What multi-tool to buy?

B

blackviper91

Joined
Jul 10, 2007
Messages
334
Ok, I am trying to decide between three different multi-tools: a buck X-Tract, CRKT Zillatool or Leatherman Skeletool.

There are some requirements I have in a multi-tool:

-Small enough to just clip in my pocket
-Good blade that can be accessed without opening the tool
-Price, I'm a student with no job so this is a pretty big factor. Still, if it is a good knife, I'll pay for it.
-Good pliers
-Good screwdrivers

I have been leaning toward the X-tract because I can get one for $25, but the other two are pretty intigueing options.

Thanks,
Cody
 
CRKT Zillatool is what i would go with the LM skeletool is just to much $$ and the x-tract i think is rather cheap in quality...
 
Of those three, I would go with the Skeletool just based on the fact that I know that the xtract does not have a pocket clip. While the xtract is a nice and very well built tool (from China no less!), it is not very pocket friendly. Also, the pliers are very functional, but geared for lighter duty stuff, really.

While I have not handled the Skeletool, I think that the pliers, build quality, and pocket clip make it a great all around tool out of the three choices. I plan on getting a plain edged skeletool as soon as they are available. However, if a belt sheath is not a problem, I have found that the xtract is quite a good tool with a good Buck steel blade and handy tools or the money. YMMV.
 
I would buy a used Leatherman PST. Those are excellent tools, and are very slim. I often carried mine in my Carhart Jacket's pocket.

I'm probably going to buy a Leatherman Surge, to replace the PST in that role. They are about $23 at Walmart or Target. It's slim, cheap, and has the essentials. If your local store doesn't have it, or they want a lot more, you can get it for $22 and have it shipped FREE to your nearest Wal-Mart.
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=3544351
 
Ok, thanks for the advice. After thinking about it, I am leaning more toward the skeletool. I'll probably be able to find one online for $50-$60 dollars when they come out which isn't too bad. And it is a really nice looking tool.

The X-Tract would be nice, but no pocket clip is a pretty big detriment for me since I almost always just keep my knife clipped in my pocket. I am not entirely sure, but I've heard that the Zillatool is really big, not sure IT is very pocket friendly either.

Also, I already have an old Leatherman (not sure what model, was given to me by my Grandpa) and so I was looking for a different style tool so I could give my collection some more variety. I'm sure a classic style leatherman would be nice (especially a Charge, not pocketable, but I'd live :P), but I already have one so I am trying to branch out.

Anyway, thanks again for the advice. Feel free to keep trying to influence me if you want,
Blackviper91
 
I love the Leatherman Wave I have for two things. Well three actually but mostly the pliers are the best. These are some real deal needle nose pliers that work as well as the good ones stashed away in my tool box. Second, the one hand opening blades are the cats meow. You can't beat em. Third, I use the crap out of the scissors.

The Swiss Tool was my old stand by and I still have it, still love it but it takes a back seat to the much more user friendly Leatherman Wave.

If you want a great plier and easy access blades that allow you to use them without having to open the tools look no further than the Wave.
EDIT: I've moved back to my Swiss Tool at this point. Gave the Wave away in the end. Turned out to be a bit flimsy when the going got tough and that screwdriver bit attachment disappeared so to me that was a drawback since I used that tool a lot and had to have it.

STR
 
Last edited:
Well, I will definately consider getting a Wave. They are obviously very highly recommended. I wish I had as knife shop where I could go and play with the Wave and the Skeletool and see which I like better.
 
crkt zillatool, one hand opening pliers, easily acsesable scre drivers, and a very fast, one hand opening and closing blade, and it is great for pocket carry
 
The Skeletool is a little to big for my pocket. So I got a LM Freestyle. It´s great! You´ll lose the screwdrivers, but how often do you need to toghten screws when you´re out of the house?? Knife and pliers is a good EDC.
 
blackviper91 said:
Well, I will definately consider getting a Wave. They are obviously very highly recommended. I wish I had as knife shop where I could go and play with the Wave and the Skeletool and see which I like better.
Click to expand...
The Leatherman Wave is a great tool, but it's a bit too heavy for pocket carry IMO.
 
I would recommend the freestyle over the skeletool, unless you really need the screwdriver. I got my freestyle on Amazon for $30 shipped to my door...
 
I know you asked for a tool with Drivers, but.... I carry a Freestyle CX and a Victorinox Soldier. Works nice. I really like the Freestyle CX. Has a great 154CM steel blade!

And a Victorinox Executive.
 
Last edited:
I have the buck xtract, awesome blade, the pliers are somewhat useful but not for great gripping like snugging up bolts. Id compare them to the small pliers on a SAK in terms of usefulness, go with the leatherman if you need stronger pliers.
 
blackviper91 said:
Well, I will definately consider getting a Wave.
Click to expand...

my Wave has been my trusty companion for over a decade and is still going strong providing reliable service as my EDC.

there is an economy in quality. spend a little extra on a good multitool now and in 10 years time you'll have forgotten the price and remember only how much stuff you have done with your multitool.

if I was in the market for another one, i'd be carefully considering some of the Victorinox offerings as well at the Leatherman products.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top