and unless you carry it in a very big pocket ( i.e. cargo pants side pocket) it tends to fall off alot. Otherwise, you have to carry it in a pouch, which kind of defeats the point of the clip.
Charles
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top