Favorite Multi-tool Brand

Favorite BRAND of multi-tool


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Here's something new from weatherman, put 25 tools on your wrist, or maybe get it as a watch once they release that version.
http://gizmodo.com/a-leatherman-bra...source=gizmodo_facebook&utm_medium=socialflow

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I'll be passing on that. Looks like some fancy jewelry to me.
 
I've got a multi tool I like but I could see myself maybe going for the watch version if I were in a position of needing to look presentable but still need tools in a pinch. That being said it looks like a mess to disassemble, and probably more hassle than it's worth.


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You don't have to disassemble it, the links have enough wiggle room so that you can just fold the watch band flat at the point of the tool you want to use and it's accessible.
 
I'll be passing on that. Looks like some fancy jewelry to me.
That's exactly what I thought. It certainly isn't a replacement for a good multi-tool in your pocket. For a technician, a tool needs to be much more functional than that. It's on about the approriate usefulness as most multi-tools marketed for cyclists - a tool you carry in case an unexpected need for the tool arrises (too bad some of the tools a cyclist would want cant be fit into this format). For a technician, a multi-tool must be close enough to as useful as a purpose built tool to be more convienent than a trip to the toolbox - this tool braclet doesn't look like a fit for that use case.
 
I have a leatherman tread that was a gift. I thought it would be useless fashion, but I find myself using the thing ALL the time for less-than serious stuff.

That being said... I prefer individual tools. I have had many multi-tools and they invariably pinch/cut/stab me when I'd really rather they didn't.

So, I have a non-ratchet UFT instead of the ubiquitous 8" Crescenthammer, A reversable Xcelite phillips/flat head screwdriver, Klein linemans, Xcelite needle nose, Xcelite (old school) pliers.

All that fits tidly into a little gig bag (which used to contain tent pegs) or my 600 kit.
 
I was, about 1 hour ago, gifted a SOG Powerplay, with my name laser engraved on it. Initially, I am impressed with it. I like the compound leverage gears. Hex bit kit included. The bits are held by the base of the pliers when the tool is closed. Magnets on each side magnetize the bit while in place. One side has the serrated blade, straight blade, small flat screwdriver/can opener, Phillips screwdriver, and medium flat screwdriver/bottle opener accessible with the tool closed. the other side has the 3-sided file, large flat screwdriver, jewelry screwdriver, awl, and wood saw accessible with the tool open. All lock open. Needle nose pliers with gripper, wire cutter, and wire crimper. One-hand open. Carrying case holds hex bit kit on the side. Belt loop snaps on the bottom for easy putting on and taking off. Feels comfortable in my hand while just playing with it. Look forward to using it.
I still have, and occasionally use, my Gerber with the interchangeable pliers.
My daily carry is a CRKT M16-13LE, which has a sizable chunk missing from the blade about 1-1/4" back from the tip from hitting live romex while working in my attic. I'm sad that they are discontinued. I would get a new one with a tanto tip, but am turned off by the fixed clip. I like that mine can have the clip in any of the four positions. I have it so the tip is up so that I can pull it out of my pocket with my finger on the opening nub and have it open pretty much as soon as it is out. No messing around with turning the knife to the right orientation to open.
 
Leatherman because of the guarantee and how well built they are. Also I am starting to prefer US build quality over European as they just seem better quality. I find that loads of German products are now made in China.
 
Man, this thread has been hear a long time.

These days I carry a Gerber Center Drive.
 
Indeed! I don't seem to have had a go at it yet, so I'll leave my two (worthless :wall:) pennies:

I haven't worked since the beginning of the year (was trying to focus on school, turned out to be a good time for that!) When I was working full time hours as a supervisor/electrician specialist at a mid-size theme park I always had a Gerber Centerdrive and a Leatherman Raptor sitting next to each other on my belt (along with a nice assortment of makers/pens and a 6" Crescent). The center drive and standard bits really made it worth having, though the lack of scissors made the raptor all the more necessary, and I often found myself reaching for them for most of my cutting needs.
 
Indeed! I don't seem to have had a go at it yet, so I'll leave my two (worthless :wall:) pennies:

I haven't worked since the beginning of the year (was trying to focus on school, turned out to be a good time for that!) When I was working full time hours as a supervisor/electrician specialist at a mid-size theme park I always had a Gerber Centerdrive and a Leatherman Raptor sitting next to each other on my belt (along with a nice assortment of makers/pens and a 6" Crescent). The center drive and standard bits really made it worth having, though the lack of scissors made the raptor all the more necessary, and I often found myself reaching for them for most of my cutting needs.

There is now the Center Drive Plus that has scissors, but it costs a bit more.
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Also for the Center Drive I highly recommend upgrading the brittle carbide cutters with these:

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My multi tool is Leatherman crunch. It has a Vice Grip for the pliers and a few other useful tools. I also usually have a philips head and flat head screwdriver in my pocket. I also have a wave but it spends most of its time in the draw.
 
There are four items I have in my left pocket usually everyday. A Leatherman Micra, a Leatherman Squirt ES4, a Victorinox Spartan and a small flashlight.
 
I was at a job site a few days ago and a "youthful" person asked me for a "tool".

I asked which tool he needed specifically.

A puzzled look rolled over him and he explained that he wanted a "tool, you know like a thing that folds out with a wrench and screwdrivers and a knife"

I asked what he was doing and eventually got to that he needed a Phillips screwdriver.

I flipped open my little waist pouch and gave him the Excelite reversible screwdriver.

He was dumbfounded that you could get a "tool" that only did one thing...

He came back later and declared that it was a "good tool" and wanted to know where to get one.

So I showed him what I carry and talked about why. He was particularly fascinated with the Klein linemans, "It fits my hand so awesome!"

He declared that my "s$!t slaps" and went on his way...

Today he shows up and shows off his own little pouch full of quality discreet tools on his belt...

In my head I'm thinking: "Yer alright kid, you're going to be just fine..."

Great Googly Moogly I am old....
 
I have to admit, that story ended a lot better than I expected.
 

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