IT Guy - Micro Screwdriver on keyring EDC

U

UncleJesse

Joined
Dec 14, 2014
Messages
25
First post here. Been lurking for a bit and being a gun nut, I've found that blades are so much more addictive because they are way easier to purchase and ship. That bay site is addictive. I haven't bought anything here yet but I'm sure the time is coming. I'm in Canada so shipping can be a pain but way less so that gun parts, that's for sure!

Anyways, onto my question or thought. I'm an IT guy. I run around and fix people's computers all day long. The four tools I use most are a blade, scissors, a phillips and a micro screwdriver. For the last ten years (at least) I have EDC'd a leatherman micro on my keyring (before I even knew what EDC meant) and I haven't found much it doesn't handle in a day. The micro screwdriver itself has opened more laptops than I can count. That tool in itself is the reason I haven't switched to anything else but I'd like to. The corkscrew micro for SAK isn't much of an option due to the T-handle. It would take too long to remove 12 screws. But i have recently discovered the Wenger micro screwdriver which is on the Pocket Tool Chest, the Clipper and the Pocket Tech. The addiction continues... I have a PTC on order now but I'd really like to remove a layer and go with a Pocket Tech instead but it seems like that is a discontinued model.
2me6b7.jpg

What other options do I have that compares to the following models? I'd like to hear your input.
 
Welcome to Bladeforums.

The Victorinox Manager is my favorite in this genre, as it provides a mini phillips and mini flathead driver. Plus you get other goodies like an emergency pen. Its my usual EDC, and I carry also a Victorinox Cadet for the large flat driver. Consider also the Manager's cousins like the Classic SD and Rally. I'm not a fan of the Victorinox Minichamp, as it adds useless (for me that is) tools to the Manager.

Seems like you have things under control with the Micra and Pocket Tool Chest. But for me, the Manager rocks.

Edit: btw, the Victorinox scissors are vastly more precise than those on the Micra, but those on the Micra are larger and more capable with thicker material.
 
I could currently use a super small screwdriver... a screw on my eyeglasses keeps loosening the part holding one of the lenses.
 
If you want a bigger blade and don't mind losing the scissors, Leatherman's Skeletool is awesome.

I use a Gerber Shard on my keyring, it's screwdrivers and a pry bar. I use either daily. For cutting things I prefer a knife.
 
powernoodle said:
Welcome to Bladeforums.

The Victorinox Manager is my favorite in this genre
Click to expand...

powernoodle;

Thanks for the welcome. It looks as though the Pocket Tech is simply the Manager with the file swapped for the micro screwdriver I require. I understand that discussing mods to SAK is a North Korea item. I'll keep my eyes peeled on the trade forums for the Tech.

edit: maybe not... I see what they've done there. The manager may, in fact, work. That mini phillips might do what I have always used the micro flat one for... opening laptops.
 
MatthewSB said:
If you want a bigger blade and don't mind losing the scissors, Leatherman's Skeletool is awesome.

I use a Gerber Shard on my keyring, it's screwdrivers and a pry bar. I use either daily. For cutting things I prefer a knife.
Click to expand...

MatthewSB;

Thanks for the suggestion but I don't think the Shard will work for me. And a fullsize leatherman is just too much.
 
powernoodle said:
Seems like the entire world is held together with mini phillips, from toys to electronics, and the Manager's mini phillips driver is perfect for that.
Click to expand...

Yes for the most part. The only issue is that laptop screws tend to be recessed and that leatherman micro driver usually fits but it's often right up to the hilt.
 
I work in IT and have used a manager for the last 3 and a half years. I find the scissors work pretty well cutting cat5/6 cabling and the screwdriver is superb for most laptops I have come across. The flathead helps when adjusting or needing extra pressure to pull some of the tabs to get parts or the case off or back on. All 4 of us at my office carry one and keep at least one as a backup.
 
shandrydan1 said:
I work in IT and have used a manager for the last 3 and a half years. I find the scissors work pretty well cutting cat5/6 cabling and the screwdriver is superb for most laptops I have come across. The flathead helps when adjusting or needing extra pressure to pull some of the tabs to get parts or the case off or back on. All 4 of us at my office carry one and keep at least one as a backup.
Click to expand...

It's awesome to meet someone in the field who has firsthand experience. Ya, there are always two sides. The micra scissors excel at cutting cat5 - in fact that's their primary purpose for me and are usually too dull for paper after a month or two. I'm on my third micra. I think I may have got my first right around the turn of the century... so I guess they last 5 years or so.
 
I had a micra with wire strippers/pliers before I got my first Manager and it has been a Manager ever since.
 
I carry a Swiss Tech ScrewzAll. It has normal and small flat head and phillips points. I carry one on my key ring.

ric
 
Phydeaux said:
I carry a Swiss Tech ScrewzAll. It has normal and small flat head and phillips points. I carry one on my key ring.

ric
Click to expand...

Phydeaux;

Now you've added another option. I like it. How does that do for opening laptops? Both bits look promising but perhaps slightly too big for some of the finer screws we encounter day-to-day. And... I don't care your answer, I'm going to buy one right now.
 
Hi,
I do Help Desk Support in a 550 user Enterprise environment. I have yet to find "1 tool" that is useful-enough to keep carrying. My search started when I wanted a #2 phillips just long enough to get to the VGA and DVI jacks underneath monitors. The search continues.

IMO, I just carry a small Sebenza and keep a "tool purse" that I can sling over my shoulder when cabling/phone/hardware issues come up. In our case, most Tier II and III physical repairs are done in the shop and tools are available.

I've contemplated trying the Victorinox model for I.T. It has one or two long screwdrivers and I believe it will carry a few bit options too (for those pesky, proprietary Apple hardware jobs).

This is a good read though. Perhaps the perfect I.T. McGuyver Gadget does exist. :)
 
I have been working in IT for almost a decade and as much as I like my EDC and my micro tools, taking computers apart all day long is much easier and quicker with a dedicated tool. I use two 8 in 1 screw drivers with interchangeable bits stored in the handle and a magnetic tip (an absolute must!). One screw driver is phillips and flat heads and the other is Torx. They look somewhat like this: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-8-IN-1-Phillips-and-Slotted-Screwdriver-Set-74501/100074336
My keychain has a Victorinox alox classic and a Leatherman brewzer, change pocket has a Spyderco manbug and in my bag I keep a Leatherman rebar.
 
Back to the topic at hand. Anyone used a SOG Crosscut? Looks like it's missing the ability to do mid-sized phillips...
SOG%20Crosscut.JPG
 
I too am an IT professional :rolleyes: and have found the Leatherman Squirt PS4 to really meet my needs. The little flat Phillips screwdriver is perfect... used it to unscrew a hard drive from its mounting bracket just this morning! Plus it is small enough that there is plenty of room for a second knife
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top