Idea for high end multi-tool

U

Uncle Bill

Joined
Aug 24, 1999
Messages
434
Why couldn't a company enter a collaboration with Leatherman and offer a customizable tool that would take the build-your-own concept to the next level?

The idea would be to offer individual, interchangable components at the store, over the counter. A display would show files, blades, drivers, etc. of every shape and size. The customer could then mix and match until satisfied.
 
I can imagine a couple of basic handles and then special purpose tools of all sorts:

Gunsmithing precision screwdriver blades.
440v drop point blades
fingernail clipper
laser pointer
jewelers saw holder
reaming pliers
snap-ring pliers
hex keys

 
i used to wonder why they didnt do that with the swissarmy knives(before i got a multi-tool) and i was just thinking about this again recently.

the gerbers come apart relatively easily, but there isnt much difference in the different models.

id like to see this too, im just afraid it wouldn't be worth it to a production company due to all the hassles with packaging and stocking and what not.

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AKTI member #A000911

 
In a retail environment this would be tricky, although with the right stores you could maybe pull it off. Certify gun shops that have an onsite gunsmith, for example.

But the BEST plan would be to offer the customizations over the Internet. Speedtech sorta does this now, you pick blade type, grip shape, color options, etc. A totally custom multiplier would be similar.

That would REALLY rock. Use a Leatherman Supertool as a base, probably. You could also have people pick the tool and screwdriver bits they need to customize the bit carrier/adapter.

This has possibilities, don't it?

Jim
 
Jim --

This thread probably came up becauase I posted about www.fiskars.com, where they have a build-your-own high-end Gerber multitool. Options include anodized handle color, bull nose or needle nose pliers, black or stainless finish, 4 different clusters of tool choices for each side of the handles (16 combinations total). Pretty slick! I've been thinking out loud about ordering one myself.

Of course, the Gerber build-your-own is using clusters of tools, whereas Bill (and I) would prefer a completely custom layout. That of course would require much smarter software, because some combinations of tools won't work. E.g., the knife blade must be placed on the outermost part of the handle or it will interfere with the pliers. I suspect issues like this is one reason why Fiskars has modules to choose from, instead of making it totally custom.

Joe
 
Uncle Bill,
I never thought about it but it sounds like a great idea as long as price could be kept on about the same level. Maybe this could be the next step for SpeedTech.

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Al


 
The reason I don't like mutli tools is the same reason I don't like cable tv. They force you to take a bunch of crap you don't need in order to get a couple things you want.
 
Uncle Bill,

Already doing just that ,Been working on it for a year and jesus is it tough to do but I'm getting there . Got a big old bucket of scrap parts
 
I suspect that the reason they don't do it is because of quality control.

Leatherman did do a special for me with a T20 torx driver replacing the punch. I'm well-known for my Leatherman PST. I used to work for a manufacturer of video projectors. I prided myself on being able to completely disassemble and resassemble any of our products with nothing but my Leatherman PST. In fact, one day, the line ran for a whole day using my PST in place of a pair of pliers that broke. But, the mechanical engineers decided to use a T20 screw in one of the new models. I was told "You won't be able to take this one apart with your Leatherman." Well, I couldn't let that challenge go unmatched, so I approached LM and they agreed to do the swap. You can imagine the look on the face of the mechanical engineer when I pulled out my PST, executed an elaborate balisong-style opening, and proceeded to remove the T20 screws.



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Chuck
Balisongs -- because it don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing!
http://www.4cs.net/~gollnick
 
Great minds think alike Uncle Bill. I have been thinking about it for a while as well.

I was looking at my Leatherman thinking that if it didn't have a knife blade, there would be room something else. After all, the last thing I really need is another knife blade.


MNH
 
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