How many multi-tools do you need?

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kgriggs8

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Everyone is going to have a different answer but since I started using multi-tools, I have grown to feel that I need them near me. I have a Leatherman that I carry at work, it is a regular model whatever that is. I have a SOG Power Lock that I have in my range bag that is always in my SUV. That one doubles as vehicle and range use so I can share it between uses.

I need one more at least for my bug out bag that I am trying to put together. I figure this one can be pretty much anything as long as it has a saw blade, pliers, knife blade, 2-4 different sizes of screw drivers, file and can opener.
 
I need 2. I own 7 and an equal number of SAKs. But I didn't know what I really needed until using them, and now I want to keep them all.

;) :grumpy: :D :o :( :confused: :eek: :rolleyes: :) :p
 
TO BE HONEST YOU NEED ONE AND THAT'S IT.
But whit so many models and brands you can never have too many.

one Spirit one my belt
one Spirit on my office back pack
one Swisstool X on my car door
one Swisstool on my Jeep
one Fuse on my range bag
one wave on my office desk
one swisstool on my tool box at home
one wave on my girlfriend car
and a lot more I really dont know how many I have but you got always will need one so buy all the ones that you like.
 
You always need two. And I'll tell you why:

Problem #1: A multitool can't fix itself
*You can't fix a bent metal on multitool using the same plier on a multitool (except for the Surge, SOG, New Wave, and Charge which have removable blades).
*You can't measure the exact length in millimeters of a blade using the ruler on the same tool.
*You can't turn a screw on a multiplier using the screwdriver on it (except for the Swisstool CS plus).
*You can't file a dull blade with the diamond file on the same tool (except for the LM Surge).


Problem #2: A multitool can't do a job that requires using two functions of the tool at the same time
*You can't turn a screw with the screwdriver and hold the nut with the plier at the same time (except for the Swisstool CS plus).
*You can't use ruler to set the awl when scribing on a board.
 
Lion said:
Actualy, to be honest, most people probaly don't need even one. I have 8.

Leo
Click to expand...

Whoops. Now we are getting into philosophical waters. Presumably, all we really need in life is enough food, a roof ower our heads, somethiing to wrap around our vulnerable bodies and, of course, a toothpick. Add to that a bus pass and we're set. :)
 
How many do I NEED? Just 2 for everyday.

But how many do I WANT? Now that is a different story, as many here will attest. hehe.
 
If you work with tools for you job, a multi-tool is a great thing to have. Before I got mine, I thought like other people and felt that if I need a pair of pliers or a screwdriver, I will go and get one. The fact is, with the tool on my belt all the time, I use it all the time. If I need a large screwdriver, I will go and get one but for 90% of the time I need a screwdriver, the ones on the multi-tools work just fine.

I may look into getting one that is insulated for working around electricity. After hitting a wire that is carrying a few volts, you don't want to hold onto the solid metal when working with wires. I got shocked with 30-40 volts and it woke me up to the fact that SS carry current really well! LOL!
 
*You can't turn a screw with the screwdriver and hold the nut with the plier at the same time (except for the Swisstool CS plus).


And the Spyderco Spyderench :D
 
znapschatz said:
Whoops. Now we are getting into philosophical waters. Presumably, all we really need in life is enough food, a roof ower our heads, somethiing to wrap around our vulnerable bodies and, of course, a toothpick. Add to that a bus pass and we're set. :)
Click to expand...

And then we go up the ladder of needs a little and what do we find? Ah yes, the need for female companionship. :cool:

Unfortunately for us, most women want men who have money, power, fame or all of the above.

So we go out there and earn us some dough and impress the ladies with our collection of top of the line multitools. :D
 
I would have to say the most useful thing a multitool does is provide us with the convenience of common tools at our finger tips. That being said I have about 6 pair all different and all in places where at least one (usually 2)will be at my finger tips at all times.
 
v8_andrew_m said:
Unfortunately for us, most women want men who have money, power, fame or all of the above.
Click to expand...

I hope this mostly applies to superficial women.

Anyway, I need only one multi-tool: a Leatherman Squirt P4. Yes, it's small but it takes care of the smaller tasks I need it for very well. I carry this along with a Spyderco Jester. I also do own a Juice S2, but don't EDC it.
 
kgriggs8 said:
Everyone is going to have a different answer but since I started using multi-tools, I have grown to feel that I need them near me. I have a Leatherman that I carry at work, it is a regular model whatever that is. I have a SOG Power Lock that I have in my range bag that is always in my SUV. That one doubles as vehicle and range use so I can share it between uses.

I need one more at least for my bug out bag that I am trying to put together. I figure this one can be pretty much anything as long as it has a saw blade, pliers, knife blade, 2-4 different sizes of screw drivers, file and can opener.
Click to expand...

IMHO get the Charge its the best tool for the money and has the best blade steel in any multi tool on the market

Kap
 
I agree that you need only one, but I have:

1. A Vic Spirit as my edc
2. A Vic Swisstool for harder work
3. An old style LM Wave in my briefcase
4. An old style LM Supertool in the glove compartment of our old van
 
kapt kopter said:
IMHO get the Charge its the best tool for the money and has the best blade steel in any multi tool on the market

Kap
Click to expand...

When lucking into a Ti at a great price, I thought it was the bee's knees, but the honeymoon was short. There was no awl, a tool I use often enough that I had to carrry a supplementary SAK to compensate for its lack. The scissors were too small, although I could live with that. The tiny screwdriver didn't fit hardly anything in my life, including my glasses, and if it did, was clumsy to use and didn't provide a proper "feel" for fine work. It was therefore useless, taking up space that would have better been occupied by an awl. And the stubby screwdrivers were sometimes not able to reach countersunk screws.

All of this was disappointing, but the deal breaker was that the blade folded on me in use. It happened on the very first time I used it, cutting out a woody plant. Since I was wearing work gloves at the time, I thought maybe the lock release had been depressed by the glove material. But when a week later it happened again, I sent the Charge to Leatherman warranty for a look-see. They sent it back saying everything was in spec.
Maybe the fault was in the way I handled it, but none of my other Leatherman blades had ever folded unintentionally on me in ten years, no matter what I did.

There are a lot of people who have had good experiences with the Charge/New Wave multitools, but I got rid of mine and went back to the tried and true.
 
znapschatz said:
.........The tiny screwdriver didn't fit hardly anything in my life, including my glasses, and if it did, was clumsy to use and didn't provide a proper "feel" for fine work. It was therefore useless, taking up space that would have better been occupied by an awl....
Click to expand...

I like the Charge, mostly, but it definitely could be better. Getting rid of the tiny screwdriver and replacing it with an awl is something I'm working on. I've got security Torx bits to take my Charge apart, and an awl blade on order from SOG. It appears as if the SOG awl will fit right in, but I may have to widen the blade lock notch. I'll let you guys know how it works.

Okay, sorry to take this thread off track. Please continue.......:)

~Bob
 
Bob, can you please provide the link where I can order tools from SOG? Couldn't find it in their website. And do they ship to Australia?

Thanks mate. :thumbup:
 
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