[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Multi tools Which one (Page 1 of 2)
Posted: 5/24/2013 4:11:03 PM EDT
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What multi tool do you have in your bob or go bags. |
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I've always carried a Leatherman SuperTool v.1 and it has saved my bacon many times out on the road and at work. You can still find them new, on Ebay, if you look and they're not too spendy. Right now, I'm sporting the SAK SwissChamp, which does more, but isn't quite as robust.
Chris |
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Leatherman Charge TTi is what I like the best, although it is kind of pricey. I got one of these and I love it, on my second one. They aren't a though as my super tool, but the fact that you can access the life blade without havering to open it up is a handy feature. DannerTrax |
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IMHO, having owned a LOT of multi-tools from various mfrs, the SwissTools are probably the best made and finished. And their price reflects this. All this does NOT mean they the SwissTools are for you, at all., just that they are a delight, and almost too nice to use.
The main point about Multi-Tools is that practically every user will have a different optimal configuration of the tool. Some folks will have different end-uses than others, and require different configurations of the Multi-Tool. The only good Multi-Tools of which I am aware that is user-configurable is some models of the SOG tool. http://www.sogknives.com/type/multi-tools.html The individual implements are fairly priced, and while installing them might be a bit of a fuss, the resulting projduct is better suited to the user than anything else bought off the shelf. After all, with SOG, the user decides the final configuration, not some guy in the company. Make a mistake, or change your mind? No problem. Switch the implements out as you like, for as many times as you need. Quality is top-notch, IMHO, and the price is actually very reasonable, especially given the user-configurability of the tools. I will add that Gerber multi-tools sold in WalMart are priced at or very near wholesale prices, in general. If a Gerber tool meets your needs, and budget, then consider the various Gerber tools. In consideration of the principal that "two is one, one is none", I would rather have three Gerbers, or two SOGS, than a single Swiss Tool. even though the total price might be nearly the same. disclaimer: no financial interest |
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I have become a fan of the skeletool because it is so much lighter. It is missing some of the tools, but for me it is the balance point of weight and function. Anyone try one of the MUT tools yet? I am curious how useful it will be everyday as opposed to just on the range.
Doc |
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I have an old leatherman (>20 YO) in my day pack and a Gerber clutch in my fanny pack. The most use I get out of either is the pliers.
The Leatherman was once my computer bag tool for when I was out on startups. These days I am smart enough to leave the tools at home and let the plant people do the actual work. They have boxes full of real tools. No reason to struggle with trying to make a multitool do stuff it really is not well suited for. But as an emergency tool they work OK 2 miles from nowhere. Can't really carry real tools that weigh a lot with you. I don't EDC either since I get so little daily use of them. |
| I'll throw in about Tim Leathermans BS move to publicly support John Kerry in 2004. At that time I ditched the super tool and bought a couple of Swisstools. And I wasn't the only one, Leatherman had some layoffs and was hurt pretty bad. His company survived and I admire some of his products but I haven't bought any since. |
My primary EDC is Leatherman Wingman and Kershaw Select Fire. I also own a Leatherman Sidekick, a Gerber Flik and my 13yo son uses a Gerber Suspension. The Wingman is a good tool in my opinion, but a lot of people are down on it. I use the scissors as much or more than the pliers so the Wingman makes sense for me and I love the size. It fits in my front pocket with keys and change and I never notice it. Big thumbs up for the size. I am a supervisor in an office work environment so my EDC has to fit in my pockets, I choose not to carry on my belt. The Flik is too big for pocket carry.The Flik is a good tool but it is kind of cumbersome to carry. The opening mechanism is cool but it changes the entire nature of the tool. While it makes the tool easy to open, it also makes it harder to use. The individual tools on the Flik are really good, the scissors are the best on any multitool I have ever seen, the knife is good sized and so is the file. If you are looking for the absolute edge of capability all of the tools I have mentioned are probably not what you want. I don't demand that one tool covers all of my needs and because of that, I am very happy with my mix of tools. YMMV. 
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Leather an unless giving your money to a socialist bastard bothers you. This....Leatherman Super Tool. Except I bypass the socialist bastard by buying all of my Leathermans at pawn shops. I cruise several in my area and have picked up a number of Leatherman Super Tools at ridiculous prices...like $15-$20 each. I get a deal, and the socialist bastard gets nadda. And I still get to send it back if it breaks! I think I have around 10-12 Leathermans that I've bought this way. I also have multitools from Gerber (my first one, but it pinches my hand if I'm not careful), Buck (bought 4 on a close-out at Target for $12 each and use as spares or loaners), and SOG (this one stays in the truck....I like the compounded grip with the pliers for working on a vehicle). They are all pretty good, but I really prefer the Leatherman over any of them. |
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Leather an unless giving your money to a socialist bastard bothers you. This....Leatherman Super Tool. Except I bypass the socialist bastard by buying all of my Leathermans at pawn shops. I cruise several in my area and have picked up a number of Leatherman Super Tools at ridiculous prices...like $15-$20 each. I get a deal, and the socialist bastard gets nadda. And I still get to send it back if it breaks! I think I have around 10-12 Leathermans that I've bought this way. I also have multitools from Gerber (my first one, but it pinches my hand if I'm not careful), Buck (bought 4 on a close-out at Target for $12 each and use as spares or loaners), and SOG (this one stays in the truck....I like the compounded grip with the pliers for working on a vehicle). They are all pretty good, but I really prefer the Leatherman over any of them. I've never advocated buying a NEW Leatherman tool on account of his politics, and deliberately tying his company to his donations. OTOH, buying a used LM tool is fine, since Timmy, and his Progressive allies won't get any money from one's doing so. I have no quibble with the design and/or quality of most LM tools, although the SwissTool is better made than any LM tool, and some SOGs are user-configurable, and of high-quality as well. I also encourage any and every LM tool user to send in their LM tool for needed warranty work. Less money Timmy can donate to swine Progressive politicians. |
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Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Leather an unless giving your money to a socialist bastard bothers you. This....Leatherman Super Tool. Except I bypass the socialist bastard by buying all of my Leathermans at pawn shops. I cruise several in my area and have picked up a number of Leatherman Super Tools at ridiculous prices...like $15-$20 each. I get a deal, and the socialist bastard gets nadda. And I still get to send it back if it breaks! I think I have around 10-12 Leathermans that I've bought this way. I also have multitools from Gerber (my first one, but it pinches my hand if I'm not careful), Buck (bought 4 on a close-out at Target for $12 each and use as spares or loaners), and SOG (this one stays in the truck....I like the compounded grip with the pliers for working on a vehicle). They are all pretty good, but I really prefer the Leatherman over any of them. I've never advocated buying a NEW Leatherman tool on account of his politics, and deliberately tying his company to his donations. OTOH, buying a used LM tool is fine, since Timmy, and his Progressive allies won't get any money from one's doing so. I have no quibble with the design and/or quality of most LM tools, although the SwissTool is better made than any LM tool, and some SOGs are user-configurable, and of high-quality as well. I also encourage any and every LM tool user to send in their LM tool for needed warranty work. Less money Timmy can donate to swine Progressive politicians. Yup I have an older Gerber that I like, but my Swiss Tool is the one I reach for.....
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| I received a cheap Winchester multi tool as a gift about 10 years ago and have beat the piss out of it for a decade. Still going strong. I have a Gerber that has been abused in Egypt, Iraq and Afghanistan and has some scrapes but other than pounding dirt out of it it is still going strong as well. |
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I have decent collection of multi-tools from over the years with my original PST from the 80's. Leatherman, SOG, Gerber, Kershaw, Victornix are the majority of what I've used. For current offerings, I think Victornix is at the top for fit and finish but Leatherman and SOG are excellent competitors with proven performance. I'm not too enthusiastic about Gerber...just bad experiences over the years. Their one-handed pliers access is cool, but not enough to make up for the rest of the tool. It's been an evolutionary journey but here's what I've ended up with:
EDC (military occupation): I carry both a Victorninox Spirit and Leatherman Crunch 
The Spirit just has the right number of tools I prefer and it's extremely well built and finished; it's lighter than the larger and heavier Swiss Tool and I like the more needle-nose like plier head. The Leatherman Crunch is their adjustable, vice-lock compact pliers and they come in handy when you need a third hand. BOB: My bug out bag has an older Leatherman Wave. I've always like the features and performance (politics aside). Backpacking: I've found the mini Leatherman PS4 the perfect light weight, "minimalist" multitool. You're not going to do any major repairs, but the pliers are very functional for smaller jobs and the included scissors serve well at cutting our mole skin and doing some minor fabric repairs. It's also my light-weight fishing tool and the pliers are small enough to remove hooks deep in a bass's mouth. 
ROCK6 |
| That depends on which bag I am with. I EDC a Maxpedition Mongo S-Type which has a Leatherman Wave in nylon sheath with the full bit kit, bit extender, CountyComm 4" curved widgy prybar and 4" tire pressure gauge. In the same bag on a key ring is a Leatherman Micra (love the scissors on the Micra!). My vehicle bag has a Leatherman Kick and small Craftsman Socket/Tool Kit. The car also has an issue LanCay M-11 EOD knife that has a Gerber multi-tool as part of the EOD tool kit.. My range bag has my old original Leatherman Super Tool 200 with the old full size bit kit. I like my Wave a lot and use it most now, but the Super Tool 200 is like indestructible. |
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Guess I'll be the odd man out and vote for the SOG multi-tools. The Powerlock is the most rock solid multi-tool I've ever handled. You're not the odd man out... Leatherman just has a big following... Quoted:
IMHO, having owned a LOT of multi-tools from various mfrs, the SwissTools are probably the best made and finished. And their price reflects this. All this does NOT mean they the SwissTools are for you, at all., just that they are a delight, and almost too nice to use. The main point about Multi-Tools is that practically every user will have a different optimal configuration of the tool. Some folks will have different end-uses than others, and require different configurations of the Multi-Tool. The only good Multi-Tools of which I am aware that is user-configurable is some models of the SOG tool. http://www.sogknives.com/type/multi-tools.html The individual implements are fairly priced, and while installing them might be a bit of a fuss, the resulting projduct is better suited to the user than anything else bought off the shelf. After all, with SOG, the user decides the final configuration, not some guy in the company. Make a mistake, or change your mind? No problem. Switch the implements out as you like, for as many times as you need. Quality is top-notch, IMHO, and the price is actually very reasonable, especially given the user-configurability of the tools. I will add that Gerber multi-tools sold in WalMart are priced at or very near wholesale prices, in general. If a Gerber tool meets your needs, and budget, then consider the various Gerber tools. In consideration of the principal that "two is one, one is none", I would rather have three Gerbers, or two SOGS, than a single Swiss Tool. even though the total price might be nearly the same. disclaimer: no financial interest This is definitely one of the greatest things about the SOG. User can customize the tool how they want. Can't be beat IMHO. Quoted:
I like the SOG pliers, but not so much the rest. Always pinched the fuck out of my palms with Gerbers. I seem to stick with Leathermans, it's just a matter of which one suits you best. I do like the Gerber mini tools though. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile I just ditched the silly covers. It isn't one of the greatest things about the SOG but every product has it's downfalls. I just man up and use it without the covers. Quoted:
I'll throw in about Tim Leathermans BS move to publicly support John Kerry in 2004. At that time I ditched the super tool and bought a couple of Swisstools. And I wasn't the only one, Leatherman had some layoffs and was hurt pretty bad. His company survived and I admire some of his products but I haven't bought any since. Same here... haven't bought a leatherman product since... sold all mine and went SOG... |
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Guess I'll be the odd man out and vote for the SOG multi-tools. The Powerlock is the most rock solid multi-tool I've ever handled. You're not the odd man out... Leatherman just has a big following... Quoted:
IMHO, having owned a LOT of multi-tools from various mfrs, the SwissTools are probably the best made and finished. And their price reflects this. All this does NOT mean they the SwissTools are for you, at all., just that they are a delight, and almost too nice to use. The main point about Multi-Tools is that practically every user will have a different optimal configuration of the tool. Some folks will have different end-uses than others, and require different configurations of the Multi-Tool. The only good Multi-Tools of which I am aware that is user-configurable is some models of the SOG tool. http://www.sogknives.com/type/multi-tools.html The individual implements are fairly priced, and while installing them might be a bit of a fuss, the resulting projduct is better suited to the user than anything else bought off the shelf. After all, with SOG, the user decides the final configuration, not some guy in the company. Make a mistake, or change your mind? No problem. Switch the implements out as you like, for as many times as you need. Quality is top-notch, IMHO, and the price is actually very reasonable, especially given the user-configurability of the tools. I will add that Gerber multi-tools sold in WalMart are priced at or very near wholesale prices, in general. If a Gerber tool meets your needs, and budget, then consider the various Gerber tools. In consideration of the principal that "two is one, one is none", I would rather have three Gerbers, or two SOGS, than a single Swiss Tool. even though the total price might be nearly the same. disclaimer: no financial interest This is definitely one of the greatest things about the SOG. User can customize the tool how they want. Can't be beat IMHO. Quoted:
I like the SOG pliers, but not so much the rest. Always pinched the fuck out of my palms with Gerbers. I seem to stick with Leathermans, it's just a matter of which one suits you best. I do like the Gerber mini tools though. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile I just ditched the silly covers. It isn't one of the greatest things about the SOG but every product has it's downfalls. I just man up and use it without the covers. Quoted:
I'll throw in about Tim Leathermans BS move to publicly support John Kerry in 2004. At that time I ditched the super tool and bought a couple of Swisstools. And I wasn't the only one, Leatherman had some layoffs and was hurt pretty bad. His company survived and I admire some of his products but I haven't bought any since. Same here... haven't bought a leatherman product since... sold all mine and went SOG... Quoted:
I've never advocated buying a NEW Leatherman tool on account of his politics, and deliberately tying his company to his donations. OTOH, buying a used LM tool is fine, since Timmy, and his Progressive allies won't get any money from one's doing so. I have no quibble with the design and/or quality of most LM tools, although the SwissTool is better made than any LM tool, and some SOGs are user-configurable, and of high-quality as well. I also encourage any and every LM tool user to send in their LM tool for needed warranty work. Less money Timmy can donate to swine Progressive politicians. Not to make this a debate about LM politics, but it could easily be argued that buying used items will drive up demand for new items of the same manufacture/company and would result in increased income/profits. Of course that is assuming the "used items" are current or not obsolete. And there are a lot of other economics assumptions that would need to be made as well. Just pointing it out... |
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I always come back to the simple old Gerber MP400, been using them for a decade and have like 3 or 4 of them plus a MP600. None has ever failed me. I also have a few Leatherman tools (including a Wave) but I don't like them as much as the Gerber, and I stopped buying them after their owner went full-on douche a few years back.
I've never had any problems with Gerbers, don't understand why people think they are low quality. They are just as good as the Leatherman tools IMHO, and usually more affordable. |
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I've never had any problems with Gerbers, don't understand why people think they are low quality. They are just as good as the Leatherman tools IMHO, and usually more affordable. I think Gerber fixed their quality issue several years ago, but when I was deployed to South America in the mid 90's, I had two Gerbers break on me; one break was the actual plier head. To Gerber's credit, they shipped me two replacements (although the first replacement broke as well). Where Gerber mutitools shine is the quick, one-handed access of the pliers. For me, I've just found the Victorniox Spirit tool meet all my needs and fit me better. ROCK6 |
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From my knowledge of wholesale vs. retail prices for Gerber multitools (and others, as well) I can say that Wal-Mart sells the Gerber tools they carry at only a bit above general wholesale prices.
While this fact says nothing in regards to the relative quality level of Gerber multitools, in my experience most Gerber multitools hold their own in overall comparison to most of the high-end multitools, while generally costing considerably less. Certainly there may/may not be individual implements or overall designs which Gerber offers that are less than stellar, but that could probably be said of most other multitool mfrs also. It is a nice thing to have an extensive collection of these tools. One can buy and evaluate at one's leisure. The tools are always there to choose from, depending on the task required. But, if one was subject to a SHTF scenario, possibly one's preferences would change along with changing circumstances. That is why I posted previously that in some circumstances I would rather have two or three Gerber multitools than one Swisstool, or two SOGs. YMMV, and all that. |
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I always come back to the simple old Gerber MP400, been using them for a decade and have like 3 or 4 of them plus a MP600. None has ever failed me. I also have a few Leatherman tools (including a Wave) but I don't like them as much as the Gerber, and I stopped buying them after their owner went full-on douche a few years back. I've never had any problems with Gerbers, don't understand why people think they are low quality. They are just as good as the Leatherman tools IMHO, and usually more affordable. I've got the original Gerber Tool and actually keep it on my reloading bench where it gets plenty of use (last night I needed to wrench out a body die) and it's a very nice tool. The knife blade is still wicked sharp after 16-17 years and the square jawed pliers can be more useful at times, than the needle nosed type on my LM v.1 SuperTool, which I've carried a lot more over the years. I ran movie theatres back in the 90s and early 00s and I used these tools quite a bit when attempting to fix stuff that broke down, or just needed maintenance at an inopportune time and I think the problem with my original Gerber Tool was the fact that you can pinch your hand pretty badly and the blades don't lock into place, as they do on the SuperTool v.1 (this was also a knock on the original LM.) I think that the main reason why I stopped using my Gerber Tool was the pinching part. Man when it happens, it hurts like hell. Chris |
| I have Leatherman,SOG and Gerbers in my packs. The one I carry everyday and like the best is the Skeletool, use it everyday at least once and cant remember ever needing a tool it doesnt have but my bigger ones do. The others always were to big or heavy after awhile, I dont even the Skeletool is in my pocket. |
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Quoted: I have decent collection of multi-tools from over the years with my original PST from the 80's. Leatherman, SOG, Gerber, Kershaw, Victornix are the majority of what I've used. For current offerings, I think Victornix is at the top for fit and finish but Leatherman and SOG are excellent competitors with proven performance. I'm not too enthusiastic about Gerber...just bad experiences over the years. Their one-handed pliers access is cool, but not enough to make up for the rest of the tool. It's been an evolutionary journey but here's what I've ended up with: EDC (military occupation): I carry both a Victorninox Spirit and Leatherman Crunch http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v440/ROCK-6/Blades/DSC04207.jpg The Spirit just has the right number of tools I prefer and it's extremely well built and finished; it's lighter than the larger and heavier Swiss Tool and I like the more needle-nose like plier head. The Leatherman Crunch is their adjustable, vice-lock compact pliers and they come in handy when you need a third hand. BOB: My bug out bag has an older Leatherman Wave. I've always like the features and performance (politics aside). Backpacking: I've found the mini Leatherman PS4 the perfect light weight, "minimalist" multitool. You're not going to do any major repairs, but the pliers are very functional for smaller jobs and the included scissors serve well at cutting our mole skin and doing some minor fabric repairs. It's also my light-weight fishing tool and the pliers are small enough to remove hooks deep in a bass's mouth. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v440/ROCK-6/Blades/DSC04194.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v440/ROCK-6/Blades/DSC04198.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v440/ROCK-6/Blades/DSC04199.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v440/ROCK-6/Blades/DSC04201.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v440/ROCK-6/Blades/DSC04203.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v440/ROCK-6/Blades/DSC04204.jpg ROCK6 TSA agent, aren't you?  |
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I have decent collection of multi-tools from over the years with my original PST from the 80's. Leatherman, SOG, Gerber, Kershaw, Victornix are the majority of what I've used. For current offerings, I think Victornix is at the top for fit and finish but Leatherman and SOG are excellent competitors with proven performance. I'm not too enthusiastic about Gerber...just bad experiences over the years. Their one-handed pliers access is cool, but not enough to make up for the rest of the tool. It's been an evolutionary journey but here's what I've ended up with: EDC (military occupation): I carry both a Victorninox Spirit and Leatherman Crunch http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v440/ROCK-6/Blades/DSC04207.jpg The Spirit just has the right number of tools I prefer and it's extremely well built and finished; it's lighter than the larger and heavier Swiss Tool and I like the more needle-nose like plier head. The Leatherman Crunch is their adjustable, vice-lock compact pliers and they come in handy when you need a third hand. BOB: My bug out bag has an older Leatherman Wave. I've always like the features and performance (politics aside). Backpacking: I've found the mini Leatherman PS4 the perfect light weight, "minimalist" multitool. You're not going to do any major repairs, but the pliers are very functional for smaller jobs and the included scissors serve well at cutting our mole skin and doing some minor fabric repairs. It's also my light-weight fishing tool and the pliers are small enough to remove hooks deep in a bass's mouth. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v440/ROCK-6/Blades/DSC04194.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v440/ROCK-6/Blades/DSC04198.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v440/ROCK-6/Blades/DSC04199.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v440/ROCK-6/Blades/DSC04201.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v440/ROCK-6/Blades/DSC04203.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v440/ROCK-6/Blades/DSC04204.jpg ROCK6 TSA agent, aren't you?
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