Multitool suggestion

[Kampfjaeger]

I am looking for some insight and advice as to what kind of multitool I should get. I currently have a SOG Paratool, that I received as a gift a few years back. I've heard that the Leatherman Wave is very nice as well as the SAK Multitool. How do these compare and how does the Paratool stand up to them? Please be blunt. I don't offend easily *G*

 

[Tightwad]

If I were to select two tools from all those available I pick the Leatherman Supertool for heavy work
and the Leatherman Pulse for light / medium duty. I've tried / owned them all and that's my choice.
One point here...while I like the Pulse the release tabs have a tendancy to hang up in the pouch a bit.
I also had a Wave and really liked it but for one small thing......I'm left handed and it is strictly
for righthanders. RATS!! So I did the next best thing.. .. I customized my Supertool the make it
much more useful. I did it my way. Now I have a tool that is always right for the jobs I need it for.
If you like your Sog fiddle with it a bit to see if you can make it better. Also owned a SAK tool.
It is slick in its design but I'm telling you I NEVER could get the darn pliers to fit anything I needed
them too!!! That and the screwdrivers bite. To rounded on the edges and to soft.

 

[maury]

....and am curious about how you modified your Supertool. Care to be more specific? Us lefties need all the help we can get! Thanks!

 

[V Shrake]

As a fellow leftie, I stay away from anything that is blatantly right handed. I've learned to use a lot of right handed stuff, but some things just won't work, like liner locks and right hand-only opening mechanisms.

As such, I tried to find a multi-tool that not only had all the doo-dads I wanted, but that was also easy to use left handed. I got the latest Gerber multi-tool. If you look around, they have an amazing variety of options. In fact, there is even a web site from Gerber that allows you to build a "custom" multi-tool with just the tools you want.

With my Gerber, I got the usual assortment of screwdrivers and can opener, which are mandatory for a multi-tool, but I also got BOTH a file and a saw. The saw on the Gerber is the best I've ever seen. It uses easily replaced jigsaw blades, and you can buy them for wood, plastic, metal, you name it. A LOT moe versatile than most saws. While it isn't as long as the wood saw on my SAK Rucksack, it will cut a lot more materials and can be replaced when the blade gets dull.

The only thing this Gereber *didn't* have was scissors, and I remedied that with a small Wenger SAK that a friend gave me.

The pouch on the Gerber is also top-notch. It has a main pocket for the tool, and a smaller accesory pocket. In the small pocket I keep my small SAK, a 1/8 inch ferro rod on a plastic handle, a small diamond rod sharpener, and a plastic tube containing 8 extra jigsaw blades. If I could only have "one" thing in a wilderness survival scenario, this would be it, for the versatility offered.

 

[Tightwad]

Ok, Here's what I did to modify my Supertool ......
1st. I ground the main blade into a spike for working knots. I left the serrated edge in the tool for cutting
rope,sting etc. as is. Just don't leave the spike to long. Grind back a bit at a time to get the right length.

2nd. I drilled the back and side to lighten the tool . Per Leatherman Stay 1/8 " back from all sides and
(very important) 1/2" back from the lock . The ruler won't be much good ,but I carry a zippo pocket
tape.

3rd. I re-ground the punch to be a real punch.

I also carry a micra key ringed to a 4" lighten (drilled three holes in the handle) cresent wrench. This plus
whatever knife I'm carrying is a good tool set for almost all light to medium jobs. Saves a bunch of steps
back to the truck.

Modifying the Supertool will void the warranty ,but it's no matter to me. I'm always find them in garage
sales cheap because folk's think they are to heavy. Good luck.

 

[maury]

....is a lot harder than I thought. Tried it today and have several burned out bits and only a couple of indentations in my Leatherman to show for it! So: can I get some advice on what sort of drill bit you might recomend to drill through steel this hard? Thanks!

 

[Tightwad]

maury, I took mine to a machine shop AFTER I laid out the hole pattern. Look at sog tools to see
what hole pattern they use. I closely copied that pattern. BE SURE TO FOLLOW THE SET BACK
FROM THE LOCK AND EDGES. All the hole are now clean and countersunk.

 

[allenC]

I recommend the Gerber Pro-Scout.

The pliars are out with just a flick-of-the-wrist.
The handle is comfortable to use.
It can't pinch your hand like the old Gerbers would.
All of the tools lock.
As stated above, the saw is replacable with jig-saw blades for wood or metal (so I never need to resharpen my saw blades).
And the Pro-Scout comes with scissors that work great.
And you can get one in various colors too (but just painted not anodized).
The pliers are somewhere between a true needle-nose and a blunt-nose and I find them great for all-around utility.

There is alot of wiggle and play between the pliars and the handles because of the way they deploy, but don't be fooled, when you clamp down on something there is NO PLAY whatsoever.

Cons:
The blade is'nt the best I've ever seen-- but it does work.
You have to extend the pliars and open the handles to access the tools.

Good luck,
Allen.