Reasons to not carry a multitool

I kept breaking them. I may be rough with them but the dedicated screwdrivers, pliers, knife, etc last considerably longer in the same or worse conditions. I think there is too much compromise in trying to jamb a dozen tools into a small package. the steel used is not up to the task when thinned down to fit. I've broken or lost 3 Leatherman waves, 2 super tools, 1 crunch, 2 micros. and sent most of those tools in more then once for repairs. the cost was just not worth it anymore

does a 6 in 1 screwdriver count as a "multi" tool? I still cary one every day. going to add a Knipex Cobra XS Water Pump Pliers to my EDC as soon as it arrives. My belt knife, the 6in1 screwdriver that the Knipex will do probably 90% of my previous Leatherman Wave with several times the durability and about half the cost. only real downside is weight and size but it doesn't bother me as my job has me carrying tools around all day anyways
 
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Whoa, never broke a multitool yet. Do SAKs count as multitools?

Some of the things I rotate between are a Leatherman Wingman and SAK Camper, I often throw the Camper in my pocket, like today, when I know it's lighter, I won't be cutting anything dirty, etc. I use my Wingman blade at the recycling center on old dirty bags. Recently bought an S30V Wave as well as a P4 Squirt, Gerber Dime and Classic SD, and have a Vic Escort and Super Tinker on the way.

I can't imagine not carrying a SAK or multitool, now.
 
I can't think of any reason(s) not to carry a multitool and/or a SAK (or three) daily if you have them ... even if retired there are times a pliers, scissors, or other tool is needed. Opening a purchase in a 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬 clam/hang pack, for example.
 
I stopped carrying a leatherman or other pliers-based MT on me because I didn't use it enough to justify being in my pocker. Now, they ride in my EDC backpack so they still aren't that far away.

SAK's usually make it into the woods or when I need more than just a blade but don't want a heavy block of steel in my pocket.

It's rare there isn't an MT nearby at least.

Currently, I'm toying with the idea of a dedicated mini pliers setup since the pliers on the MT is rarely the type I need. I'm really interested to see how the mini plier-wrench thingy works out, and then maybe get a dedicated bit driver since many bolts I work on are hex socket bolts. The gerber center drive with hex bit driver has been very useful when I need an MT, to deal with the many small bolts styles that seem more common now. Philips and flathead screws are in reasingly rare for me to work on, outside of things on my house.
 
I never bothered carrying pliers based multitools in the past, as they were too heavy and didn't have a good method of carrying. I don't care for belt sheaths, and they're goo bulky for pocket carry. In addition to bad carry methods, I also hated the nail breaking tendency of them when puling the tools out, and having to open the entire plier set just to pull a screwdriver out.

All that changed with the Free P2. I know the free series doesn't get a lot of love, but man I love this thing. Light enough and thin enough to carry in my pocket, doesn't tear my fingernails up digging out the tools. I've got some gripes about it too, sure. But at the end of the day, it's the only MT I've ever bothered to carry around on my body on a regular basis.
 
I carry a SAK every day, but only carry my ST300 when fishing or camping. Whatever it is that draws me to Victorinox is lacking in a multi tool.
 
For me I realized a few years ago that a full sized multitool was something I only needed on me at work because I have tools everywhere, so I switched to keeping a mini multitool in my pocket and never looked back.

A couple months ago I decided to try a good 4" pair of slipjoint pliers paired with a Victorinox jetsetter and that has served me very well.


I may have found that a multitool specifically isn't necessary, but have no good reason not to keep some form of small pliers on me.
 
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Too heavy, rarely use much more than the main blade. Just fell out of love with them...I have a brand new one sitting here that I was given by my job. Never used it at all...
 
As a police officer my leatherman is a go-to. Taking license plates off vehicles. Tightening random equipment....holster, body camera mount. An entire vehicle and all the equipment inside.

Just last night I needed my leatherman as field forceps to remove a taser prong that broke off the main body.
 
Hickory n steel said:
For me I realized a few years ago that a full sized multitool was something I only needed on me at work because I have tools everywhere, so I switched to keeping a mini multitool in my pocket and never looked back.

A couple months ago I decided to try a good 4" pair of slipjoint pliers paired with a Victorinox jetsetter and that has served me very well.


I may have found that a multitool specifically isn't necessary, but have no good reason not to keep some form of small pliers on me.
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Love to see your slip joint pliers and SAK setup sir! I recently reignited my slip joint plier flame. I tried veeeery briefly to carry a Rebar in a belt sheath a while back and it was overkill for me to say the least. I have an old Classic without the plastics scales on my keychain and just picked up a few old Leatherman Micras that I cleaned up and throw in pocket sometimes. Knife used majority of the time but on occasion it’s nice to have a little something that can scrape, screw, poke, file, etc.
 
Locutus D'Borg said:
I'm an urban warrior. So a phone, a pocket knife, a keychain knife (either SAK Classic SD or James Brand "Elko"), and a keychain flashlight will serve as a defense against things that go bump. My motto is, travel light in case I need to run for my life.
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Disappointing. I figured you for a Cybertool 41 man. You need further assimilation…
 
brentondan47 said:
What are some reasons you stopped carrying a multitool and what are some reasons you still do?
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I haven't stopped yet. But if I ever do lose the ones I own, I won't buy another. Instead, I'll just carry a small pair of pliers paired with a SAK. Cheaper and more versatile, as you can hold on to something with the pliers and use the SAK screwdriver. Try that two-hand job with a Leatherman!

The reasons I still do? Well, I haven't lost 'em all yet.
 
I stopped carrying a full sized tool because I just didn't use it. It lives in my bag at the ready, but I just couldn't see lugging around the weight anymore. I do continue to carry a Gerber Armbar because when I did need a multitool, it was mostly for a screwdriver. The Armbar carries easier and takes up less room. I do wish they'd come up with a pocket clip for it;)
 
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