Your Recommendations for a Multi-Tool

[Keep]

I carry a old Army issue Gerber daily, and its used daily.

Pay a little extra, either Gerber or Leatherman are good choices, it comes down to personal preference after that. I like the "slide out" function of the pliers on the Gerber over the fold out leatherman, but I like the "Its not gonna pinch your damn hands when it slips" feature of the fold out leatherman!

 

[Ton ton]

I carry a old Army issue Gerber daily, and its used daily.

Pay a little extra, either Gerber or Leatherman are good choices, it comes down to personal preference after that. I like the "slide out" function of the pliers on the Gerber over the fold out leatherman, but I like the "Its not gonna pinch your damn hands when it slips" feature of the fold out leatherman!

The Leatherman Wave pinched my hand so bad multiple times that I finally gave it away- worse tool design ever.

 

[Alex in Canada]

The Leatherman Wave pinched my hand so bad multiple times that I finally gave it away- worse tool design ever.

I **think** Leatherman fixed this issue with the new-ish model by changing the handle design slightly.

That said, I used to be a Victorinox swiss army man through and through, but after I came to university and didn't have any tools, the Leatherman really shined. I keep it in my bag at all times, along with a 150mm Knipex PliersWrench. It really comes down to what you're going to be using it for. Count me in as another vote for the Leatherman Wave

 

[gotzero]

Thanks.

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

1. Pliers
2. Phillips screwdriver
3. Scissors
4. Pry tool
5. Cutters
6. Everything else but can opener (I used once to see if it worked) and knife (why suffer with this when I have others?).

I very much wish they would make a pliers-width "P0" and get rid of the knife on one side and the can opener and "ruler" on the other side (this would also require slightly shorter scissors, the ruler could be replaced on the handle like my older Leathermans). Either that or work with Spyderco or Kershaw to sell a replacement US-Made super steel blade with decent ergonomics. I use my fifth jeans pocket to carry the P2 right next to a "real knife" (today, a Spyderco Native 5 Lightweight). I would either like a smaller Leatherman or a far better knife blade (both steel and ergonomics, if I ever hurt myself with this thing, it is going to be trying to open the knife blade with my right thumb).

I feel like Spyderco and Kershaw have each separately figured out the US-made knife world. The "spyder hole" is super fast/reliable/safe, while Kershaw's spring assist (my favorite is the "Camber") is on another level.

 

[tym]

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.

I bought one of those when I was a kid. Worst. Tool. Ever.

 

[dreamingmuscle]

I have half a dozen multitools of various manufactures and price ranges. Leatherman Gerber etc. (Most presents) All of them set in a drawer somewhere. My boss gave me the Victorinox model in the link below last year. Man the difference is night and day.

Old ones had sharp edges that dug into your hand or the pliers wouldn't grip etc. This one fits the hand great, pliers work way better then the others.

I use the additional screw driver set just as much as the Victorinox tool it self. It is a bit pricey though.

https://www.swissarmy.com/us/en/Pro...ssTool-Spirit-XC-Plus/p/3.0238.N?mt_load=lt30


Glen

 

[dreamingmuscle]

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

Real tools are great, couldn't make a living with out them. But working in buildings with stairs makes carrying all my tools around is impractical.

But if I get a call that something is broke I can head over there and diag most malfunctions with just the multitool. Fix a good percentage too. No lugging 80 lbs of tools up seventeen stairs just to pull out a screwdriver to tighten a door knob or a pair of pliers to pull a clogged faucet aerator. Or heaven forbid burning more calories running back down to the truck to get one of the above.

 

[Citation]

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

Since the philips bit is good I've used it for around the house repairs as a handy screwdriver. The same applies to the pliers.

 

[jives]

I think it really depends on what tools you really think you'll use, and if you really want to carry around a bulky tool in your pocket. I've got two Leathermans, both about 20 years old, and they only sit in drawers. Fine quality tools, but I only use the blade and pliers, and neither are nearly as good as using a real blade or real pliers. My mini Swiss Army knife does all I need as my EDC, but then again, I work in an office.

 

[ollie76]

When I'm working, I keep a Leatherman Wave on the belt. That's a pretty standard multi tool that just about everyone likes, good value for the money and very versatile.

But if I'm not working, I can't handle having a Leatherman on my belt and if I was to slide one in my pocket using the pocket clip I would get annoyed with having both a cell phone and leatherman in my jean pockets. Add keys to that, uggh not comfy.

My EDC tool is the Victorinox Swiss Army Compact. Knife, scissors, screwdriver, and a pen.....which I actually use all the time. Only thing I miss is the pliers but I'm ok with it. The compact is a 2 layer swiss army knife, small enough to sit in that little pocket above the right jean pocket and I love it.

 

[Trapps]

I have only ever had/used a Gerber. It does not see heavy use, but never an issue. Holds an edge well and is small enough to be comfortable on those occasions I belt carry it. I thinks it's 10 years old now and lives in my truck.