Multitool EDC recommendations? Looking at LM Sidekick, Wingman, or Charge

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baeleg

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Jun 26, 2012
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Just looking for some input. I'm a desk jockey, and I currently carry a Skeletool, which is pretty handy, but I'd like something with just a bit more.

I'd like it to have a saw if possible, but that's just for my totally-impractical-I-can-survive-anywhere-craziness. Probably should just try to talk myself out of that part. :D

Wingman looks nice because scissors would be one of the things I miss on my Skeletool (vs. the Wave I used to use). My Wave is the old style though, and pocket clip is essential to me now.

Size and weight are pretty important. That's what has me shying away from the Charge. In favor of the Charge are the bit drivers. That is a huge plus on my Skeletool and much better than my old Wave.

Also looking for some more sturdy pliers than on the Skeletool. I've broken them once (and gotten them replaced) but I'd prefer to have some that won't let me down.

So, thoughts? Other tools besides Leatherman to consider?
 
Desk Jockey?? I'm guessing that means you won't or cannot wear a belt-sheath, and prefer a pocket-clip right? Hmmm. The Wingman isn't at all bad, for it's price. Combo edge in 420 HC, scissors, drivers, pliers (spring-loaded, no less), wire-cutters. Either the Wingman or the Sidekick would be good choices, and both have built-on pocket clips.
The Charge model is heavier in the Ti form than in the Al. If you will wear a sheath, however, I see no reason at all (if you can afford it) not to go for either Charge model. The Charge models come with, I believe, a premium leather sheath, and those can hold a small maglite. :-)

If you don't mind my asking, how did you break your pliers?
 
If you could do the belt sheath deal....or least have an EDC bag with you.....I'd go with a Swisstool. I've tried all other tools on the market and there are none better....in my humble opinion. I own two and my wife keeps bugging me during projects to use them! Guess I'm goin' to have to buy her one to.....yeah I know I have two, but who wants to share!!
 
baeleg said:
Just looking for some input. I'm a desk jockey, and I currently carry a Skeletool, which is pretty handy, but I'd like something with just a bit more.

I'd like it to have a saw if possible, but that's just for my totally-impractical-I-can-survive-anywhere-craziness. Probably should just try to talk myself out of that part. :D

Wingman looks nice because scissors would be one of the things I miss on my Skeletool (vs. the Wave I used to use). My Wave is the old style though, and pocket clip is essential to me now.

Size and weight are pretty important. That's what has me shying away from the Charge. In favor of the Charge are the bit drivers. That is a huge plus on my Skeletool and much better than my old Wave.

Also looking for some more sturdy pliers than on the Skeletool. I've broken them once (and gotten them replaced) but I'd prefer to have some that won't let me down.

So, thoughts? Other tools besides Leatherman to consider?
Click to expand...

My most carried multi-tool has been a Charge TTi for the last 5 years. It works best for me, but that doesn't mean I don't appreciate other multi-tools.

From what you have posted about your preferences, I would recommend the Swisstool Spirit, either in the original or X version. Less weight than the TTi, well designed, beautifully made, tough. Can't go wrong, really.
 
I'm staying away from belt carry primarily to not freak out the other office people. If I were to do belt carry I'd probably just use my Wave. I thought about getting a new Wave so I could get a pocket clip for it, but these other models looked a bit better due to weight. The Charge looks like it's still lighter than the Wave.

bored2deth, the specs say the TTi is lighter than the other Charge models, but just barely. Or does it maybe have a heavier feel? I use a Photon on a keychain, so I don't really need a Maglite along, otherwise I'd consider that. Broke the pliers trying to correct a small bend in one of the supports on my son's crib. I knew it wasn't really strong enough to do it, just being lazy because my pliers were out in the garage.

Also kinda curious about the package opener on the Wingman. Anyone used one much? Would the ripper on the Charge TTi or ALX work for packages, and just be able to cut more?
 
I got the sidekick, it had the right tools for what I wanted. I used to carry a new wave with a pocket clip but it's a little too big and heavy. At first glance you wouldn't think the sidekick is that much lighter and smaller that it would make and real difference but it actually does carry a lot nicer IMO.

Sidekick and wingman are pretty much the same, just need to decided which tools are going to suit you better. I'd guess for someone who works indoors the wingman would probably be better. At less than $30 each you could get both and carry the wingman at work and the sidekick on the weekends when you might be outdoors.
 
If your used to the plier size of your Skeletool then a Juice could work for you. A CS4 or Xe6. Plier head size is near the same as the Skeletool and they both have a saw. I use my Xe6 as a Maintenance Director and in the outdoors as an avid Hiker, Camper, Hunter and Fisherman.
 
Baeleg, the TTi is actually pretty light, and more importantly comes with a pocketclip that can be swapped out for a lanyard ring if you wish to do so. I have one and it has never failed me. My dad carries the older Ti model, only difference is in the plier jaw shape and that the TTi uses S30V for knife blade steel and Ti uses 154CM. Both are great and nearly indestructible tools.
 
Thanks bigghoss, that's exactly the kind of feedback I was looking for. It's hard to tell without carrying it for awhile if the Wingman would really seem much lighter.

TheGent, thanks for the input but I was kinda disappointed with the pliers on my Skeletool, one of the reasons I'm thinking of switching.

El Bandit0, do you think the Charge TTi carries pretty well on the pocket clip or are you recommending use of the lanyard? I never really notice my Skeletool, which is nice. How are the pliers on the TTi?
 
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