Swiss+Tech Micro-Plus Ex 9-in-1 multitool: Almost Awesome

[Lynn LeFey]

A few weeks ago, I was wandering around a plaza while having my brakes done. There was a radio shack, and I found myself looking at their gadgets. I found the Micro-Plus Ex on sale for about $4. It looked like it had potential. I brought it home and started fiddling with it. It has good, stout pliers. It has REALLY nice ergo on the handles. The wire cutter worked on 12-gauge wire. Hmmm... starting to be impressed. The four drivers are all super-solid. There is a LOT to like on this tool for $4.

So, I start looking at reviews, wondering what kind of love has been heaped on the tool. Turns out not much. IT all comes down to the pivots where the handles meet the plier head. The handles staying shut, thereby keeping the plier head closed is what holds the tool onto a keychain: a brilliant idea. BUT, the pivot on the handles loosens up, and allows the handles to swing freely. The position of the pivot in relation to the force applied on the handles ensures that the hinge will be under stress in a bad way. It also means putting a lot of pressure on the handle might just snap the joint completely.

After 100 turns of each handle, they were 'floppy'. After only about 20 or 30, they were pretty loose. This tool is an 'Almost Awesome' tool, ruined by one major design flaw. If you don't intend to put too much strain on the pliers and don't need to carry it on a keychain, it's not bad... for $4.

EDIT: Gahhh! I thought I was in the 'Keychain' forum. Mods, feel free to move this. Sorry.

[Mr. Whippy]

As you requested. 

[Lynn LeFey]

Thanks kindly, sir.

[Zed]

Any pics lynn      sadly this is the only thing with cheaper tools ,oh and some more expensive MT's   

[Lynn LeFey]

Here ya go...

Sorry to say I forgot to stick something else in the pics for scale reference

[Gryffin]

This tool is an 'Almost Awesome' tool, ruined by one major design flaw.

That's been my experience with Swiss+Tech in particular: some really clever ideas, marred by sloppy execution.

 

[Zed]

Lynn if you tapped the handle would this not tighten it up 

[Lynn LeFey]

Possibly, if I could get an angle to get a hammer at the right location. It's not a huge concern to me. I don't plan on carrying it on a keychain, so if the arms swing free, it's just a big annoyance, not a functional fail.

[Zed]

Possibly, if I could get an angle to get a hammer at the right location. It's not a huge concern to me. I don't plan on carrying it on a keychain, so if the arms swing free, it's just a big annoyance, not a functional fail.

shame but was a good price, after i asked for a pic i realized what it was  the heat is effecting my brain,   

[Lynn LeFey]

Yeah, I'm not going to complain for $4.

[sawman]

I have the 8-in-1 which is very similar and suffers the same eventual friction-wear.  It's a great tool but a little bulky on the keychain.  I carry it sometimes but find their Utili-key a much more feasible carry option for its weight, size and shape.

[MARIOS7319]

Here ya go...

Sorry to say I forgot to stick something else in the pics for scale reference

Hmm these pivots is it possible to screw them ? 
Or they are solid, like the rivets?