Help me find my next EDC multi-tool

[RasmusB]

Hello!

(I'm a newcomer here, so if I have posted this in the wrong section, please move it to the appropriate section)

I'm on the lookout for a EDC multi-tool. So far, my favorite multi-tool has been the Victorinox CyberTool 34 which I have enjoyed most of the time. But there are some shortcomings:

- The tweezer i basically useless. Too weak, and the tip is too wide to grip anything small and see what you are doing at the same time.
- None of the tools are locked. It's easy to have a blade snap back if you are not careful.
- The pliers are really not that useful. Actually, I often find myself using this instead of the tweezers when gripping small stuff. However, you cannot use it for anything plier-related (except for cutting wires, which it does ok).
- The "crimping tool" really sucks. Totally useless in my opinion.

The parts I DO like:
- The wrench / bits are GREAT! These in combination whith the large screwdriver tool and the tiny screwdriver that sits in the corcscrew, I rarely find myself looking for a screwdriver. Just last week, i installed som new RAM in my laptop in the school cafeteria, and I fixed another one of my computers at home this week.
- The scissors are also very useful. Nothing special about them, they just do what they are supposed to.
- The pliers are great fo gripping small things.
- The small blade is great also. I'm not sure I have ever even used the large one?

So in conclusion... my next multitool should have the following charateristics:

- Ability to use screwdriver bits. An assortment of different bits are a must, preferrably standard size. I need TORX and 6-headed bits. If they can be carried in the tool itself, that might close the deal
- Locking tools
- Locking needlenose pliers with good cutting capacity
- Good wire stripper
- A decent wire crimping tool
- Scissors
- At least one sharp blade

So... Am I looking for the perfect tool that doesen't exist, or is there one that fullfills my needs out there?

Thank you for your time!

 

[waterboiler]

There is a lot out there but finding what you want in a 'knife' format is going to be hard. I too have a Cybertool, the 41, but find it a bit 'weak' for a lot of tasks, as it sounds you do.

If you move to a plier based multi-tool I think you will find what you need. Staying Swiss there is the SwissTool Sprit, I have one that comes with a bit kit and rachet for them. Other options include several tools from Leatherman, like the Charge or the Surge. All the the plier based tools are on the large size but you do get decently usefull pliers with them. All the tools lock on most of them now. Look into:
1. Swisstool Sprit
2. LM Charge ALX or TTi ( if price is not critical )
3. LM Surge ( on the heavy side )

I believe the LM models come with bit changers, I have a Surge so I can only speak for certain that it does. LM uses its own half square bits rather than the standard hex with the Swisstool though.

I do not think any come with tweasers but I may be wrong.

 

[RasmusB]

Thank you for your reply!

Well yes, finding a more sturdy knife would be hard, a plier-based tool would probably suit me better As for the tweezers, those are entierly optional, as a good needle-nose plier would fill all my gripping needs.

However, I'm not sure what a "bit changer" is? Can you give me an example?

 

[waterboiler]

The bit changer is the 'socket' that accepts the driver bit ends, just like the CyberTool. In the case of the Swisstool Spirt it takes regular size hex bits, IIRC thoes in the Cyber series are smaller than normal.

LM uses special bits that are standard size in one dimension but ground flatter on two sides - means you have to buy theirs but they are also more compact. With the Swisstool you can use longer bits if needed, were as on the LM you are stuck with the stubby ones from LM. Not tjhat either is better just different.

 

[RasmusB]

Ok, now i understand, thx!
I'm looking at the bit kits on leatherman's hompage... how are you supposed to carry thoes bits? Can the bit holder be attached to the pliers somehow, or do you have to use a seath?

 

[waterboiler]

They fit in the sheath but the full bit kit comes with its own pouch. I did manage to fit mine in with the tool in the toll sheath.

 

[RasmusB]

Hmm. I'd really rather have some way to contain some bits in the tool itself... Is it possible to leave one bit in the bit changer when closing the tool?

 

[waterboiler]

It comes with the flat/philips bit installed IIRC. So, yes you can leave the bit in when you close up the tool.

Also, in the Surge you can remove the saw blade and swap in a file ( supplied ) or any Bosch/T-shank jig saw bit you want. This feature was the winner for me with the Surge over the Charge. That said, the knife blade steel on the Charge is better. IIRC 154CM on the ALX and S30V on the TTI. I personally do not cary the tool for the blade though so other features are more important to me.

I generally carry a good folder, Sbenza, ( or fixed balde in the woods ) to go along with the tool.