please reccomend me a good pliers based multi tool

I

inanitydefined

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Jun 26, 2013
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I've been carrying around a set of old pliers ( one handle ground down to a makeshift flathead) lately and I've decided I should spring for a multi tool instead. I have $40 to spend and I don't need a million functions, but what I need I'm quite particular about.

I would like a set of needle nose/regular pliers with the obvious wire cutter, a locking knife, and a bit driver (or very good screwdrivers in several sizes) Right now many of you are thinking "leatherman skeletool". So am I, but I'd prefer a bigger set of pliers and non proprietary bits. Also a can opener would be nice, but if not I carry a p38 on my keyring. Pocket clips and good sheaths also win big points with me.

I would just like to see what else is out there. I'd also rather not spend my whole budget as opinel knives have really been calling my name lately and I'd like to get one and the multi tool out of the same budget if possible. I will use this multi tool daily (pliers got used 3 times today and I had to go hunting for a Phillips screwdriver) so I don't want to sacrifice too much quality but at the same time its not a matter of life/death nor will I rely on it to make my paycheck.

Thanks for any help!
Zac
 
Start out simple, get a Leatherman Wingman.
Can be had for $30 at Home Depot
 
Try looking at the Rebar, only thing it's missing is the bit driver, but it has the best set of flat and Phillips drivers you'll find in a standard-sized tool; the wire cutters are likewise better than anything you'll find. I've seen the Rebar available right at the $40 mark. You can also add the removable bit driver for compatibility with any 1/4" bits.
 
The Leatherman Skeletool has a proprietary bit driver... which you could get around with the leatherman bit extender which takes standard bits. The problem is that the Skeletool is already at the top of your price requirement. The bit extender adds another $10.

I don't really see anything from Leatherman, Gerber, SOG, or Victorinox that really fits your requirements.

Sam
 
If your primary focus is on the pliers I would look at the SOG Powerlock as I have seen them as cheap as $30'ish and have smoother pliers than my Victorinox Spirit Plus and Leatherman tti Charge that both cost about 3x as much. The Vic and LM are superior in other ways (as in everything but the pliers) but SOG's gear driven plier design allows for one handed deployment of the pliers and a smoother operation. I rotate the Vic and LM for most EDC, but if I'm at the ranch and don't want lug fencing pliers with me I carry a SOG.
 
Is there anyone who makes a tool like the CRKT Zilla Tool? That's almost perfect but I really don't care to ever do business with CRKT again

Also, has anyone here used the cattleman cutlery ranch hand multi tool? The blade is junk but for the price I can get a Kershaw vapor or kabar Dozier for the other pocket
 
My counsel would be to stick to Leatherman, Victorinox and SOG, as they make quality tools. If you start straying into Gerber and other second tier (IMO) makers, it can be hit or miss. Maybe check the websites and do a little comparo, and see what floats your boat. I would steer you toward the Leatherman Rebar, as its a very good tool for the money with replaceable cutters, etc., or the Leatherman Wingman if you want to save a few bucks (they are in the low to mid $20's if you look around). Leatherman also has a good warranty (25 years) and a good customer service reputation. Consider also whether you must have the blades on the "outside" of the tool (when closed), or the inside (which requires a couple of steps to deploy them).
 
inanitydefined said:
I've been carrying around a set of old pliers ( one handle ground down to a makeshift flathead) lately and I've decided I should spring for a multi tool instead. I have $40 to spend and I don't need a million functions, but what I need I'm quite particular about.
Click to expand...

You will be hard pressed to find a better, more reliable, multi tool than the Leatherman Supertool. This tool is designed for tradesmen and other workman that have to depend on their tool everyday, many times a day. Also there is a version of the Supertool made just for the military. No other Leatheman can claim that honor.

I've carried a Supertool for 20 years finding it to get better and better with age. I just bough a new Supertool 300 in case my older tool needs retirement.

http://www.leatherman.com/product/Super_Tool_300
 
inanitydefined said:
Thanks!
I just pulled the trigger on this
http://www.ebay.com/itm/330957086613?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649
How do you think I did? No bit driver :mad: but I guess I can live without it or get one of the removable driver kits
Click to expand...

If it is sound and just needs a good cleaning, you did fine on the price.

rankor said:
You can get this for your SuperTool 300:

http://www.leatherman.com/accessories/product/Removable_Bit_Driver
Click to expand...

I have one of these and although I haven't used it often, it was REALLY good to have when needed. An advantage over the Wave/Charge/Surge bit holders is that the removable bit holder will accept standard hex bits as well, and the whole outfit takes up about the same amount of space as the bit cards alone. The one advertised on the Leatherman site is kind of pricey. Mine cost only $12, but that was a few years ago.
 
Yalius said:
Try looking at the Rebar, only thing it's missing is the bit driver, but it has the best set of flat and Phillips drivers you'll find in a standard-sized tool; the wire cutters are likewise better than anything you'll find. I've seen the Rebar available right at the $40 mark. You can also add the removable bit driver for compatibility with any 1/4" bits.
Click to expand...

If you look on a site more well-known for book sales, they're under $30 with free shipping if you check the correct listing.

inanitydefined said:
Thanks!
I just pulled the trigger on this
http://www.ebay.com/itm/330957086613?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649
How do you think I did? No bit driver :mad: but I guess I can live without it or get one of the removable driver kits
Click to expand...

Sounds like you made a great deal if it isn't too dirty.
 
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