I normally do not look in flyers, but a few months ago, I just happened to take a look through one from Canadian Tire, and lo and behold, there were two new multi-tools featured in it. I went down right quick but found out that they were all sold out. On my second trip to find them, one of the employees informed me that they were having limited supplies and or troubles getting new shipments in.
Well, I finally got lucky after my fifth visit to the local Canadian Tire.
Both tools come in a very eye fetching sheath. Definitely not for the B&E artist out there.
The sheaths are of good quality. Better yet, they fit the multi-tools nice and tight. Both sheaths are identical, right down to the snap closure. Yes that is right, no Velcro in sight.
The handles not only feature a colour scheme that works with the sheath, but they are also proudly emblazoned with the Canadian Tire tool brand name. The rubber inlays provide excellent grip and better thermal characteristics then the surrounding metal.
The Shears took me by surprise. The first time i opened it, I couldn't close it. I kid you not, I hadn't noticed that the shears had sliding locking mechanisms. I noticed the mechanisms...but had wrongly assumed they were for the folding tools. After a little swearing, I noticed the locking mechanisms locked the shears in place. This is a rather nice feature and should eliminate those shears loosening up after a while and the cutting action getting a little wonky. The shears handles not only lock, but the shears have a physical lock on one side of the blade.
The packaging states that there are 7 functions for the shears model. you get shears, 3 in 1 file, Phillips screwdriver, two flathead screwdrivers, knife blade and a saw. The saw has a nice pointy tip making it perfect for drywall applications.
The Wire Stripper model features 10 functions. You get a wire stripper, wire cutter, 3 in 1 file, drywall saw (this is what the package states...but I believe the other tool features a better dry wall saw...either an error in manufacturing, package printing, or who knows what), wire hook spudger, Phillips screwdriver, 2 flathead screwdrivers, cable splicer, and a knife.
Both are nice heavy tools that are well made. However, there is a design issue that I find interesting. The tools do not offer outside folding tools. You have to open the handles in order to access the folding tools. Not a modern design by any means. On the flip side, the outside is a nice solid slab of stainless, lending the tool a nice heft. Another issue is the lack of locking tools except for the main snipes on the Shears model. I guess this would make it legal in the UK and other countries that bar locking blades. I just have to wonder if this tool is being sold in those locals under a different name.
The next photo shows the inside of the handle. You can see the folded piece of metal. These guide the shears in the proper storage position when the tools is folded up.
Each handle locks in the open position on the shears via these little Gerberesk locks.
The wire strippers are marked on both sides in AWG and MM scales.
Well there you have it. Two interesting non pliers based multi-tools. Both feature a life time warranty (proof of purchase required), and are built well enough to be of great quality. A few design niggles do crop up, but overall, a well built tool. The best part is the price. Both tools retail for less than 30 dollars. Quite the deal if you ask me.
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