A nice cheap line of non-locking multi-tools.

[Chako]

I am always on the lookout for local gear. Being in a multi-tool bereaved black hole of a region, my expectations are usually nonexistent. So when I do happen across a multi-tool, I will always buy it. This is how I got some of my truly worst items in my collection. The junkiest of the low usually tend to be some sort of PST rip-off. Of course Leatherman has gone long past that design, but somewhere on this planet are factories that are still pumping out cheap sheet metal versions that will guarantee to slice your fingers off when you first use it (Fuller, I hope you are reading this).

I have learned to get a little more excited whenever I come across a specific shaped multi-tool in the wild. The shape is always the same, and the quality is a lot better than a lot of the other junk being sold on local store shelves. I have also learned that there are many different variations of these tools, and for the most part, the quality is good, and the price is usually excellent for what you get. In fact, I would go so far as to say a few of these are downright steals.

So far, I have found 5 variations locally, with one ordered online because I was curious to see why it was so expensive compared to the other family members. After doing some online investigations, I can presume these are made by Ganzo China. They do have quite a few different models of the same variations...only I haven't found any of these locally yet. I do keep my hopes up high for such an event.

These tools have excellent construction. Nothing moves. The pliers are well built with no side to side motion. The folding tools have no locks (perfect for those areas where locks are illegal). There doesn't seem to be any shortcuts taken in the handle and pliers construction. The folding tools are where some let down can be expected.  Their construction and materials is subpar to the quality stuff. But then, you are only paying a fraction of the cost.  I personally find them acceptable for the price. These make excellent beaters.

Some models have these stylish cut outs in the handles.


Here is another similar variation made for Stanley. I guess they will build one to your companies specs. Interestingly enough, this is the only one without an exterior spring for the pliers.


Another stylish variation.


They even make outside opening versions...

Here is one with Lansky branding.


Another variation.


Here is the only one I bought online. I was curious to find out why this BO HK was a little more expensive than the others .  I guess you pay for the Heckler & Koch name.


So, if you see one of these dirt cheap, I wouldn't be too afraid to buy it. Just realize it is a fairly good quality multi-tool. Not the best, but then you aren't paying top dollar for it. Neither is it pure junk. Come to think about it, I might have to add a few Ganzo pieces down the road.

[Gareth]

I do every so often see cheap MT's and think about picking one up but, as they are often in blister packs, I'm reluctant to had over cash and find a total turkey.   These do look OK though and I wouldn't mind spending a couple of quid on one.

[enki_ck]

I saw a lot of these on my "local" Hong Kong Sanrenmu dealer for about $26 shipped. Some of them have outside blades and a 1/4 bit driver with bits too. Always wondered on the quality of the tools. What do they go for locally in Canada?

[El Rago]

depending on what you get them for, they could be quite the bang for the buck. I have one that I bought at a gas station. and it comes with a story too:

I was moving from madrid to asturias (google maps if you are not sure). At that time I was seriously thinking of buying a LM style tool. Of course I wasnt too sure about the pliers. The whole concept seemed like unnecesarly to me or rather a speSmurfpillst tool.

while on a break from the 500km trip, we stopped at a station for a snack and there is was, among the usual CD, games, cheese and magazine was this MT for a partly 7 euro. I bough it on the spot, great to give a test to LM style tools without spending that much money.

when we arrived both my uncle and I realized, we did not bring any tools, quite the oversight from him as a contractor and myself, as fate would have it, we needed tools, cutters, screwdrivers, prybars and the pliers. Nothing heavy duty, mind you, but light and medium light duty. Even for the post job coca cola as we didnt even have a bottle opener on hand. that little tool saved our sorry behinds that day, and since then I carry that little tool in my man-bag aside from any other tool I might carry that day too. I will never be caugh dead without the simplest of tools. so, in my opinon, if the money is right, go for it. at least mine did handle quite good and for 7 euro, I am not the one to complain.

here a pic aside with a soldier08 for reference:



BTW Chako, those you have there do look cool, how much you got them for, if you can say?

[shecky]

What are the files like? I'm finding the quality of the file is a pretty easy way to separate the men from the boys as far as MT quality goes. Cheap MT files typically are crap for filing anything harder than your fingernails. It mostly seems an issue of poor attention to the design.

[cerbera147]

The first one looks very similiar to the Ganzo one I had a play with.

[Chako]

One of them, I got for 9 bucks. Most of them are less than 15-20 dollars. The Lansky was 26 and the HK closer to 40.

Yes, the file isn't all that great on them. I wouldn't compare these to the big name brands. However, if you find one for cheap, you might be pleasantly surprised at what you get for your money.

Here are two of my trashiest models in comparison...

The Fuller I bought at one of the local country farming stores. I knew it was pure junk, but for 12 bucks, I couldn't resist. Sadly enough, the handles are super sharp and can cut you if you're not careful. The pliers are at least not all that sloppy, but they do have some side to side motion. The tools don't even have a positive snap to them.



This is possibly my worst model that I have kept, I have thrown away a few horrid examples that are similar to this but with a plastic cover plate on the handles. This Coghlan's was bought in a camping section in one of the big box stores. I bought it because it was nice and shinny and I can't resist a multi-tool anyways. This one was 10 bucks, and made from very thin and razor sharp sheet metal. The tools are lose and flop out if you shake the tool in any way. I guess Coghlan doesn't think much of their name.

[jekostas]

Chako if you're interested, all the wood-handled store brand multitools at Canadian Tire are Ganzo made as well - they often go on sale for ~$15 or so and include an adapter and full set of bits.

If you want to try another budget MT maker from China, Coast Multitools are made by a company called Tekut.  You can find 'em at Wal-Mart for ~$20.

[Grant Lamontagne]

I believe the H&K is actually a Benchmade.  It's not actualy a Benchmade, in that it's not made by them, but it is distributed as part of their lineup.

Def

[Chako]

jekostas, I have never seen wood handled MTs at the local store, and they brand themselves the largest in Ontario. Maybe I am looking in the wrong places.

I will visit them once again tomorrow to take a closer look.

[jekostas]

I believe the H&K is actually a Benchmade.  It's not actualy a Benchmade, in that it's not made by them, but it is distributed as part of their lineup.

Def

And the shame of it is that the H&K knives made by Benchmade are all really good.

[El Rago]

I also have one like the Fuller, but it has a led light in one of the handles. Also made out of sheet metal. I actually found that in a bar. A few days later I went to a chineese bazaar and found it for 2.50€. the plierhead is the only thing I can consider of a certain quality, the rest is not up to speed.

@chako: I think the prices are a bit high, specially the HK one.

and yeah, the files are crap, mine doesnt even file my nails. The rest of the tools do help in pincho, though. And the price was right, so thats why I kept it. But I would not pay the 20-40 for those. You can get better MTs for that price.

[Jors]

Here in South Africa I have also seen some other brands. Some were outright junk, while some were quite good quality.

Engel:
I have seen a multitool (2 models) made by Engel or something. They have a model that looks similar than the Wave and one that looks like a Supertool. Cheaper than Leatherman, but usable and If I did not have the opportunity to buy Leatherman, then this would be an option.

Cape Union Mart:
The Cape Union Mart shops sells their own brand of gear, made by someone else for them. They are known for selling good quality gear for hiking, camping and clothing. They have three or more models that is also known for a good alternative to Leatherman you are on a tight budget. One of my friends have the large one of this company that looks like the Gerber. This is his sole multitool and he have not yet managed to break it.

Then I heve seen some stuff that I will not even pay a dollar for.

[JackNate]

I've noticed lately than many of the cheapo tools have torx or hex, so you could easily take them apart if you wanted. I have been wanting to make a knifeless, plierless folding tool but don't have the heart to destroy a Leatherman Kick to make it. But for $10 I could buy one of those tools and then construct my ideal screwdriver only tool out of one of the handles. And if they won't let me take it on a plane I won't even shed a tear.

[Woz]

knifeless, PLIERLESS?

what, so a SAK without a blade? Just one handle? I don´t get it.

[JackNate]

Yes, basically a bladeless SAK. One with nice long drivers. Not everyone would want one, but it makes sense for my uses.

[El Rago]

knifeless, PLIERLESS?

what, so a SAK without a blade? Just one handle? I don´t get it.

not everytime you need a blade. Besides, I have seen that most ppl here carry 2 items, both a MT and a single blade knife (folder, usually). What Jack says is quite correct too. for basic screw driver duty you dont need the beefiest tool of of the lot.

didnt leatherman recently make a knifeless fuse (?)