Franken's destructive multi-tool knock off reviews

[FrankenPC]

OK!  So, I see a LOT of 2-4$ multi-tool knock offs on EBAY (including shipping!).

I think it's only appropriate to surgically destroy a variety of these to see what they are made (or not made) of. 

What is the strength of the material?  The joints?  How well can the blades hold an edge?  What happens when I crush them in a vice?

These questions and more will be answered shortly.  I currently have three knock offs coming:  one multi-plier, one credit card multi, and one swiss army knock off. 

If you have any suggestions as to what process (hopefully humorous) I should subject these tools to, let me know.  I have an arsenal at my fingertips.  Everything from torches to a milling machine.

[DaveK]

Their resistance to a good pliering from a Swisstool, ST300 or a Powerlock would be interesting to know. For the advancement of science of course.

[FrankenPC]

Their resistance to a good pliering from a Swisstool, ST300 or a Powerlock would be interesting to know. For the advancement of science of course.

Excellent advice.  Resistance to bullying. 

I have a partial list brewing:

1) Initial observations
   a)fit and finish
   b)ergonomics
   c)machine tolerances
   d)remark on any branding (or theft thereof)
   e)Seriously, is it laughably made or is it really trying to be a tool?
   f)Metal types: Stainless? Pot metal? Iron?

2) Blade sharepness and edge retention (including scissors)
   a)factory hone
   b)manunal stropping
   c)cutting various materials
   d)Trying to chip the blades

3) Function of all tools
   a)do they actually do what they are supposed to
   b)how many times can a tool be used before dulling/breaking
   c)What does it feel like to open and close any tools?

4) Torque resistance
   a)clamp the blade in a vice and measure how much weight it takes to snap (or bend) the blade
   b)Using the screw bits, what gives first?  The screw or the bit?
   c)Test the pliers (if exists) by torqueing the ends.  Do they snap off?
   d)Attempt to tear off various bits in horrifying ways

5) deformation
   a)direct impacts with dead blow hammers
   b)Using vice, attempt to fold the entire tool in half

6) Salsmurfer bath
   a)It says "stainless steel", but I don't believe it.

[DaveK]

I'm looking forward to 4 and 5 most

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

It'll keep the tool God's happy at least

[AHB]

Can't wait for your reviews mate.. 

 

[Freudian Frog]

So... instead of just cutlery science this is multitool science? Would you do branded multitools if we donated them?

[FrankenPC]

So... instead of just cutlery science this is multitool science? Would you do branded multitools if we donated them?

My gawd man!  What are you thinking!  The tool gods (tm Mike LotS) will be infuriated!

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

So... instead of just cutlery science this is multitool science? Would you do branded multitools if we donated them?

My gawd man!  What are you thinking!  The tool gods (tm Mike LotS) will be infuriated!

That's the problem, he doesn't

[Precise]

Cold resistance. Turn a can of air upside down and freeze the tool, then strike with a hammer.

[zepla]

O yeah! Destruction 

[FrankenPC]

Cold resistance. Turn a can of air upside down and freeze the tool, then strike with a hammer.

Nice!  Another test of the metal's mettle.

[Freudian Frog]

So... instead of just cutlery science this is multitool science? Would you do branded multitools if we donated them?

My gawd man!  What are you thinking!  The tool gods (tm Mike LotS) will be infuriated!

That's the problem, he doesn't

Tried it once. Hurt so I quit.

Cold resistance. Turn a can of air upside down and freeze the tool, then strike with a hammer.

Nice!  Another test of the metal's mettle.

Ummm... how would that be... testing anything? Rather than just a blatant attempt at destroying it?

[Santos]

If its in the cards i would seriously like to see how a Crunch knock off holds up.

Be good if you actually had  a serious format like Knifetests.com  but then again its your money to waste 

[FrankenPC]

If its in the cards i would seriously like to see how a Crunch knock off holds up.

Be good if you actually had  a serious format like Knifetests.com  but then again its your money to waste 

Yeah, it is money.  So, I'm sticking to the 2-10 dollar range.  No, this won't be official.  But, I'm hoping it will be amusing.  It may also be illuminating as to what kinds of failure modes these tools can go through.