Favorite Multi-tool Brand

[DrewE]

If you went to a tool store and they sold a standalone version of a tool on your multitool, would you buy it?

Me neither.

Let's see; I already have standalone screwdrivers, can openers, pliers, wire cutters, chisels, files, utility knives....

Nope, I probably would not buy it, but only because I already have acceptably decent standalone tools of most of the ones on my multitool.

 

[Lyle Williams]

My point is that a multitool brings together the very worst version of every tool.

 

[gafftapegreenia]

If you went to a tool store and they sold a standalone version of a tool on your multitool, would you buy it?

Me neither.

Depends on the part of the tool



I always wished Leatherman would make a forged pair of pliers based off of their versatile plier design. Looks like Knipex has done it.
Leatherman and Victorinox have rather fine wood saws on their tools as well.

 

[Lyle Williams]

"rather fine wood saws"

... but how many carpenters and arborists have you seen working with that kind of saw?

 

[TimMc]

"rather fine wood saws"

... but how many carpenters and arborists have you seen working with that kind of saw?

None, because they carry the full tools of their trade or craft as they use them constantly. The purpose of a multi tool is being able to deal with a thing that needs tightened, loosened, cut, turned, crushed or smacked "right freakin' now" and regular tools are inaccessible or inconvenient.

 

[Jay Ashworth]

My point is that a multitool brings together the very worst version of every tool.

And puts them within reach of your hand, everywhere you go, yes.

And for that, the scissors on my Gerber Diesel are pretty much tied with my D-snips, until you're *actually cutting wire*.

 

[Crisp image]

Lets face it. use the correct tool for the job. A multitool is a get out of jail item. They are a good bit of kit to use for that little random job but for best results and multiple repeats a proper tool made for the job will be better and less frustrating. I bet we have all held a nut with a pair of pliers instead of going to get a spanner and then rounding off the said nut only to make more work for ourselves. Multitools are great and I have one in my pocket everyday for those incidental jobs. I also have a Philips and flat blade screwdriver in my pocket at work too.

 

[Kelite]

This rather amusing off-brand tool has saved my bacon a time or two, which is why it resides within a road case of cable and misc. lighting items-

 

[ndp]

Leatherman Free is the best I've tried, came out a year or two back. I carried an OG Wave, then a Wingman, and then got the Free P2 in the summer of 2019. The magnetic latching tech is awesome, can open the unit one-handed. The only thing I miss from the Wingman is the spring-loaded pliers, but lacking them isn't exactly earth-shattering.

I love having nice high-quality tools if I'm going to sit down and do a repair or something, but I use my Leatherman several dozen times a day at this point. It's mighty convenient.