Looking for a heavy duty multitool

doctorsuds

doctorsuds

Joined
Feb 4, 2011
Messages
102
As the title says, I'm trying to pick out a heavy duty multitool. Any recommendations? Been looking at the Leatherman MUT and Supertool 300. Should I go with one of those, or am I missing out on any models?
 
What exactly do you mean by "Heavy duty?" What do you intend to use it for? Any specific tools it should have?
 
I'm not too particular about the tools except that it needs a file. By heavy duty I mean it needs to be pretty much bombproof. I use multitools for everything from cutting heavy gauge wire to tightening/loosening large bolts. With that in mind, the cutting jaws need to be replaceable, and the jaws need to be fairly big.
 
From my own personal experience I can recommend any of the SOG offerings and the already mentioned ST300. For what its worth I have been a long time carrier of the SOG powerplier and then up graded to the power assist when it first came out. Work bought everyone the ST300 I was so impressed its size and quality it bumped the PA off my belt and into my glove box. The jaws on the SOG aren't replaceable, but the compound leverage is a definate plus, the implements in the handle are easily replaced (except the blades on the PA). The crimping tool on the 300 is also nice, over all fit and finish of the 300 is awesome. I have to say the 300 is a definate improvement over their past offerings. One of the guys I work with has a SwissTool and it looks like it has been around the block a few times and he loves it. I just saw the SAK website, the SwissTool Spirit X looks like it might be worth a look as well...good luck buying multitools is like eating Lays potato chips...nobody can buy just one
 
In my work as a security technician and dog trainer I carry a four year old Leatherman Charge Ti daily and use it constantly. Mine is the version without scissors. I also EDC the complete kit of replacement bits. The cutting jaws aren't replaceable and I generally don't need to cut anything more stout that 12 Ga copper wire, but that tool has added years to my life just because of the number of times a day I don't have to walk back to the car for my tool box.
 
- Leatherman ST300: big and bad; should last forever; replaceable cutters; but no scissor. Not overly spendy if you shop around on ebay. Fairly stiff to open. Big cutouts allow for easy access to blades with gloved hand. Use nylon Wave sheath rather than the big, bulky leather sheath that comes with it to reduce size on belt.

- Victorinox Swisstool: big and bad too; also should last forever. Has complete array of tools. Precision made. Wins the award for aesthetic appeal. Makes the ST300 seem like it was made by Cold War Russian monkeys. Blunt plier nose is surpassed in utility by the needle nose on the ST300 and Surge.

- Leatherman Surge: big and bad, blah blah. Allows you to switch out the file for a saw or other similar "T-shank" blades or files. But prevents you from having a file and saw at the same time. Short phillips rather than long-shanked flavor that you get on the ST300 and Swisstool. Basically its a Leatherman Wave with an overactive pituitary gland.

What it boils down to is all of them will do the job and last forever. Honorable mention to the SOG, with its geared plier for extra leverage and user-replaceable tools. My vote for you: ST 300, in large part because of the replaceable cutters. See also the Gerber 600(?) with its replaceable cutters, but really you want to stay away from Gerber in my view due to design and F&F issues.

butterbean.jpg

Supertool 300.

IMG_1622.jpg

Swisstool.

surge1.jpg

Surge.

surge2.jpg

Aftermarket saw attachments for Surge.

diesel.jpg

Gerber, without replaceable cutters.

combo.jpg

Gerber lineup. See tool in middle with replaceable cutters.
 
Last edited:
Whynacht said:
In my work as a security technician and dog trainer I carry a four year old Leatherman Charge Ti daily and use it constantly. Mine is the version without scissors. I also EDC the complete kit of replacement bits. The cutting jaws aren't replaceable and I generally don't need to cut anything more stout that 12 Ga copper wire, but that tool has added years to my life just because of the number of times a day I don't have to walk back to the car for my tool box.
Click to expand...

Or, subtracted years from your life from getting so much less exercise. Please let us know, whenever, which way it turned out :D .
 
ditto on supertool 300. the black version comes in a molle nylon sheath by the way instead of leather.
 
In point of fact , there are only large and small - as long as we are saddled with cast and MIMed pliers , none are heavy duty . Get a SAK and a pair of Klines or the old standby ; Vicegrips .
 
I also feel (and have read) their are no "Heavy-Duty-Multitools" the nature of them makes them that way. More stuff/tools mean less support and material to make it usable, carry-able and practical.

Of course some are better at it than others. Some are more durable and stronger than others but I will never think or use a MT for heavy duty use, unless I have too and will expect it to fail/break.

There are always exceptions but generally I hear/read about them failing when used for heavy duty applications.
 
Guess it depends on one's scope of comparison - heavy duty relative to other multitools, or heavy duty relative to a pipe wrench, eh?
 
Ive used the same leatherman Wave for about 13 years..The first version. Ive used it for everything, and used it hard. I suppose what Ive used it for most is butchering small game. The serrated blade comes in handy for seperating joints.Oh and it goes on every fishing trip.. After all this time the pliers are still solid and tight. No play, the cutters are worn though..Ive cut stuff way to big, like bard wire..Cant say enough good about it really.
100_4175.jpg
 
I suggest the Victornox Swiss Tool. It's about as heavy duty and as well made as they come.
 
Last edited:
+1 on the Victorinox Swiss Tool. Comfortable, practical, and well built.
Several variations available as well.
 
Another vote for the Victorinox Swisstool or Spirit. I'm a cable tech and I have put both through quite vigorous workouts daily for a few years now and they are both still going strong. Cutting through 10-12ga copper wire, steel cable, etc. is a breeze still to this day. Plus, you have the added feature that all the tools open without having to open the pliers. I can't tell you how many times I've purchased Leatherman MTs just to take them back. The Victorinox MTs are just much easier/more comfortable for me.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top