I want a multi-tool for my keychain...

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Oct 14, 2006
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I want pliers for the main tool, a blade isn't important to me since I carry a dedicated knife anyways. As I said it needs to go on my keychain, and I'm looking for something to replace my Gerber Shortcut so it needs to be similar in size.

Last, but not least, I don't want to spend over $30 ($32 isn't a big deal, but, ya know... I'd like to be able to find it in a store so I don't pay shipping, but whatever, I can combine it with something else) .
 
Micra has scissors for the main tool. Leatherman Squirt has a P4 which has standard pliers, the E4 has a combination plier/stripper tool which is good for people who do a lot of electrical work.
 
Yup. LM-Squirt P-4 model sounds like it fits the bill for this requirement. Won't cost you too much either, check out ebay and you'll see loads of them for sale cheap!
 
I had a LM P4 Squirt on my key ring, but took it off after a few weeks (and put back on a Gerber micro LST). I found the Squirt, while handy, was just too weighty and--along with the two keys also on the ring--too bulky in the pocket. I now toss the P4 into my work bag (I take mass transit or bike to work), so its still pretty handy most of the time.
 
I carry two smaller key rings rather than one gigantous one. The LM P4 give you the pliers, plus it has outside access to the tools unlike the Micra. Same size and weight as far as I can tell.

Oct-3.jpg

LM P4, Arc AAA, Atwood pry tool.


cheers
 
Squirt P4 is probably what you will find. Its still a little heavy for a keychain, but I like the 2 keychain idea.
 
Squirt P4 is probably what you will find. Its still a little heavy for a keychain, but I like the 2 keychain idea.

Call them keychain tools if you like, but hanging a multitool or flashlight on a ring along with keys is a terrible idea. I don't think multitools, knives or flashlights can be operated effectively with a clutter of keys to get in the way. These small items can be hard to manipulate, as it is. Could be workable with a quick release clip, but why bother attaching them in the first place?

Both my key rings contain keys, except for a Swiss+Tech Utilikey on one of them. I actually used it once. The Micra (alt Rambler) is attached by clip to a micro light, both carried in my jeans watch pocket. One serves as a fob for the other. If I'm wearing slacks or a suit, they just get tossed into my pocket along with the keys.

It's the little things that make me happy. :D
 
Call them keychain tools if you like, but hanging a multitool or flashlight on a ring along with keys is a terrible idea. I don't think multitools, knives or flashlights can be operated effectively with a clutter of keys to get in the way. These small items can be hard to manipulate, as it is. Could be workable with a quick release clip, but why bother attaching them in the first place?

Both my key rings contain keys, except for a Swiss+Tech Utilikey on one of them. I actually used it once. The Micra (alt Rambler) is attached by clip to a micro light, both carried in my jeans watch pocket. One serves as a fob for the other. If I'm wearing slacks or a suit, they just get tossed into my pocket along with the keys.

It's the little things that make me happy. :D

That's a pretty good point... I suppose the Squirt could fit in a change pocket... I dunno... I'll think of something.

EDIT: How does the Juice stack up to the Squirt? Is it much bigger? Which one is the best, keeping size sort-of in mind, but also features (on eBay the Juice isn't out of my price range)?
 
I'm positive the Squirt will fit in a jeans coin pocket, because I'm carrying a PST II in mine and have carried a Cybertool 41 in there in the past (size 34 waist).

I would normally recommend a Juice over a Squirt for a sole EDC multi-tool but you say this has to go on your key-chain which rules out the Juice, which is indeed considerably larger. You could do it with the included lanyard ring, but it would be cumbersome. I would go with the Squirt P4. It has a very nice tool selection. If you do conisder a Juice anyway take a look at the S2 model which many people believe is ideal for EDC. The only implement it doesn't have that I like to carry is a file. My PST II has my ideal toolset (or very close) and is comparable to a Juice in weight (but the profile fits more nicely in a pocket).
 
Leatherman Micra.

My Leatherman Micra came correct right out of the box. I have used every tool multiple times. The blade has actually been used the least, for some reason. I tend to open boxes with one of the scissor blades instead, to save my edge on the small blade.
 
That's a pretty good point... I suppose the Squirt could fit in a change pocket... I dunno... I'll think of something.

EDIT: How does the Juice stack up to the Squirt? Is it much bigger? Which one is the best, keeping size sort-of in mind, but also features (on eBay the Juice isn't out of my price range)?

They are in different categories. The Squirt pliers are too small for almost anything I encounter, while the Juice has been usable quite often. Your situation might be different, for instance if you work with small mechanicals or computers. Neither are for heavy duty use, but each of them fills a niche. Why not try both, keep the better and sell off or give away the other? Or, like me, keep both? :D

I'm positive the Squirt will fit in a jeans coin pocket, because I'm carrying a PST II in mine and have carried a Cybertool 41 in there in the past (size 34 waist).

I would normally recommend a Juice over a Squirt for a sole EDC multi-tool but you say this has to go on your key-chain which rules out the Juice, which is indeed considerably larger. You could do it with the included lanyard ring, but it would be cumbersome. I would go with the Squirt P4. It has a very nice tool selection. If you do conisder a Juice anyway take a look at the S2 model which many people believe is ideal for EDC. The only implement it doesn't have that I like to carry is a file. My PST II has my ideal toolset (or very close) and is comparable to a Juice in weight (but the profile fits more nicely in a pocket).

Right after reading your post, I stuffed a PST into my coin/watch pocket, where it will ride the rest of the day for evaluation. It had never before occurred to me that would be a good way to carry it. Usually, I keep a Micra or Rambler in that pocket, attached to a micro light, while my multitool EDC goes into the RF pocket, suspended from a lanyard attached to my belt. I have been doing this for years with never a thought, but there is no reason not to reverse the two, so I'll try it out for for a while, see how it works. It does fit nicely. My CS4, as you remarked, is a little too thick.
 
I find it works very well. I started doing this with my Cybertool 41... I wanted a way to carry it without adding additional bulk with a sheath, and then I looked at the coin pocket and thought "that's like a sheath right there". That one was a little too tight but the PST, with its slim, rectangular shape is ideal. It sticks out the top just enough to make it easy to grab. I was considering trying to install a pocket clip but I think using the coin pocket is neater and looks better. Let us know how you like carrying your PST this way.
 
swiss tech microtechnician- $6, basic and strong

stanley pocketech- $8, never tried it but i'd give it a shot

sog crossgrip- $28, really nice pliers but stupid tool selection...tweezers? lanyard loop?

for real work, use real pliers.
 
:thumbup: +1 to squirt. Its been my edc for a long time and works great.
Nice for when other multitools are too bulky.
Outside tool access is great :)
 
I'd recommend the P4 for key chain carry. However, I carry a Juice S2 EDC in my front right pocket with no problems. I usually wear either drees pants or khakis to work and it doesn't bulge.
 
A bit harder to find, but I've heard good words about those Sebertool mini folding plier/screwdriver things.

Personally, a Victorinox Rally or Leatherman Micra suits my keychain. Even an old school Trim Trio does pretty well.
 
If you are interested in this design, I would strongly recommend Swiss-Tech over Seber's M3. I have had both and my original Swiss-Tech Microtechnician 6-in-1 is by far more sturdy than the Sebertech I owned or the ones I've handled since. Just my $.02 Your mileage may vary.
 
I vote for the P4 Squirt. I try to keep weight down backpacking but have used the pliers to repair packs and stoves. It's not exactly a PST but it is very small and light, perfect for a keychain. I also own and like the SOG Crossgrip, but the pliers are not as useful IMO - very blunt-tipped.

If you like a big keychain, and want full size pliers, find one of the discontinued Leatherman Mini tools. It's basically a PST that folds in half lengthwise (and loses a few tools as a result).
 
What's up with the weird looking bottle opener on the Juice? Is it a cork screw assist? If so, why use it on the Juice that doesn't have a cork screw?:confused:
 
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