Posted: 7/12/2012 12:56:41 PM EDT
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Ok, I searched but didn't really find what I'm looking for... Here's the skinny. I'm looking for a multi-tool that I can add to my duty belt via pouch. It must have the typical items (ie: cross and blade screwdrivers, etc) but I also need a pliers/wire cutter. I work in the field on a vast number of unrelated items, from squad cars to hydraulics to laptops and the list goes on and on. I carry a number of tools in my squad, but sometimes I don't have the luxury of running back to it to get what I need. Would like to find something that doesn't break the bank, but I will buy once/cry once. Going to cross post this in the blade forum as well, but sometimes people have different opinions on what's cool vs. what's usable/viable in the field. Guys who work on cars/PC's will have a unique perspective as I may be called upon to do both, amongst other things.... Ok....GO! |
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Victorinox Swisstool. ihave had many multi tools in my life, But this one I have to say is the best. All blades are accesible from the outside, Open it up for the pliers, this let the company put a gentle roll on the material where you squeeze at. Thats what most people point out when I let them use it.
I'm a machinist, and do all my own home/auto repairs, so I use this thing ATLEAST twice a day. I have had it for over a year and just a week or so ago I told my wife it was the best purchase I have ever made. YMMV |
| Another vote for the leatherman wave. serrated + pointed blades both thumb accessible from outside, saw and files also accessible via outside but using nail indentations. Convenient since you don't accidentally pull out the saw when you need a knife. Wire cutters/pliers when you open it up. Has a wire stripper, can opener works fine, multiple bitdrivers (tiny and large) with replacable bits; you can actually get a 30 piece bitdriver set for the fucker :)... it's a great tool; i don't work in any type of physical job (i write software for a living), but my wave goes everywhere with me on my belt.. |
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I loved my Sog Pocket PowerPliers. Great tool that I beat into the ground. What i liked about the SOG tools is that you can replace or swap the tools.
I left it sitting on a bunk at the IBOLC FOB at Ft. Benning summer of 2010.  I miss that tool, and none of the Gerbers I've owned hold a candle to it.
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Quoted:
Ok, I searched but didn't really find what I'm looking for... Here's the skinny. I'm looking for a multi-tool that I can add to my duty belt via pouch. It must have the typical items (ie: cross and blade screwdrivers, etc) but I also need a pliers/wire cutter. I work in the field on a vast number of unrelated items, from squad cars to hydraulics to laptops and the list goes on and on. I carry a number of tools in my squad, but sometimes I don't have the luxury of running back to it to get what I need. I have the super leatherman on both of my duty belts. A multitool is a compromise tool to be sure, but the super leatherman has always taken care of my misc hand tool needs |
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Victorinox Swisstool. It is far and away the best multitool I have ever used. It has pletny of tools all easily accessible from the outside. Great pliers and wirecutters. Just hold one and you will immediately feel the difference in quality compared to anything leatherman or gerber sells. I carried a swisstool through countless Army schools and training exercises as well as an Iraq deployment and there isn't a speck of rust on it despite it being submerged in Florida's finest swamps. I had to retire a gerber because after a week in the field between my sweat and the humidity it would be covered in rust.
I don't make many gear recommendations, but I will stand on the rooftops and sing the praises of the Swisstool. |
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Quoted:
Victorinox Swisstool. ihave had many multi tools in my life, But this one I have to say is the best. All blades are accesible from the outside, Open it up for the pliers, this let the company put a gentle roll on the material where you squeeze at. Thats what most people point out when I let them use it. I'm a machinist, and do all my own home/auto repairs, so I use this thing ATLEAST twice a day. I have had it for over a year and just a week or so ago I told my wife it was the best purchase I have ever made. YMMV +1, after 762 picked one up I bought one off the EE. Best multitool I've had (I've owned several Gerbers and Leathermans). |
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Overall, I'd recommend a Leatherman Charge TTi. Yeah, it's pricey, but it is well made, functional, and well thought out.
I also have a SOG Powerassist, and while the pliers are better than any other multi-tool I've seen, the rest leaves a lot to be desired. There aren't as many tools inside, and they don't like to come out individually. The piano lock isn't all it's cracked up to be, IMO. The Gerbers are OK, if you don't constantly pinch your hand with them, and don't want your blades to be easily accessible or particularly well designed. |
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I would recommend Tim Leatherman tools, true I don't agree with his politics, but he makes some pretty darn good tools.. I have been using the smaller Wave for a number of years and it hasn't disappointed me. I would recommend the smaller Wave, I understand there is a more recent Wave, that is like the Leather Super-Tool.
The newer Wave-type tools, up a better steel in their knife blades, a better scissors, and a stronger needle nose pliers. Mine is an older Wave model. |
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What I’m wearing now and have been for the past few years are both a Victorniox Spirit multitool and a Leatherman Crunch. Since I too have to deal with some computer/electronics issues, I pack along a compact pen-sized screw driver (has two small slotted and two small Philips heads).
I do have a few Leatherman Wave multitools and can heartily recommend them as well, but I’ve really appreciated the Spirit multitool for my needs. Now, I would caveat that I also pack along a quality folding knife, so having a premium, quick access blade on my multitool is not a necessity. The Wave will give you that option if it’s a requirement. The Crunch is just an extra set of hands when I need them and although they don’t get used as much, they are much appreciated when you do need them. The larger Swiss Tool is also great, but just too big for EDC…the Spirit is a little smaller and just as robust; it even feels more “refined”. ROCK6 |
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Quoted:
Victorinox Swisstool. It is far and away the best multitool I have ever used. It has pletny of tools all easily accessible from the outside. Great pliers and wirecutters. Just hold one and you will immediately feel the difference in quality compared to anything leatherman or gerber sells. I carried a swisstool through countless Army schools and training exercises as well as an Iraq deployment and there isn't a speck of rust on it despite it being submerged in Florida's finest swamps. I had to retire a gerber because after a week in the field between my sweat and the humidity it would be covered in rust. I don't make many gear recommendations, but I will stand on the rooftops and sing the praises of the Swisstool. THIS Didn't we do this not too long ago? Victorinox is to Multitools what HK is to guns. It is what all the others measured by but it only costs $100! |
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Leatherman Surge, FTW!!! Been carrying one for 5 years now, Me+It=Unstoppable. Had one for two years so far, and though it looks like crap now it still works fine 
The Surge has been the only multi-tool I've owned that I haven't been able to break, and it gets used daily. |
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I had a Gerber years ago. I wasn't impressed - I cut some tie wire and dented the cutter blades and the knife blades didn't hold an edge worth a damn. I tried the old Leatherman supertool and it was good enough to stick with the brand until it got stolen. I replaced it with a Surge and a collection of exchangeable bits.
Recently, I wanted a new Leatherman for fishing, so I bought a Core. The wire cutters wouldn't cut the thin nylon-clad wire I use for bite leaders. It just kinked it. I put that one in my BoB and got a Supertool 300 with the replaceable wire cutter blades. I'm happy. In all, I've found that the Leatherman tools have reasonable steel for the blades, a well-rounded complement of tools and a decent lock. I haven't been motivated to change from the brand. My experience with Gerber was with models fifteen years ago, so they may have made strides. |
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Leatherman Surge, FTW!!! Been carrying one for 5 years now, Me+It=Unstoppable. Had one for two years so far, and though it looks like crap now it still works fine
The Surge has been the only multi-tool I've owned that I haven't been able to break, and it gets used daily. I hear ya! Im on my second one, but thats because I lost my first one in an ACTUAL tragic boating/fishing accident. 
Recently enough actually that my new one is still not broken in to where I'd like it. I miss the pliers just dropping open, right now I sitll have to "open them". They are rather indestructible, the only thing I've heard (from a buddy) was his hard-wire cutters were getting dull on it after three years. But no worries, because he sent it back and had it refurbished for the cost of shipping due to Leatherman's outstanding warranty program. Theres only one downside I've noticed (and its because I carry it at 3 oclock), it gets snagged on every chair and doorway I walk by. hahaha 
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| I have carried a Leatherman Blast for about 6 years and it has been great. I recently acquired a Wave, too, but I never carry it as the Blast is still going strong. However the Wave is more user friendly and can do more things. I will join others and suggest a Leatherman Wave. |
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Quoted:
Victorinox Swisstool. It is far and away the best multitool I have ever used. It has pletny of tools all easily accessible from the outside. Great pliers and wirecutters. Just hold one and you will immediately feel the difference in quality compared to anything leatherman or gerber sells. I carried a swisstool through countless Army schools and training exercises as well as an Iraq deployment and there isn't a speck of rust on it despite it being submerged in Florida's finest swamps. I had to retire a gerber because after a week in the field between my sweat and the humidity it would be covered in rust. I don't make many gear recommendations, but I will stand on the rooftops and sing the praises of the Swisstool. +1. |
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Overall, I'd recommend a Leatherman Charge TTi. Yeah, it's pricey, but it is well made, functional, and well thought out. I also have a SOG Powerassist, and while the pliers are better than any other multi-tool I've seen, the rest leaves a lot to be desired. There aren't as many tools inside, and they don't like to come out individually. The piano lock isn't all it's cracked up to be, IMO. The Gerbers are OK, if you don't constantly pinch your hand with them, and don't want your blades to be easily accessible or particularly well designed. I agree with this. I've been carrying mine since March. Use it almost daily. Love the one handed open on the knife and serrated blade. |