FireMedic needs help from multitool guys

S

Shaboda

Joined
Jun 9, 2013
Messages
63
Hey guys,
I had to recently retire a heavily used leatherman and in the market for a new one. However I'm tired of the nylon and leather pouches on my hip. But I can't find an all black multi tool that comes with a pocket clip....opinions and help is much appreciated!
 
Finding a "quality" multitool that is BO and has a built in clip will be a bit difficult. I can't think of a single one at the moment. You do have a alternate option though. You could buy a Leatherman and add a clip yourself. No need to be a modder either. Nite Ize makes pocket clips that attach very firmly to just about anything including multitools. I would suggest a Rebar with a added clip, but the Rebar might have problems with it attaching as the handles are not exactly flat. I would think a Leatherman Blast or Fuse would work great. The Leatherman Kick does have a pivot screw with the capability of adding a factory clip which is a possible option, but their are a few things you should know. The Kick/Blast/Fuse is now discontinued, but can be found on EBAY quite readily. I'm sure you could find a factory clip for it as well as I still see them for sale. The other thing is the Kick clip is designed for clipping it into your left pocket. Basically if you clip it into your right pocket there will be a gap between the clip and the side of your pocket as the clip is on the opposite handle. The other thing is the Kick does not offer much in the tool department and none of them are locking. The clip when installed has left to right wobble, but I have found a way to remedy that if you decide to go that route.

http://www.amazon.com/Nite-Ize-NBC-03-11-Belt-Clip/dp/B007CBSBM4
http://www.amazon.com/Nite-Ize-eCLIPse-Locking-Black/dp/B0037H5NF0

Their is also the long discontinued Leatherman Sideclip, but it does not come in BO and would cost you around $50+ if you could find one. Also not locking tools and not as sturdy of a tool compared to the newer line of Leathermans in my opinion.

Another and maybe your best option is to buy a BO Leatherman Wave. You can buy the pocket clip BO or SS and it slips right into a slot designed for the clip or lanyard. You will again have to left side preferred clip position, but it is not a must. The Wave is a excellent tool and is available in BO like you want as well as being clip capable. The Wave clip can be hit or miss on whether it fits snugly though.

Hope this could help and if I think of anything else I will add it.

10-wave-fanned-black-oxide.jpg

http://demandware.edgesuite.net/sits_pod21/dw/image/v2/AAMV_PRD/on/demandware.static/Sites-leatherman-Site/Sites-master/en_US/v1402696893251/large/10-wave-fanned-black-oxide.jpg?sw=763&sh=763&sfrm=png
 
I have a BO Kick with a factory clip. It's a pretty basic tool but the clip works well IMO. As the Capt. said, eBay is a good place to find them. That's where I found mine.
 
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I found the Leatherman Kick with a pocket clip to be just about ideal for me, I just wish the lanyard ring blade were replaced with a file. I am a science teacher, though, not a firefighter - perhaps a firefighter will want a serrated blade that can easily cut hoses and synthetic rope. :cool:
 
Thanks for all the help guys, it's appreciated. I think the surge is too big so I'll give the wave a shot and see what happens. Nobody likes sog multitools?
 
Shaboda said:
Thanks for all the help guys, it's appreciated. I think the surge is too big so I'll give the wave a shot and see what happens. Nobody likes sog multitools?
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Not particularly. ;)

If you have questions about any particular model SOG's I might be able to help. I have owned a few. The only one I kept was the Black Tip since its the biggest multitool I have ever seen.
 
I've had SOG Powerlock tools, using one with the exposed gear teeth on the "palm end" as a screwdriver was an experience I never wanted to repeat. If you get one with the gear covers, it's OK. They are solid tools, you can customize the tool layout somewhat, but...you have to open the handles to open the tools, and as far as I know, no pocket clip.
 
Im a Vol Fire Fighter / Rescue and 1st Responder in our county and I carry with me everyday a Leatherman Wave in a Kydex belt holster made by Alabama Holster Company and I am very happy with it. The retention is very tight and you will not accidentally lose it on scene like I have done in the past. One of our Medics carry's his Leatherman Wave in the Nylon pouch but said he has to buy a new pouch every year because they get so worn out and loose.

You might want to check out the new Leatherman Raptor Rescue scissors. They look really cool and they can be worn in the pocket like a traditional pocket knife or in a kydex belt sheath.


And by the way I love Sog multi-tools they generally open way smoother and easier than any Leatherman tool but I will have to say that Leatherman tools look and feel like they are more heavy duty.
 
Got the black wave and pocket clip. I love it so far and the pocket clip is deep carry. Also very impressed with leathermens new molle pouch that came with it, the tool fits nice and snug even with the clip on. Taking it on duty tomorrow so we will see how it goes. Thanks for the help guys!
 
Shaboda said:
Got the black wave and pocket clip. I love it so far and the pocket clip is deep carry. Also very impressed with leathermens new molle pouch that came with it, the tool fits nice and snug even with the clip on. Taking it on duty tomorrow so we will see how it goes. Thanks for the help guys!
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Good choice. Glad you like it. Let us know how it works out for you. :thumbup:
 
Shaboda said:
Got the black wave and pocket clip. I love it so far and the pocket clip is deep carry. Also very impressed with leathermens new molle pouch that came with it, the tool fits nice and snug even with the clip on. Taking it on duty tomorrow so we will see how it goes. Thanks for the help guys!
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Also, look into the Leatherman Raptor if your doing EMS. Can't tell you how awesome this thing is. Been on scene with fire trying to cut through motorcycle leathers, thick denim etc with regular shears and failing. Popped out my Raptor and made like a lightsaber through Darth Maul :D

Most of the people in my agency have gone to em and REI can't keep them in stock lol.
 
Shaboda said:
Thanks for all the help guys, it's appreciated. I think the surge is too big so I'll give the wave a shot and see what happens. Nobody likes sog multitools?
Click to expand...
I JUST BOUGHT A SOG S60N Powerlock today. I will let you know how I like it when it arrives. Mark
 
Alright. About a month into carrying my wave on duty as a FF/Paramedic and I must admit it has come in pretty handy. It was extremely hard taking my benchmade contego out of my pocket but it is what it is. Though we are a strong supporter of "use the right tool for the right job" it has been there a few times as a convenience. a loose screw on a helmet, a fussy o2 cylinder, fixing a pull string on a k12, cutting a seatbelt during an extrication, etc. All in all Im very happy with the blades ability to hold an edge and the wide arrange of tools it has. Now I remember why I missed my leathermans. Thanks again
 
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