Your Recommendations for a Multi-Tool

[giants]

I saw a YouTube video that recommended the 12-in-1 Tool as one of the top tools to carry around:

The presenter said that the Leatherman SuperTool 300 was the best version:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019EN7BPA/?tag=atomicindus08-20

However, I see much more reasonably priced ones, such as the Stanley, 84-519K:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001LUMZHO/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I also saw the 84-519 cheaper on craigslist. What is the difference between the 84-519 and 84-519K?

A Tarvol brand on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ND35BR4/?tag=atomicindus08-20

and WalMart's home-brand Ozark Trail for $4.87:

https://www.walmart.com/search/?page=1&query=12-in-1+multi-tool&sort=price_low

Any recommendations on brands?

Are they okay to buy used, or are they likely damaged?
Thanks

 

[Robinson1]

A cheap multitool is an absolute nightmare. Imagine the worst screwdrivers you ever used, the dullest worst knife you ever used, the crappiest saw you ever used, and weld that to the biggest pile of junk pair of pliers you can find.

 

[Jmonnty]

The leatherman is worth the premium, a cheap multitool is terrible.

 

[lardy1]

When I was working on the freighters, I kept a Leatherman with me. I believe it's called a Wingman. About the middle of their lineup. I used it a bit in my cabin and around the pilot house for light duty. I don't like carrying it. Too bulky. If it wasn't for wanting something for the ship I never would have bought one and will likely never use the one I have again now that I'm off the ships.

 

[M6erfan]

Not a fan of multi-tools myself. I have a few, never use them.

 

[gotzero]

I had a number of Leathermans that I pretty much used once and then they went away, in a go bag, a car, etc.

My wife got me a Leatherman Free P2 and I have carried it every day I have worn jeans since. It is game changing as far as speed and ease of use. Now that I carry it all the time, I find myself using it almost daily. I used it this morning to hold nails as my preschooler went at them at the Home Depot kids build.

 

[65k10]

I am a fan of the Supertool 300 and carry one daily.I've tried other multitools, but settled on the 300 for the following reasons. The screwdrivers have a decent length to them for a multitool, so they might have a chance at reaching recessed screws. Plus the long phillips is handy for pulling apart knots in small ropes and webbing. The tool selection can cover a lot of small tasks I run into. I also like that the plier jaws are larger and hopefully more durable than smaller sized tools.

All that said, it is a large multitool and could very well be overkill for your needs or maybe it doesn't have something you'd prefer to have. The Surge and Wave lines do have some advantages with replaceable screwdriver bits, one hand opening knife blades, and some form of scissors. I like the Wave and Surge lines but I found the Supertool 300 has some features unique to it that made some ranch specific tasks I do easier, and I carry it.

I haven't used any of the recent import multi tools and cannot comment on them. Years ago, they were generally pretty poor which doesn't help when a multitool is already a compromise tool in the sense that even a good quality multitool will come up short to the dedicated version of any tool on it. However, I can't carry a bunch of dedicated tools on my belt, so a multitool will have to do. I think it's worth getting one that's fairly well designed and made.

 

[IndyGarage]

I like carrying a multitool with me.

I agree the cheap ones are junk - they are slightly better than nothing - If I were stranded on an island I'd take one, but when a good one is available then do not bother with the cheap ones.

I have several Leathermans, and a few from other brands. I prefer Leatherman. My favorite to use is the Wave, but it's too big for my pocket. The one I carry most of the time is a Juice S2. They made it about 20 years ago, it's the smallest and lightest of the mid sized tools available - has a nice variety of tools and the pliers are useful.

They reissued the Juice at one point with a plastic handle - I never tried one of the newer ones. I just buy used ones of the old version off Ebay.

I also like the skeletool. It has a nicer knife with locking blade and better pliers than the Juice - and looks cooler. But it's bigger and heavier than the Juice, so I don't like carrying it as well.

 

[victor252]

I used a carry a black Leatherman Wave everyday in the Army. When you don't have an entire tool set handy, a quality multi-tool is priceless. When you do, the value from having a multi-tool is significantly less.

The Wave is pretty much the standard against which other multi-tools are judged by. By once, cry once. Or if you're like most people these days, use the normal tools that I know you own (you're on this forum) and carry a mini Leatherman or a Swiss Army knife. In my civilian life as a white collar worker, I almost never touch my SAK or Leatherman, but I still keep them in the car or range bag.

But yeah, the cheap brands are worthless. Don't even bother.

 

[M6erfan]

I used a carry a black Leatherman Wave everyday in the Army. When you don't have an entire tool set handy, a quality multi-tool is priceless. When you do, the value from having a multi-tool is significantly less.

The Wave is pretty much the standard against which other multi-tools are judged by. By once, cry once. Or if you're like most people these days, use the normal tools that I know you own (you're on this forum) and carry a mini Leatherman or a Swiss Army knife. In my civilian life as a white collar worker, I almost never touch my SAK or Leatherman, but I still keep them in the car or range bag.

But yeah, the cheap brands are worthless. Don't even bother.

I had a Charge Ti with bit sets that I kept in my GHB/GB. I had it for a couple years and never had the occasion to really use it. Then it got stolen out of my car. Haven't replaced it yet. I have a Micra and a Squirt along with a SAK, plus various pocket knives lying around, in the cars, desk drawers, etc.

I hear ya though. If I was out in the field often on a regular basis, far away from proper tools I suppose I could see myself using one.

 

[Professional Tool User]

Cheap multitools can range from being garbage to okay. I wouldn't go with the cheap ones unless you want to put in an emergency kit and forget about it. If you are going to spend the money, get a Leatherman. I've had a Leatherman squirt as my key chain for at least 10 years. In hindsight, definitely worth every penny. Whatever you buy, do your research and choose a model that suits your needs.

 

[NoahG]

I EDC a Gerber Centerdrive at work because the driver uses standard 1/4" insert bits, and thus I carry a selection to fit my needs.

 

[JerseyBoatBuilder]

I EDC a Gerber Centerdrive at work because the driver uses standard 1/4" insert bits, and thus I carry a selection to fit my needs.

I agree I really like the Gerber Centerdrive for the same reason and end up using it every day.
Have a couple of the older Black Army issue Gerbers that I like also without the b.s. spring loaded lock mechanism.. And easier to switch and replace stuff on the tool with the hex screw.

 

[giants]

I had a number of Leathermans that I pretty much used once and then they went away, in a go bag, a car, etc.

My wife got me a Leatherman Free P2 and I have carried it every day I have worn jeans since. It is game changing as far as speed and ease of use. Now that I carry it all the time, I find myself using it almost daily. I used it this morning to hold nails as my preschooler went at them at the Home Depot kids build.

Thanks.

What features of the Free P2 do you use most frequently?

 

[giants]

I EDC a Gerber Centerdrive at work because the driver uses standard 1/4" insert bits, and thus I carry a selection to fit my needs.

What does EDC stand for?

There are several versions of the Gerber Centerdrive. Which one(s) do you recommend, and why?

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=gerber+c...fix=gerber+cent,tools,211&ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_11

 

[JerseyBoatBuilder]

What does EDC stand for?

There are several versions of the Gerber Centerdrive. Which one(s) do you recommend, and why?

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=gerber+c...fix=gerber+cent,tools,211&ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_11

E. Every, D. Day, C. Carry.

Look at the tools included and decided for yourself which you need or may need in the future.

 

[giants]

Thanks.

I asked for other's opinions and experiences because my first purchases tend to be wrong, usually under-estimating, but sometimes over-estimating, what I need.

 

[JerseyBoatBuilder]

Thanks.

I asked for other's opinions and experiences because my first purchases tend to be wrong, usually under-estimating, but sometimes over-estimating, what I need.

This is the one I have

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LX91NIU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[d.mcfarland]

Not a fan of multi-tools myself. I have a few, never use them.

Send them my way! They seem to be very hand where I work.

 

[Citation]

I have several but I rarely carry them. I've got several cheap ones that live in cars. I keep tire patch kits in the cars and these are here to pull nails out before patching. Better then nothing but if I'm going to carry one this isn't it.

I've got a Leatherman Squirt with the pliers. It used to be my daily carry tool. Well made and handy. Importantly, it is pocket sized. This is important given how many things get carried these days (wallet, keys with oversized key fobs, two phones etc). The squirt ended up getting replaced by a mini Swiss army knife thanks to it's pen and mini scissors.

I have a full size Leatherman Blast. I like it quite a bit but it's too large to pocket carry and I don't do belt loop carry. It does get used around the house. I like that the P2 screwdriver head is nicely shaped.

I also have a Gerber Suspension. I'm not a big fan. The blades are easy to deploy with one hand (the Blast requires two) but the handles are to bulky. The flat blade screwdrivers are too think for their width. The Philips is poorly shaped.

 

[bob15]

Never had an issue with a Leatherman, including their warranty.

 

[seber]

I carry a multitool when camping but for everyday use the right tool is always better than something that sort of works. I have a Leatherman and a Swiss army. The Swiss is the one I take camping just because it is smaller and less obnoxious on my belt.

 

[bpjr]

I have an original Leatherman and two original Gerbers plus a couple of the cheap versions. The Leatherman is pocket size and Gerbers larger with better functional options and have to be sheathed to carry comfortably. Both are really good tools but Gerber is my go to for most uses. The el cheapos from wallmart are a pos. They have sharp edges and are too loose to be considered a real tool.

You really need to look/see/handle each multitool and decide what applications you need them for. Crying once on price will make you happier in the long run. My Leatherman and Gerbers were expensive but are pushing 30-35 yrs and no complaints. You can always spend $5 at walmart to learn first hand why not to buy the cheap ones.

 

[giants]

I have several but I rarely carry them. I've got several cheap ones that live in cars. I keep tire patch kits in the cars and these are here to pull nails out before patching. Better then nothing but if I'm going to carry one this isn't it.

I've got a Leatherman Squirt with the pliers. It used to be my daily carry tool. Well made and handy. Importantly, it is pocket sized. This is important given how many things get carried these days (wallet, keys with oversized key fobs, two phones etc). The squirt ended up getting replaced by a mini Swiss army knife thanks to it's pen and mini scissors.

I have a full size Leatherman Blast. I like it quite a bit but it's too large to pocket carry and I don't do belt loop carry. It does get used around the house. I like that the P2 screwdriver head is nicely shaped.

I also have a Gerber Suspension. I'm not a big fan. The blades are easy to deploy with one hand (the Blast requires two) but the handles are to bulky. The flat blade screwdrivers are too think for their width. The Philips is poorly shaped.

Thanks. What tasks around the house does the Leatherman Blast do for you?

 

[giants]

I have an original Leatherman and two original Gerbers plus a couple of the cheap versions. The Leatherman is pocket size and Gerbers larger with better functional options and have to be sheathed to carry comfortably. Both are really good tools but Gerber is my go to for most uses. The el cheapos from wallmart are a pos. They have sharp edges and are too loose to be considered a real tool.

You really need to look/see/handle each multitool and decide what applications you need them for. Crying once on price will make you happier in the long run. My Leatherman and Gerbers were expensive but are pushing 30-35 yrs and no complaints. You can always spend $5 at walmart to learn first hand why not to buy the cheap ones.

Thanks.

So would a used Leatherman be okay in terms of reliability?

 

[giants]

Never had an issue with a Leatherman, including their warranty.

Thanks. What's the warranty process involve? What problems did you have with it that needed warrantying?

 

[greg13]

I think it depends on what you use. I carry a Gerber Multipilier with me since I use the pliers the most. A quick flip of the wrist and they are open, but for knives or screw drivers my Leatherman Surge has them beat hands down.

 

[richfinn]

I like the Victorinox Soldier/rescue knifes, no pliers but they have what I need

 

[tez929rr]

I carry a Leatherman Skeletool all the time. Compact and fits well in a pocket. If it was one of the bigger ones that need a pouch I wouldn’t carry it. A multitool is only useful in that you have it on your person ready to go - otherwise a traditional tool will be better for any particular task.

 

[bob15]

Thanks. What's the warranty process involve? What problems did you have with it that needed warrantying?

I used their warranty back in the late '90's. All I did was call them and followed their directions in mailing it back and then just waited for them to be returned to me. I sent my Dad's pair back at the same time as well, unfortunately after 20-odd years, I cannot remember why. But his were also repaired, no questions asked.

The issue I caused them (100% my fault) was I was using them instead of lineman pliers; as I tried and managed to cut both strands of barbed wire together at the same time. By doing that, it messed up the pliers/cutter because they didn't open/close up as easy as before. It looked/acted like the cutters were dragging against each other too much inside of sliding by, so when you went to open the pliers, they would be real sticky.

I have since bought several other Leatherman's; I now have one pair in each of my snowmobiles....just in case.

 

[mrjaw14]

I would go leatherman + series. They have replaceable cutters so if you damage them the tool isn’t lost. Wave+ or charge+ (non tti) are awesome. If that too expensive tool at the super tool 300 or rebar.

 

[Professional Tool User]

I EDC a Gerber Centerdrive at work because the driver uses standard 1/4" insert bits, and thus I carry a selection to fit my needs.

I do not understand why the screwdriver function is even relevant. Even with the improved design, a separate multi bit driver is still the tool to use for driving screws.

 

[Bighead38]

Leatherman Charge TTi hands down imo. Have carried one everyday for years and end up using is everyday. Never understood people who say they are to big or heavy. I don’t even notice it’s there.

 

[Bighead38]

 

[Ton ton]

Not a fan of multi-tools myself. I have a few, never use them.

What m6er fan said. I use my SOG in a pinch. I prefer real tools.

 

[kbeefy]

I have a Leatherman Skeletool cx I carry and use every day.
It's no heavier than a pocketnife that it replaces, and adds a bit holder and pliers.

I also have the Charge Ti mentioned above, and while it does have ALOT more tools it's to heavy for my taste.

I like the skeletool for it's single hand openable blade, pocketclip and easily deployable bit-holder.
I used to have to open inspection panels with 1/4 dzus fasteners many times daily and having a standard screwdriver tip on my leatherman that I could access just by opening the skeletool was handy.

It is definitely 'bare bones', but I use it daily.

 

[kbeefy]

As far as warranty, the blade was getting difficult to open. I dissasembled and cleaned it, still wasn't happy with its performance.
I happen to be near a 'Leatherman' Store... walked in and asked them about it. They looked at it for 5 seconds then handed me a brand new one. Done.

 

[sk farmer]

x2 on anyone who mentioned the skeletool. knife, 2 phillips, 2 flats and a bottle opener/ carabiner. that covers most of the important stuff.

 

[ChrisLS8]

I have had a Gerber Dime on my keychain for years I usually forget it's there. That being said it's well built and cheap with quite a few tools and it's about 3oz

 

[fordgasm]

I carry a leatherman rebar at work. Simple and it works.