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Best Leatherman-Style Multitool?
An anonymous reader asks: "I'm in the market for a Leatherman style multitool, but some new players have come to the table in the past few years, and I've heard a couple of anecdotes that Leatherman might have been eclipsed. So, I'm asking Slashdot for lots of anecdotes; what are your experiences with your multitool? What's the best one you've seen or used? Have you ever broken one? Do the tools wiggle around after a lot of use? Those are some general questions, but there are two specific ones. First, does the knife blade lock? The quickest way to hurt fingers is using a folding knife when a fixed blade is the right tool, but you can't carry a fixed blade knife into many places. The second question is, how long is the main knife blade? You can't carry a folding knife with tool long of a blade, either (unfortunately). Thanks for any and all help!"
I have the leatherman Pulse. It comes with a locking mechanism that holds a fully extended tool in place. I have had it for a year so far and the tools aren't loose.
I'm a happy pessimist. I expect and prepare for the worst, when it doesn't happen I am pleasantly surprised.
I've heard good things about Gerber Multi-tools. A friend of mine has one.
We may experience some slight turbulence and then...explode. -Capt. Mal Reynolds
Both the Leatherman Squirt and Juice are great. I would suggest testing the phillips driver on any multitool first as some are different. The Squirt has a flat phillips that actually works, a little strange but it does work. I also keep a Gerber multitool in the back pack. The Gerber is nice and locks closed or open. I don't care for the size but the pliers are a little better because you can spread apart things that the leatherman can't. Overall I would say that with the low prices on most multitools it is worth while to have multiple of them, one in the truck, one in the apparment, etc....
The GPL, for those that truely understand.
The Best version and about half the price is the Victorinox Cybertool 41
http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/tools/3653/
Plus it take full size Hex/Torx heads... And good and solidly mad with lifetime warranty.
Or if you want one to beat a users head-in for disturbing your /. reading, try the Victorinox Swiss Champ XLT
http://www.swissknifeshop.co.uk/swisschampxlt.htmI had a Leatherman for several years and somehow lost it. Shortly afterwards I was in a situation where I needed a multitool *now* and the only one I could find on short notice was a Gerber. I like the Gerber better, mainly because the blades are on the inside of the fold, and that makes the grip more comfortable. The saw blade is nothing more than a standard jigsaw blade, thus you can change it out with any jigsaw blade from any hardware store for any purpose you need it for. The knife blade is a nice combination of smooth and serrated for fine cutting or box ripping, and it has all the quality of Gerber's famous line of knives.
I work as a professional theatre technician. My multi-tool is my life, literally, and it gets used and abused on a daily basis.
I've had a Leatherman Wave since they first came out (I was told by the guy at the store that I was the first person to buy one) and have NEVER had a problem with it. It's not super-heavy-duty. You can't use the knife-blade as a chisel. You can't exert > 40 or 50 lbs of torque pressure on the tool. Having said that, if you need a specialized tool, then you need a specialized tool. Don't try and do it with a multi-tool.
The wave get's my vote, hands down.
I thought the leatherman wave was a neat tool, until I managed to break the tip off of one side of the plyers. I've worn out a few pairs of swiss army knives, they get loose and start opening up in your pocket. Guess im not much of a fan of multi-tools. They usually wind up breaking.
http://slashdot.org/comments.
I was looking at leatherman-type tools last year and came to the conclusion that the SOG PowerLock (S60) is the one to get. Its not quite as ergonomic as the new Leatherman Waves but its insanely tough. All the tools lock and the main pliars have a nifty gear reduction on them that makes hanging onto things much easier. Mine cost about $60 and hasn't left my belt since.
Make sure you know the knife laws for your locality. You might not think of a Leatherman as a weapon, but the local police may disagree--especially around schools and colleges. Here are some useful links:w s.html
http://www.thehighroad.org/library/blades/knifela
http://pweb.netcom.com/~brlevine/sta-law.htm
California-specific laws:
http://www.equalccw.com/knifelaw.html
Always keep in mind that info on the Internet may be wrong or out of date, so take with appropriate seasonings.
Eric
The best is a Leatherman. It's as simple as that. Filled with more American classic-ness than Apple pie or hotdogs. The amount of different kind of Leathermen there are out there are ridiculous, and I'm sure you can find a high quality one for a decent price.
The Leatherman Wave tool is very nice. Specs from the Leatherman web site0 4)/default.asp
b oy_s.htm
http://www.leatherman.com/products/tools/wave-(20
Length: 4 in. / 10 cm closed -- 6.3 in / 16 cm open
Weight: 8.5 ounces / 264 grams
Materials: 100% stainless steel (Optimum grade hardness for each tool/blade)
There are two blades, one serrated and one plain. The blade length isn't described, so I measured my Wave. The length of each blade is approximately 3 inches. The sharpened portion of both blades is 2.5 inches.
I've had mine for a while, so far it had been a wonderful tool. Each tool/blade locks open, making it fairly safe to use. My Wave tool rides in the knife pocket of my Maxpedition Versipack
http://www.maxpedition.com/product/product_vp_fat
This sig kills fascists.
Please stay where you are sir. As have requested information on a knife that could possible be concealed and thus, used inappropriately, we feel you are a threat to the National Security of the good old USA (The land of the free).
We have tracked you to your PC and thus to your address. Once again, please stay inside your mothers basement as 4 agents from Homeland Security have been dispached.
The weathers here - Wish you were beautiful
From the maker of the swiss army knife: SwissTool
Very good product, better than the Leatherman.
The Gerber came with a nifty screwdriver bit collection, has a nifty one-handed opening action for the pliers, but the steel sucks: It's soft and rusts badly. I consider it an "urban survival tool", because it's good for typical city situations.
The Leatherman is much better steel, is a bit more awkward, but you're less likely to pinch your skin when the pliers slip. This is your rural puppy. Water won't bother it so much.
The Toolzall is designed for electrical work. Damn, but it's nice. Excellent steel, all the blades lock, superb wirestrippers, rock solid. It's all I carry for electrical work.
Then there's knives with USB drives in them and computer case drivers, and so on, but I've never tried them. Really, you just have to figure out what you're after and look for that. Just pay attention to the steel: good steel doesn't bend like plastic.
Several years ago I used to have Schrade multi-function tool, but lost it at an RC flying field. That company seems to have been recently acquired. About a year ago I got a Leatherman Super Tool 200, which I prefer because of the more comfurtable handle design. The mechanism for unlocking blades is easy and effective. Incidentally, I've had a strong appreciation for multi-tools since boy scouts, and I find a sense of manly pride in using a good knife. Be sure you get a good sheath to show it off on your belt!
Regrettably, my personal favorite multitool is no longer produced (that I am aware). Gerber, for a time, produced a set of tools similar (as I recall) to their "600 series" but for which you could choose the type of head (standard pliers, needle-nose, rounded, etc.), which tool package to install in each arm, and of course the all-important finish color.
I myself have a stylish dark blue tool with a 3-inch blade, dual-"grit" (don't know the proper term) metal file and three sizes of slot screwdrivers (one of which is a bottle opener) on one side and scissors, lanyard ring, can opener, and a phillips screwdriver (a real one, to which can be mounted and adaptor to standard 3/16" bits) on the other.
Easily the best tool I have ever used. I've had it for a few years now and there is almost no skewing on the hinge (though I've been careful not to put much pressure on it; no cause to be careless) and the locks still work perfectly (each tool simply pulls out but locks in place, even the head). Regrettably, the finish is starting to wear in "high-use" areas, but no hint of corrosion is detectable even there.
Unless, of course, scissors can't cut rock...
I have this tool, bought it from McMaster-Carr, item #5102A2. It has vice-grip style locking pliers - they're great to have available. Also a one-hand-openable knife blade, philips + flat screwdriver, file, saw, bottle opener. Nice solid stainless steel. It's big and heavy, though.
I just got one of these for Christmas and boy is this thing handy. This is basicly the Leatherman Wave upgraded with several features. A special bit style screwdriver, Titanium alloy handle, 154CM blade metal, pocket clip, and locking mini tools.
i /default.asp
I haven't looked back at my Gerber or Spyderco multi-tools since.
http://www.leatherman.com/products/tools/charge-T
Be nice to everyone, they out number you 6 billion to 1.
I've carried Gerber blades almost exclusively for 5 years now. I have a Leatherman, one of the originals, and hate it. i *had* a Gerber Sport Multiplier but it has gone missing. Hopefully i will find it by summer when i need it most. I have a full size set to replace it if it doesn't turn up, but the sports are a little more compact, lighter, and just as robust. all the tools lock with the best locking method i've seen on any mutlitool yet, it holds the blade with no worries, yet can be disengaged even if you're wearing gloves (very important since i wear gloves quite a bit at work). the scissors on it are invaluable, they make quick use of zip ties, and the screwdrivers have bailed me out several times. If i don't find the sport by summer i may have to go buy another, the larger version is heavier and more gangly to me, plus it lacks the scissors. Mine got a daily bath and wipe down with lubricant and never jammed, it just became part of my morning routine when i got to the shop, but in a less dirty enviroment you could get away with oiling once a week.
no matter what you end up with, they're just like any other good tool, if you want it to last you have to take care of it. not using it for a crowbar and oiling is a good start. Get a good can of high quality lubricant, youhave to watch WD-40 because it will gum up, and some of those silicon lubricants do the same. once a week just get an old rag, take the tool outside, spray it down with the oil then wipe off excess with the rag, work each tool and the pliers a few times to work the oil in and dirt out, wipe it down again, replace in sheath.
The best advice is to go to a store, and try them. The one you're more comfortable with is the safer knife. This is pretty much universal in knives, from multi-tools, to wood carving, to kitchen. If you're comfortable with it, you'll use it more, and more safely.
That said, I've had more experience with Leatherman's products. The 'SuperTool' is nice, but the 'Wave' is greatly improved: rounded handles, blades available on the outside (one handed). Both of these offer locking blades.
Gerber is very nice too. If you need one handed access to plyers more than anything else, then they're the clear winner (though I can one hand the leatherman butterfly knife style).
For years, you've had a duality between gerber and leatherman, but recently some newcomers have entered. There's a new Titanium leatherman that's expensive, looks cool, and I have not had the oppertunity to handle. Vitronox (sp) (makers of swiss army knives) has a multitool out that has some good reviews as well.
Zapman
I have a Leatherman Sideclip which is no longer made. The pliers did break on me once, but Leatherman replaced it under warrantee without incident if I remember right.
I would recommend getting a locking blade if possible. A blade that can move is very annoying.
Overall, I've discovered that I don't actually want, or need, a multitool.
I have a single knife, a Kershaw Avalanche partially serrated. Overall, I find that I simply don't want, or have a use for, all the other bits & bobs you find on a multitool.
If you want a simple knife with a little more capability, then get a balisong [aka a butterfly knife]. Learn a couple decent opening/closing moves with it, and you can then use it for all the other things you don't normally do with a simple knife. It makes a great lever [the Spyderco Spyderfly is most of 6" long, closed], clamp/gripper [by opening it, then squeezing the handles around whatever it is, with varying leverage]...
Gary (-;
Looking for a mini keyring tool that does just about everything and has locking blades. The SeberTech M4 SeberTool is great.
I own a couple of them and have had them for 3 years so far. The fit in your wallet or coin pocket. I buy one for each of my staff and have been known to give them to friends for christmas.
I buy mine at Fry's http://shop4.outpost.com/product/2522351 but you can find them elsewhere.
--- Who put this sig here? ---
Do the tools wiggle around after a lot of use?
Not if you buy from a company that has been making good knives for a long time...
Victorinox is probably the right company to stay with...They are one of only 2 companies that make genuine swiss army knives (Wenger is the other)...They have a good selection of tools...their Spirit is a good choice for a general multitool...
I personally own a CyberTool (according to Victorinox, official equipment for NASA space shuttle crews)...but I carry a Signature....
The real answer is to pick the right tool for the job...if you want something you plan to carry with you all the time, go for one of the pocket tools...if you are going to be doing lots of computer work with it, you may want to go with the CyberTool...if you want something to stick in a backpack, then a multitool is probably a good choice...but remember to choose a tool from someone that's been doing high quality knives for a long time...
I was given a Gerber Multitool (the needlenose variety) for Christmas in 1995. 9 years later I still carry it. The way it slides open allows the blades to be on the inside. It also means you can lock the knife blade open so that you can't fold it down on your hand.
The only reason I've considered upgrading is that mine is an early model with a flaw that has long since been corrected. The early models folded together completely when used as pliers, which meant that if you slipped you could pinch yourself badly. I've done it. A couple of years after mine came out they modified the design so that the handles don't quote close together completely when used as pliers. Problem solved.
There are also "expansion" kits that let you add on to the functionality.
In short, it has served me well.
"An unarmed man can only flee from evil, and evil is not overcome by fleeing from it." Col. Jeff Cooper
...tells me if I'm in range of a wireless network, tells me if there is activity on an ethernet network, provides 1GB of storage via USB, tells me if a serial port is working, functions as a logic probe and multimeter and provides a 3V and 5V power supply (not high current, just enough to provide input to a logic gate) and fits in my pocket. If there's room it'd be nice if it were a wireless gateway and serial over bluteooth dongle. In other words, I want a Leatherman for the early part of the 21st century, not some medieval hacking and slashing tool.
Doesn't it make you feel good to know that our freedoms are protected by politicans, lawyers and journalists.
No matter what multitool you decide on, I'd reccomend also getting a Leatherman Micra tool. It's a mini-leatherman, works as a keychain. I'm the kind of person who hates having unneccesary crap in their pockets, but the Micra is useful enough that it's more than worth the 1 x 6.5 x 2 cm it takes up in my pocket. I have one of those handy keychain seperators, for times I need the micra for more than a few seconds, to get my bulk of my keys off. The lot of it collapses into a nice ball that takes up little space in my pocket, alongside my wallet. It has the majority of tools I need as a desktop maint/support guy at a library. The only time I have to go back to my desk to get my full toolkit is when I need my 8" long phillips bit to get somewhere annoying. Unlike my Swiss Army Knife (closest current model seems to be the Herc), the scizzors is still fully springy, even after sitting in my pocket for 3 years (4 now?) and getting a fair bit of use. You'd be surprised how often you need to clip a coupon out of a flier found at the grocery store, left in a cart, or need a pseudo-phillips screwdriver. I really love this lil guy.
Beyond that... I prefer a regular, original Leatherman. If I were to buy a new tool today, I may consider one of the other Leathermans, perhaps one geared toward tech stuff, be it a Leatherman or otherwise, but I'm in no need to replace this one.
Working toward a usable PDA environment in the spirit of Newton OS: Dynapad
Before buying anything in this arena, you really owe it to yourself to spend some time perusing Doug Ritter's Equipped to Survive site. Honest, objective reviews of all the hardware. I'm not affiliated with him in any way.
What was it Aristotle had to say about tools designed for more than one purpose?
Fellowship 9/11
I have to go with the classic Leatherman. I have had mine since I was 10 years old, and it still works great. Other than getting the knife blade sharpened here and there, I have not had any problems with it in 13 years, and I have put it through considerable abuse.
I understand your desire to have a locking mechanism for the blade. That being the case, the Leatherman Wave would be a good fit. It's very similar to the classic Leatherman in terms of quality and function, and the blade lock is a nice touch.
I have a regular old Leatherman Super Tool. I take it with me everywhere and use it all the time. The blades lock and are thicker than on many other multi-tools. It's just a great tool.
-> Fritz
Spooooon!!!!!
Gerber, Victorinox, Leatherman, SOG - whatever floats your boat for the multi-tool.
However, if your primary concern is one that has a locking knife blade just get a knife to compliment the package. I find knives on pocket tools clumsy and of dubious quality/utility. I don't like fumbling around with my Victorinox when I just want to quick cut something, so I carry a CRKT M16-14M. I've had a few CRKT knives in my posession and have found that they take a nice edge, keep that edge, are ambidexterous, and of fairly good quality for what you're paying.
A good folder with a thumb-stud for easy opening and a locking blade means that you're knife can be out and ready in just a couple seconds, vs however long it takes you to unfold a Leatherman. You can deploy, use, unlock, and clip them back onto your belt with a single hand and that's handy if you ask me. Comes in handy at work, and makes it easier and cleaner to open packages, snipping a cable tie, or stirring my tea.
While not of concern in your post, this also makes them a last-ditch self defense weapon. Not a very good one... but if you don't have a gun on ya, it's better than nothing!
Personally I wish somebody made a multi-tool that didn't waste space with knives in them.
Oh, and don't discount the idea of a neck knife! That would be a knife you hang around your neck with a sheath, the handle pointing toward your abodomen. Depending on your attire they can be very comfortable to wear and nobody knows its there... less stuff hanging off your belt too. However, I've found producing a fixed blade knife from under your shirt at a moment's notice tends to freak people out. Some also come with a sheath that could alternatively be mounted to your belt for extra flexibility (ie: You're out in the woods, you can keep your every day knife with you but in a bit more accessible manner).
Most importantly, if you're using it for a knife most of the time, a real knife is more comfortable than a multi-tool -- which means better control overall.
I'd recomment Knife Country USA if you want to buy online. No special reason, but the prices are competitive and the owner knows the subject matter if you have any questions about this or that. Also, a very friendly guy. I found his booth at the local gun show and use him for my online purchases.
Victorinox got it right on their series of SwissTools. On the one I have, all the tools lock into place, the whole thing is quite sturdy, but the wire cutting part of the main tool can only cut very small things.
chl
I've carried a Leatherman Supertool for about 8 years now and haven't found anything that makes me really want to replace it. Better wire stripping is about the only thing I really long for. I did a little surgery on my Supertool case and it also holds a 1-AAA MagLite and a tiny Victorinox swiss army knife (scissors, tweezers, toothpick). I also carry a PocketWrench II behind my Supertool, which gives me a solid pry-bar and a second wrench when I need it. I always carry a primary knife (unless I have to go through a security checkpoint that day) like a Spyderco Delica or a larger Benchmade liner-lock.
Gerber makes some mean multitools, every bit as tough as the original Leatherman (maybe more so) and without the political contribution baggage that goes with buying a Leatherman.
I have this Wenger "tool chest", and apart from needing a long screwdriver to mount a Zalman heatsink, I just assembled a PC from scratch with it. I also carry a Tool Logic T1 Series Business Card in my wallet and a SwissMemory USB Victorinox with my car keys. I have this Hammer multitool in the car. Cars need more tough love than PCs ^_^
Just as in Linux, the best tool is not always a "does-everything" tool.
:)
:)
I have a Leatherman Micra that has the bare essentials: scissors, small and big flatheads. There's also a "philips" (flathead with tapered head). Plus it has a bottle opener. The knife blade on it sucks.
I have a couple of dedicated knives, however - Benchmade Knife Company's 3550SBK (switchblade) and the 42S (butterfly). Sure, they're expensive, but buying cheap crap is stupid.
PS: I work for Benchmade, but I owned their product long before I ever got a job there.
Exocet Industries - Taking over the world, one computer at a
Look up Schrade. They have a good multitool line-up. I had one for a couple of years (got taken by airport security), and it was incredibly durable. The blades and screwdrivers all locked, and the tools open out the side so you don't have to worry about opening the pliers handles to get to the tools.
While it would be neat to be able to carry a full-sized leatherman everywhere I go, the leatherman squirt p4 is the way to go. You won't wear holes in your pocket, or need to get a bat utility belt after adding on a cell-phone belt clip. Plus, it does 80% of what you need a full-sized leatherman for. Finally, the knife is wicked sharp.
Of course, this is for office/suburban duty. If you are out in the wilderness or in a workshop, there are a host of more appropriate tools.
No, I don't trust in god. He'll have to pay up front, like everybody else.
I keep a Gerber Multi-Plier in my purse, a $9 knockoff in the car, and Leatherman Waves at the barn, in the garage, in the office, and in the kitchen. Various ancient Boy Scout and Swiss Army knives are scattered throughout the house. For ease of use, I prefer the Gerber (I think it's a 600 Sport?). It's got screwdrivers, retractable pliers, tiny Fiskars scissors, etc. Those little fold-out scissors are great, and don't come apart like those in Swiss Army-type utility knives. It's easy to open and close, and I never risk cutting my fingers off while trying to fold it (unlike the Leatherman). I like the nylon pouch with the belt loop - it's great for working on scaffolding or overhead grids where tool safety is an issue. Its main drawback is the softness of the cutting edges of the wire cutters in the pliers. Coat hanger wire nicked them, and now they don't work as well. For generic work where I don't want to lug a lot of tools around, it's great, but I usually bring a pair of linesman's pliers if there are metal rods or heavy wires to cut. I like the plastic buttons, but wouldn't use it while welding or soldering for fear they might melt. The various Leatherman tools are sturdier and don't nick as easily, but are harder on the hands. I usually wear gloves when using them because the tools are on the outside when the pliers are in use. I have a hard time getting the knives back in the handle, especially on newer tools. I've seen some older tools lose their locking action and fold in while the knife was in use. A Wave can easily cut barbed wire, saw through rope or branches, or loosen screws. The needlenose models are effective for holding pieces during quick solder jobs, and they're all-metal. The leather pouches that come with some models are just for storage - they don't have hooks or belt loops. My dad's Boy Scout knife served me well until I coughed up the money for the Gerber. The $9 Leatherman knockoff is a sad little thing used only when I'm too lazy to get the proper tool and no-one is there to see my shame. Swiss Army knives and their clones are good for opening boxes, but they don't sit well in my hands, and it's hard to actually use them. I avoid tools with corkscrews, toothpicks, tweezers, and other silly stuff. The toothpicks and tweezers generally get lost, and I haven't used a corkscrew in years. I look for well-made cutter/pliers, good folding action, two or three knives and screwdrivers, and maybe a rasp. I actually do have the proper tools for most applications, but it's handy to have a multi-tool in my pocket just in case.
I've had a Juice S2 for years now and it's still in brill condition and is used often.
The main blade does not lock and is 6cm long. All of the tools in it are very well manufactured and still open, close and "click" into place perfectly as if it were new.
The four screwdrivers that come with it are almost always the right size and the pliers/wirecutters do a great job.
Even the scissors work!
HTH
Length: 4 in. / 10 cm closed -- 6.3 in / 16 cm open
;-)
Weight: 8.5 ounces / 264 grams
Materials: 100% stainless steel (Optimum grade hardness for each tool/blade)
Sounds far too complicated when compared with my standard-issue Universal Fixing Tool. Works on everything, from delicate computer equipment to petrol engines.
Yup, it's a large, stout hammer...
Tedious Bloggy Stuff - hooray?
I got myself the New Model Leatherman Wave at the moment it came out, and can't be happier. It has 2 large knives, saw, file, 2 bits-holders(which includes two two-sided bits, additional bits are available from Leatherman), scissors, Large flat screwdriver(phillips-screwdrivers in two sizes in the included bits), can opener, better ruler, etc.
:)
You can also get a 21 piece bit-kit for it, which is great for technicians(check the link, and scroll down.). It also appears that it's has a lower price than the titanium Leatherman models, while having the same amount of tools. The reason, ofcourse, is that it's steel, and therefore somewhat heavier.
I have used mine extensivly, both at work, and at canoe-trips into the wildernes, and just love it. All the tools and knives are locking, and the whole thong is just dandy.
I have a Leatherman Juice C2 that I picked up to replace a lost Swiss Army knife. I've had it for two years now and find myself carrying it around more than I had carried my knife.
pros:
* red color (I would lose it otherwise)
* the the assist makes the corkscrew easier to use that any I have used elsewhere
* high quality (same as any Leatherman or Gerber)
* good looks
* not too bulky or heavy (fits in a pocket)
cons:
* badly need a locking blade. The shape of the handle and blade make it especially not obvious which side it sharp. I have cut my thumb twice by putting my bracing my thumb on the sharp side and trying to cut with the dull side. I think this is a fatal flaw with the shape of the Juice line
* Mine does not have a lanyard attachment. Leatherman has fixed this in newer models.
* If I had to buy it again, I'd get something with scissors.
I have a leatherman wave and a gerber. I usually keep the leatherman on my belt and the gerber in the glovebox, for those few times I forget the leatherman. I have yet to have a problem with either of them.
[n8.r0n] http://petesweb.spymac.net/
So I'd like
- the most useful multitool, that also
- is not so large that it chafes when you carry it, and, that
- you can carry onto an airplane without it being considered a lethal weapon
."Provided by the management for your protection."
Any of the brand name tools are OK quality wise, a Leatherman has been wearing a hole in my pocket for the last 10+ years. Go to the counter, try all the tools. I like the PST-2 (or something like that, it's not printed on the tool for some reason). Most used are the scissors (frequently on fingernails), ruler, pliers (great potholder on backpacking trips), a very well made Phillips #2 (better than Gerber), diamond file, and the killer app, a mini screwdriver that fits most eyeglasses. Make sure that the dang thing fits in your pocket, or that you will absolutely always wear the stupid holster. This tool does a lot of things OK, but not as good as a specialty tool. It's advantage if always being with you is nul if you leave it on the dresser. If the knife blade does not lock, carry a separate small locking folder.
I got a Leatherman for Christmas before I was old enough to appreciate it. I was in awe that my parents bought me a butterfly... pliers? I broke it in High School. Sent it off to be repaired (under 25 year warranty, no receipt, only the knowledge that the product wasn't that old) and it came back fixed, and the handle still had my name engraved on it. Nice service. In Boy Scouts, I learned that the Leatherman was good for whittling, but anything I had to do with the pliers must not involve much force on the handles because they dug into my hands.
In college, I became a teaching assistant for an electronics course. Lots of proto board work, wires, chips, the like. Needlenose pliers were a must, and the ability to pull them out of my pocket and butterfly my pliers out in less than a second was very timely. I ended up selling about 2 dozen (not direclty, but through telling students where to go purchase a tool like my Geek Tool). As I continued to advance in my own coursework, my rising experience with my Leatherman was a competitive advantage. The other tools were easy to find, but any tool you've used regularly for any length of time will be that comfortable to you. I ended up spraying a bit of Pam (the cooking spray) in the handle to make it open faster and smoother, but getting too much in there makes it close too easily to hold.
In a senior level course, a buddy of mine whipped out his Leatherman in front of our professor. The professor demanded, "What are you doing?" My buddy responded, "I'm too lazy to walk across the lab and get the public pliers, so I brought my own." To which the obese professor, recovering from a bypass surgery responded, "Get up. WHILE YOU STILL CAN!"
To summarize: I'm sure just about any tool will be useful for most people who are asking. You will develop a fondness for whatever you get. If you need to apply force, however, carefully consider the Leatherman model. Gerbers are more universally appropriate.
You can't beat real tools though. My primary toolset came from a combination of the Craftsman and Techni-tool catalogs. I only use the leatherman when in a bind.
I've had an original Leatherman (stolen by a hippie) and a Leatherman II for the past 10 years. The L-2 has two blades, many screwdrivers and all that, and mine came in anodized BLACK. It's the only one i've ever seen like that. Only problem after a decade of use is that I snapped the smallest flat-head driver. It mostly gets used for computer and bike repair, and all the tools lock and have no wiggle after intense use. The L-2 at least is heavy enough to open the pliers one-hand, but the little tools require both hands.
They don't make that model any more, but the new Wave models are the follow-on. Some of them come with replacable screwdriver bits. Not sure about the new ones, but the original Leatherman is milspec, which is part of why they are so sturdy.
I agree with one of the above posts, too, consider a completely separate knife for your toolkit. Nothing beats a good one-hand, thumbstudded, locking knife. I recommend Benchmade (I've got an Elishowitz StrikerII), CRKT and surprisingly the new Buck knives are pretty nice.
Josh
gigantino.tv - Heavy but weighs nothing.
I know it isn't what you are asking for, but the little Micro-Tech
tool made by http://www.swisstechtools.com/ is really neat. It is
really small, small enough to go in your pocket or on a keyring
without geeking up. It is a small pliers, slotted screwdriver,
phillips screwdriver, wire cutter, and small shears. The newer
Micro-Plus models even have very little slotted and phillips
screwdrivers.
Really impressive is that the thing is dang well made: the various
articulating joints are stronger than I am, and the driver bits stay
sharp and square.
Yes, it is no Leatherman, but anyone who is interested in a Leatherman
probably *also* wants one of these.
-kb
Gerber all the way.
The AC doesn't have one so they have no idea.
It does have a large serrated blade.
I bent a few of the hinged type multitools so I went the extra dollar and bought a gerber that was 7 years ago... I have taken it apart a few times to clean in more thoroughly.
It's stainless Steel too.
last year i nicked the tip of the blade. but other than that it's still in excellent condition. although the belt case is coming apart.
"He's a real midnight golfer"
I haven't had any problems with my gerbers, but then again, everyone uses them a little bit differently.
My first 'multitool' was the original Gerber Multitool, annodized black. You can't get it anymore, as the non-locking blades were a problem. [I don't have it, because someone borrowed it, and I never got it back -- but it held up well for many years, even through my time working on a solar car team in college.] It also had the problem that the Philips screwdriver in it was a #2, so it was useless for small screws.
My next was the SOG Power Pliers. Another nice set, but I did manage to damage the wire cutters (don't try to cut spring steel with 'em -- my own fault, really), and I had changed out some of the components, but I've never seen them offered anywhere other than AAFES, which I don't have access to anymore. I'd say this one held a blade worse than my Gerber. It also doesn't have locking blades, and is a little harder to open one handed. I really like the line cutter though, which I had put in as a replacement. Other issues is that the grip is uncomfortable when trying to use it as pliers. And, it has a #1 Phillips, which is useless on racks, but fine for computer internals. They've fixed my main gripes with the Power Lock [but not the lack of Phillips #2].
I replaced my original MultiPliers with the MultiPlier 600 -- it's not black (but they do make a black version), but it deals with the locking issues from my original. Other than that, there's not much difference.
I've used Leatherman, but I didn't see that it was vastly superior to what I already had. I do keep a Leatherman Micra on my keychain. I also have a Leatherman Squirt S4 that I was given as a gift, but it looks like crap when the enamled coating gets knicked up from your keys. (It is, however, easier on your hands, and has a Phillips #1 vs a #2).
One of my most used tools, though, isn't a knife/plier combo -- it's the Latshaw Pocket Wrench II. It's perfect for tightening down the bolks in a rack. (Especially as the rails for a Sun 220R/420R need you to tighten a nut right where the sides push in, and you can't get a normal wrench in there).
Anyway, whatever you do -- I'd suggest carrying two, preferably different types, with complimentary tool packages. Sure, sometimes you just need pliers or a screwdriver, but I find that I often need to hold a nut, while turning a screw, and so just having one would be mostly useless.
But of course -- I'm mostly just racking equipment, and installing cards and such -- the person who was an electrician, above, most likely needs different gear. [And there are also times when the full fledged item is better -- I keep a screwdriver set in my desk, because it's often faster than using a multitool]
Build it, and they will come^Hplain.
I have a SwissTool that I can't do without. It's sturdy, well built, has tons of different tools, locks on every single tool, and you can get a set of screwdriver bits that fit into the sheath and give you a bunch of different torx and phillips/robertson heads. The biggest benefit is that you can access the blades and such without opening the pliers - that fact alone really aggravates me about the Leatherman multitools.
Sometimes the single phillips head screwdriver is hard to fit into small places (like inside cases and whatnot), but for most things it's okay. I'd recommend it for sure.
it's similar to a leatherman but the handle hinges fold perpendicular to the pliers hinge rather than parallel to the pliers, so if the pliers get stuck on something it is easier to pull them open rather than have the handle start to fold.
this design also puts the handle-folding tools on the inside of the handle when opened as pliers so they are more comfortable to use when squeezing the pliers.
http://www.northdoorway.com/farmgarden/buck.htm
Snowden and Manning are heroes.
I have the original Maxpedition Fatboy Versipack. Until you've tried one, you can't imagine how wonderful they are. The main pocket is the perfect size for an inch (plus) thick CD wallet. The other pockets and clips can hold 98 percent of everything a tech like me needs to do their job. The other 2 percent sits in the trunk of my car and doesn't get touched for weeks at a time.
It's not good for paperwork but otherwise I love the thing. Seriously, if you've ever thought about carrying all your stuff in some sort of bag or pouch, this is THE way to go.
I *love * the gerber with the pliers that slide out- very slick, and the tool in general is as good as any , really- like someone says- the newer ones have better safetey features, and the metal is a bit soft. But if I could only have one multi-tool for work, I might choose that one. (though,. for what it's worth, I have never been impressed with any 'knife' on those, and any 'specialized' tools- hex, torx whatever- are better carried seperatly...)
THAT SAID...I carry a leatherman squirt all the time ( its about the size of a zippo, so it doesn't wear a hole in the pocket, and I can even carry it when wearing slacks. When I'm working in jeans, I have a belt-mounted Schrade ( dont know the model) that is rock-solid and as good as having all the tools for real ( the needle-nose pliers are better than the equivalent snap-on model, for example). It's lasted me years, some years of *hard* use. Alongside that, I carry a Gerber Gator- (yes friends, thats a real knife), partially serrated, diamond-sharp, the handle is made of a type of rubber that wont get slippery when wet/greasy. locks hard. also well-used and a *rock*.
I also usually like to have a small one-handed pocket knife ( with the thumb stud and one handed close,) but cant find one as good as the last one I had which finally wore out.
fwiw...
Skip "Breathe in, breathe out...the rest is easy"
I bought one of these, too (actually I got the XTi). It's nice -- it fits in my hand, has all the tools I need and a bunch I don't (a saw?), and also has a rescue blade for cutting seat belts and similar things (works great for opening plastic bags).
I looked at the Gerbers and the SwissTool, and handled a whole bunch of different Leatherman tools first. In the end, this one had the most things that seemed useful.
Cheaper than an equivalent Leatherman branded device, and it's a knife company. The blade (and other tools) lock securely and are made of VERY good steel. It holds a good edge for a very long time. 5 years now (second one - I lost the first).
A number of years ago, when I was an employee of Tandy Corporation and worked in your local Radio Shack store, We sold a simple Victorinox Swiss Army knife at Christmastime. It sold for $10US and was pretty basic:
...I bought one and started using it for the normal things that an innovative Radio Shack employee _used_ to do: strip wires, screw/unscrew things, pry stuff apart, and cut things in half. I bought another one because I would forget the knife at home...again for $10US. The electrician's blade alone made it the single best tool I've ever used. I could cut and strip wire and slice open boxes like nobody's business with that thing. We stopped carrying it after the holidays so I bought a few more and have managed to lose all but one of them.
1 straight blade
1 electricians blade
1 phillips bit riding snugged on the outside
1 plastic toothpick
1 metal tweezers
It was perfect for me...it fit INside my pocket, it was light, it was simple, and it always worked. I abused the hell out of it and I never had a moment's problem with it. That said, I received a gift of the original Leatherman PST one holiday afterwards and used it until the pliers would flip out like a balisong...that's the ONE thing that old Swiss Army knife never had: pliers.
I've run through two PST's and am on a new WAVE now. It is really slick with the blades OUTside the case now...and they LOCK. Just about everything on the new WAVE is an improvement on the original PST...but it IS bigger.
What I wouldn't give for another BOX of those little Swiss Army knives!!!
-PONA-
+that's funny...I don't FEEL tardy.+
I rank the Gerbers as the best of any of them. They're built like a tank.
The original Gerber was the most solid, but they don't make them anymore. It was heavy as hell, but it was like a brick of steel. I used it as a hammer on numerous occasions. Alas, it was stolen.
The Gerber legend is the best if you're an electronics nut. It's the *only* full-sized multi-tool I've ever seen with spring loaded handles.
The Gerber 600 is not quite as nice, but still very good. It has the gerber, wrist-flick opening and is reasonably beefy. It's good if you don't want to shell out for a Legend. The blunt-nosed version would make a good bike tool.
The Coleman tool had two things going for it:
-Detachable tools from the handle (Need to hold a nut still while turning a philips screw?)
-The only decent knife blade I've ever seen on a multitool. I general, knife blades on multitools are basically a POS. They're always so thin for their length that it feels like you're going to snap the blade off it you try to do any serious work with it. The Coleman's was double the thickness of any other tool I've seen. Other than that, it mostly sucked.
My favorite thing about the regular Leatherman is the size/weight. If only my Gerbers were that small. Alas, the handle design makes the pliers cut into your hand WAY too much, making the pliers only useful for half of what you could do if it had better handles.
Also, I've played with the Leatherman Wave and IMO it's just not a match for the Gerber Legend. The Legend has beefier, spring loaded pliers with tungsten-carbide cutters, and a tungsten-carbide sawblade. The only thing the Wave seems to do better is the file, but I never find myself really needing a diamond file.
The Squirt P4, is a decent keychain tool, but it's out of its class against any full-sized multitool. Compared to a real multitool, it sucks. Compared to nothing, it's great
Life is too short to proofread.
I cannot emphasise enough the importance of checking local law. In the UK, for example:
Automatic knives (opened by springs or gravity) and balisongs are illegal to make, carry or sell.
Anything with a fixed blade, a locking folding blade or a non-locking folding blade more than 3 inches long is illegal to carry in public.
(In public includes your car and your workplace.)
Now, there is a defence in law for the illegal to carry category that you need it to do your job, but I'm not going to risk it.
~~~~~ BigLig2? You mean there's another one of me?
I'm not sure if the Multi Tool I got as a gift from Network Appliances was a *real* Letherman, but it was absolutely sweet.
It had a good knife, ruler, multi-bit screwdriver, pliers and more. The best thing was that it came with a bit so you could open a NetApp box, if you needed to.
The bad thing was that none of the tools were fixed, which cost me some folds of skin.
'I am become Shiva, destroyer of worlds'
I bought my wife a Leatherman.
She lives on a tropical island in the Pacific.
Last visit, I built a dresser for her using no tools other than the leatherman.
I used it to saw and carve the wood and whittle the pegs. While it's not as pretty as a store bought piece of furniture, it's much nicer than naything Homer Simpson has ever built and fully functional.
I'm a tightwad and the leatherman was expensive. I have been considering one for myself but can't justify the $ because I just don't NEED that much additional tool in that small a form factor. However, I'm always on the lookout for a clone of similar quality. Please allow me to TESTIFY that there is nothing on the market, 'praise leatherman', that even approaches the quality. By that I mean the spouses leatherman is ready to build another dresser whereas everythign else I've examined would not have made it through the first one.
Next visit I plan to stay for 6 months and build a sailing canoe using the leatherman. I have no doubt it will be as good as new after the job and ready for another project.
Oh, it can't be beat for dressing pigs or cleaning fish and I even managed to rebuild a yamaha outboard motor using NO OTHER TOOLS.
So there you go.
Don't be a cheapskate. Buy the good stuff. You'll thank me in twenty years when you're still using it.
Good luck finding it, I bought mine 6 years ago and still have it next to me. It unfolds to a full size plyers and can do almost anything I want. Only downside is that it doen't have a philips head.
d -t ools/mini-tool/default.asp
http://www.leatherman.com/products/tools/retire
hmm... for fun I enjoy launching DDoS attacks against 127.87.42.5
I'm a little late to reply on this, but I have two recommendations, my background is 6 years selling the things and about 10 of use.. The leatherman wave is hands down my favorite 'regular sized' tool, and the leatherman micro is the BEST keychain tool ever. Seriously, don't think you can go without the Micro, as far as usability it has gotten me out of some tight situations.