Multitool Help

L

lee12

Joined
Apr 8, 2014
Messages
48
Hello Everyone:

I am looking for a good multitool under the $50 mark. I am wanting this for general use, I will probably not be carrying this every day. I will keep this in the car, out at the shooting range, and at home. I will also have a variety of tools at my disposal at home, less in the car, and almost none on the range. Really my main concern is cost. I have looked at the following multitools and really cannot make my mind up. I also want strong pliers but they need to be small enough to get in to small pistols to remove jams. I know leatherman makes the MUT but once again, high cost. As you can probably tell. I really spend a lot of time shooting at the range, driving, or hunting (please keep that in mind). Just thought I would get some advice from you guys. I will add a reason for each of the below models to let you know why I like them and don't. THANKS EVERYONE!

Leatherman Rebar
Pro: Several tools, looks strong
Con: All tools on the inside
Leatherman Skeletool
Pro: Looks strong and LOOKS SOOOOOOOOO SEXY. Blade looks great!
Con: Maybe a little too few features for the cost....I don't know.
Leatherman Wingman
Pro: Looks nice, access to outside blade, pretty good amount of basic tools
Con: Some people complain about the quality
Leatherman Side Kick
Pro: Looks great, several back up blades, might like it more than wingman
Con: Some people complain about the quality
SOG Power Assist
Pro: Looks great, SEAT BELT CUTTER, Assisted blade
Con: Very mixed reviews on quality
 
I would go Leatherman or Victorinox. If you want to have the tools you need, the quality you want, and the ease of use you may need to spend more money. I've handed the MUT, it's a fine tool. I just bought my BiL a Leatherman Rebar for his birthday and it was perfect. For me, having tools on the inside of the pliers is a good thing. It shields them dirt, rain, etc. And once they are open the solid handles make for more comfortable use. I do like the SOG PA as well, nothing wrong with them in my opinion. I've owned and used some in the past, ended up gifting them to friends and coworkers that really were impressed with them. Gerber makes a nice inexpensive multitool as well. Light weight and sturdy for most common tasks.

I've yet to see a product that people do not complain about. It is in their nature to complain (some folks) and they aren't happy unless they are making others just as unhappy as they are.
 
Not quite as "strong" as you're wanting, but I feel the original Leatherman Tool cannot be beat. I've owned/handled quite a few different Multitools (Leatherman, Gerber, SOG) and the original Leatherman is what rides in my pocket every single day. Are the pliers super strong? Nope. Do the tools lock open? Nope. But, it is very compact, very well built, it's vintage, and it does everything I ask it to do.
 
If you want a Leatherman and outside tools, I would go with the Wave and they can be found for around the $50 if you look. :)
 
I carry a Wingman every day, and have a spare at home. Is it the greatest multi-tool ever? No, I really don't think so. However, I wanted something with a belt/pocket clip, locking tools and blades, and at a price point where I knew it wouldn't be a piece of junk and yet would leave room in my budget for a spare. I paid $18 on sale for each, and would not have felt bad paying the more typical $30 now that I've put mine through a fair amount of what I consider typical use. My only complaint is that, even after plenty of use, the opening and closing action remains as stiff as the day I bought it. Aside from that, I'm happy with it for EDC purposes.

I do own a couple of the Gerber models comparable to current Army issue, and while they seem a bit nicer than the Wingman, they're also considerably more expensive and heavier.
 
I carry my Rebar everyday. For $50 it is awesome the tools being on the inside is no problem at all for me.

If your lookin to carry it on your belt it comes with a MOLLE pouch that is meh, I found a leather one brand new online for around $6, and out the MOLLE sheath on my tool belt.
 
I would recommend the rebar, very well built, and a good value. If you can track down a good condition used wave, I think that will also suit you.
I wouldn't put the SOG seatbelt cutter high up on a list of priorities. If you got the powerassist, not a big deal, but I had a v-cutter on a powerlock, and it only got used once, that was stripping tape from bundles of cables. I don't think it would have done much on a seatbelt without a lot of care. Never struck me as being terribly solid.
 
Leatherman Rebar, Wave, and ST300 can all be found in your price range if you shop around. The ST300 is a more useful tool than the Rebar, its only downside is that it's bigger and bulkier to carry, but if it will always be in a bag then that's not an issue. If you already carry a knife, then the outside opening blades on the Wave aren't important.
 
I have had a Leatherman of some sort most of my adult life. They have saved my bacon more than once. I had an original. It went overboard off a boat, but not before fixing the motor. I bought a 2nd one. Still have it. Also have a Surge. It also has saved my bacon more than once. Highly recommend Leatherman.

Just figure out which one has the stuff you would most likely use.
 
I carry a Vic Spirit and like it a lot. I have Gerber (several), and a SOG multi-tool. I like the SOG and Victorinox best. Never owned a Leatherman regardless of the price. Sub-$50 puts you into a Gerber multi-tool or some of the store brands from Lowes or where ever. The Gerber is just fine for less rigorious tasks and that is probably what I would carry if I was limited to a $50 tool. My limit is $100. I expect this Victorinox to last a long time.
 
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