Stronger multi-tools?

H

Hotrod

Joined
Mar 19, 2003
Messages
978
Hi guys...

I have a leatherman super tool, When I'm really torqueing down on the screwdriver bits, or really trying to loosen a bolt with the needle nose/pliers I get this feeling that I need to back off!

The screwdrivers (phillips head mainly...) acts like its going to twist, and the handles feel awful flexible when really pushing its limits...

I'm trying to find something a little more industrial grade, if there is such a beastie out there! Something that acts more like a set of pliers, and doesnt twist under preasure.

Are the SOG tools heftier in these respects? I havent found any one that sells them locally, but its not encouraging for me when my survival tool tells me to back off! :eek:

Thanks guys

Hotrod
 
I would reccommend the Victorinox swisstool line. I EDC an original swisstool and I've never done anything with it that didn't leave it asking for more, it's built like a tank. Plus if you do manage to damage it it has the Victorinox lifetime waranty. I was also contemplating getting a sog, because I really liked the compound leverage and ability to open one handed, but I've heard so reports that they're kind of flimsy, so I think I'll stick with my swisstool until I get to actually handle a sog and get feel for it.
 
Well...

Although I have broken my Gerber 400 three times now (currently awaiting it's return from the shop), I must say, in every instance, Gerber customer service has NEVER let me down. My tool always comes back with the worn/broken parts replaced.

And with no exaggeration, I am very hard on this tool. It's pretty solid.
 
I've got a supertool and a tool adapter. I have never had a problem using quite a bit of torque on the tool adaptor and I have added a significant number of bits to it. Now, while taking up little room on belt or in my pocket, it will do an awful lot of jobs.
Bob
 
Multi-tools are a compromise. You get a wide variety of tools in a handy light-weight package, but you sacrifice some strength and performance.
I love multi-tools but there has never been one that can replace a dedicated tool designed just for a certain task.

Allen.
 
I got an update for you.

I just got a padded envelope from Gerber Blades.

They completely replaced my Gerber 400. After almost 6 years of hanging from by belt, from all the use and abuse, they entirely replaced the tool, no questions asked.

They even returned the check I sent them for shipping and handling.




Unfortunately... Now I have to break in another multitool. :( ;)
 
Hotrod said:
I'm trying to find something a little more industrial grade, if there is such a beastie out there! Something that acts more like a set of pliers, and doesnt twist under preasure.
Click to expand...
No such thing as a heavy-duty multitool. If you want industrial grade pliers, that's what you'll have to buy, IMO.
I work in an industrial environment, and know ahead of time when I get a multitool that at some point, I'm going to break it. I carry them for convenience, not because they're the best tool for the job.
I'm a big fan of Klein linesman tools, though I have a pair of SK Facom 6.3" Univeral Pliers on the way that will hopefully combine the features of a multitool's pliers with much greater durability, and make for a smaller, more useful package than my 9" Kleins.
Still, I'll always carry a multitool...for it's multi-tools:)
 
I'll take a peak at the gerbers and swiss tools...

I'd just love to find something that doesnt feel quite as... well wimpy! Coming from a guy that uses 6 point sockets because the 12's make the bolt complain... I guess I'm looking for something heftier!

Although I love the fact that leathermans are made in the USA, this may be one case where the best source earns the respect... hoepfully there are others that exceed a super tools capabilities! :D

How well do the can openers work on the gerber/swiss tool? Anyone have the blade thickness (Spine) on the main blades?

Although I probably wont need a phillips head screw driver in a mountain survival situation... I tend to use that one the most out of all the tools! :cool:
 
OwenM said:
No such thing as a heavy-duty multitool. If you want industrial grade pliers, that's what you'll have to buy, IMO.
I work in an industrial environment, and know ahead of time when I get a multitool that at some point, I'm going to break it. I carry them for convenience, not because they're the best tool for the job.
I'm a big fan of Klein linesman tools, though I have a pair of SK Facom 6.3" Univeral Pliers on the way that will hopefully combine the features of a multitool's pliers with much greater durability, and make for a smaller, more useful package than my 9" Kleins.
Still, I'll always carry a multitool...for it's multi-tools:)
Click to expand...


I like kleins electrical tools... I havent really used S&K's tools to know whats what... but I'd assume that since they are supposedly the best out there (Ferrari sponsered...) that your universals have no problem cutting chain link fence!

For me... I lean towards snap ons pliers if thats what I need... but normally with the cars I'm working on a socket or box wrench suffices.

Thanks for the responses guys!
(I'm going to look for some linemans pliers... and check out the pricing on S&K tools...)

If your working on some heavy duty equipment... that requires box wrenches... take a peak at williams tool company, theirs look like bar stock in comparison to the twig like figures of the rest :D
 
Hotrod said:
(I'm going to look for some linemans pliers... and check out the pricing on S&K tools...)
Click to expand...

I recently placed an order with www.thetoolwarehouse.net
They have a $50 minimum order, due to their low prices, and that isn't fluff.
7" and 10" Knipex Cobras, a 10" Knipex Alligator, and the SK Facom pliers was only $65.39+6.95 shipping.
The cheapest I've found the SKF pliers was $32 and change. toolwarehouse has them on sale for $16.70. Best prices on Knipex I've ever seen, too, and I get some of the industrial suppliers' catalogs.
Ordered Sunday, shipped today, scheduled for delivery Wednesday.
Free shipping on your first order over $99, regardless of whether it's your first order with them, or not.
Got an order confirmation email, and then a shipping confirmation email with tracking info.
Naturally, I haven't got my stuff yet, but this really seems like a good source, and they have a huge selection, plus 3 locations nationwide.
 
For a 'heavy duty' multi tool, I suggest trying the SOG PowerLock. I EDC one on a regular basis (I alternate it with the Gerber 800).

I have used the pliers hard on the SOG, and the compound leverage feature seems to get the job done.

I recently twisted the phillips screwdriver on my Gerber, so I need to send it in. It seems that the SOG's bits are just a tad heavier duty than most of the Gerbers, so it gets high marks there as well.

The best thing about the Gerber 800 is the carbide inserts on the plier cutter jaws, and the replaceable Rem-Grit saw blade. if the SOG had these two items, it would be the perfect tool IMHO.
 
Hi Hotrod,


The PowerLock seems to have the sturdiest pliers and the advantage of compound leverage, although the gear teeth tend to dig into your hand when using the tools inside the handles.


If you use the Phillips a lot, I would not pick the SwissTool.


I posted some more about the different features of the PowerLock, SwissTool and Super Tool 200 HERE…..and about the Gerber 400 HERE.




- Frank
 
AllenC's point about the compromise of a multi-tool is quite correct! Portability and convenience will sacrifice some durability, but it is better than trying to hang a 3 drawer toolboox from your belt!

If I am not mistaken, SOG is the one company that sells user replacable bits (I have a spare phillips in my drawer now). For some reason, other makers do not seem to feel this is necessary. However, if you use screwdrivers as much as I do, you know that a phillips can be damaged. Being able to order a replacement, and continue using the tool for other tasks, and install the bit yourself when it arrives is a top feature in my book.

That said, I do have some LMs and a Gerber, along with my SOG :D
 
HotRod,

I had an original LM SuperTool. I found all of the same problems with it that you describe. I've carried and used a Victorinox SwissTool almost daily for several years now. I haven't had any difficulties with any of the tools. Everything I didn't like about or the LM wouldn't do, the SwissTool does. It is as solid as any multi-tool I have seen.

I find the Phillips screwdriver particularly excellent. It fits a variety of size screws and seems to lock up tightly. I have torqued it pretty hard without any flex. I have even set up the pliers head and one handle to form a 'T' so that I could get extra torque. Although this isn't recommended, it worked quite well.

I am so attached to the SwissTool that I am hesitant to leave home without it. I never know when I might need to tighten or assemble something.
 
I have to go with Codee 3. I carry my SOG everywhere. It isn't perfect. It's too heavy for a pocket tool but rides on my belt nicely.
I wouldn't trade it for anything on the market now.
 
Have you tried the supertool 200? It feels a bit tougher than the original supertool and has yet to let me down.

N2
 
I havent tried the 200... I have yet to see one up close! Everywhere i've been carries the squirts and the wave. Nothing in between! :(
 
I adore my leatherman wave. In fact, the reason I bought one was when I was working in the warehouse, a friend of mine used his wave to pry open a crate. I fell in love instantly.

Leathermans are tougher than they feel sometimes, and if they do dissapoint you, you do have that nice unconditional lifetime warranty backing it up.
 
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