scissors vs pliers

N

neitron

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Oct 1, 2004
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OK I checked 3 pages along so forgive me if this is a repeat thread.

I`m looking to get a small multi-tool for EDC and apparently there is loads to choose from. My initial dilemna is between scissors or pliers as the main tool part. Pliers seem more common but the scissors looked nice and sturdy.

In my home I use scissors way more often but both tools are on hand there anyways. What I am wondering is how much you guys use either function out and about? Ive come up with some points for the pliers. None so far for the scissors. What do you experts think?

-I could get a pair that includes small scissors anyways
-The knife also performs similar jobs
-Its easier to borrow a pair of scissors than pliers
 
neitron said:
OK I checked 3 pages along so forgive me if this is a repeat thread.

I`m looking to get a small multi-tool for EDC and apparently there is loads to choose from. My initial dilemna is between scissors or pliers as the main tool part. Pliers seem more common but the scissors looked nice and sturdy.

In my home I use scissors way more often but both tools are on hand there anyways. What I am wondering is how much you guys use either function out and about? Ive come up with some points for the pliers. None so far for the scissors. What do you experts think?

-I could get a pair that includes small scissors anyways
-The knife also performs similar jobs
-Its easier to borrow a pair of scissors than pliers
Click to expand...

Unless you work with computers or small mechanical stuff, pliers on a tool like the Leatherman Squirt won't be good for much. In that category of multitool, scissors would be more useful. The minimum size for pliers that can do much of anything would be something like the Juice series, which would narrow your choice to...well, the Juice series.

That said, I have a Squirt P4 and like it very much. It gets more time as a finger toy than anything else, though. :)
 
Hmmm seems solid. And yes I am basically looking for a toy. Something to keep in my jacket. Small blade on a sturdy handle.
 
The knife on the small leatherman can do the job of scissors in a pinch. The pliers are good when your fingers are too fat, too wet or need just a little extra torque.
 
For me the choice was easy. Since I already carry a larger multi on a daily basis for me the choice was scissors. My leatherman micra is always handy on my key chain and the small screwdriver is indispensible for repairing my glasses. Just to be sure I have all the bases covered I also carry a swisstech tool with pliers. on my key chain as well. The only way I will stop carrying this combo is if they start making the SAK farmer with scissors.
 
Well, the way I've always looked at it, what can you do with scissors that you can't do with a knife? The answer for me is not a whole lot. I can just as easily cut paper, open packages, cut tape, etc etc with a blade as I can with scissors; therefore scissors have never been a priority for me.

That said, I do like the scissors on my Spirit, and have used them a number of times already. But I hardly consider them a necessity.
 
Definitely pliers. As others have said the functions of scissors and blades overlap, where pliers don't overlap with either, and almost any multi-tool you are going to buy is going to have a knife.
 
Buck268 said:
Well, the way I've always looked at it, what can you do with scissors that you can't do with a knife? The answer for me is not a whole lot. I can just as easily cut paper, open packages, cut tape, etc etc with a blade as I can with scissors; therefore scissors have never been a priority for me.
Click to expand...

Scissors work better for me when precision is required for small cuts, or for fingernails. But they are far down on the list of my priorities in a full sized multitool. A Micra scissors does nicely for those times I need one (or think I do). My preferred Swisstool is the original, which has IMHO an ideal tool mix

That said, I do like the scissors on my Spirit, and have used them a number of times already. But I hardly consider them a necessity.
Click to expand...

What, may I asked, have you used them for? That's the one scissors I find almost useless. They don't open as wide as the little ones on my Rambler, and are scarcely larger. All I can do with mine is cut thread, string or fish line. It is NG for fingernails, just makes little nips. The improved spring design is wasted on such dinky little scissors. I would gladly trade it for a pointy plain edge blade (but not enough to go out and actually spend money :eek: on an S model).

Am I the only one here who thinks the Spirit scissors sucks swamp water?:confused:
 
I recommend the Juice S2 or CS4. Both models have decent sized pliers and scissors. The pliers are the main implement with the scissors located in the handle. The scissors are easy and comfortable to use. Additionally, the scissors have serrations on them so they are self sharpening. I think either model, the S2 or CS4 would be easy to pocket. I routinely carry a CS4 and find it no trouble at all.

Of course, if you were hoping for strictly a keychain tool like a Micra/Squirt S4 or a Squirt P4 then my recommendation comes down to getting them both. The pliers on the P4 are nice but can really only handle light work due to their size. That said, if you need just that extra bit of torque or grip the P4 is a godsend. The wirecutters on the P4 also function decently as a haphazard set of scissors. They, of course, cannot compare to the cutting ability of a the micra or a regular set of scissors but they would work.
 
A knife blade (on the multitool, or other knife) can substitute for many scissor chores, but nothing can substitute for pliers. So I generally go with the latter. Plus, I keep a multitool on me for those pseudo-emergency situations, and scissors - while handy - just seem less likely to be required in such a situation.

LM Squirts are so small that you could carry one of each.

cheers
 
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