Multi-Tools

[winfan]

Anyone else here a fan of multitools?  I carry a Vise Grip/Schrade everywhere I go.   It's a small Vise Grip with two Schrade blades and a screwdriver with changeable hex tips in the handle.  Use it all the time.  I've also got one in the tractor, pickup, wife's car, snowmobile, etc.  I believe they are discontinued now;  I bought probably two dozen from various sellers on Ebay for $10 or less, with shipping.  Made great gifts, too.  Nice & sturdy, they hold up real well to tough use.  Fits perfect in the tool pocket on carpenter pants.

I've also got a couple Gerbers with belt sheaths, use them mostly for camping/hunting trips. 

 Kinda handy to always have one with ya.

Mike

[weasel]

I've had a few multitools, Gerber, Kershaw, Leatherman original, Supertool, and now Wave. When I interveiwed for my present job, one of the interveiwers looked at my sheath on my belt and said, "Can't do this job without a Leatherman." I was using the Kershaw with the locking jaws when we were branding and castrating colts, one horse had an arterial bleeder so we clamped the tool on the artery so we could carterize it. The colt started thrashing around and broke the hobbles, took off running with my tool, we found it 50 yds away.

I like the Wave's option of changing the screwdriver tips when they wear out, the blades can be opened with one hand without opening the tool, too.

[jpsmith1]

SOG!!!  I tried the others and love my SOG.  I broke a leatherman and 2 or 3 gerbers.  I was making due with a cheapie for a while while shopping for a new one.  The SOG has a unique compound leverage plier and a blade lock system that I think is better and quicker than the others that I've used.

[gdolby]

have a winchester that is pretty tough and a lot of different bits. have a good day....Bill

[DalesCarpentry]

I have a Leatherman. I really don't use it much but I do like.

[weasel]

jpsmith,

I too have broken a Leatherman and a gerber, sent both back, both companies sent me new units, hope you still have yours.

[DalesCarpentry]

I have never broke it. It spent a few years in my tackle box. It has never saw heavy use. I am a carpenter and wear a tool belt all day and I have other tools that do the hard work.

[winfan]

A buddy of mine lost his Leatherman outside & it got ran through his snowblower.  He put the pieces in an envelope & mailed it to the company.  They sent him a new one free of charge.  Pretty decent.

Mike

[goodwrench6710]

I'm sorry, but multi-tools are a cheap compromise on buying the correct tools to do the job. The only one that I know that is any good at all is a Swiss Army Knife (good for hikers & campers, etc...). Other than that, I'm not impressed.

[jpsmith1]

No, I didn't keep them.  My company has a tool replacement policy.  I send in a broken tool and a receipt and I'm reimbursed.  No hassles.  It's quicker and easier than sending it back and going tool-less for 6 weeks or more. 

goodwrench, the point of a multi-tool is in it's handiness.  It's there when you need a tool.  No, it's no a full tool box, but it's the next best thing when you aren't close to your toolbox.  It's a part of my wardrobe.  Knife, multitool, flashlight, wallet, keys, pistol.  Everyday stuff.

[weasel]

jpsmith1,

Can't argue the "handiness" point, once I had to put the chain back on my dirt bike, hard to believe, but I got the big nut on the axle  loose and everything back together with a Leatherman. 

[goodwrench6710]

I guess I'm alittle bullheaded when it comes to tools. I'm really not trying to put anyone down. It's just that I find it very frustrating to to a job without the correct tools & sometimes can lead to injuries that could have been avoided. We have all been there at one time or an other, right?

[jpsmith1]

I can't imagine that job.  Putting a chain back on with nothing but a multi-tool is quite a feat.

I agree, using the correct tool for the job is the best and safest course, but sometimes, you've got to do what you've got to do.

[weasel]

goodwrench,

Many of the mechanics I've worked with didn't like to see multitools on your belt, they can get testy when they have to work on a nut that's rounded off by an enthusiastic Leatherman owner, can't blame 'em.

[superjay01]

I have two Gerbers have never any problems with either. I think they have there place and usefulness, they don't replace a tool that is for doing a specific job but camping and hiking they are great. Plus if you don't have the proper tool they can get you out of a pinch.

[Willum241]

There's a Multi-Tool that's made specially for the part of Arkansas I came from. It's a big leather pouch with a softball-sized rock in it.

[Drilling Man]

  Is this one "multi" enough for you???  lol

  DM

[DalesCarpentry]

I have to say that is over the top.    Dale