The Missing Multitool Function

M

medcommander

Joined
Apr 21, 2010
Messages
188
The Leatherman multitools are very functional and cater to a large portion of the consumer base, but unfortunately are lacking one important function that should be added on every tool in their inventory. This function is the ever important spring loaded plier, for without this addition it is awkward to use the multitools one handed or in confined spaces. I don't really think that this is too much to ask for considering that even Gerber has this function on many of their multitools.

-MC
 
I dont really like the spring loaded pliars on the wingman and sidekick. They tend to slip backwards out of the hand.
 
The only Leathermans with spring loaded pliers are the Wingman, Sidekick, and the OHT.

I'd be interested in getting an OHT, but they're still hard to get and I already have a Charge TTi.
 
The only leatherman I have is a PS4 Squirt. It has springloaded pliers and I like them quite a bit. With them being so small the spring really helps in using the MT. I can see the want of a spring system on a full size though from using plain pliers that don't have it. It would be a nice option to add on most of their tools. So instead of having a silver or black option, they should add in a spring assist option for the pliers.
 
I understand that spring loaded pliers do sometimes tend to slip out of the hand, but honestly without them it is difficult to use a multitool one handed. I like the idea of making spring loaded pliers optional for I understand that everyone may not like them, but for myself it is a large handicap which pushes many people to lesser multitools. The main benefit of a Leatherman style multitool over the SAK design is that it supposedly gives the user a larger and more functional set of pliers, but without the ability to be used one handed I find it difficult to determine whether a Leatherman is truly worth the money that one invests in it.
 
The reason the big boy leathermans dont have sprung pliers like the wingman does is that it makes the plier head weaker, since there is a hollow that incorporates the spring. Now you could have outside springs but then you have to figure out how much value they add, and how many people want them. I dont care for sprung pliers unless they are on tiny tools like the squirt personally. Ive never had a problem working full size pliers that dont have a spring. Most pliers in the world dont have springs, so I think more people would expect them to not have one vs have one. But who knows, maybe lots of people would think it was a feature. :rolleyes:
 
Syph007 said:
The reason the big boy leathermans dont have sprung pliers like the wingman does is that it makes the plier head weaker, since there is a hollow that incorporates the spring. Now you could have outside springs but then you have to figure out how much value they add, and how many people want them. I dont care for sprung pliers unless they are on tiny tools like the squirt personally. Ive never had a problem working full size pliers that dont have a spring. Most pliers in the world dont have springs, so I think more people would expect them to not have one vs have one. But who knows, maybe lots of people would think it was a feature. :rolleyes:
Click to expand...

+1 I don't see spring loaded pliers on the shelf at any tool store, much less in the hands of a worker. I just pu my pinkie and ring finger inside the tool to open it.

Connor
 
Springs are an evolutionary step in the right direction, just as replaceable cutters are. Thats how products improve over time. If a spring-loaded plier head makes it weaker, which it may, I don't think we have seen many (any) failures because of it. Even when big boys use them. So mark me down as a vote for springs. They are just easier to use.

20120806_112329.jpg

Gratuitous spring-loaded plier head pic.
 
I've seen pictures of broken plier heads on various Leathermans, and yes the higher-ends included. The real question is, what was the person REALLY doing when they were broken. I know of few tasks that would require that much force to be exerted, and besides that i'd much rather workhose a cheap pos pair of pliers than a multitool anyday. Most tasks I've used my Sidekick's pliers for are:

Pruning (using the cutters)
Soft and hard-wire cutting
Pulling out nails, tacks, staples
Pulling out splinters
Forcing a needle through tough material
Fixing a broken necklace chain
Fixing a broken chain
Fixing a broken zipper (got stuck)
Undoing a super tight knot
Lifting up a woodstove plate
Tightening wires, nuts, etc
Digging out chunks of fat pine
Scraping a ferro rod
Also, good for picking up gross crap you don't wanna touch with your fingers!

Hehe :-) And, yes, in my opinion, spring-loaded pliers such as those on the Sidekick, Wingman, and OHT, are a fine upgrade in my opinion. Makes them a great deal easier to use and far more convienient!!
 
If you're looking for a set of heavy duty working pliers (spring loaded) in a nice utility knife, I'd recommend the Buck X-Tract. Several models available. All tools (knife, pliers, scissors, flat and phillips screw drivers) all work with one hand locking both in and out. A bit bulky for the pocket, but comes with a good sheath and diamond sharpener.

Rich S
 
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