thoughts on a tool

D

DcL

Joined
Oct 3, 2006
Messages
145
So Im looking for a multi-tool, but dont know anything about them. Id like one with needle nose pliers where the tools are on the inside when the pliers are open so its more comfortable to use. Id like it to come with some kind if case for carry and can spend around $80. Dont have any preferences on manufacturer, any help would be appreciated thanks in advance.
 
Whoa time warp moment there! it's like the 80's! (when Tim Leatherman started it all for us!)

You got some nice choices here ;) If you can go to a big store (like walmart) and handle a few, hold them and see what is good for you, do it!

Leatherman and Victorinox are the best and most popular. LM has the most options/models, Vic is the quality and experience of swiss army knife.

Gerber and Sog are there, interesting and fun! and then the rest (like generic and cheap).

xmas time is coming, and you can find some great deals online then! Good Luck and let us know what you get or if you have any more questions, please ask (salute)
 
You just can't go wrong with a Leatherman, you can check out a lot of their models in places like Walmart or Bass Pro Shops (if you have one near). Their website is also very user-friendly and you can browose through most of their line up. However if comfort an weight are important to you, you should really check them out first hand. As Dantor mentioned, Xmas season is coming and they usually offer some gift packages especially in the aforementioned strores. For $80 or less you can get something really good.

If you are willing to spend maybe ten more bucks, check out Victorinox offerings, especially the SwissTool Spirit X and Spirit Road Tour edition, they're just great tools for the money and use Vitorinox propietary steel.
 
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TKM said:
If you are willing to spend maybe ten more bucks, check out Victorinox offerings, especially the SwissTool Sipirit X and Spirit Road Tour edition, they're just great tools for the money and use Vitorinox propietary steel.
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DcL: If corrosion resistance is an important factor for you, you can't go wrong with Victorinox. At the same time, I own and Leatherman Wave and love it. We're blessed with many great choices on the market, for sure.
 
I'd go for a Victorinox SwissTool. The pliers tip is a hybrid between blunt and needlenose, just perfect for most things.

If you *really* need the pointy needlenose, I'm not sure what to recommend. Maybe an original Leatherman. Having the tools on the inside makes it nice & smooth when closed, but it means that when you need to squeeze hard on the pliers, the case kind of digs into my hand.

If you get a Gerber, watch out, as they have some models with the pliers that slides out of the handles. Some of those can pinch your hand quite badly if you're squeezing the pliers and it slips. I got one hell of a blood blister one time on my grandpa's 1st generation Gerber Multi-Plier.
 
DcL said:
So Im looking for a multi-tool, but dont know anything about them. Id like one with needle nose pliers where the tools are on the inside when the pliers are open so its more comfortable to use. Id like it to come with some kind if case for carry and can spend around $80. Dont have any preferences on manufacturer, any help would be appreciated thanks in advance.
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I've never owned a Swisstool but I've handled a few in-store, and if outside-accessible tools is really important I'd say that's your best bet.

Can't speak for the durability, etc. but I've never heard anything particularly bad about them.
 
Ive been looking at the sog PowerLock b61 I like the looks and meets my criteria. Anybody here have any experience with one of these bad boys.
 
DcL said:
Ive been looking at the sog PowerLock b61 I like the looks and meets my criteria. Anybody here have any experience with one of these bad boys.
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yes. Sogs are pretty nice and many are big/hefty but well made. I have an older model, before the improved covers (over gears and tools) but the same tools inside.

I replaced the scissors with a v-cutter, works much better now! (I never cared for the performance of their scissors, many don't) Easy to switch out tools and to order them, one of the things great about Sog.

Over all the tool is well made, life-time-warranty, and nobody makes stronger pliers! (because of the gearing)
 
Thanks I think I might pull the trigger on that one good to know that the scissors suck. Thanks everybody for input.
 
Economical but good,the LM Blast.If you want what I consider the best,the Swiss Tool Spirit X.
 
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