One-Piece Tool Recommendations?

[gustophersmob]

I like the idea of the simplicity of a one-piece tool, and would like to try one out.  I don't have the money (or patience  ) for an Atwood tool.  I have looked at the shard, and it is definitely in my price range.  It just seems somewhat limited in function.

I like the looks of the Piranha, but it is a bit pricey (compared to all of my SAKs, save the Spirit) for something I may not use.

Any recommendations?

Also, are any of these tools made out of tool steel?

Thanks!

[Mr. Whippy]

You've sorts eliminated the two I'd recommend.

You might look at the PocketWrench

[Nikos]

+1 for the PocketWrench. Newer incarnations are in stainless steel but there used to be a high-carbon version iirc.

You may also have a look at the Artifact (larger variant of the Shard), although people don't speak very highly of its blade.

[Eyegor]

It is not pocketable and not the best around but for some reason I love the Frogtool.

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

You may also have a look at the Artifact (larger variant of the Shard), although people don't speak very highly of its blade.

I've got two Artifacts, but prefer the pocketability of the Shard

http://www.edcsource.com/auction_details.php?auction_search=1&auction_id=105799&option=basic_search&src_auction_id=&keywords_search=&buyout_price=&reserve_price=&quantity=&enable_swap=&list_in=&results_view=&country=&zip_code=&username=&basic_search=gerber%20shard

[David]

Well all one piece tools are some what limited but what you get is convenience. As already mentioned the Pocketwrench II is a great tool and a good bargin. The Key Sergeant is cheap and useful but may be to limited for your needs. The Shard might surprised you and not be as limited as you think.   

[Turnstone]

I like my Shard, it's quite useful! But it's the only one-piece tool I own, so I can't compare...

[gustophersmob]

Thanks for the input!

I may go ahead and try the Shard.  It is so inexpensive, it won't hurt if I don't use it.  If I find I do use it, then I can upgrade to something more expensive like the Piranha.

You've sorts eliminated the two I'd recommend.

You might look at the PocketWrench

Didn't mean to kill the fun, I'm just trying very hard to avoid getting the Atwood bug   

[Mr. Whippy]

Think about what situations you use something makeshift (and sometimes wish you hadn't ). Find the keychain tool that fills that niche.

For me, the Atwood Funnybone has been the most useful.  Rather than chew up the corners of a nut with pliers, I slip the Atwood on, and go at it.  I prefer to use it to just hold the nut while I turn the bit driver (Phillips, standard etc), but I've used it to tighten loose nuts on motorcycles, bikes, and even repaired a couple of loose chair legs at Thanksgiving.

[Sparky415]

I have both the pocket wrench and the Artifact 

The pocket wrench is great if you are going to come across nuts, bolts and need a screwdriver bit holder (I keep one in my tool box)

The Artifact I have had on my car keys since February
I know some people don't like the blade on these, The blade is more a scalpel than a knife I carry it most days and I've never had a problem with it 

Get both!   

[David Bowen]

I recommend either a Pocket Tool X Snapper

http://pockettoolx.com/products/snapper

or maybe you need a Raker Ring Tool

http://www.rakerknives.com/damascus_tools.htm
Both are similar to custom type quality and offering a feel that isn't cheap. I figure 21-29 isn't bad for a piece like these.

[sawman]

You really may want to reconsider the Shard, it's quite useful and a great value for the money.

[gustophersmob]

I recommend either a Pocket Tool X Snapper

http://pockettoolx.com/products/snapper

Now this looks interesting.  I don't know how I missed it when looking at the Piranha.  Thanks for the link!

[cerbera147]

What about the CRKT Spare Tool? 



http://www.crkt.com/Ta-Bar-Tool-Razor-Edge-Wharncliffe-Fixed-Blade-Pry-BarNail-Puller-Bottle-Opener

[Mr. Whippy]

What about the CRKT Spare Tool? 

(Image removed from quote.)

http://www.crkt.com/Ta-Bar-Tool-Razor-Edge-Wharncliffe-Fixed-Blade-Pry-BarNail-Puller-Bottle-Opener

I really like the looks of the CRKT Ta-Bar.  I want to put hands on one of those...

[Vladimir]

Snapper will be my next purchase.
I bought Piranha, Brewzer and Ti Minispoke from PocketToolX and I'm very satisfied with the quality and usefulness of these tools.
I also recommend Shard and Pocketwrench II.

[AHB]

Shard & Pocketwrench are both good in-expensive choices.. 

[ari6126]

I would definitely get the Shard. It's probably the best way to see if one piece tools are your thing without shelling out for the expensive ones.

[rp252]

or maybe you need a Raker Ring Tool

http://www.rakerknives.com/damascus_tools.htm
Both are similar to custom type quality and offering a feel that isn't cheap. I figure 21-29 isn't bad for a piece like these.

I can vouch for the raker ring tool.  I've hand one on my keyring for almost a year and I use it all the time.  Cuts cardboard, fishing line, duct tape really well.  The flathead has stoll up to light-medium use with not a scratch and I've used the oxygen wrench a few times as well.  Sweet tool - the damascus one looks awesome too.

[nuphoria]

Without repeated the fine recommendations above, I'll add this one to the list:

http://www.heinnie.com/Pocket-Tools/Boker-Plus/Boker-Plus-Knives-Vox-Access-Tool/p-94-816-5776/

[gustophersmob]

I would definitely get the Shard. It's probably the best way to see if one piece tools are your thing without shelling out for the expensive ones.

This is probably what I'll do.  Cheap, and it will help me see if they will even be useful.

I do like the looks of the Snapper with the removable bit...

And this is cool too:

Without repeated the fine recommendations above, I'll add this one to the list:

http://www.heinnie.com/Pocket-Tools/Boker-Plus/Boker-Plus-Knives-Vox-Access-Tool/p-94-816-5776/

Too many choices!  And I want them all 

And I swore I wouldn't get into these tools 

Thanks guys! 

[David]

Too many choices!  And I want them all 

And I swore I wouldn't get into these tools 

Thanks guys! 


Your welcome. They dont call us enablers for nothing.   

[AHB]

Your welcome. They dont call us enablers for nothing.   

Exactly.. 

And the Raker Ring Tool is mandatory..   

[Benner]

You need a GasBaby  .

Everyone needs a GasBaby  .

 

[David]

You need a GasBaby  .

Everyone needs a GasBaby  .

 

Gasbabies are 

[Mr. Whippy]

Having had a Gassybaby, I'll stick with my Atwrench or Funnybone (and currently Poltergeist)

[bhauer1]

Glad to see you using the Poltergeist. I am loving my prybaby. I was painting my house and used it to pull nails/tacs, unscrew brass from hinges/ remove pins, and pry paint cans. I believe Peter designed the first incarnation while he was a painter (but I could be wrong).

[Mr. Whippy]

Glad to see you using the Poltergeist. I am loving my prybaby. I was painting my house and used it to pull nails/tacs, unscrew brass from hinges/ remove pins, and pry paint cans. I believe Peter designed the first incarnation while he was a painter (but I could be wrong).

Hey!
Merry Christmas! The Poltergeist is fantastic.  I use it all the time at work. I'm glad the Prybaby is working well for you.

[Swiss Man]

I like my Shard, it's quite useful! But it's the only one-piece tool I own, so I can't compare...

I am the same way, except I have owned a Pocketwrench years ago and I don't even know what model it was.

[yokomode]

Just ordered a Shard myself, the 'Airport Safe' line was a deal clincher.