Pocket multi tools

[Kscardsfan]

I need a decent multi tool to leave in my uniform pants for work. Does anyone here have strong opinions or first hand knowledge about any of what’s out there now? When I was growing up you had the Gerber tool and the original Leatherman tool. Now the market has exploded and I’m overwhelmed by all the available options.

 

[Robinson1]

To me atleast the Gerbers always felt like toys when compared side by side with Leatherman.

Yes I agree the market has exploded and you have to wade through alot of BS to find something worth buying. And as far as I'm concerned Leatherman is still the brand to own.

First of all you need to decide if you want to be able to access the knife blade without unfolding the tool.

If the answer is yes you are most likely looking at a Leatherman Wave.

if the answer is no or you dont care you are most likely looking at a Leatherman Rebar

I think the Leatherman "Free" line is a bit gimmicky and over priced.

On a whole I like the tool selection of a Rebar better than a Wave.

I dont fully understand why the Wingman, Rev and Signal even exist. Thry are just neutered versions of the Wave

 

[sparky 1971]

I have two 20+ year old Leatherman tools that may not even be made anymore. One is the Skeletool and the other is the Sidekick. I like both, but have to admit to rarely carrying either. If I were to choose one, it would be the Skeletool. Pliers, knife, and a bit holder with a slotted and phillips bit. The Sidekick has a bunch of stuff I would never use like a saw, file, and bottle opener. If I remember correctly, I couldn't decide which to buy, so I bought them both at the same time. I had my choices narrowed down to the two because they were the only two Leatherman tools that had the knife accessible without opening up the handles and had a pocket clip. When I did use one consistently, the only tools I really cared about were the knife and pliers.

I also have had the Original as well as the Super Tool. Those were way back in the mid 90's. I lost one and the other may have also been misplaced, but I think it was stolen. I didn't care for either of those because I couldn't access the knife without opening the whole thing up and it was next to impossible to get the knife blades sharp. They were dull out of the package and nothing I did would fix that. I'm sure the steel has been improved as the two I currently have are razor sharp and I can put an edge on them in no time.

 

[Dave455]

I’m not a total multitool fan, but they do have their uses.

I haven’t been impressed by the quality of the Gerber’s I’ve seen. The Leatherman’s seem to be acceptable. Best of the bunch are undoubtedly the Victorinox.

A lot of the available tools are quite big and hefty. Good in some respects, but if you’re not careful you can end up carrying something that’s heavier (and more expensive) than the correct tools.

I like the Victorinox Swiss Tool Spirit. Excellent quality and not too big.

And also the Leatherman Bond. It’s relatively new, but very similar to the original concept, which I like.

One other option, depending on what you do, is to carry a small but decent pair of pliers, bit driver, and pocket knife. I sometimes do this, but sometimes the multi tool wins on compactness, or because it’s all stainless steel.

 

[bobg03]

I have an original Leatherman at least 30yo old, easy to pocket carry. I also purchased a Rebar a few years ago, it sits..lol.
I lost my Leatherman Supertool into the ocean, I miss it RIP.
I also have a 25 year old Gerber, perfect for fishing but not for the pocket. It has it advanfages but always (even new) felt sloppy vs a leatherman, but it's a one handed deal to get to pliers, and so far it has not gone swimming.

The selection is ludicrous, my OM opinion is to go with an original style.

 

[Citation]

How big? I carry a micro Victorinox knife that includes a pen and small Phillips driver. I like small because I carry so much in my pockets anymore.

I used to carry a Leatherman Squirt. It was good quality but mine lacked scissors which I use quite a bit.

The Leatherman Juice is another option about the size of a traditional Swiss army knife

 

[jives]

Selection depends on the tools you need, and how big a tool you can carry in your pocket. I have two Leathermans -- original and mini -- and never use them. Stashed in the car or a drawer. Use my tiny keychain Victorinox Swiss Army knife almost daily.

 

[tez929rr]

I wear a Skeletool every day. I use the pliers and screwdrivers on occasion but the knife all the time. It's compact enough to be comfortable in your pocket.

 

[Old Donn]

I carry a Leatherman Skeletool also. It's not the fanciest, doesn't have a lot of bells & whistles, but it's small, has a pocket clip, and does what I need it to.

 

[Terra Nova]

Leatherman Wave user here. Going 15+ years old. Plenty happy with it. Added a pocket clip and carry it like a pocket knife.

 

[uratool]

Usually have a Leatherman rebar on me....cheap enough (i've lost a few) seems to be well made, use the knife, pliers and file the most, overall size is relatively compact. Used to like (compactness and interlocking teeth of the plier head)the SOG powerpliers before they changed the plier design and many years ago liked the sliding plier version of the Gerber, found the Gerber the other day and what a bulky POS that thing is.

 

[Paco Pena]

I found a Leatherman skeletool in a local gravel pit. Its something that I never would have bought or thought useful but it quickly found a home clipped inside a front pocket and gets used almost daily. If it ever disappears I will be looking for a real nice one.

Paco

 

[Roobaix]

Multitools never quite work for me although I have a few. The Leatherman Surge is my favorite for tools, but it's huge and heavy.

These days I EDC a nice knife, small bit changer screwdriver w/ bits, a tiny tape measure, a pen, and a notebook. I'll add in pliers if needed but I can usually do pretty much everything I need with that.

 

[ZX3ST]

Skeletool here too and love it. Light enough to be a daily carry. Has everything I need and nothing I don't.

They make them in several blade configurations, with my preference going to the combo drop-point/serrated blade.

 

[tez929rr]

Multitools never quite work for me although I have a few. The Leatherman Surge is my favorite for tools, but it's huge and heavy.

These days I EDC a nice knife, small bit changer screwdriver w/ bits, a tiny tape measure, a pen, and a notebook. I'll add in pliers if needed but I can usually do pretty much everything I need with that.

It’s like a compact tool kit - it might have what you need. I know mine has come in handy often - especially the pliers. I was surprised by how often I use the knife compared to the other tools.

 

[JradM]

Check out the new SOG Flash MT.

I think the Leatherman Skeletool is the default choice for carrying in your pocket. It's not the best multi-tool, but you will actually have it when you need it - most multi tools are tool heavy to pocket carry comfortably.

I have several multi-tools. The Skeletool is the only one I'm willing to EDC. It has just the right amount and type of tools to make it worth keeping on my person.

However, I bring up the new SOG Flash MT because it seems like a direct competitor. It's got very attractive features, but I haven't seen one in person.

It's got one more tool, it's lighter, shorter, plain blade (vs half-serrated on Leatherman's cheaper Skeletool), it's cheaper, compound pliers, deeper pocket carry... I really like what I'm reading about it and I would give it serious thought if I didn't already have a skeletool.

 

[tez929rr]

Check out the new SOG Flash MT.

I think the Leatherman Skeletool is the default choice for carrying in your pocket. It's not the best multi-tool, but you will actually have it when you need it - most multi tools are tool heavy to pocket carry comfortably.

I have several multi-tools. The Skeletool is the only one I'm willing to EDC. It has just the right amount and type of tools to make it worth keeping on my person.

However, I bring up the new SOG Flash MT because it seems like a direct competitor. It's got very attractive features, but I haven't seen one in person.

It's got one more tool, it's lighter, shorter, plain blade (vs half-serrated on Leatherman's cheaper Skeletool), it's cheaper, compound pliers, deeper pocket carry... I really like what I'm reading about it and I would give it serious thought if I didn't already have a skeletool.

Damn this forum costs me a lot of money.

 

[Bubba Fett]

I have a Leatherman Sidekick. It's a budget-oriented tool, but I don't use multi-tools that much, and I didn't want to spend big money on one, as they can get lost or confiscated. I may upgrade at some point, but so far I'm happy with it.

 

[Shiftless]

My leatherman Micra and my Fenix AAA flashlight are on my key ring.
(I have the original big leatherman in a sheath there in the car.) I use one or the other or both just about every day.

 

[GeoBruin]

Crunch!

 

[lardy1]

When I was working on the freighters I kept a Leatherman Wingman model. It was an asset to me and I still have it. It has held up well. I never really carried it except on the ships. I find them bulky for everyday.

 

[Professional Tool User]

I would go look at Leatherman's line up and see if there is anything you like. I own a Wave and I love it.

 

[moab11]

Leatherman Skeletool here also. I use the knife all of the time, but having the pliers and screwdriver come in handy many times too. Beefy enough to do some work, but still small enough to keep in your pocket and not really notice.

I also usually have a leatherman style CS(discontinued for some stupid reason, the scissors are super handy to have). The Micra is the closest leatherman still makes, but a bit bulkier.

 

[Keep]

Been carrying a Gerber for 25+ years. Got a black one while in the Army and never looked back. It does have a couple good points, and a couple draw backs, the biggest being the pinch and nasty blood blisters it will give you if the damn pliers slip off when you are cranking down on it and it pinches your hand in between the arms.

I love the quick snap out of the pliers, always hated the leatherman "fold out" pliers.

The current Gerber I have is a replacement, I snapped the file on my last one, sent them a picture hoping for a new file, they sent me a whole new unit, one with the carbide inserts on the wire cutters. Nice little unit.

 

[CS454]

You might want to look into the Victorinox Deluxe Tinker, 93mm SAK with a set of pliers and scissors built in. Fave of mine.

Previously I carried a LM Surge on my belt for 10+ years. It's a heavy, bulky tool that'll do the job. I also have a few other MT's, and honestly don't carry them much.

Average day I carry an Carbon Opinel No. 10 paired to an 18650 light. Good enough.

 

[Grokew]

It’s like a compact tool kit - it might have what you need. I know mine has come in handy often - especially the pliers. I was surprised by how often I use the knife compared to the other tools.

What if you find yourself needing the pliers to hold a nut or something while needing to use one of the screwdrivers at the same time?

Is it better to carry a pliers based multitool and a multibit screwdriver, or a Swiss Army Knife and a small pair of combination or locking pliers?

Pliers alternatives for the SAK would be locking pliers with cutters, combination pliers, or chain nose/radio pliers.

Locking pliers seem like the best option.

 

[Kscardsfan]

While I appreciate the weight/bulk concerns, I’m wearing an bulletproof outer carrier and a gun belt on my person for work, so an extra 8-12 Oz probably isn’t going to make or break me in this scenario lol. But the ability to access the knife without opening it up and ease of accessing the pliers are definitely things I keep in mind with regards to what I end up buying. There is a small pocket on the 5.11 duty pants we wear and it’s basically the perfect size for a multi tool, and for a quick tightening of a screw or adjusting a door hinge etc they’re just about right to have on your person vs walking back to the truck or driving to the shop to get some real tools out.

 

[Jlarson]

I usually run an Leatherman OHT, its either in my pocket or the door of my service truck.

 

[JradM]

While I appreciate the weight/bulk concerns, I’m wearing an bulletproof outer carrier and a gun belt on my person for work, so an extra 8-12 Oz probably isn’t going to make or break me in this scenario lol.

Ha! That literally changes everything. Most of us, me included, were suggesting multitools for pants pocket carry.

 

[GeoBruin]

Ha! That literally changes everything. Most of us, me included, were suggesting multitools for pants pocket carry.

Yep. If you plan to carry it in a holster on a belt, size/weight considerations go out the window. Find one with the tools you want and call it good. That said, I would have a folding knife in my pocket and a multi-tool in a holster on my belt. A good, lightweight folder provides a much better blade than you will find in any multi-tool and they're so light and thin as to be almost invisible. Then you get to concentrate the multi-tool on the non-blade features.

Again, for the pliers function, check out the crunch.

 

[will335i]

Does anyone have experience with the gerber dime? Looks like a good mix of size and tools for a pocket carry.

 

[bobg03]

While I appreciate the weight/bulk concerns, I’m wearing an bulletproof outer carrier and a gun belt on my person for work, so an extra 8-12 Oz probably isn’t going to make or break me in this scenario lol. But the ability to access the knife without opening it up and ease of accessing the pliers are definitely things I keep in mind with regards to what I end up buying. There is a small pocket on the 5.11 duty pants we wear and it’s basically the perfect size for a multi tool, and for a quick tightening of a screw or adjusting a door hinge etc they’re just about right to have on your person vs walking back to the truck or driving to the shop to get some real tools out.

Ok, I'm curious now. You drive a truck w/tools around and have a shop at work if you need more tools, wanting a multi tool is understandable...but you are wearing uniform pants, and you are protected and packing at work. With all due respect, what the heck do you do for a living?

 

[vwpieces]

And also the Leatherman Bond. It’s relatively new, but very similar to the original concept, which I like.

Past 28 years I have carried the PST Original Leatherman. Use it every single day. Always resorting to ebay if I broke or lost it.
All I can say is FINALLY!

 

[rancherbill]

Whatever brand you buy it should say that the pliers are camo and tactical.

 

[Mr. Tool]

Good'O Leatherman Multi-Tool!



Has come in handy for me many times.

I have been carrying a Leatherman multi-tool in my truck for years now and yes it comes in real handy when needed.

Like others, I've "been there done that" scenario whenever situations arise when I needed a quick tool to sort of help me out in quick situations, etc.

Yeah, it's better to have "something of a tool" rather than nothing when needing something real quick when on the road or out and about.

How ironic!

I just remembered this…..just this morning we had a plumbing company come out to our home to correct a plumbing issue and well afterwards when finished they, when I signed the receipt etc. left me a small gift of a token of their appreciation for calling on them.

It is a small handy multi tool knife! Yeah not fancy or high end but still pretty cool in my book!

 

[KnurledNut]

Ok, I'm curious now. You drive a truck w/tools around and have a shop at work if you need more tools, wanting a multi tool is understandable...but you are wearing uniform pants, and you are protected and packing at work. With all due respect, what the heck do you do for a living?

And adjusting door hinges at that!

 

[JradM]

Does anyone have experience with the gerber dime? Looks like a good mix of size and tools for a pocket carry.

Yes. It's very small and light duty - but that's what's nice about it too. If you want an inexpensive lightweight tool above all, it might fit the bill.

On the other hand, it's very light duty and small. The Skeletool (and I expect the new SOG) are a completely different class. The Dime is just a touch-large-on-a-keychain type tool.

I think the Dime is what you might choose to carry if you really didn't want to carry anything - but still wanted to have a chance of making a quick repair just-in-case. The Skeletool is more like a multitool you can carry in your pocket without really noticing - but it's stall large and useful enough that you might not bother to walk out to your garage for a screwdriver or pliers if you're just making a quick adjustment.

 

[bwringer]

Without the slightest idea what you need to do with it, the Leatherman Wave or Wingman are always great choices.

Since you mentioned a pocket, I'd go with the Wingman. It folds up smallish and very "slick", so works very nicely carried in a pocket, and has a good balance of tools vs. weight. expense, etc.

 

[CS454]

While I appreciate the weight/bulk concerns, I’m wearing an bulletproof outer carrier and a gun belt on my person for work, so an extra 8-12 Oz probably isn’t going to make or break me in this scenario lol. But the ability to access the knife without opening it up and ease of accessing the pliers are definitely things I keep in mind with regards to what I end up buying. There is a small pocket on the 5.11 duty pants we wear and it’s basically the perfect size for a multi tool, and for a quick tightening of a screw or adjusting a door hinge etc they’re just about right to have on your person vs walking back to the truck or driving to the shop to get some real tools out.

With this in mind, LM Surge or OHT.

 

[Kscardsfan]

Ok, I'm curious now. You drive a truck w/tools around and have a shop at work if you need more tools, wanting a multi tool is understandable...but you are wearing uniform pants, and you are protected and packing at work. With all due respect, what the heck do you do for a living?

I’m a park manager/ranger for the state park system here lol. It’s sort of a jack of all trades master of none situation most days.