Swiss+Tech Set

Stu Gatz

Stu Gatz

Joined
Apr 20, 2003
Messages
1,188
Just aquired a few sets of a Swiss+Tech combo pack from Costco. Go-figure these guys are killin me... :D

The set cost was $19.59 and contains three seperate devices:

1) The newer version of the Utili-Key. This has a general appearance of a key and unfolds to reveal screwdrivers, bottle opener, and small blades.

2) The Micro-Pro folding mini plier with screw drivers and wire cutter. This also has a detachable LED flashlight.

3) A new device that I have never seen before called a "BodyGard". This is a 5 in 1 Emergency tool that is a little smaller than a pager and that has a glass breaker, seat belt cutter, sonic alarm, LED flashlight, and LED emergency red flasher. Kind of interesting but I would personally never carry it.


I cannot forsee the actual attachment of all of these mini-tools on my key set but I'm notorious for minimization (if that is a word :rolleyes: ) but I can see some folks attaching all three sets. At the very least I can see some of my people breaking up the sets and swapping or gifting to females...


All the very best regards.

Stuart
 
I saw those at REI yesterday. I hadn't looked at the Utility Key for a few years and thought I might finally buy one. Upon closer examination I saw that many of the parts were castings (Not that that's always bad). They are made in China now. The one I examined years ago appeared to be all machined. Still probably a good deal if you need small keychain tools though...
 
I believe that the older version of the Utili-Key was shorter but that may just be a perception issue on my end... :)

I've had a chance to examine this set a little more closely and here is the general rundown:

The bodyGard device has proven to be a pretty large piece of useless plastic and metal. The "siren" device is almost comical but not much could be expected of something this small. The seatbelt cutter may work but I'm not going to take a shot at one of the vehicles and it appears to be a thick envelope opener. The integral lights (white and red flasher) are weak.

The Utili-Key is OK and convenient on the key ring...

The Micro-Pro folding mini plier is a perhaps a step down from my older version of the Microtechnician (in my opinion) and perhaps because my older version is made in USA. The attachable/detachable LED is a bit large for a keyring light but it is nice to have it attach to the plier and is bright and easy to use. The switch is easy to use as well.

These components are made in China and this seems apparent in the construction. Overall not a bad price for what it all is.

All the best,

Stuart
 
How can you tell if you have one that is made in the USA? I have the pliers that fold up with 4 screw drivers and it hase a black coating.
 
I have a few of the older balck versions as well. Mine have "USA" stamped on the side under "MICROTECHNICIAN'".
 
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