Idea for a Custom Multi-Tool Wrench Swiss Army Knife

supratentorial

supratentorial

Joined
Dec 19, 2006
Messages
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What do you guys think?

swissarmywrench.jpg
 
Why would it be a joke?

supratentorial, it reminds me of some of the older tools from pre-leatherman days... Is this a mod you're thinking about trying? Seems kinda tricky, though with enough patience maybe you could pull it off! It wouldn't be the tool for me edc-wise, but it sure would be a heck of a cool mod. I doubt the manufactuers would go for it cause it seems like it would only hit a small section of people, though I could be wrong.
 
It's not a joke for me but I don't mind constructive criticism.

I talked to scibeer about the potential project a while back but it's not an easy project to accomplish and both of us have been busy with other things.

I got the idea from an old Lunawerk multi-tool wrench.

lunawerk_wrench.jpg


The wrench handle is essentially a thin "layer" in the knife. There are some multi-tool wrenches (e.g. Frost multi-tool wrench) that have the wrench only affixed to one end but I think the configuration on the Lunawerk wrench is stronger.

frost_wrench.jpg


There aren't very many multi-tool wrenches that are currently produced. Not including generic multi-tools, the Spyderench/Byrdrench and standard/Li'l Guppie are the only real choices other than actually carrying a separate wrench and a multi-tool. Although a pliers is far more versatile than a wrench, a wrench is the most appropriate tool for nuts and bolts. And there does seem to be some interest in a modern multi-tool wrench:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=515139&highlight=wrench

One drawback of the Spyderench/Byrdrench and standard/Li'l Guppie is that the wrenches have a very small capacity (usually around 1/2"). A custom made tool might be constructed with a larger capacity wrench.

Thanks for the encouragement Jake and Luke!
 
The more I look at this tool, the more I wish they were made:(

I know the Frost ones are available, but I have similar hammer version that is not at all strong. I use it mainly for tapping rivets when I do leather projects. I nice adjustable wrench with the tang being tapered from head to where the "handle" becomes a liner should be plenty strong for most jobs. A wrench that could open up wider than the Spyderco Renches would be a big plus. I also wouldn't mind a thumb stud on the knife blade.

Really, a tool like this wouldn't need a lot of bells and whistles. You're not going to pack this tool out into the wild like a SAK or even a Leatherman. What, generally speaking, would you need an adjustable wrench for out there? This tool would excel with working guys that need a tool on short notice. I bet a mechanic or at least a guy who "plays one on the weekend" would like to have tool that could loosen a bolt, turn a screw, or strip a wire. Let's not forget pop open a brew after the work is done;)

I would gladly pay for such a neat tool. :thumbup:
 
So many inventions end up on the junk heap because there's no logic to how they solve a problem or challenge.
Answer that question. What problem does it solve?
 
Moodino said:
So many inventions end up on the junk heap because there's no logic to how they solve a problem or challenge.
Answer that question. What problem does it solve?
Click to expand...

Moodino, That's a good question but I thought I addressed that question fairly well in my previous post. Was the problem identified in my previous post not sufficient?

(1)
supratentorial said:
...
One drawback of the Spyderench/Byrdrench and standard/Li'l Guppie is that the wrenches have a very small capacity (usually around 1/2"). A custom made tool might be constructed with a larger capacity wrench.
Click to expand...

In addition, the previous post also remarked that (2) there are few options (Syperench or Guppie or generic) and (3) a wrench is a much more appropriate tool (in comparison to pliers) for nuts and bolts.

A multi-tool wrench is not a new idea. The new idea is to modify a Swiss army knife so that it contains an adjustable wrench. This may be easier than building one from scratch.

Wrench knives have been around a long time.

The C.P. Wrench Knife was based on a design patented by Fields in 1908.

http://www.google.com/patents?id=ELQPAAAAEBAJ

The Cattaraugus Wrench Knife was based on a design patented by Champlin in 1918.

http://www.google.com/patents?id=lmxZAAAAEBAJ

Earlier examples also exist but the C.P. and Cattaraugus wrench knives are probably the best known examples.

French-made wrench knives were manufactured for Seaboard Steel (and others) in the 1950's.

This ad is from a 1952 issue of Fortune:
vintage2-ad.jpg


Seaboard Steel marketed it as a "Pocket Auto Kit".

Multi-tool wrenches have also been marketed as tool kits for cyclists (e.g. Gerber Cool Tool).

Several types of wrench knives are currently produced (i.e. Spyderench, Guppie, generic) but the capacity of the wrenches is quite small (~1/2"). A larger capacity wrench would have greater utility to me.
 
I would like a larger wrench tool. they seem to fit the bill better than a plier multitool at times.
 
sutch an sak could be made in an small custom run, i still have my pry bar sak on my list of things to do in usa.

the problem is that one side of the sak you cant fold out tools and that is wasted space but i think on sompthing to avoid that.

+B
 
A +B run sometime in the future would be awesome! :thumbup: I definitely don't have the necessary machinery (or the skill ;)) for this project. I agree about the wasted space and am curious what you will think up to avoid it.
 
its simple. that all parts of the sak can be used as usually you have to... but i will show on my prybar sak later this year.

theres also an benefit like by the spyder/byrd wrench thats usually not found by tools.

its not economical to leave that space without tools, as i did on my 2. prybar sak proto. the 3. will have an diffrent, final feature.

+B
 
I'm even more curious about the features now! It doesn't sound simple to me! Please post photos of the prybar SAK when the prototype is ready. I look forward to hearing (and seeing) more of the design.
 
sounds like a neat idea!

i've seen something similiar selling for around $15 at Canadian Tire here in Vancouver. They sell it under the "Jobmate" brand (house brand?) as a package with a utility knife and a screwdriver set. I think it's probably the same size or slightly larger than the Spyderwrench.

I was tempted to pick one up but didn't wanna waste $15 on something that was probably low quality.
 
Idea sound good build it and see how it works. I remember schrade had a vise grip with knife and other tools in the handle. Great tool, a buddy of mine gave me 50 bucks (I needed the cash)...wish I still had it. The second best multi tool so far is victorinox spirit, but a real wrench would be better in my field.
 
Thanks! The Schrade/ViseGrip multi-tools were pretty neat. Kershaw also made a ViseGrip-style multi-tool. It was discontinued but it is still one of my favorite multi-tools.

Kershaw_A100.jpg
 
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