Non cast pliers?

230grains

230grains

Joined
Jul 10, 2009
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Can any of you recommend a STRONG multi tool with non cast pliers? I've had several bad experience with leatherman tools, mainly snapping pliers. I'm a machinist who uses proper tools 90% of the time, but a lot of the time it's simply easier to just reach for a multitool when i'm caught up in a long set up and just need pliers for a second.

This would be a general EDC multitool, and i'd like a decent amount of features with it. The blade is generally not a big concern of mine as I always have either a high quality fixed blade or folder with me and the blade is generally just a backup.

So in a nutshell, rugged as all hell multitool with very sturdy parts and normal features. Size isn't too much of an issue.

Please don't say "use proper pliers", yes I know, but sometimes a MT is just too convenient.
 
Neither Gerber nor SOG are drop forged . I cant think of any offhand that are . I would dream of joint venture by Kline and Victorinox - a Spirit with drop forged jaws .
Sad fact is multi pliers are only good for the most casual of use . You are probably better off with a SAK , and a pair of Klines in the back pocket .

Of existing multi's , the one with the best record on jaw breakage is the Vic. Swisstool .

Chris
 
As mentioned above, Gerber and SOG both use investment casting for their plier heads.

It appears the only tools that use methods other than casting for the plier head are the recent billet cut AR Multitasker and the long discontinued Schrade ST1 series 1 with the stamped head.

Other than that I'd recommend a Swisstool or one of the new Supertool 300s. The former has a very good history while the latter has a slightly redesigned head that should give you more strength to failure than you had before.
 
Ditto on what spoonrobot said. I was not aware anyone was using anything other than cast plier heads until I read about the ar multitasker.
 
cdf said:
You are probably better off with a SAK , and a pair of Klines ...
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Ah, the "poor man's multi" that I've been advocating for years! :D

Seriously, once I was online shopping for a quality multi-tool to keep in my truck. I was deep in credit-card debt at the time (i.e. paying that stupid tax), and here I was fixin' to spend $60 on a Leatherman. Then it hit me, I already have several pairs of pliers lying around, and more than a few SAKs. Why not just toss one of each into the glove box of the truck. Voila - instant (and cheap) multi-tool! :thumbup:
 
I carry my po-boy multi-tool every day. A Alox Farmer and a Crescent wrench. Been thinking about picking up a pair of quality linemens pliers as well.
 
May I ask what models you've snapped the pliers on? If you can recall that is.

I'm not questioning it but I am curious which ones have failed for my own reference.
 
Reznik572 said:
May I ask what models you've snapped the pliers on? If you can recall that is.

I'm not questioning it but I am curious which ones have failed for my own reference.
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An early Gerber , can't remember the name , and a SOG Paratool .

Chris
 
although they're not drop forged (at least i don't think so) i have had no problems with my leatherman surge. it has an almost full size plier head and is built like a tank. just my 2 cents...
 
I would have to recommend the multitasker as well. Its built for the AR enthusiast, but the pliers seem to be rock solid.
 
The older I get , the more I think the "Po Boy " option is the best way to go . I tried it once with a 4" needlenosed ViceGrip , and a Farmer . I shoul probably re explore it .

Chris
 
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EDC version will be out before the end of the year
 
cdf said:
Of existing multi's , the one with the best record on jaw breakage is the Vic. Swisstool .

Chris
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Can you post a source for this? I have been looking for hard data on breakage, so far without success. At best, what I have found is mostly anecdotal and hearsay. Who keeps track of these things? Manufacturers might be reluctant to share how many warranty repairs they perform per 1000 pieces. Other than that, I don't know of many independent shops that specialize in multitool repair, and those probably don't see a broad cross section but are franchised to one or more makes. If there are any reliable sources for this data, please forward.
 
I carried a pair of vice grip pliers and a SAK for years before Leatherman came out.

In fact, at one time Vise Grip sold a package that included 4 inch pliers and a SAK (recruit, I think) together in a leather belt sheath.
 
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Well I've seen Gerebers break (maybe they are a bit weaker because of the design?), and a few Leathermans (supertool series and one charge). Victorinox managed to go unharmed.
And look at the SOG Powerlock. Heard some really great things about it
 
Vic. Swisstools have been refined three times , culminating in the 2005 version . The stubby jaws are less fracture prone . My contention that they break less often is based on the fact that pics of broken Vic. Swisstool pliers are rare . One reported incident , has had the associated picture reposted all over the internet .

Un scientific , but possibly significant .

Chris
 
I broke a leatherman trying to snip a bed spring that was poking me and a SOG a few years later. I was squeezing with 2 hands on both occasions, which is probably and indication that I was using the wrong tool. I wrote off multi-tools after the SOG broke, but those multitaskers look like they're worth a closer look.
 
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