Folding pliers Only ?

Pointshoot777 · Feb 20, 2014

Hi guys. Does anyone know if someone makes a folding pliers ? I often carry a Leatherman Wave and for 95% of the time, I only use its pliers. (I usually also carry a SAK and a folder or fixed blade depending on what I'm doing and where). The pliers isn't needed all that often, but when it is - none of the other knife tools will do. With the Wave I'm carrying extra weight that I don't need. If there was a folding tool the same size as the Wave but with only the pliers and nothing else, it would probably be perfect for me. Any pliers smaller than the Wave would be too small and anything bigger really not needed & would add weight. I suppose I could carry a pair of needle nose pliers in my pocket, but that would be too bulky.

Thanks in advance for your comments & suggestions - - -

SAKsRCool · Feb 20, 2014

I don't think so. Could you just disassemble the Wave and remove the extra tools? Or pick up a used basic leatherman without the outside tools it should be easier to take apart and the weight savings would be greater.

billym · Feb 20, 2014

Maybe instead get a leather holster made for your pliers. I wonder if Maxpedition makes anything? If you Google Pliers Holder you will find it.

Mahoney · Feb 20, 2014

there's the discontinued Leatherman Mini tool, that's about as small as you can go for almost full sized pliers

ninjarabbi · Feb 21, 2014

Some of the leatherman holsters have a hole in the bottom so you can carry it with the pliers open. You could just carry a full sized pliers like that if you wanted. You could always buy a cheap multitool and take the other tools out. The pliers are usually fine on cheaper multitools, its usually the other tools that are lacking like having loose detents and whatnot.

Liam Ryan · Feb 21, 2014

Maybe a skeletool, or the freestyle?
Pliers, blade, and on the skeletool a bit driver and a carabiner/bottle opener.
The CX version has a great 154cm blade, too. I had the same issue with my wave, so I got the freestyle.
But I liked the idea of the bit driver so i just upgraded to the skeletool.

tiguy7 · Feb 21, 2014

Here are a few pictures of the old Leatherman Mini Tool. It only had 2 blades plus a cap lifter and can opener built into the handle extensions. The tool plus the pouch weighs 130gm (4 1/2 oz.). The double fold handle makes for a very compact full sized pliers. I started to make a screw size gauge in the handle, but the SS was too hard.View attachment 417764 View attachment 417765 View attachment 417766

Getahl · Feb 22, 2014

One option might be to take a SOG of the appropriate size and remove the components, replace them with washers, essentially giving you what you want.

ninjarabbi · Feb 22, 2014

Oh shit I didn't realize the leatherman mini tool had folding handle extensions too. I think I'm going to have to get me one of those...