Last one- at least for today! :D

[Grant Lamontagne]

As a lot of you know, I have a thing for fixed head plier tools.  I like the CRKT Zilla, I love Wenger's SwissGrip and the SOG ToolClip and Micro ToolClip are some of my all time favorites.  But, there's one fixed head plier tool that tops them all in my mind.  If you like fixed head plier tools or solidly made, no nonsense tools then you need to find one of these- but beware, it will probably cost you.



Al Mar's 4x4 multitool is as simple as a multitool gets- there's no locking mechanisms, no one handed opening complications, no fancy plier hiding techniques here. 



Like many tools of it's type the 4x4 has a latch that holds the plier handle in place when not in use, but this one goes a little further to address user comfort by adding a leather sleeve on the handle.  It's nice to see a designer go that extra mile for the user.



And when it comes to plier heads, this one is about as impressive as they come.  It's got a good length of wire cutter and is extremely robust.  This is the kind of tool you could use to take apart a tank if you felt so inclined.



There's a good solid Phillips head too that lives under the handle.  It's a bit awkwardly placed though, since you have to either have the handle extended to use the length of the shaft, or if there's no clearance, you can fold the handle and the driver sits along side.  In this position though the handle takes up most of the length of the driver so you are limited to surface screws. 



Inside the handle is a plan blade, serrated blade and a file with a flathead screwdriver tip.  Like the rest of this tool they are made to last- each of these blades are as thick as tactical knife blades at the spine and look like they could cut open an ammo box in no time.  There's no can or bottle openers, no stubby saw or any other things that are thrown into other tools.  This is a simple, straightforward, bulletproof tool, and that's why I like it!

More info on it in the Multitool Encyclopedia

Def

[badwolf]

Thanks Def, for the trip to multitool nostalgia, these older tools that you've shown are classic and beautiful in design. I'm just getting in to the fixed head pliers, they seem so solid, love the simplicity and ruggedness. This is the first time I've seen an Al Mar, that shackle/clasp for the plier handle is nuclear, the file looks very thick and that little bit of leather is a nice touch, thanks for sharing

ps. Took a look at the Multitool Encyclopedia and now have even more to add to the wish list, thanks

[Grant Lamontagne]

No problem- consider yourself warned though, this model usually sells in the $200 range when you can find them.  I will say this though, it is one of the few multitools in my mind that is worth every penny of that price tag.

Def

[scrappy]

The one for 150 was a bargan

[nuphoria]

Wow... serious bargain, and I would have grabbed it too!

It really is a great tool, and I think you should sell me yours Grant

[Grant Lamontagne]

You are a bit late to the party Chrissy- Frankenfish just sold one here on the forum a day or two ago for a lot less than what I'd sell mine for! 

Def