Thread: Multi-tools

I think a big part of buying a multi-tool is looking at what you need for blades / tools.
For me - a multitool must have a crosscut saw, good screwdrivers, and a good can opener (seriously).


EVERY multitool I've retired has been because of deformation of the wire cutter. If anyone knows of a particular tool that has better hardening of the wire cutter part of the jaws, or has a more heavy duty wire cutter along with a rounded needle-nose and has the tools mentioned above, I'd be extremely grateful for a recommendation.


Edit: Oooh! I may have just found my ideal tool: http://www.leatherman.com/product/Super_Tool_300
The cutters are replaceable, meaning even when I damage them I can just replace those instead of the whole tool. It also has cutter inserts for hard wire.

Originally Posted by HNSB

I think a big part of buying a multi-tool is looking at what you need for blades / tools.
For me - a multitool must have a crosscut saw, good screwdrivers, and a good can opener (seriously).


EVERY multitool I've retired has been because of deformation of the wire cutter. If anyone knows of a particular tool that has better hardening of the wire cutter part of the jaws, or has a more heavy duty wire cutter along with a rounded needle-nose and has the tools mentioned above, I'd be extremely grateful for a recommendation.

Yeah, mine is all dinged up too. And the small flat blade screw driver is chipped. But otherwise it's still a great tool.

I've been carrying a Leatherman Wingman for a while now. It's not the most amazing thing in the world but I like the pocket clip and while I thought the package opener tool was goofy when I bought it the silly thing has come in handy for those stupid plastic blister packs and packages that seem to come in a bit too regularly for my wife's approval ...
I've been looking at one of these for more heavy duty use: http://www.leatherman.com/product/Super_Tool_300

I've also been oggling the MUT and the Multitasker brand AR multitool. If they would make a non AR specific multi tool I'd buy it in a heartbeat. I like the G10 scales on a multitool as well as the nice materials they use. And for about the same cost as the big name brands.

Originally Posted by HNSB

I think a big part of buying a multi-tool is looking at what you need for blades / tools.
For me - a multitool must have a crosscut saw, good screwdrivers, and a good can opener (seriously).


EVERY multitool I've retired has been because of deformation of the wire cutter. If anyone knows of a particular tool that has better hardening of the wire cutter part of the jaws, or has a more heavy duty wire cutter along with a rounded needle-nose and has the tools mentioned above, I'd be extremely grateful for a recommendation.


Edit: Oooh! I may have just found my ideal tool: Leatherman multi-tools: Super Tool 300
The cutters are replaceable, meaning even when I damage them I can just replace those instead of the whole tool. It also has cutter inserts for hard wire.

Sounds like the right one for you but I did not see scissors. I use the scissors a lot. While small, they are so sharp and strong they will cut through the blister packs and other rather heavy materials.

Right now I am using a SOG PowerLock with the V-cutter tool. I don't use the v-cutter much, but it is nice for blister packs.
If you use a scissor tool a lot, you may want to give that a look.

SOG PowerLock Multi Tool with V Cutter From SOG Specialty Knives & Tools

I have several and like my Schrade the best. I had one of the victorinox tools and gave it to a friend because it is chrome plated and very slick. Hard to hold on to sometimes. My schrade is a little bit larger than some but seems to be stronger.

Which model of Schrade mackie?

I had a Schrade years ago, and I loved the design of it. In that regard it was one of my favorites that I've ever owned.
Unfortunately in that particular tool the metal was very soft - not only in the jaws, but in several of the blades. It didn't last me very long.

If they're still making them with those ergonomics but with better steel, I may look into getting another one.


and... if anyone is following along: yes, I am very hard on my multi-tools.

Originally Posted by HNSB

.......................
and... if anyone is following along: yes, I am very hard on my multi-tools.

Nothing wrong with being hard on multitools . Or getting annoyed with soft metal in them.
I have a Gerber tool (don't remember the model but it's close to 10 years old and is the model that the pliers slide out of the handles) that had super soft material. The second time I cut wire with it the cutters bent. A few weeks later I was tightening up a bolt and the Phillips head screw driver stripped and tore mostly off.
Loved the design, hated the quality of the materials.

I carry a Leatherman 'Squirt' on my keys. Only problem is opening a beer when I'm driving...
I also carry a little Swiss Army knife with the scissors on the key bunch too...

Originally Posted by HNSB

Right now I am using a SOG PowerLock with the V-cutter tool. I don't use the v-cutter much, but it is nice for blister packs.
If you use a scissor tool a lot, you may want to give that a look.

SOG PowerLock Multi Tool with V Cutter From SOG Specialty Knives & Tools

That is a nice looking tool. Actually, I did not know to use the v-cutter on blister packs but I will certainly give it a try. Thanks for the tip.

If you looking for a multitool, just always remember that scene in "127 Hours" when he says "note to self, do not buy a cheap made in China multitool" or something along that line.