Strictly Multitools

[airballrad]

Is there a comparison site of all the different advanced multitools? Like the SOG assist and the comparable Gerber and Leatherman model? I'd like to get a more advanced multitool. But my mind boggles every time I look at a pic of one. So many choices. Or a review of the top ones by each manufacturer?

There's no "multitool encyclopedia" out there, per se; at least none that are very complete.

You can always head over to a collector or enthusiast forum like I linked earlier in the thread, tell them what you're looking for, and ask what they recommend. You'll get plenty of feedback, but you might also catch the collecting bug. It's highly contagious.

[Lynn LeFey]

Airballrad pointed me toward ...
http://www.multitool.org/

Because, he is apparently an enabler to my growing multitool addiction. Sick, really.

There are reviews for a lot of tools there. Otherwise, you can just look on the manufacturer's site to get functions. It would be REALLY nice to get a spreadsheet with functions, approximate cost, etc. for all the tools (and variants) out there... but alas, none exists that I've ever found. And certainly not one that also includes things like "Sure it has a bottle opener, but you're better off gnawing at the cap as pathetic as the tool is".

Anyway, as for the Flair... it was FREE! Even a BAD free multitool is decent thing, and it seems the stuff you use on the Flair is probably pretty good. You know the saying... "Don't look a free multitool in the cocktail fork". I'm... pretty sure that's how it went...

EDIT: written before Airballrad's previous post. So he about half ninja'd me.

[ninja-elbow]

Yes, the assist is the bottle opener. You screw the corkscrew into the cork, affix your bottle opener on the edge of the bottle for leverage, pull slowly.

Off subject: Don't fear the screw cap. Many good wines are now sealed with a screw cap.

[Icemancometh]

The LM Blast is one of my favorites. Smaller than my Surge of Super Tools, but I like that it has the scissors and saw. I wish LM would take the serrated blade off the Supers and replace them with scissors.

[74 or more]

I bought this at Lowes for $15. To be honest it's probably one of the worst multi tools ever as far as quality goes but it hasn't failed me yet. I keep it in my glove box and it comes in handy. I like the fact that it came with a knife (which also kind of sucks, but, hey, it cuts things I need cut.) and a pouch that holds them both. I'm looking to buy a much better one here before to long.

[moab]

What are the big models by SOG (B61?), Gerber and Leatherman?

[airballrad]

What are the big models by SOG (B61?), Gerber and Leatherman?

SOG has the S6X series in stainless steel with the X varying with the toolset in the handles; B6X is the same except in Black Oxide.

Leatherman has the Super Tool 300, the Surge (a super-sized Wave), and the MUT (aimed at Military, LEO, and EBR owners). It is still common to come across their older large tools like the Core, the Super Tool 200, and the Super Tool that are discontinued.

Gerbers I know less about, although I know the Diesel is one of their larger ones.

[moab]

Which one Leatherman Super Tool 300 or SOG B61-N/L?

I know it's a loaded question but would really like to hear peoples opinions.

[Lynn LeFey]

I own, and can give some review on the SOG B61-L. The difference between the B61-N and B61-L is the sheath: "L" means a leather sheath, "N" means nylon. If you have the choice, get the nylon sheath. The newer versions of the L have a super-crappy sheath.

I got the tool because I wanted something that will cut wire easily, and have some other light tradesman tools readily at hand. The SOGs (any of them) cut wire better than any other tool out there, because of their compound lever action. It's really much less effort, so if this is a task you need to repeat, a SOG is the tool for you. It's something like an 8-to-1 ratio on most tools, and 14-to-1 for a SOG... almost twice as much force in the plier head for the same amount of grip strength. Also, with a little practice, you can open the plier heads with a sort of butterfly knife action, holding one handle, and flicking the tool open.

That's the good news.

The BAD news is, to get that compound lever action, the handles need to move farther. This means the jaws don't open as far while it's held in one hand. You can spread them out, use two hands, and open it up VERY wide, but not in one hand. And they're not spring opening.

All the tools on mine are, IMO, excellent. It has: saw, awl, wide flathead screwdriver, #1 philips, can opener/small flathead, 3-sided file, scissors, half-serrated blade, and a socket driver. The driver takes a standard 1/4 inch socket. I bought an adapter for a few bucks that allows me to fit hex bits. All of the tools lock open. The socket drive will also lock in a half-open (90 degree) position. Now, when I say the tools are excellent, understand this is from just basically initial testing. I haven't taken this thing out and put it to serious use.

The tool areas have covers on them. This makes the tool more ergonomic, but adds one more step to get to any tool you want (open tool, open cover, extract tool). Some people remove the covers, and they will just pop off with no tool needed to remove them.

The weight on this tool, as listed on the SOG site is a hefty 9.6 oz.

[xd dude]

I've had this one for the better part of a decade. The only problem is the loss of the thumb stud. Love it though. Kershaw vice grip multi-tool.

[img]http://img.tapatalk.com/6340fb77-db5a-0780.jpg[/img]
[img]http://img.tapatalk.com/6340fb77-dbdc-b8c7.jpg[/img]

[ForgeCorvus]

I've been looking to buy a full size multitool by a real maker (I've had some serious POS Taiwanese knock-off of a Chinese copy of a mediocre MT in the past....total ballast).
I like the fact that SOGs are user customisable (within limits) as you can buy the tools separately, I don't think Leatherman's warrenty will let you do that.

I'm currently looking at the Powerlock 62, with a view to switching the knife blade out for something else (thereby making it not a "Knife" so I don't need "Good Reason" to EDC it), I really want the V-cutter and a C-4 spike but I can't get those on one with the saw and the socket adapter

[moab]

I've been looking to buy a full size multitool by a real maker (I've had some serious POS Taiwanese knock-off of a Chinese copy of a mediocre MT in the past....total ballast).
I like the fact that SOGs are user customisable (within limits) as you can buy the tools separately, I don't think Leatherman's warrenty will let you do that.

I'm currently looking at the Powerlock 62, with a view to switching the knife blade out for something else (thereby making it not a "Knife" so I don't need "Good Reason" to EDC it), I really want the V-cutter and a C-4 spike but I can't get those on one with the saw and the socket adapter

That's an interesting point. I didn't know you couldn't do that with a Leatherman.

[Lynn LeFey]

Yeah, you can sorta-kinda swap things out on a Powerlock, but the interchangeability options are pretty limited. There are some tools that require 'large' slots and tools that take up multiple slots, so there's only certain combinations that work, and most everything you want is either already on the tool, or you lose one thing you want for another thing you want. It's all a compromise at some point.

I've considered, for instance, replacing the half-serrated blade for a full regular blade, since I'm never much in needed of serrated.

What components are available for the SOGs...
http://sogknives.com/store/components.html

[ninja-elbow]

I've had and used the Hell out of a Supertool since 1999. I have a smaller one now (Juice) but the Supertool is still in roation in my truck. Great tool, has done everything I ever made it do.

[Lynn LeFey]

The various versions of the Juice look nice, for pocket carry.

[ninja-elbow]

I downsized my EDC last year - I love my Juice CS (the red one). I show it off in this thread on page 2 I believe. It's an S2. I will be getting a Juice Xe6 next as it has a small saw and awl, perfect for my woods kit. Not too big, not too small.

The one negative of the Supertool was it's size, you knew you had it on you at all times.

[Rednex]

I have Leatherman, Sog , CRKT and Gerber multi tools aswell as the crapy knock offs and pos ones. I wont bother talking about the pos ones.

Of the better names i own the Sog mini tool clip isn't that good. No tools lock open the pliers have trouble gripping small things. The phillips screw driver on the pliers handle is hard to use for most screws.

CRKT Zilla tool. It is bulker then it needs to be and with out abuse it fell apart. CRKT did send me a new one for free. One good thing about it is it takes standard 1/4 inch driver bits so if you lose one you can get another anyplace unlike some leathermans.

Gerber of some fullsize type. Flick the pliers is cool but i have to flick pliers then open handles to open the knife.To much work to cut something.

Leatherman New Wave i love that tool except for the non changeable wire cutters i have kinda worn them out cutting steel banding straps. Also if you lose the screwdriver bit you have to order the special bits for it so i got the full bit kit for it too. I carried it for 7 years everyday to work but with a new job i just dont need to anymore.

Leatherman Juice C2 i got it because of Ninja Elbow and Airballrad from this thread. I like it used it to cut up cardboard sharpen sticks and penciles.Used the pliers to hold a bolt and to grab screws in spots my fingers are to big to fit. It rides in my watch pocket on my jeans. If it had a pocket clip that would be nice. Im haveing Gun_Nut make me a sheath and flashlight holder for it.

I was looking at the wingman or sidekick by Leatherman mainly they are smaller then the wave and have a pocket clip

[majorhavoc]

I've had this one for the better part of a decade. The only problem is the loss of the thumb stud. Love it though. Kershaw vice grip multi-tool.

Knock down the .jpg size to meet the forum requirments, XD. Others should see this.

A well-used, well-loved multi-tool. You have instant street cred in my book, my friend.

[moab]

Sounds like the Leatherman is the way to go. I've been carrying this Leatherman Flair for well over a decade. And it's served me well. It's my go to tool when I'm to lazy to walk down to my basement shop when I need something. Which is quite often. LOL! The lazy part that is!

I think a 300 is in my future for my INCh bag and everyday life. I like the fact that it has lots of tool. And not so much room taken up with a knife. I have a knife. Don't need another. Really need it to be tool intensive. Not knife intensive. But I can see how guys at work would want that. So they aren't carrying two tools.

Can't tell you how many things I've assembled with that Leatherman Flair. And the knife never seems to get dull. Although it has serrated about half way down. Don't know how I would sharpen that anyway. Leather case is still in great shape. No complaints about that tool at all. Never. I take that back. It has no awl. And I prefer one for punching holes. I'd trade it for the weiney fork that is on it. LOL! A weiney fork. Who the hell thought that up?!

This reminds me. I need to look up how to sharpen my one sided KISS knives. One with serration one without. Either way I'm a great knife sharpener. My father taught me from when I was very young. But never sharpened a one sided blade though. And especially a tanto style. Another subject. Sorry. That knife isn't a multitool. But damn I carry that thing everywhere. It's so light and thin and easy. I would not give those knives up. At least have one of them with me all the time.

P.

[Lynn LeFey]

If you have a dremel, why not just go to town on that fork, and turn it into an awl? You could probably do it with a hacksaw and metal file as well, but it'd take a lot more swear words.

[moab]

If you have a dremel, why not just go to town on that fork, and turn it into an awl? You could probably do it with a hacksaw and metal file as well, but it'd take a lot more swear words.

Apparently the Flair (what a name!) is rather rare. I could sell it for more. And just get the Leatherman 300. Which is what I'm considering. But I feel bad cause it was a gift from my brother.

[airballrad]

I think a 300 is in my future for my INCh bag and everyday life.

If you need the size of the ST300, then that is the way to go. If the size would not be a good thing, you may want to wait a couple months for the Rebar to come out. It it basically a ST300 without being huge, same tools and replaceable cutters and all.

Apparently the Flair (what a name!) is rather rare. I could sell it for more. And just get the Leatherman 300. Which is what I'm considering. But I feel bad cause it was a gift from my brother.

I would definitely recommend either hanging on to it or trading it rather than altering it. You can find a ST300 for about $50 if you look hard, and the Flair can go for that much or more on eBay or among collectors. Leatherman no longer produces the parts that make up that tool, whereas they're making hundreds of ST300s a day. It would be hard to undo that decision.

[moab]

I think a 300 is in my future for my INCh bag and everyday life.

If you need the size of the ST300, then that is the way to go. If the size would not be a good thing, you may want to wait a couple months for the Rebar to come out. It it basically a ST300 without being huge, same tools and replaceable cutters and all.

Apparently the Flair (what a name!) is rather rare. I could sell it for more. And just get the Leatherman 300. Which is what I'm considering. But I feel bad cause it was a gift from my brother.

I would definitely recommend either hanging on to it or trading it rather than altering it. You can find a ST300 for about $50 if you look hard, and the Flair can go for that much or more on eBay or among collectors. Leatherman no longer produces the parts that make up that tool, whereas they're making hundreds of ST300s a day. It would be hard to undo that decision.

I think I'll hang onto the Flair just for the reasons that it's collectible. If it goes for $80 on ebay now. What will it go for twenty years from now? Plus it has sentimental value to me. I'll just spend the $50 on a 300 or like you say wait for the Rebar. I'll have to look into that. Thanks for the headsup.

does REI carry leatherman? I'd like to hold both of these in my hand before I decide. And there's one right up the road from me. Also does the Rebar come in black oxide too?

[airballrad]

does REI carry leatherman? I'd like to hold both of these in my hand before I decide. And there's one right up the road from me.

Yes; although I don't know if they have every model in every store. The Rebar aren't even out yet, so you'd have to wait for those to come in.

Also does the Rebar come in black oxide too?

http://www.leatherman.com/product/Rebar%20Black