Got myself a ToolClip!!!

[chrono]

I have a cheapo ToolClip-like at my work drawer as a promo piece from a machine tool show. Last week, I lucked out at a genuine ToolClip, which the seller mistakenly listed as a Leatherman (how come? I dunno  , as if I care  ). It arrived a few days ago. After three days of bathing in WD40, and another soap bath, it is cleaned up rather well. Besides micro scratches on the body, all tools look unused.

I must say there is no comparison between the cheapo and the real thing. The Japanese craftsmanship really shines thru. Nothing wiggles or is loose, really tigh and precise. Love it.

[AimlessWanderer]

Congrats! I used to have one of those, and they are very well built tools. The ergonomics are surprisingly good too.

[Aloha]

Great catch.  I also have one and you are right its very well built.

[Gareth]

Congrats! I used to have one of those, and they are very well built tools. The ergonomics are surprisingly good too.

I remember it well.   They're lovely pieces of MT history.

[Grant Lamontagne]

I have a few of them, and while a couple of them are bnib, I do have a user,  And boy did it get used! 

It is one of my all time favourite tools, and I love how tough it is, how well it works, and the fact that it's 20 years old (or more!) and it still feels as tight as the day it came out of the box.

It is also one of the reasons I much prefer a fixed plier head to the folding ones- the Tool Clip and the Wenger SwissGrip have spoiled me pretty good.  I really would love to see more of them on the market as they are getting so rare that I get a little concerned about losing or breaking them with no chance of replacement.

Def

[chrono]

Here is the picture of my el cheapo and the real thing. The cheap one has some positive improvements over the original such as the additional Phillips screwdriver (not shown), longer plier nose, and a spring for the handle. Also the cutouts on the handle potentially allows more detailed cleaning on the inside of the tools.

The Toolclip is obviously better built:
- More rivets: 7 vs 5
- Stronger plier design: thicker jaws, 2 vs 1 rivets
- Pocketability: has clip vs has not, also shorter length
- More polished components: three blades have mirror finish vs. coarse ground finish, even the rivets were finished better.
- Smaller profile: the small handle is closer to the large one when closed

Overall, the Toolclip has quality all over it. The clip itself is nice. Just a beautiful tool to have