Which ones are spring loaded?

Joined
Mar 2, 2003
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1,063
I was never interested in EDC'ing a multi-tool until I got a leatherman squirt. I love this thing because it has spring loaded pliers. I've been out of the MT loop, and excuse me if this has been asked before, but which tools have spring loaded pliers? Preferably, I'm looking for one where the other tools can be opened while the pliers are closed.

Thanks.
 
Here are a few:

SOG Switchplier (discontinued)
CRKT Zilla-Tool
CRKT Zilla-Tool Jr.
Gerber Legend Multi-Plier 700
Gerber Legend Multi-Plier 800
Gerber Crux
Gerber Method
Gerber Radius
Gerber Recoil
Gerber Resolve
Gerber Suspension
Gerber Tread

I think all of them have outside accessible tools but I'm not real familiar with 1 or 2 of the newer Gerber tools.
 
Wow, thanks for such a quick and complete response. I'm disappointed there are no Vics and LMs on the list. How are the gerbers these days? I have an old one that honestly sucks, and would prefer to stay away from them unless there's been some changes.
 
I own or have owned just a few of the listed multi-tools (SOG Switchplier, Zilla-Tools, Gerber Legend, Gerber Suspension).

The Gerbers are sold at Walmart and Target so you might have a look at them. They're not bad in my opinion but they are a bit bulky and you may not like them if you don't like Gerber tools.

I'm especially impressed by the value of the Suspension. It has a titanium finish, one-hand opening blades, locking tools, and spring loaded pliers. If you're buying retail at your local Wally World, less than $30 for all those features (plus a hex bit adapter and bits) is a pretty good value. One way I think it falls short (no pun intended) is that the blades and tools are rather short (esp. a saw that short is of dubious use). That may not be a factor for you if you are used to the Leatherman Squirt.

You may also have a look at the Zilla-Tools and the Buck X-tract (I accidentally left that one off the list). They're definitely not for everyone though. I'd say that the Zilla-Tool and X-tract are comparable in quality of manufacturing and that the quality of the Suspension is a bit better (it's close though). All three are made in China (that's not synonymous with poor quality in my opinion).
 
Thanks, I'll have to check out wal-mart tomorrow. I've been needing an excuse to go there to pick up a buck 119, lol. It also seems that the Vic spirit is well regarded, may have to pick one of those up as well.
 
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