Which Juice Multi Tool? Or other suggestions?

[FrodotheHobbit]

I am looking for a multi tool to keep in my pocket. I have a larger one to keep on my belt when I am more likely to use one, but I don't wear it when just bumming around, etc.

I found the Juice line of multi tools at the local sport store, but there are a few different styles with different selections of tools. I am leaning toward the S2 because I think the scissors would come in handy, but would like to hear if you have a preference and why.

Also, are there BETTER tools out there? I like the curved handles of the juice, it is about the largest I think I would be willing to carry. Is it sturdy enough? Is there a smaller tool with decent pliers and screwdrivers out there? Is there a really thin one with a pocket clip? I'm open to ideas if you think something is better than the Juice.

Thanks for any info,
Frodo the Hobbit
(Edited to change C2 to S2)

 

[arnoldglee]

I don't believe the C2 has scissors, the S2 does however. You might want to check out SOG's pocket power plier. No scissors but built really well.

 

[glockman99]

There is the SOG CrossCut, and it comes in a nice slip-cover. I carry mine in the watch pocket of my Levis (along with a Photon II), and I wear a SOG Deluxe Pocket PowerPlier in a horizontal belt-pouch.

Note...You can buy the scissor kit from SOG to install in the Deluxe Pocket PowerPlier, which is a nice option.

 

[tarsier]

The Juice S2 has been my weekday EDC for over a year. It has everything that I need for daily use, and nothing that I don't need. It has a small selection of screwdrivers, a pliers and wirecutter for light-duty office/lab use, and three commonly used tools that are easily accessible from the outside (blade, scissors, bottle opener). The tools do not lock, but snap into place via backsprings, like an SAK. The handles are comfortable in both open and closed positions.

Are there any downsides? Of course... After a year of use, the pliers have a little play in them. The backspring for the inner tools is still strong, but the backspring for the outer tools is much lighter. I have a lot of slipjoints, so this is not a problem for me. The scissors are OK, but probably the weakest part of the design. But in short, I like this tool a lot. The key is that it is an easily carried light-duty tool, not something that you can rebuild your transmission with. It fills a niche somewhere between the full-size multitools and the lighter SAKs.

I also have the Juice Kf4. I bought this tool because I find that I sometimes need a serrated blade and file, and this tool has them. It also has a saw, but it is lower quality than the Victorinox SAK saw. It does not have a scissors, but that makes it a nice tool to pair up with a Micra or Squirt S4.

The SOG Pocket Plier has a very smooth pliers, but the handles have sharp edges that make using them uncomfortable. This is a problem that other multitools have since solved. It also does not have dedicated screwdrivers. They are on the end of the bottle and can openers, like an SAK, so they are not useful for recessed screws. They do not have a notch in the wirecutters, which seems like a strange omission and makes taking advantage of the tool's strength a bit more difficult. Also, the handle is tapered in a way that feels odd to me when using it in the closed position. Overall, this is a larger and undoubtedly stronger, sturdier tool, but not really suited for front pocket carry due to size and the protruding gears.

If you want an SOG product, the CrossGrip might be a better choice. The pliers and Phillips head screwdriver are not as useful as the larger tools, but it is very good for a minitool.

Good luck with your choice. By the way, regardless of what you buy, you will probably find an excuse to buy something else later...

 

[Tightwad]

While the Juice line offers something for everybody
consider which belt tool you carry now. Does it
have Sicssors? Saw? 2 blades? What?

If you're like most fella's your belt tool will be
the type your most used to and your "automatic"
response will reach for. That, said I prefer the
Juice Kf4 in yellow because it is has the exact
same tools as the Original Supertool I'm so fond
of. The Kf4 is such a good small supertool I can
leave the big one at home when I'm in the office.

Is this the Juice for you? Don't know, but I think
you can see what I mean. Look for what you're used
to.

 

[FrodotheHobbit]

Thanks much for the input.

Any other suggestions for small multi tools other than the CrossGrip and the Juice?

Frodo

 

[pud]

Any opinons on the smaller Squirts? They look fun, but are they too small to be useful?


-

 

[Tightwad]

Yes, I find the Squirt just a bit small for a
"Hands On" kinda fella. For a wall street trader
or a lady they would be just right as they are
ecellent "key chain " tools.

The Juice is about a small I find to be truly
useful for "working" folk's.

 

[tarsier]

I was so busy pontificating about the Juice that I missed one question in your original post. You asked about multitools with a pocket clip. The only one that I know of is the LM Sideclip. I have never owned or used it though, so maybe someone else can fill us in on whether it is thin enough to be comfortable. The Leatherman web site has a nice way to compare and contrast various models, if you have not already been there.

 

[Tennessee]

Go for trhe Juice xe6, if the thckness is ok for you.
Enough of everything.

I've been having it for my daily use for four months now.

 

[allenC]

You might also want to check out the Gerber Compact Sport 400.

It has several advantages over the Juice:
1) All of the tools lock.
2) The pliers are accessable with just a flick of the wrist.
3) It comes with a pouch.
4) The Fiskar's scissors work rather well (but take a small bite).

Good luck,
Allen.