For those that work with their hands, what multi-tool do you prefer?

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kgriggs8

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I am just getting to understand how handy a multi-tool can be. Yes, it is always better to have the right tool but I am finding that I use my Leatherman more and more. I have bought a few but I can't seem to get away from the Leatherman (standard old model PST?). I have a SOG Powerlock as a back up but it is too bulky and I don't like the extra step of having to open the gaurd to get a tool.

I am in the market for a new tool to be my EDC and here is what I have decided I want:
Needle nose pliers not blunt.

Ability to open jaws if they get stuck cutting wire or something. My PST binds up.

As compact as possible. I don't need every tool in the world.

Scissors, my PST doesn't have them and I need them.

Long shafts on the tools. A stubby screwdriver is worthless to me.

Metal file.

Knife blade.

Philips, and three flat heads like the PST.

Locking tools.

Easy opening with no clumping. I wear gloves so it needs to be easy to open and close.

One hand operation is a plus but not 100% needed as long as it is easy.

What are my options? Keep in mind, I don't carry the SOG Powerlock due to the bulk so something more streamlined is what I want. Weight is not an issue since it will be on my belt.
 
A Gerber 600 fits that pretty well...there are a few variations out there. I own two needle nose pliers; both with slightly diffrent tools. The version with the scissors only gives you two flatheads though, but there is a bit set you'd have to buy for an extra inch of shaft, and you get 6 more heads to attach (3 phillips and 3 flats) The Fiskars scissors are great.

One handed opening to:thumbup:


MP7564.jpg
 
Leatherman CORE

3 flat, phillips that actually FITS, awl, canopener, file, saw, plain and serrated blades... stranded wire cutters, heavy wirecutters, needlenose(relatively smooth teeth), and wire terminal crimpers.

I work in electronics, so I went for this sucker like white on rice.

Have a surge in my vest too, the core still sees 90% of the usage, just got the surge for the bit adapter.
 
I think that a Vic Spirit will fit your needs very well. I carried a LM super tool 8 yrs and a SOG 6 mo. I agree on the SOG points you made. I removed those flip up covers over the tools on the SOG. Without these, it is almost like my old super tool except for the stronger gripping pliers. Then, I bought a Spirit and carry it every day at work. I use a Gerber 800 at home and camping. I really like the thumb stud on the knife blade. Vic's quality is top knotch and their products are well thought out.
 
I have a bunch of them. I keep going back to the Sog, I think the gear action makes a big difference. And it's cool to be able to open it like a butterfly knife.:rolleyes:
 
Love the SOG powerlock you can feel the quality and durability when you pick it up. The case is one of the nicest I've seen as well.
 
I have a LM Wave II - PST before that, for my work stuff. I work in hi-tech and it's fine, though my PST was a lot lighter. When I'm doing reno stuff at home or on my revenue properties, I use a Paladin/SOG PT-510.

- gord
 
I carry the Leatherman Surge. A Wave on steroids is a good description!

I have it adjusted so I can flip it open one handed.

Only complaint is a relatively short interchangeable phillips/flatblade. it does have a beefy fixed flatblade screwdriver that is a good length.

Great tool. I've been carrying it exclusively for almost a year now, and I have yet to want to go back to my Gerber 800.
 
I carry an original LM Wave. If I were forced to switch, I'd probably swap out the tools on a LM Charge XTi with some of the tools on a Core since I don't like the stubby drivers and I don't want the worthless micro-screwdriver. Until then, I'm stickying with my LM Wave.

My choice probabaly doesn't fit you, kgriggs8, since the original Wave has major clumping, and only the 4 outside tools lock.
 
@kgriggs8,

From what you mentioned you need, I think DH1's suggestion (post #2) is spot on. The design on the Gerber MP-600 series pliers make for easily opening the jaws if some wire binds them up during a cut. That same design also allows for using the plier tips to "separate" things, as the handles will not fold when you pull them apart. =)
 
I use a LM Charge ti now, have used I think just about every other LM made, for some reason they just feel right to me, I switched to a Gerber for a day but liked the needlenose more on the LM than the blunt tip of the Gerber. I sorta miss the longer phillips head my Wave and other LM had, I guess I'll have to grind a special bit to fit. All my tools have been one handed opening by pulling them out and running across the thigh. The Wave is good but I wanted a pocket clip so I got the Charge, wouldn't you know it, as soon as soon as I got the Charge, they put a ruler AND a pocket clip on the Wave!Good luck.
 
I run my own pc/network service/installation company and work at my buddy's hardware store a few times a week. I use my LM Core if not every day, every other day. The only thing you want but doesn't have is scissors, otherwise it's screwdrivers are the longest and it's got the best selection of tools on any multi I've seen yet. I highly recommend it to everyone that asks me about multitools.
 
+1 on the Victorinox Spirit. It has compact size, good ergos, a sensible array of implements, and good build quality. It has scissors, although they are a bit small and don't open very wide. I have an old Wave, LM Super Tool, and Vic Swisstool in addition, but the Spirit is the one I use the most.
 
Structural Ironworker

I use the Leatherman Core. Had a Supertool, but it got stolen/lost...
 
Sounds like a Victorinox Spirit would cover what you're looking for. I have one on my belt right now and I often forget it's there. I can open it and close it with one hand.
 
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