Multitool or SAK/Pliers?

[ToolJoe]

  I just had this question pop into my head. Would you carry a multitool or a good SAK and a set of pliers?
  I have pondered doing both. I know it might sound a little broad.

[powernoodle]

I have thought about this, T-Dog, and for me the separate pliers thing just doesn't work.  But my MT gets carried much, and used not so much.  So for me, I just find that combining the pliers with the SAK (which sort of equals an MT) is preferable.  I can see how a real workin' man would want real pliers, though.  There is a thread where there is come discussion about mini pliers which are good for EDC.  So I guess it all depends on what kind of pliers you need, and what your tolerance is for carrying them separately.  Mine is pretty low.  Rock on.

[colt 1911]

I have seen that question a few times here. Not a bad idea just a good set of pliers an a Sak, sounds good to me.


Sak's  rule !

[Styerman]

Of late , I've gone with a SAK and a pair of Knipex . I win both ways - superior and dense implements of the SAK , plus dedicated forged pliers .

What I really want is a Knipex/Victorinox collaboration , on the basic Spirit chassis .

Chris

[parnass]

My most used tools these days are a knife blade and pliers, with screwdriver blade less often.

I own a few SAKs, but rarely carry them.  I want a more robust 2-1/2 to 3 inch, locking cutting blade than found in most SAKs and multitools.

My on-person EDC setup alternates between 2 setups:

1) a knife and a pliers-type multitool

2) a separate pliers and a Leatherman knife/screwdriver multitool  (I miss having a wire cutter with this setup.)

[ToolJoe]

   Parnass---> How do you find carrying a pair of standalone pliers and a knife?

[parnass]

   Parnass---> How do you find carrying a pair of standalone pliers and a knife?

So far, the better pliers and larger knife combination suits my current needs even though they cannot perform as many different tasks as say a Leatherman Rebar or Victorinox Swisstool Spirit.

The knife/Knipex team lacks a wire cutter, file, saw, awl, and scissors.  But, the Knipex grasps much larger objects (e.g., big hex head bolts and nuts) better.

The Leatherman knife shown in the photo includes flat head and Phillips screwdrivers.  I wouldn't want to be without a screwdriving capability even though I don't use it as much now as a knife and pliers.  The Leatherman knife/screwdriver tool is like an SAK with bigger muscles.  I've never had confidence in a SAK's Phillips screwdriver function.

When I was doing more electronics and electrical work, a needle nose plier style multitool with wire cutter facility and more choices of screwdriver blades was better suited.

[Styerman]

I carry a locking folder in addition to my Cybertool . I'll post some pics of some of my combos .

A) I like to have one strong premium steel blade B) most SAK's and multi's aren't too ergonomic for serious cutting .

ATM , I'm giving thought to getting a small Puko style fixed blade . I haven't decided wether to go with a top of the line one , or one of the less expensive options , with a good kydex sheath .

Chris

[youwillforget]

I carry a SAK, Snap-on pliers, a Space pen and my keys daily.

[sawman]

I have considered doing just that years ago as I have the perfect set of pocket-size vice grips but I use the wire cutter way too often so for me it's a Wave or Rebar

[Styerman]

For wirecutting capability , I often carry Klein Electricians scissors . Covers cutting/stripping bases . A bonus , they are flat . I have several pairs of carbon steel ones , but I've recently converted to stainless ones .

Chris

[sawman]

For wirecutting capability , I often carry Klein Electricians scissors . Covers cutting/stripping bases . A bonus , they are flat . I have several pairs of carbon steel ones , but I've recently converted to stainless ones .

Chris

I just looked those up, they look pretty cool.

[enki_ck]

I carry a SAK, Snap-on pliers, a Space pen and my keys daily.

I like the looks of those small pliers. Are they jointed (correct word?) for larger screws?

[ironraven]

I used to carry a Huntsman and a pair of pliers. Then I got my first PST. Much more space efficient pliers, and I got a file and a phillips and a few other sizes of screwdriver.

If money it tight, get a SAK and a pair of pliers. Then upgrade to a multitool.

[3rdpig]

My wife already thinks I'm deranged by carrying a SAK, multitool, Pocketwrench, Vic Rambler and a flashlight. 


If I started carrying a pair of pliers too she'd have me tested.  Problem is, I already know I'd come back "positive".   

[RimfireNZ]

Almost all my Leatherman models just pop in my small jeans key pocket. Can't do that with a SAK AND pliers. Just from a practical standpoint the LM makes more sense for me.

[CanadianLMfan]

Almost all my Leatherman models just pop in my small jeans key pocket. Can't do that with a SAK AND pliers. Just from a practical standpoint the LM makes more sense for me.

+1

[Styerman]

I've made my living with pliers for years . A pair of Knipex or Klein's on the back of your belt is pretty hard to beat .

The pliers on multi's have improved , but don't measure up .

Chris

[youwillforget]

I like the looks of those small pliers. Are they jointed (correct word?) for larger screws?
[/quote]

They are Snap-on 77 I have them set so the fit in my pocket. They slip the other way and look just like normal pliers.

[Grateful]

 I stopped carrying pliers based multi-tools a couple of years ago. The pliers that they offer don't even come close to the durability of a true set of pliers.
I carry a sak with a pair of Cee Tee slip-joint pliers and this combination works well for me. My Cee Tees are older and U.S.A. Made, not sure where they are made at now. I have used them for all the normal  pliers stuff as well as some lite hammering.
I figure they would also make a pretty decent impact weapon if I ever found myself in a situation that I could not walk away from.

Jim

[Syph007]

My favorite tool team is the LM mini and a sak.

[eddie1115]

My favorite tool team is the LM mini and a sak.

I'm carrying that today

[ToolJoe]

I stopped carrying pliers based multi-tools a couple of years ago. The pliers that they offer don't even come close to the durability of a true set of pliers.
I carry a sak with a pair of Cee Tee slip-joint pliers and this combination works well for me. My Cee Tees are older and U.S.A. Made, not sure where they are made at now. I have used them for all the normal  pliers stuff as well as some lite hammering.
I figure they would also make a pretty decent impact weapon if I ever found myself in a situation that I could not walk away from.

Jim

It looks like Crescent makes Cee Tee pliers these days and they are made in China now. I saw a pair at the hardware store last night while picking up some rock salt for the snow.