Multi-tool thoughts?

Q

Quy4n8

Joined
Nov 27, 2002
Messages
659
I am looking to purchase a multi-tool for everyday use. I would like to know what you think is the best and most functional tool available. It seems from the threads I have read and searched that the Leatherman Wave ranks high. Any thoughts on the Gerber or Victorinox versions? There are many others besides these, if you own or have experience with them let me know, good or not so good. I am not looking for specific use or tools as much as overall functionality, comfort, and quality. Thanks for any input.
 
You might also want to take a look at the SOG PowerLock, or the smaller SOG (Deluxe) PowerPlier.
 
I have an LM Super Tool. It has always served me well. It is strong, well made, has a good array of tools and is sized just right. The current Super Tool is an upgrade of the model that I have. I would suggest that you have a look at it. Good luck.
 
The only drawback to the Victorinox Swiss Tool is the weight. The overall quality is outstanding.

Paul
 
I have tried a number of differant multi-tools. I like Leatherman the best.

Click here to view some photo's I have taken of a couple differant Leatherman tools.

I will be adding more photo's later.
 
The wave is a great multitool, I just love how easy it is to open the blades, but Gerber seems to have gone and made a tool very similar to this, but with textured grips and on the blades (from what I gather from the pic.) which I think I would like better than the oval hole on the Wave.
 
I was a big Leatherman fan until I was fortunate enough to find the Victorinox Swisstool. In my opinion it is the best big multitool on the market.

The selection of implements is great, particluarly on the model that trades the toothy blade for some nice scissors. Victorinox has a nice tendancy to make thier implements multi-functional, so what may just have been a screw driver on a LM will serve another purpose as well.

Really, nobody has more experience making folding tool implements that really work than Victorinox (except perhaps Wenger). Everything, from the can opener to the awl, is genuinely useful.

There are some who seem to have had a problem with the Swisstool's implements being too soft, but it appears that that was fixed some time ago. I know mine have held up great and get a good bite on screws and nuts.

The SOG products look nice, but I don't think that the "compound leverage" is much of a benefit. In almost a year of use there has never been a time where I needed clamping force in excess of what the Swisstool could comfortably provide. The number of compromises which are required to get this compound leverage are, IMO, not worth it.

I do really like the way the Sog products can be disassembled, however.

EDIT: The biggest flaw in the Wave is the lack of locking implements. The first time that one of those screw drivers folds up on you at an inconvenient time you'll wish you got something else. Due to the offset design it is possible to avoid this if you're careful, but it forces you into a awkward motion since the head is not in line with the body of the tool.
 
I think the Swisstool, the Leatherman Supertool 200 and the SOG Powerlock are comparable in quality. I do like the knife blades on the Swisstool better but I like the screwdrivers on the Leatherman and the pliers on the Powerlock. Always a trade-off it seems. If you want a good smaller tool with locking tools look at the Leatherman Pulse. It's a smaller lighter tool that has all of the basics and a lock. At any rate, you should really handle the different tools to see which one best fits your hand and requirements.
 
I agree with Fishbulb, I wouldn't carry anything else but a Victorinox Swiss Tool. When using one I prefer something that feels hefty in my hand, it gives me a better feeling of confidence. That and the locking feature and the fact that you don't have to open the pliers in order to get to the rest of the tools. And a better sheath IMO.
 
I favor Gerber Multi-Tools . I have two of them and have owned the oldest for ten years. They are tough, durable and one hand openers.My nephew is a rancher and he also likes the Gerber best , for the same reasons.
 
I have both the Wave and the Super Tool 200 from LM, I like them both but the ST 200 has grown on me. If I had to have only one tool it would be the ST 200. the size of the tool may make up your mind because the two tools carry differently because of the weight differance.
 
the Victorinox Swisstool is probably one of the best multi-tools on the market due to it's secure locking mechanism... but for it's size, i would have second thoughts. next in line would be the Leatherman Pulse, really light weight, locking tools, trusted name, and rather good price. for the tool box or at home, definitely the Swisstool, but for EDC, the Pulse all the way

aXed
 
I own a Gerber Multitool I have had for about 5 years or so. I think it is a pretty good tool. I also have a SOG Paratool that I really like. It is my favorite.:)
 
I carry a leatherman Super tool... Its the lightest full size that I have found... The blade stays sharp longer then my sak, and after close to a year's abuse (tearing apart cars...) its still going strong.

I'm thinking about picking up a backup to put in the car.

It may not have the most tools on it, but it sure cant tear apart a dash. If you have big fingers (raises hand) Picking up bits an pieces is alot easier with the leatherman also... but thats just because of the pliers :D

I'd find a place that sells multi-tools and look at em all... get the one you like!

:cool:
 
It's really nice to see the Swisstool getting some respect around here finally, used to be a thread like this would only rave about the SOG.

I have had a Swistool for at least 4 years and it is far and away the best with a couple of minor down sides. The sheath stinks and the phillips screwdriver is a little too polished to grab well. So I replaced my sheath with a Galco oil tanned leather clip case to a stacked 9mm and it works beautifully. I also roughed up my phillips screw driver to give it more bite.

I recently added a LM Supertool 200 and a Pulse. The Pulse is a lightweight less useful version of the Supertool but it's nice when you want to go light, and the Supertool 200 is growing on me.

As for the SOG, it's a well done tool but the geared pivot prevents the tool from being opened flat when using one of the accessory tools so you either have the one handle getting in the way or you have to close it back up to use. A major downside IMO.
 
The only tool I'll carry is the SA.

Tried some of the others and none hold up to hard daily use like the SA in my observations. Heavier than the others? Sure, thats one of the features that makes it the best at not bending, twisting tools/things on it while using it.

I go nowhere without it except where blades are restricted. It's a PITA to have to take it off entering federal buildings and such after 9-11 though.

Brownie
 
One thing I have noticed...

When I carry the Wave I also carry a second larger folder.
I seem less likely with the SwissTool... Not a weight thing.
It's the blade size on the SwissTool, It just covers more jobs.
 
I've had my SOG Paratool for 6+ years now and it is a wonderful product. It is also smaller than some of the others, so it may be easier for daily carry. Depends on what you are doing. Great products and they also have VERY good customer service.

My father-in-law uses his SOG Powerlock dozens of times a day on his farm. Beef, blueberries, apples, spinach seed and potatoes. He's hard on tools and absolutely loves his Powerlock. He needs his tools to work and his SOG sure as heck does. The powerlock is pretty large, but for outdoor work it's fine.



You can put different tools on a SOG also.

SOG RULES !!!
 
Thanks to all for your replies. They are most appreciated.
Tightwad, thanks for the link to equiped.com. It proved most informative. I am leaning toward the tools that have replaceable wire cutters as I will be using these often for copper as well as hard wire. Those of you that have the non-replaceable types, how do they hold up to frequent usage? Also, how are the combination #1 and #2 Phillips bits? This will also be used often and it seems a combination bit would not drive nearly as well as a bit designed for one size head only? Thanks again for all the info.
 
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