What do you look for in multitools?

3

3wolves

Joined
Dec 28, 2007
Messages
1,061
I personally prefer,

all components open from the outside,
all components lock,
non-pinching pliers,
stainless steel (ever try to clean a rusted multi? :eek: )
2 blades, one plain for work to fine for my folder and one serrated,

For me, any of the swisstools are perfect, they meet all my criteria perfectly and even have a little cross for defending myself against vampires.:D:D:D

So what do you guys have to have in a mutitool. (I dont mean components.)
 
I would agree with your list, but I'd trade the serrated blade for scissors. My favorite is the Vic Spirit, but I would like it even more with a conventional knife blade. I may try a Swisstool X some day.
 
i also want it to be stainless, i want good strong pliers, and comfortable handles.
 
My Wave II has it all for me. I'm presently EDC a Skeletool.... It's light and is ok... But there are some issues that won't make it a favorite.
 
FolderFan said:
My Wave II has it all for me. I'm presently EDC a Skeletool.... It's light and is ok... But there are some issues that won't make it a favorite.
Click to expand...

What are those issues? I'm interested in getting one.

PM me if you ever want to get rid of it.


I use Gerbers. I don't think a multi-tool is a multi-tool if it does not have a pliers. They are a must for me.

My wife got me a leatherman multi-tool that does not have pliers, it has a bunch of bits. It's pretty much useless to me.
 
On another forum there were quality issues with the Skeletool: small bubbles in the plier casting, poor match-up of the liner lock (a "dangerous situation" according to the user), pocket clip too flimsy and loose, etc. I think I read it on either multitool.com or edcforums, I can't remember which, or was it candlepowerforums, anyway, somewhere.
 
New Leathermans seems to have an odd effect on forum discourse. I too have read some of the problems with the Skeletool but have found that most of the issues are never shown in picture form and can't be verified by the poster. I think whatever problems there are are overblown with the Skeletool, it looks like a good tool and most people seem happy with theirs and report excellent fit and finish.

The Core had a similar entrance to the Skeletool. There were a lot of hit/run posts about problems with finish/QC that were never verified and those that were willing to photograph their tools showed no problems.

As for myself, I look for collectibility in my tools. I have all the functions covered with numerous different tools so I approach purchase not as a user but as a collector.
 
I'm looking for the individual features to cover needs not already met in tools already on hand. I look at the Byrdrench/Skeletool and see adjustable/slipjoint vs needlnose/regular type to cover both sides of a nut/bolt job on wrenching jobs. Both tools have vastly different knives in terms of size and type. Each carries a number of bits; expanding my choices overall.

A SwissCard carried along with these two or maybe a Maxpedition mini prybar/Atwood BikeTool for chiseling and you don't have the kitchen sink needed...but possibly a good start for somebody not wanting to carry it. :)
 
I think the SwissTool X:

with OHO blade
slightly smaller/lighter
Spring-loaded pliers
horizontal carry Kydex sheath

would be my perfect multitool.
 
My issues with the Skeletool was every time I had to grip something the edges of the exposed tool edges in the handles gouged into my hands. I use my tools and sometimes I have to grip em hard enough to cut or pry nails etc. Big nails.

I finally tossed it in the Safe and brought out my New Wave and we're back in business.

My wife EDC carries her's and likes it... So there ya go!

For those who don't believe what they read here. Simple. Pull out yer wallet and buy one.
 
This has to be the best multi i've ever owned. Two blades, one straight on serrated, a saw, scissors, one phillips screwdriver, two flathead screwdrivers(one big one smal),typical can/bottle opener, a fold out lanyard tie off and the all open from the outside, lock, and the pliers spring is internal. Now that's a multi tool
 
myright said:
What are those issues? I'm interested in getting one.

PM me if you ever want to get rid of it.


I use Gerbers. I don't think a multi-tool is a multi-tool if it does not have a pliers. They are a must for me.

My wife got me a leatherman multi-tool that does not have pliers, it has a bunch of bits. It's pretty much useless to me.
Click to expand...

Like I said Gerber Suspension
 
3wolves said:
I personally prefer,

all components open from the outside,
all components lock,
non-pinching pliers,
stainless steel (ever try to clean a rusted multi? :eek: )
2 blades, one plain for work to fine for my folder and one serrated,

For me, any of the swisstools are perfect, they meet all my criteria perfectly and even have a little cross for defending myself against vampires.:D:D:D

So what do you guys have to have in a mutitool. (I dont mean components.)
Click to expand...

Check out the Gerber Suspension
 
3wolves said:
I personally prefer,

all components open from the outside,
all components lock,
non-pinching pliers,
stainless steel (ever try to clean a rusted multi? :eek: )
2 blades, one plain for work to fine for my folder and one serrated,

For me, any of the swisstools are perfect, they meet all my criteria perfectly and even have a little cross for defending myself against vampires.:D:D:D

So what do you guys have to have in a mutitool. (I dont mean components.)
Click to expand...

Tough enough to do the job
Good tools; sharp screwdrivers with long shanks, needlenose pliers etc.
The trademark "Leatherman"

(have I left anything out?)
 
The Spirit , an the Swiss Tool are pretty hard to beat . I would be madly in love with the Spirit if Vic. would add a clip , even better if they would go with a OHT blade style . Never did pick up on the Cross to ward of vampires , could be usefull . Sadly the blade is too small to decapitate zombies .

Despite my fulsome praises for Vic. , I usually end up carrying a Leatherman charge . The onehandable serated , an plain blade is a dealmaker .

Chris
 
myright said:
What are those issues? I'm interested in getting one.

PM me if you ever want to get rid of it.


I use Gerbers. I don't think a multi-tool is a multi-tool if it does not have a pliers. They are a must for me.

My wife got me a leatherman multi-tool that does not have pliers, it has a bunch of bits. It's pretty much useless to me.
Click to expand...

what leatherman tool do you have that has no pliers but bits? only the new gardener and hunter tool has cutter for a main tool, all other full size leatherman tools have pliers. if you are tallking about the key chain tools, that's something else completely.
 
A reamer.

I'd love a plain old Leatherman Kick if they traded that goofy lanyard ring and spacers for a reamer, or another long thin screwdriver I can grind into a reamer.

After that, low weight and bulk. This is an item I'll be carrying in my pocket. Once again, I like the Leatherman Kick.
 
As nice as the Swisstools sound, I've always preferred my beat-up Leatherman Wave. With one hand I have both kinds of blades, a file and saw. This feature went from somewhat handy at first, to invaluable as my skills and hobbies grew. The bit kit for it is also a luxury, use it almost as much as I use the tool itself. Is it ideal? Far from it, the handles are very slippery unless you have good grip, and the blade steel was so bad that when I switched to dedicated folders I couldn't believe how sharp even the worst knives were. I doubt it'll ever break or wear out. Pity, because I've had my eye on the gray HA-3 model at Costco for a while now, 154CM steel and textured handles with the same tool setup.

But most importantly...a pocket clip. The pocket clip on the Wave turned the tool into an EDC machine, never going back to clip-less tools.
 
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