The Truth About Multi-Tools...

I would like multi tool companies make some models more concerned about weight and basic common need. Maybe pliers more variety of screwdrivers an awl etc. There seems to be a competition on how much they can pack in a model. I have never used a bottle opener. Even SAK putting corkscrews.......really? I'm trying to a job and I'm going to stop and have some wine.
 
Multitools are great for EDC, and particularly if you aren't a tool guy with real hand tools. I take mine to family gatherings.
 
Some people are known to use their knife for a screwdriver or pry bar, an adjustable wrench as a hammer or a screwdriver as a scraper. So that’s why multi tools were invented. Lol I’ve known some who could break an anvil with a rubber mallet so don’t underestimate the ingenuity of humanity . Lol
 
Have an old Gerber multi-tool in the kitchen junk drawer. Pretty much only use the pliers and phillips screwdriver, but quite often saves me a trip to the garage.
 
I keep my LM Sidekick and a P4 inside the truck so I can do something quick inside. out side you're right ! I dig into my tool box.
 
Multi tools have their use. I never EDC them, but I usually toss one in my bag when traveling and they really have been a big help there, with the many minor problems that tend to come up. Usually, I go with a Leatherman Wave.

n2s
 
I travel for work quite a bit, and while I’m not a tradesman I often have extended stays when I’m traveling. Instead of packing a tool bag I bring a Leatherman Wingman.

I’ve used every tool on it including the can opener. I just wish it had a corkscrew.

Edit to add: These days I often bring a Leatherman Style PS since it has small pliers (generally useful enough for me) and no blade allowing me to pocket carry it on the plane. I’ll pack an SAK for corkscrew, scissors, knife detail.
 
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I have a Leatherman in each of my two vehicles and they are very rarely used at all but I like knowing they are there, just in case (not that I know how to fix many things on a vehicle...). I'm retired now and was a white collar guy in my past life (well, much of it) so carrying one on my belt makes little sense in my world. However, I've carried a small SAK for more than 45 years as I think about it (currently, the Executive) and that's in my pocket all day.
 
Tom Leatherman invented the multi-tool specifically for times when you do not have a toolbox on hand, such as when traveling. So by design, if you have a tool box at hand, you do not need a multitool.
 
I have always a tool bag in each of my vehicles with the basic tools needed to fix most things. In my EDC pack I keep a multi bit screw driver and a pair of pliers. I carry a SAK Pioneer religiously. That said, I do have an original Leatherman I picked up at a flea market about 20 years ago and while it rides in my pack, it is almost never used. I have used the pliers a few times and the file has come in handy a coiuple times when I couldn't find another. I won't use it around electrical for obvious reasons.
 
I carry a leatherman most days. And every day that I am at work. I have a wide variety of "real" tools that I use, but it seems like when I am already in a big hurry and have climbed up a 30' ladder and across a catwalk or something then I realize I forgot something I needed. As long as it doesn't need to be insulated the Leatherman usually saves the day.
 
jideta said:
Those Knipex pliers are calling me!
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Be careful. After I got my first one, I have ended up with about 10x of them in all different sizes. And they are expensive. First you "need" a 5" for your EDC. Then a larger one for the kitchen junk drawer. Then two 10 inchers for the car. And you "need" both the smooth Plier Wrench versions and the grippy Cobra flavors. And then . . . .


BMbDSnT.jpg


Frailer said:
This is the answer for me.

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100%. That's a slam dunk.
 
I’ve had a Leatherman Wave ever since they came out. Stays in my get home/truck pack. Never used it once. Always have tools around.

Not to get off topic, but everyone who owns a vehicle should have, at least, a small tool kit inside.
 
I'm shocked there are so many anti-multitool opinions!

I work in an office now, but for several years I worked very hands-on jobs. My multitools were used countless times a day, everyday. They allowed me to be more efficient, not having to travel back and forth to find tools.

Even now, though my multitools don't see as much use in the office, they are still used there for minor office repairs, around the house, yard work, camping, fishing, etc.

I've tried so many times to not carry a multitool, but always feel naked and unprepared without it--and I almost always come across a situation where I wish I had it. The Leatherman Surge has been my EDC multitool since near the beginning of this year and it's seen alot of use. Occasionally, I'll leave the Surge behind and carry a single piece multitool/prytool or Outdoor Edge Slidewinder as a smaller/lighter option, but I like having some kind of tool with me.

Not everyone finds multitools to be useful, but I did not expect to see so many negative opinions of them here.

So much capability wrapped up in a small, pocketable package.
 
powernoodle said:
Be careful. After I got my first one, I have ended up with about 10x of them in all different sizes. And they are expensive. First you "need" a 5" for your EDC. Then a larger one for the kitchen junk drawer. Then two 10 inchers for the car. And you "need" both the smooth Plier Wrench versions and the grippy Cobra flavors. And then . . . .


BMbDSnT.jpg




100%. That's a slam dunk.
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They do look addicting. I’ll have to try some.
 
PeaceInOurTime said:
I'm shocked there are so many anti-multitool opinions!

I work in an office now, but for several years I worked very hands-on jobs. My multitools were used countless times a day, everyday. They allowed me to be more efficient, not having to travel back and forth to find tools.

Even now, though my multitools don't see as much use in the office, they are still used there for minor office repairs, around the house, yard work, camping, fishing, etc.

I've tried so many times to not carry a multitool, but always feel naked and unprepared without it--and I almost always come across a situation where I wish I had it. The Leatherman Surge has been my EDC multitool since near the beginning of this year and it's seen alot of use. Occasionally, I'll leave the Surge behind and carry a single piece multitool/prytool or Outdoor Edge Slidewinder as a smaller/lighter option, but I like having some kind of tool with me.

Not everyone finds multitools to be useful, but I did not expect to see so many negative opinions of them here.

So much capability wrapped up in a small, pocketable package.
Click to expand...
Not so much anti or negative opinions. Just that some people use them and some don’t.
 
I carry a mt but nothing the size of a leatherman or sak.
I need another tool to open a sak anyhow.

The little mt I do carry is slim and works on all the small tasks that I need it for.
Normally if I need a tool I have it available.
 
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