SAK tool question

J

jscalia

Joined
Dec 11, 2006
Messages
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Can anyone tell me the practical uses for the following SAK implements :

Multi-purpose hook (parcel carrier),
Reamer with Sewing eye
Straight pin
why two blades 1. Large blade, 2. Small blade,
Patented Mini-screwdriver

and finally...what is the use of the "toothpick" other than what its named for

Thanks!
 
jscalia said:
Can anyone tell me the practical uses for the following SAK implements :

Multi-purpose hook (parcel carrier),
Reamer with Sewing eye
Straight pin
why two blades 1. Large blade, 2. Small blade,
Patented Mini-screwdriver

and finally...what is the use of the "toothpick" other than what its named for

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Based on personal experience:

M-p hook; to lift bundles tightly bound with cord or wire (straw, paper), field expedient hanger, small pot hook.

Reamer; Starting screw holes in wood, scraping out crud from pipes, poking holes in or sewing leather and heavy canvas.

Straight pin; temporary fix for clothing "malfunctions," lancing blisters, piercing plastic or metal tube dispensers.

Large blade; Almost anything that needs cut.

Small blade; Everything else. A small blade is easier to use for finely controlled work, like carving.

That's all the uses that come to mind now, but I'm sure others will come up with a few more.
 
A SAK's tools are only limited by the imagination of the owner. I do have a few to add:
Hook - doing ropework and loosening knots.
Mini Screwdriver - eyeglasses, electronics
2 blades - Most people will keep the larger blade decently sharp and the small scary sharp for those fine detailed jobs.
Toothpick - besides the obvious I've used it to help clean gunk out of my SAKs and other implements, as a stylus, a flexible shim.

The lists could be endless.
 
Small blade is good for one if the large one brakes and for two I have heard of people keeping the smaller blade super sharp for make shift surgery if need be.
 
M-P Hook is great for baseball glove lacing, boots or sneaker lace tightening also.

Reamer is extremely useful as a scribe, punch, or leather tool (tightening up a belt) BTW this was one of the most important functions on the early SAKs given the use of leather in packs, belts and saddles.

I've used the staight pin for too many things to count, but probably the most origional is for adjusting the band on Rolex watches.

As mentioned earlier many folks keep the small blade "scalpel sharp". I prefer models like the Compact, Scientist and Yeoman which mate the main blade with the multipurpose opener. (It saves a layer). On the downside, the bottle opener/screwdriver performs better at both functions, as in the Explorer.

As for the mini screwdriver, if you wear glasses it's a must. I once reassembled a Surgeon friends glasses with it and saved him from cancelling his cases that day!
 
I changed out a few watch batteries the other day,and the mini screwdriver was a perfect fit for the tiny screws involved.

As for the punch,I use it as a scrapper when carving,and sometimes as a striker on a flint rod.

The hook has come in handy for me for pulling out staples in wood as well as tightning-loosening knots.

About the only things I've use the straight pin for are lancing blood blisters,or burns and for picking splinters,though it could also be used to make a compus etc.
 
I use the mini screwdriver often to repair eyeglasses.

I have used the hook for many things, including hooking it over the edge of something to use the rest of the SAK as a coat hook.

- Tim
 
Does the corkscrew have any uses other than opening wine bottles?

Has anyone found the saw useful?
 
the corkscrew works to hold the eyeglass screwdriver :D

i've ordered replacement screwdrivers for my SAKs that didn't come with them

also they work well to get into tight knots to untie them

i've used the saw on drywall and tree limbs for pretty small jobs, like a wall plate or something. it will cut through wrist sized branches pretty easy, but i wouldn't want to do lots of them
 
Everything i was going to say has been said already....almost.
I have a few shirts where the fit at the wrist is kinda tight and awkward to button (also the buttons are kinda small which doesn't help).
But the SAK hook is great for pulling buttons through those button-holes!
Actually i must confess i read about this "hook-use" a while back on another thread here.
 
Also i use the toothpick for periodic SAK maintenance, its great for picking lint/gunk out of the SAK'S crack and crevices.
 
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