Multi-tool for my dad that's a trucker... Crunch?

bodydamage

bodydamage

Joined
Jan 10, 2007
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My dad refuses to spend good money on knifes and multi tools. He has carried an Auto-Zone special (used to be a manager) for the past forever till he finally lost it.. Kind of weird as he never looses anything.. Anyways, I want to get him one for his b-day.. Im kind of partial to Leatherman's since Ive carried them w/out fail for the past 10 or so years.. What would you guys reccomend for a trucker that actually works on his own stuff and is an all around handman.. Ive got the new Surge, but Im not sure if its too big for him or not.. The crunch looks cool.. What kind of sheath does it come with??Opinions??
 
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I really like the crunch. The locking jaws are great for most jobs that require a good grip but not a dedicated tool. I do work on pumps and motors, and the crunch is a fantastic little tool for getting some locking leverage.

If he REALLY used the needlenose pliers, however, the Crunch is obviously not great for those applications. If he is a real workin' man that is going to take the tool to task, you might look into the SOG powerlock. If i'm not carrying the Crunch, then the PL is on my belt. The compound leverage is great and if i bend/break any internal tools they are easily and cheaply replaceable:)
 
Jake brings up what I find to be the most important detail; blunt nose vs. needle nose. I, personally, have always preferred blunt nose for most general work requiring the use of pliers, and for this reason I carry a Schrade Tough Tool. YMMV, and I'm not knocking needlenoses, but I've found that if I really need to use pliers, I need a blunt nose. I think it really is just a matter of personal preference and/or what you most often use it for.

I guess my point is that, working on a truck, your father might find a blunt nose (like the Crunch) more useful, if I were to replace my TT, the Crunch would probably be my first choice. Just a thought...

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Your father probably has a kit of dedicated tools on hand for maintenance and roadside repairs already. A multitool comes in handy when he is away from these and needs something for a non truck-related issue. All makes have their advantages, but if you like Leatherman, get him the model you most prefer as tested and found true by yourself. Your endorsement will, as a result, make the gift more personal and a "like father, like son" item.
 
I myself am quite found of the crunch and the pulse, even if I dont have either one.
Never picked up a crunch, and gave away my pulse - I could still slap myself :-(
Oh well I dont carry my multitool all that much at the moment anyway.

I have to agree with znapschatz, he should have a dedicated set of tools in the truck - so I would give him the multitool you like best.

Peter
 
He was a mech by trade for quite a few years, so yeah he has a set of tools on the truck.. I talked to my mom and she didnt think he would really like the locking pliers all that much, so it looks like the Crunch is out.. He seems to really use hex bits, so Id like something that has a hex driver or can use one as an attachment...
 
bodydamage said:
He was a mech by trade for quite a few years, so yeah he has a set of tools on the truck.. I talked to my mom and she didnt think he would really like the locking pliers all that much, so it looks like the Crunch is out.. He seems to really use hex bits, so Id like something that has a hex driver or can use one as an attachment...
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New Wave, Charge, Surge, Skeletool all take Leatherman's hex bits, which are flat, but in my experience, work well. An accessory bit kit adds versatility. Just about any kind of fastener can be handles with these. An outfit can be tucked into a compact, easy to carry package. Everybody should have one :D .
 
When I was on OTR(over the road) trucker, I EDC'd my Leatherman Wave. I can't remember a day that I didn't find some use or other for a multitool even if it was just to use the tip of a knife or screwdriver to clean my fingernails. :D

I used the wire cutters often to cut the trailer door lock tamper/security seals. They would often bind up on the soft thin metal ones, but they still worked. The newer equipment(trucks and trailers) seem to have a lot of torx screws, so as mentioned, a bit kit for those might also be useful with a multitool. ;)
 
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