Need a new multi-tool

K

K man

Joined
Nov 26, 2000
Messages
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A few days ago I went to look in the glovebox of my truck for my LeatherMan Wave. It and an electronic tire-pressure gauge were missing! I am almost positive that someone nabbed them while my truck was in the shop the day before they came up missing (I love the styling of my Sonoma, but it has not been the most reliable). Anyway, I need to find a replacement. I never liked the Wave too much, the pliers were somewhat flimsy and I had no use for the one hand knives.
I like the Supertool 200 and the Gerber tool that has the slide-out and locking plier head. I need the pliers to be strong because that is mainly what I use a multitool for.


What do you suggest? Suggestions other than the two above are welcome!

Thanks!
 
Go to the hardward store right now and get a 12" channel-lock (tounge-and-groove, to you use it turn small nuts or to open jars). They cost about $15.
Use that for a few weeks, and take your time deciding about the multi-tool.
 
The SOG PowerLock has become my new favorite. It has the best pliers I've found on a multi-tool.

--Bob Q
 
I have the Gerber and use it daily at work. I love the slide out pliers. I can snap it open one handed and I like the build of it (and price is decent too).
 
I would recommend the Leatherman SuperTool 200 or the SOG Powerlock. Had the SOG, but the ST200 fits my needs a little better. ;) :D
 
I like the Swisstool, mine is built like a tank. The pliers have zero flex to them, and it's very well finished. It's heavy though, but since you want it for a glovebox that's not an issue. Victorinox also makes an automotive version of the Swisstool, that has an ice scraper and a tire gauge. Perhaps not exactly what you're looking for, but I'll throw it out there anyway. You can see it at www.eknifeworks.com .
 
SOG PowerLock.

Opens like a Bali-song (one handed), is heavy duty, and all of the tools lock open.

I have carried one now for about 18 months, and I can assure you it gets used very hard every day, and it still performs like brand new.

Get one. You won't regret it.
 
I own the following multi-tools:

1-Leatherman(original)

1-Leatherman Wave

2-Gerber Multi-Pliers

My favorite are the Gerbers,both with blunt nose pliers.

Next purchase,Victorinox Swisstool.

tom.:D
 
I've got to second (third?) the suggestions for the Victorinox Swiss Tools. They are heavyduty serious tools that you can definitely depend on. Plus I like the locking feature on all of the different blades. I've owned both the X tool and the RS and both are top-notch.
 
Gerber Legend...cool tool...i've got the wave as well as the legend and the legend outperforms the wave anytime...it is a bit more bulky though...
 
I use my multitool alot, and hard. Some days just 5-10 times, sometimes ~50, most of the time somewhere in between-I actually kept track for a while to see just how much the stuff I carry was getting used.
Broke the pliers on my Wave, and it has been replaced by a SuperTool 200 (Leatherman's going to replace the Wave, but it's the ST 200 for work from now on).
Chose it specifically for the stronger pliers, and because they're not blunt nose like the Swisstool.
I would not consider the Gerber or SOG, because I've owned a Gerber that was bad enough that it got thrown in the trash after having some tools broken on it, and don't need the SOGs compound leverage mechanism, which looks like something I would break, also.

btw, I much prefer the Wave to my SuperTool. The ST is just better for what I need at work with its stouter pliers, and locking screwdrivers.
 
Multi tools are great, but.. I have a crazy suggestion.

If it's for your car, why not just buy tools? Go to Sears, or your favorite hardware store, and buy a pair or two of plyers, some screw drivers, a small hacksaw, a bolt driver set, and a file. And maybe a hammer, vice grips, a hex set, and a cheap bag to keep them in.

You probably won't need to bother buying a knife. At least, if you're like most people here.

If you go for the cheaper stuff, you can probably get all those things for less money than the multitool. For a little more money, you may be able to get craftsman or better quality (look for the stuff to go on sale.)

Sure, it may take up a bit more room. And it weighs more. I've found that a decent set of tools will outperform any multitool. And, usually my car isn't too far away.

If you need to be able to carry it with you all the time, get a good multitool - like a SOG Powertool. But, if its for your car, just buy the tools.

My $.02

-- Rob
 
If you're looking for a car multi-tool go with the Powerlock. It even has an adapter for 1/4" sockets. But really either the Swisstool or Supertool 200 would be good choices.
 
I think Gadgetman7 hit it on the head. All of the suggestions that have come up are great choices. We all have our preferences, but you'll be happy with any of them.

We live in a golden age. :D

--Bob Q
 
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