Multi-Tools

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George Hill

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Last month my beloved SOG multi-tool went missing. This isn't too big of a loss, as it was old and worn and needing to be replaced anyways.
I think I've had it for 5 years or there abouts.

Looking at all the new multi-tools out now, the selection is staggaring. I like the relatively new Leatherman Super Tool, and I also like the new Gerber Recoil. But are these rugged enough to stand up to hard use? I'm under the hoods of vehicles quite often, or working on a Moto Guzzi, or boat, or working back stage at a local theater company rigging wiring and fixing stage pieces. So the tool will see a lot of work... so it has to be a real tool.

What are the recomendations of this forum?
 
Not to lessen any of the other choices, but my Gerber multitool has been a constant companion since 1999 and it is still good to go. I have a hard time believing how good of an edge the knife blade on it will still hold. No complaints here, although the newer models do have some nice improvements.
 
I found this one at Big 5 on sale for $15 awhile back:
sw1010.jpg
 
I 2nd the Gerber recomendation. Easy one-hand opening, doesn't hurt your hands when using the pliars, and mine haven't broken yet, despite years of use and misuse.
 
I've been pretty happy with my Leatherman Wave for the last four years or so, since I upgraded from the basic Leatherman PST.
 
I second the Leatherman Wave. I have been using mine several years and am amazed at the quality of the pliars and wire cutters. My only complaint would be that the knife steel does not seem to hold an edge very long - not a problem if you already carry a good pocket knife.
 
No offense, Riley, but S&W branded knives don't have a very good reputation for quality. And frankly, they push knockoffs pretty hard.

There are knife bargains out there, but if you work that S&W hard, you may be surprised.
 
There are knife bargains out there, but if you work that S&W hard, you may be surprised.
Click to expand...

That could very well be the truth. I just carry it around in my truck and haven't used it much. Maybe that's why it was only $15. :)
 
Gerber here also.As a helicopter mechanic I use it constantly for small jobs.The small standard blade even works on glasses screws!;)
 
I'm in the market myself. I keep wandering back to the leatherman charge.

http://www.leatherman.com/products/tools/chargeXTi/default.asp

Features I like:

1. Bit drivers - I can chose the bits I want in the tool.

2. 154CM blade - pretty very good steel for a multi tool.

3. Blades open while tool is closed (like other waves).

4. Pocket clip. OK, OK it weighs half a pound. I still like the pocket clip.

Supposed to be out sometime next month. Street price looks to be right around $100. Maybe I need to take a closer look at that supertool you linked to......
 
I have a Gerber, a Leatherman, and a Shrade. All good.

Cheap Chinese MT not good.

John
 
I've got both the Wave and the Super-tool, and I can give them both my highest recommendation. The Wave is very comfortable to use and is perfect for any small job, whereas the Super-tool is slightly larger and is completely suited for larger/harder jobs with its greater leverage and locking utensils. Finally, between oilfield and ranch work, house jobs, and 10 years and counting of US Navy paid vacation....., I have seen probably every brand of multi-tool break except SOG's and Leatherman's.
 
I'm a big fan of the wave. Adding the one hand opening blades makes it very useful. The SuperTool is good too but I carried one for a while and like the Wave better.


tt
 
I've got a middle of the line Leatherman. I don't use it much (my tool box is next to my desk) but when I need it, it's always worked.

Geoff
Who figures it for a back up not a primary.:cool:
 
The Gerber Multi-Plier 650 evolution is in the same price range as the one you showed but it has interchangeable plier heads - I've never used one of them before, but that is a pretty cool option to have available. You can switch out from the included needlenose to available blunt nose, technician or cable cutter heads. Just a thought.
 
I've had the Wave for a few years now, and I'm quite happy with it. One drawback, though, is that the screwdrivers don't lock. I think you'd be happy with the supertool. Little beefier, locking tools, and should stand up to hard use a little better, but after reading your post, a small tool box might be better to tote around. Multi-tools are fine in a pinch, but I wouldn't want to count on one under the hood or on the boat.
 
I've only had a couple of Gerber knives, and was never happy with them. They break easy and don't hold an edge.
 
I've got half-a-dozen Leathermans (Leathermen?), at least a dozen SAKs, and a number of other different manufacturers' multi-tools. The one that has impressed me more than any other is the Leatherman Super Tool. In fairness, I haven't put some of the other models through the same level of use (and I don't own a Wave, but would like to), but the Super Tool has stood up to challenges that surprised me time and again. Since it now has rounder edges, that's also a nice plus. I'm just very impressed with the Super Tool.
 
Owned a wave for the last several years.

Light use. Got locked out of the house coming home from vacation and used it to tear into a door lock. Top quarter of one arm of the pliers sheared off.

I was using it hard and I have above average hand size and strength so if it bent I wouldn't be surprised but seeing it break, I am disappointed.

Looks like their warranty may apply . . . . . but still.
 
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