Suggestions for a multi tool?

[cobrajoe]

I've been thinking, there is something missing in my EDC rotation: A quality multi-tool.

I'd like something mid sized, not too big, not too small, but with enough strength and usefullness to do some emergency vehicular surgery if needed.

So far, I've been eyeballing some SOG's (Some version of the powerlock specefically) and a couple Leatherman's (most notably the Crunch), but I always keep coming back to the byrd/spyderench.

Right now, I'm kinda leaning twords a byrdrench, but I would love some other suggestions.

What do you say?

[SimpleIsGood229]

I highly recommend the Leatherman Charge. www.leatherman.com is where you can look at the various Charge models. What I really like about them are the very good ergonomics (no sharp edges resulting in comfort even during white-knuckling), the interchangable driver bits, full flat ground blades (154CM or S30V), beefed up plier jaws, bronze blade bushings (smoooth blade opening), and the fact that every implement locks. If you don't mind a cheap blade alloy (probably 420), you can go with the Wave and save around $30.00-$40.00.

Bottom line: you can't wrong with a new generation Leatherman!:cool:

[Lostification]

The first thing I think of when someone says multi-tool, I think of Leatherman.

[ASHTXSNIPER]

I have Sog and Leatherman tools. I edc a LM wave or a LM surge. I have 2 charge tti's and 1 surge on the way to me.

[SimpleIsGood229]

I have 2 charge tti's and 1 surge on the way to me.
You will love them! I love my TTi!:cool:

[Chucula]

I was going to suggest the victorinox swisstool, but it is big. As others have suggested, leatherman makes good plier tools that will be in your size range.

[WinstonWolf]

I used to be HUGE Leatherman fan - till I found the Victorinox Multi tool - never looking back.

WW

[GradeMaker]

Vic Spirit.

[malice4you]

I've had 2 large leathermans and 2 smaller ones so far - the super tool and wave, and then the micra and a radio-shack ?squirt? (it's got wire strippers instead of scissors/pliars). All of them have served me well. I lost the super tool, but the others I still own and enjoy using. The wave I carry on a daily basis, the other leatherman tools I carry as I need them.

I also own two sog paratools. To be totally honest, I got both of them only because they were so inexpensive. I would have gotten leathermen tools, but the sogs are great for the price *I* paid. For the price they usually go for, I would rather get a leatherman.

I'm thinking of upgrading to the charge tti for higher quality parts, though I honestly don't use the blades on my leatherman very often and I'm not sure that it'd be worth it for me.

I've got no problem suggesting getting a leatherman - I've enjoyed the use of my leatherman tools for years.

[yablanowitz]

I have had nine of the older style Leatherman Waves. I personally don't care for the interchangable bits on the newer model - the bits are too short to suit me. That's why I bought my ninth Wave a couple of weeks ago (I found an old model in a display case at the hardware store). I have given several away as gifts, so I only have four left that I can find.

I kept breaking tools on them, mostly screwdriver blades and generally by using them for other than their design purpose. I liked the tool so much that every time I broke one, I bought another one. I finally decided that was getting a bit expensive, so I e-mailed Leatherman to see if I could get them repaired for a fee. I explained that it was my fault on every one of them, there were no manufacturing defects involved, and I would be happy to pay for the repairs.

Their reply was: "They're covered. Send them in."

I packed up six Waves, two Originals, a Supertool and two Micras and sent them off. That was about fifteen years worth of accumulated screwups. Got a box back about a month later with all the tools repaired at no charge.

I have a hard time endorsing anything else :D

[cobrajoe]

Wow, a lot of positive reccomendations for a leatherman.

I'm still eyeballing that crunch. It may not be as quick as the standard style model, but I grew up on a farm and I know the usefulness of a set of vice grips :D

That's the only thing that worries me about the leatherman tools; I usually don't find the pliers on those style of tools to be that useful (granted, I never had a true leatherman). That's why I contine to consider the spyderench.

[vampyrewolf]

I used a crunch for a while, ended up peeling it out of my grip to send to jimd in a trade last year. Hard to beat a pair of vice grips.

Over the years I've gone through (owned and lost or traded): 1 crunch 2 PSTs, 3 sideclips, 3-4 micras... and a dozen cheap multi's before I did the math and started buying leatherman.

still own a surge, core, juice s2, and the radio shack squirt (much easier than finding proper strippers at work). Checked out the SOG and vnox multi's at my local, can't find anything that makes em better than LM in my books.

[i.v]

I'm going to have to second the Vic Spirit, I work with it every single day and it's great.. Try to handle one :cool:

[Simple Man]

I prefer the SOG Powerlock, I fouled the cutters on a Leatherman within the first hour of getting it, I took it back, carried on with the Gerber for a while then got a Powerlock and haven't looked back. It is a bit heavier than some others, but it has not even flinched as I beat it mercilessly. SOG's CS has also treated me well getting different tools to customize it to my liking.

[yablanowitz]

Wow, a lot of positive reccomendations for a leatherman.

I'm still eyeballing that crunch. It may not be as quick as the standard style model, but I grew up on a farm and I know the usefulness of a set of vice grips :D

That's the only thing that worries me about the leatherman tools; I usually don't find the pliers on those style of tools to be that useful (granted, I never had a true leatherman). That's why I contine to consider the spyderench.

I had a Crunch (I may still have it somewhere, but I haven't seen it in a long time). It was pretty handy to have and a PITA to use. Not like the Wave that you can open and use with one hand. Just my opinion, for what it is worth.

I also found the offset jaws on the Spyderwrench to be very annoying, although the adjustable end wrench makes up for it somewhat.

I have multi-tools from Gerber, SOG, Winchester (Chinese made), Sheffield, Schrade, Leatherman and probably a few others I have forgotten. I have been carrying Leatherman tools for about twenty years now. Nothing else comes close for me.

[Jenner 515]

I have a Leatheman Wave, and a Gerber,

My two SOG tools have ourperformed wither of them.
I carry and use regulalry a SOG Powerlock and a SOG Paratool. The Powerlock is HEavy Duty I beat up on this thing pretty regularly.

The Paratool is great because of the way the tools folds makes it pretty compact and the head can pivot making it a bit more versatile for certain jobs.

[vampyrewolf]

I had a Crunch (I may still have it somewhere, but I haven't seen it in a long time). It was pretty handy to have and a PITA to use. Not like the Wave that you can open and use with one hand. Just my opinion, for what it is worth.


Just takes practice, but the crunch CAN be done one handed ;)

[Kaizen]

I EDC an old version Leatherman Wave. I'm not a heavy use tool guy, so I haven't had the scenario where I puch it to it's limits, but it has suited me fine. I'd get the Charge, but everytime I consider going that high in price, I'd rather get a Spydie...

[raven]

I have the LM Wave (older model), just picked up a Core, and a Bucktool. Not real fond of the Bucktool, it has to much flex in the handles when squeezing. Both Leatherman's are top notch ;) :cool: . Take Good Care All and Be Safe.

God Bless :)


-raven-

[Jimd]

I have a Leatherman Crunch, two Micras, and a Gerber multi-tool. I like 'em all, they're very useful, especially the Crunch and Gerber.

Multi-tools don't often get a lot of attention from me because I'm more into "tactical" knives, but having the equivelant of a tool box in your pocket certainly is an advantage!

[kimjune01]

These days, the new multitool from Leatherman, the Skeletool is getting a lot of attention. I'm planning to get one myself.
It features:
pocket clip
locking bit
carabiner/bottle opener
big blade
the plier

http://forum.multitool.org/index.php?topic=2204.0

*edit*
we have a thread about it
http://spyderco.com/forums/showthread.php?t=29840

[KaliGman]

Between my wife and I (she loves multitools about as much as I love the more self defense and fighting oriented cutlery:D) we have 2 Leatherman tools, 3 Gerbers, and 2 Spyderwrenches. Both my wife and I are currently really enamored of the Spyderwrench. Lots of tools have pliers, but if you need an adjustable wrench, the Spydie is the way to go. The fact that you can separate the tool into two, use the wrench to hold a nut and use the other half of the tool to drive a screw/bolt is a really nifty feature.

My vote--Spyderwrench.

[cobrajoe]

Hey Kali,

Have you or your wife used the spyderench to any extent yet? I've done some searching on the spydie and most people think it's more of a toy than an actualy wrench. I sure do love the uniquness and engineering that went into it though.

I'm sure I'll probably get more than one, I do love to have different options :D

For a starter, I'm leaning towards a LM though...

[uhiforgot]

Well here's another vote for the Leatherman (more specifically the Wave) and one vote, however unfortunately, against the Spyderench.

Why not the Spyderench? Because you are a fellow leftie, and it's not designed with us southpaws in mind :o ...at all... :(

Leatherman, on the other hand, is relatively ambi even in the sense of the linerlocked blades on the wrong side of the tool. I haven't used the blades in years though since upping my Spydie count. The Wave seems to have the best combination of practical tools and ergonomics (your hands won't be uncomfortable when gripping tight with the pliers).

The new Skeletool looks fascinating too :confused: :)

[silverback]

Be sure to check out the Victorinox Swisstool and the newer, sleeker Victorinox Spirit! Before the other companies copied it, Victorinox made rounded edges for comfort and locking tools, accessible from the outside.
I love my Swisstool! :)

[WORKER#9]

The Leatherman Sideclip always gets my vote. You can find them on Ebay from time to time.

[spoonrobot]

RE: The Crunch

I EDC a Crunch and have come to love it. Although the pliers style is different than the typical multi they are just as useful in their own right.

How often do you really need a needlenose profile? I found that I didn't actually need the smaller profile and 99% of the time the channel-locking head of the Crunch worked just as well as other multis. Bonus; it can also serve as a mobile clamping system, an added utility.

And it is a simple matter to open and close the Crunch with one hand and the quickness once you practice.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VE3hivu11o

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XcKJN7YtxFg

[KaliGman]

CobraJoe,

We have both used the wrench a bit. Is it as strong as a Craftsman or Snap-On crescent wrench?--Of course not. If I was trying to break loose that pesky bolt securing the U-jpint on a late '80s Alfa Romeo Spyder Veloce (don't ask--I had one once upon a time and it ate U-joints like kids eat Cheerios) I would not use a Spyderwrench. For normal out-and-about use around the house (hanging a wall vacuum in my garage, tightening up a bolt on the gate to my back yard, putting kids toys together) I have no complaints.

[PolishSumgai]

I used to carry a well known name brand multi-tool until I found a couple superior options ( based on 30 years as a fire fighter, police officer and bomb disposal ( EOD ) technician ). I have owned most every multi tool out there and abused them all ( that's why the good ones have a lifetime warranty . ) and the two best for the money are the Victorinox Swiss Army Knife SwissTool RS and the SOG Powerlock S60/62/etc - don't waste your money on anything else - " Leather Guy" can't come close to a SOG or Victorinox in performance and Warranty - in my opinion!!!

Victorinox SwissTool RS (Rescue and Survival). Tools included are: Pliers, Screwdriver (2mm), Screwdriver (3mm), Wire Cutter, Screwdriver (5mm), Bottle Opener, Screwdriver (7.5 mm), Large Blade, Scissors, Seatbelt Cutter, Metal Saw, Wood Saw, Reamer/Punch, Phillips Screwdriver, Chisel/Scraper, Strong Crate Opener, Wire Bender, Wire Stripper, Wire Scraper, Can Opener, Ruler (9 inches), Ruler (230mm), Electrical Crimper, Lanyard Hole . The SwissTool RS has the same features as the original SwissTool with two additional features: seatbelt cutter and scissors - something every first responder needs. Made in Switzerland with a lifetime warranty.

The other multi-tool worth your money is a SOG Powerlock S60/62/etc. This folding tool isn't new, a fact that speaks to its highly regarded Compound Leverage mechanism that generates twice the pressure and gripping power of lesser tools. To wit: this thing is the Jaws of multitools. Beyond strength, you'll love the pivoting handle covers that really do improve comfort and dexterity. All the essential tools are intricately positioned for deployment, including a quarter-inch drive socket, spring-loaded scissors, half-serrated knife blade, saw, several screwdrivers and Phillips-style model, wire cutters, file... and on and on. And for you showoffs out there, the PowerLock's ability to open with a quick flick of the wrist is undeniably cool. The PowerLock features removable, pivoting handle covers that improve the comfort profile for your hand. More pressure can now be exerted on those tough jobs! Like the rest of the family in the PowerPlier series, the PowerLock can be opened and closed with a one-handed flip of the wrist. This is a basic requirement from SOG as so often one is holding wires or standing on a ladder and does not have both hands free. All tool components are easy to access and lock in the open position. The Phillips even locks in two open positions. With one of the simplest and safest locking devices ever engineered, just press the back of the lock and close the component into the handle. Included in the handles of this compact tool box is the first foldable 1/4" drive that will turn sockets or, with a standard adapter, any hex screwdriver tip. It will also turn heads! Scissors can be one of the most used tool components and we have answered that demand with foldable spring-loaded scissors that are extremely sharp. This patent pending marvel only has spring tension in the open position, an additional safety feature. Other components include: plier/gripper, wire cutter, crimper, double toothed wood saw, 1/2 serrated blade, 3-sided file, large screwdriver, Phillips screwdriver, 1/4" drive, awl, can opener/small screwdriver, bottle opener/med. screwdriver, scissors, rulers and lanyard ring. PowerLock also comes with a heavy-duty, dark leather pouch. A standard issue with any SOG multipurpose tool is the advantage of hex bolt construction - making modifications a snap when it comes to adding , removing or modifications to the S60 with new tools that are being introduced on a regular basis by SOG. This essential design element gives you the greatest versatility to clean and change tool components. Features all stainless steel construction and comes with a leather pouch, a Lifetime Guarantee and they are MADE IN THE USA.

[PolishSumgai]

I've been thinking, there is something missing in my EDC rotation: A quality multi-tool.

Right now, I'm kinda leaning towords a Byrdrench, but I would love some other suggestions.


This thread discusses the Byrd and Spyder tools...

http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,2393.0.html

Look at the other areas on this site devoted 100% to Multitools - very informative site with a lot of good info, reviews, trades, sales, etc.

[Mr Blonde]

I owned the older LM Wave and found it way to heavy for EDC. The LM Pulse has a few lesser tools, but I've really taken a liking to it. It has all the tools I need and it's a much more compact and pocket friendly tool. I'm looking forward to try out the re-released Spydewrench.

Wouter

[JD Spydo]

I used to be HUGE Leatherman fan - till I found the Victorinox Multi tool - never looking back.

WW

I have a great deal of respect for the Victorinox Swiss Tool. And I also have a great deal of respect for several of knives and tools out of the Victorinox line. For the price range of their products I think their quality is very respectible.
I just got through working 3 consective 14 hour days this past weekend working with a Sound Engineer for a Fall Fun Fest which included setting up a sound system for 3 Rock Concerts. The 2 Multitools I used were my original Spyderench and my Victorinox Swiss Tool X. There were only 2 occasions I couldn't complete my work and had to go to the boss's main tool box.
I do wish that someday Spyderco would come out with some type of a multitool that would be more like a Leatherman or Victorinox.
But using the Spyderench and Victorinox Swiss Tool X they really go hand in hand and really compliment each other.

[ofelas]

That new Leatherman Skelatool looks real nice, back to basics & lightweight to boot; I prefer the aluminum handle as opposed to the CF handled version though.

[cobrajoe]

Well, I guess I finally took a chance and ordered the Crunch. It hasn't arrived yet, but I'm looking forward to seeing what this guy can do.

I did get one recommendation for a Charge though, a fellow classmate said that it can do almost everything that an engineer would need at his job. Considering that I'm in school trying to become an engineer, I could use such a tool. But then again, once I get my real job, I could try out almost every tool in the leatherman lineup to find the perfect one :D (I hope)