Poll: Strongest, Most Durable Multi-Tool?

K Williams

K Williams

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Nov 17, 1998
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Which do you think is the best for construction work? Leatherman Surge, LM Wave, LM Core, or Victorinox Swiss Tool?
 
K Williams said:
Which do you think is the best for construction work? Leatherman Surge, LM Wave, LM Core, or Victorinox Swiss Tool?
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Victorinox SwissTool. Almost indestructible, will not rust, external access to all tools, etc., etc.
 
You might also look at the Swiss Tool Spirit. Same construction, slightly smaller and lighter.
 
I'd go with the Spirit. The regular Swisstool is bigger and probably a bit stronger, but on a construction site "real" tools will be readily available for heavy duty tasks. Therefore, go with the smaller, easier carrying one.

(I have both, but the Spirit gets carried more).
 
Go with the LM Wave. Not as big or heavy as the Swisstool or Surge, but built like a tank, can take TONS of abuse, and has the one hand opening blades, which come in REALLY handy.
 
Call me old school but I like the LM Supertool over the Gerbers I own, I've tried Schrades version didn't like that either.

My biggest problem with the Gerbers is they pinch and when you're cuttin' somrthin' hard like a wire coat hanger your squeezin' pretty hard on them handles and when they finally cut through the hanger if your hand flesh is 'tween them handles your gonna wind up with blood blisters where you got pinched.

Never happened with the Supertool.
 
Why has the venerable Charge been disqualified? I used the heck outta mine until I lost it, with no problems. The lighter weight, by comparison is notable. I replaced it with a Surge. IIRC, the Surge is longer/larger than the Wave, and ought to give more leverage and be slightly stronger overall. In my experience, I'd recommend one for your needs.
 
All the tools you picked are excellent in quality and function.

My opinion:

The Leatherman Core. It is simple, straightforward and effective. Properly ground drivers, tools that are accessible even with gloves on, and an excellent locking system.

However, why no mention of the Powerlock? It is a monster in it's own right.
 
LM Wave. The pocket clip comes in pretty handy for IWB carry. Never could stand those belt sheaths...
 
For construction work I personaly would take a LM: their tools are more straight-forward tools. The screwdrivers have hard edges as opposed to the vic tools that are rounded/polished and often have another implement hindering their use (can opener, etc.) The core is simple and has great long screwdrivers. The wave has one hand opening blades and a replacable bit driver so you can replace a tip if it gets rounded off from use. IMHO they're all built strong, so just choose which features appeal to you most, and then buy it (or both :D ) and then enjoy using it! :)
 
felinevet said:
Victorinox SwissTool. Almost indestructible, will not rust, external access to all tools, etc., etc.
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Due to super blowout prices, a Swisstool came to hand and later, a Leatherman Core. My intention was to alternate their use, keep the better and sell off the other. As it worked out, I wouldn't want to part with either.

While I admire the Swisstool design and build quality, IMHO the Core works better as a multi-tool. Each has its own character, both are well enough made and require minimal care. For occasional use, either will do. I have used both and prefer whichever is in my hand at the moment.

Where it matters is when the tool has to come out often in a day's work. Although Swisstool implements are supposedly more convenient outside the handle, I find it takes more care and attention to work the nail nick against strong backspring pressure. It also tears up my thumbnail. Opening implements on the Core is much easier. I can even lift out the knives and saw blades with the flat of my thumb without taking off my work glove. For frequent use, I think the Core has it all over the Swisstool.

Don't misunderstand, I am a huge fan of Vic products. At the moment I am totally seduced by a Spirit, my EDC for weeks. For all around casual use, this is as good as it gets. However, when I expect to do serious work, the Core takes a ride. For a work site tool, Leatherman really got it right.
 
I've got two or three older Gerber multi-tools. I definitely like them, but there are a lot of others that I haven't handled or used. Seems like everybody and his brother makes them now. Good luck finding the one for you.
 
swiss tool or swiss spirit.the leatherman wave will develop loose handles and all my leatherman tools have rusted.
 
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