Best small multitool

Shann · Dec 30, 2004

I"ve got a Wave and a small SAK. The Wave is too big to carry in the pocket and the SAK doesn't have pliers. I'm looking for a small multitool that doesn't need a sheath, either just pocket or keychain. Any recommendations?

I see the micra and squirt got pretty good reviews. My search engine seems not to be cooperating too much today.

JoeBW · Dec 30, 2004

Hi Shann,

If pliers are your objective, forget the Micra as it only has scissors.

There are several 91 mm (~3 5/8") Victorinox SAK's with a small pair of pliers. These include the following products:
Craftsman
Cybertool 34 & 41
Deluxe Climber
Deluxe Tinker
Handyman
Mechanic
Swiss Champ (very big - not a pocket item)
Swiss Champ XLT (very big - not a pocket item)

I'd suggest going to www.swissarmy.com to look these over. Don't stop there, go to a good knife shop that carries Victorinox and look these over.

Hope this helps - Joe

shpshooter · Dec 30, 2004

Look at the Squirt P4 too. Great little tool.

Don Luis · Dec 30, 2004

I have a Leatherman Juice S2, larger than the squirt but smaller than the Wave, pliers are pretty good for the size, a bit bulky in pockets, there are other variations of the Juice, just another one to consider

http://www.leatherman.com/products/tools/s2/default.asp

yam · Dec 30, 2004

On my keychain I have these on their own #7 split ring from the fishing supplies section on a 3/8" snap clasp (carabiner type thing) so they can easily be used individually.

1) Swiss-Tech Micro Plus 8 in 1 tool: Precision Pliers with Posi- Grip Jaws, Phillips & Flat Screwdrivers, Micro Phillips & Micro Flat Screwdrivers, a Wire Cutter / Stripper, and Shear.

2) Victorinox Rambler: Blade, scissors, nail file with screwdriver tip, cap lifter with Phillips screwdriver tip and wire stripper, toothpick, tweezers and keyring.

3) P-38 can opener.

4) Arc AAA light (though a photon type light would work fine too)

With this setup I have some usable basic tools to get me through my day all on my keychain. However, I generally carry a full sized knife and/or Spyderco Jester and an Arc LSH-P.

X at 10 · Dec 30, 2004

Have you looked at the SOG Paratool? Just a bit over 4 inches closed and has very usable pliers.

S/F

Bob

JohnJ80 · Dec 31, 2004

Without question, look at the LM juice series. I EDC the Xe6 at work. I carry it in the front pocket of business casual pants. The pliers work great for most smallish tasks and it has a great set of blades.

J.

Bodieism · Dec 31, 2004

shpshooter said:
Look at the Squirt P4 too. Great little tool.

I agree. Awesome tool that comes in very handy despite being so tiny. I think its only like 2.25 inches when its closed. Also the blade on it is scary sharp right out of the box. Wire cutters worked really good for me to.

cardimon · Jan 1, 2005

yam said:
Swiss-Tech Micro Plus 8 in 1 tool: Precision Pliers with Posi- Grip Jaws, Phillips & Flat Screwdrivers, Micro Phillips & Micro Flat Screwdrivers, a Wire Cutter / Stripper, and Shear.

I second this one and carry it every day.

I also recommend the brand new Swiss-Tech Micro Pro XL. Strangely, this can't be found on the SwissTechTools.com web site, but can be found on REI.com. I also carry this every day. It's very gentle on the pocket.