True tests of multi-tools

[jtb49er2000]

This thread isn't an attempt for folks to go out and try their best to break their multi tool into pieces, rather I am interested in hearing how tools of all makes and models have actually held up over time. More specifically, I am primarily asking the following questions:

(1) Whats the worst/toughest task you've put your multi-tool through and been surprised that it held up and performed well?

OR going in the other direction.....

(2) Whats the most surprised you've been when your multi-tool broke/failed for what you thought should be a minor task or duty?

The debate of which make and model is the best/worst will rage forever, but I think it would be quite interesting to hear more actual hands-on results from everyday multi-tool users. Thanks!

 

[sparkee]

Well, I'm new here and certainly no expert, but I'd like to share my experience with a SOG Power Plier I've had for several years.

1. The worst/ toughest task I've put my SOG through was while cutting thru a tree trunk which was blocking the trail, (i think it was a yew) the diameter of an average human thigh, about 22-24 inches. It was raining and I didn't have my big saw in the truck because I had it serviced. Anyway, I cut thru in about 30 mins. moving the saw blade at different angles to get at the core of the trunk. That, to me, was pretty darn good for a saw blade in a multi-tool.

2. Using the same SOG Power Plier, I was attempting to remove the large spring from one of my large front doors on my home, the only way to remove the spring was by twisting it (which I should've done with a large screwdriver, now that I think about it), to my surprise, one half of the plier head just broke-off. I thought the thing was made of stainless steel, but a machinist friend of mine informed me that it wasn't, based on what he saw from the broken plier head. Go figure!

I'm now in the process of finding a new multi-tool, which is my main reason for joining this forum. Any suggestions from the real experts?

 

[jaymankent]

The most impressed was my Swiss Tool RS, I've used the awl to dig thru wood in order to get the saw thru to make a nice perfect hole to rescue peoples cats, trapped in between walls. The worst was using an original Leatheman Supertool for the same reason and having the saw snap like a twig. Now impressed with the new LM's used the Charge to cut chain link fence when I had nothing else around and the Surge to cut of a too tight choke collar some idiot left on a dog. Still EDC is both the Charge and Swisstool RS or maybe the Plus with ratchet I just got from Felinevet.

 

[jaymankent]

Sparkee, I guess we posted at the same time. I cant advise the Swisstools enough, I just used one today (to lazy to go to the garage) to remove a plane of glass from the patio door. A 17 volt drill couldn't take the screws out but the phillips and plier on the RS (and arm strength) got them out. Despite several lacerations from the glass, RS got the screws back in. Now to wash the blood off.

 

[sparkee]

Jaymankent, Yup, i think we did post at the same time, I'm now seriously considering the Vic-Locksmith, although I do a lot camp/trail work for a local recreational park. I want something "robust", something that can be run over by an earth mover and not show any damage(hehe). Btw, how's your arm? Not too much blood loss, i hope? Although you can always replace that with a brewskie. Have one on me.

 

[parnass]

... Whats the most surprised you've been when your multi-tool broke/failed for what you thought should be a minor task or duty? ...

I owned an original Gerber multitool and was using it when the pliers slipped off the nut I was trying to loosen. The handles pinched the flesh on my palm so tightly that it created a large, painful blood blister.

I was surprised that a company would produce such a poorly designed product. When the pliers closed, the handles on the original Gerber were parallel and too close to each other.

 

[Matches]

I used the Schrade ToughTool for years until Schrade went out of business. I guess I had the best and worst experiences with that tool. For about six years, the ToughTool was abused daily and saw me through many projects. I was very surprised one day when the can opener snapped after using it as a pry tool. On another occaison, the phillips screwdriver head split while trying to loosen a rusted screw.

Leathermans and Gerbers have replaced my former Schrades and I try not to put the tools into situations they weren't designed to handle.

 

[scibeer]

I used a SOG powerplier in the brewery for 6 years everyday after breaking four or 5 leathermen. I've dropped it in straight acid, caustic, mixing tanks etc. Its survived hundreds of drops on concrete from being thrown across the warehouse to other employees. Its been dropped in the sewage treatment system where it stayed for over a week until the tank was drained and I could get it back (brewery waste is pretty corosive). The only thing that coroded was the file. I did break the little screwdriver, but ground it down into a new one. Anyway, other brewers had Gerbers, leathermen, and other assorted multitools and none survived like the SOG. Most of them replaced their old tools too. Best feature is you can open chemical drums perfectly by opening the handles straight out and using the square tips of the pliers as a spanner wrench.

The only multitool that can hold a candle to it IMO is the Victorinox which wasn't available back then as far as I know.

 

[acswan]

I was reluctant to jump on the leatherman bandwagon a few years ago after seeing 4 out of 5 that my friends bought break,literally,in half,so I stuck with my trusty SAK.Decided to buy a swisstool when they came out and have been very impressed.A very strong friend asked to borrow it and proceeded to remove the rusty snap rings from the caps of a universal joint with it.I thought for sure that was the end of it but he returned it unharmed.Since then I've used it daily doing maintenance for a logging company and have had no failures.Very tough.

 

[Temper]

I levered a padlock off a gate once with my original Wave, no problem at all. I EDC'd that for a couple of years, I must have used it over a thousand times and only now and then it let me down for want of a longer driver.

I have handled all of the big makers stuff and IMHO only LM & Vic have something close to the perfect tool. I think LM edges out Vic in terms of 'Tool like quality' but as a second or 'I cant be bothered to look for the right tool' stop gap, they are truely superb. LM needs to get on the seperate driver bandwagon and stop screwing us over with those weird little things they have now.