Which tool for the job?

SuzukiGS750EZ · **on:** July 07, 2011, 12:57:11 PM

Hey guys. I work in an auto shop and need some advice. I have a surge right now, which is my pride and joy. Have the bit kit with it. I'm working with coolant, oil, grease and all that good stuff on a daily basis and don't always have time to wash my hands before touching a tool. But i want to have a multi tool on me for the simple things. I have a victorinox swisstool also, but i don't think that's going to be useful for me. I was thinking about a supertool 300. I don't want to trash the multi tool at the job and render it useless, so that's why i'm asking. Should i buy a multi tool, or stick to conventional tools? Should i use the surge and then somehow clean it? Buy a 300 specifically for work?

jim guy · **Reply #1 on:** July 07, 2011, 01:24:34 PM

I do the exact same work. I carry a st 300 I use it only when I need a quick light tool. In that enviroment its best to use the proper tools. Mine does get a lot of use changing light bulbs in the parking lot though.

AimlessWanderer · **Reply #2 on:** July 07, 2011, 02:04:13 PM

My work can be quite dirty too, lots of oils/grime/particles and stuff you don't want to wreck a tool with. I love my Victorinox tools (Swisstool and Spirit), but they are my "clean" tools for away from work and oils.

My work tool is a Wave which still has grip when covered in gunk, and I think the SOG Powerlock makes a decent tool for that environment too. The SOG tools have the benefit of being easy to strip down and clean if they get really gunked up, but a Wave does sit well in an oily hand as the clip and irregularity of the handles give a little extra resitance to slipping.

I'd stick to dedicated tools for the most part, but a good multi which suits you is always worth having on you. You might just need to try a few different options to see what works best for you.

turnsouth · **Reply #3 on:** July 07, 2011, 02:50:55 PM

I've been working in auto repair for 25 years, the last 10 or so carrying a Leatherman. First with the original Super Tool, then the ST200, now a Wave, and a Core.

One thing I know for sure is that they are completely oil, and grease proof. While I wouldn't want to expose one of the tools with a colored finish to this environment, I can see no reason not to use a Surge, or ST300 as well.

My Super Tool's and my Wave have been in antifreeze, oil, gasoline, diesel fuel, solvents, you name it. I do try to be a little more careful with the Core, just because some automotive chemicals can damage the thermoplastic polyamide.

Most everything will wipe off. What doesn't wipe clean will usually come off in the dishwasher. As a matter of fact the Surge, Wave, or ST300 (being all metal) will clean up nicely with spray on brake cleaner.

Just be sure to re-lubricate the tool after any type of washing.

SuzukiGS750EZ · **Reply #4 on:** July 07, 2011, 11:48:51 PM

Yeah, we have plenty of brake cleaner to spray the tool down with! Maybe i'll go and pick up a ST300 at walmart.

turnsouth · **Reply #5 on:** July 08, 2011, 12:07:40 AM

Quote from: SuzukiGS750EZ on July 07, 2011, 11:48:51 PM

Yeah, we have plenty of brake cleaner to spray the tool down with! Maybe i'll go and pick up a ST300 at walmart.

While you are there, get yourself a little bottle of Rem-Oil. The one ounce size with the flip open dropper top, is real handy. That way when you do spray down your tool, you can give the pivots a quick lube.

SuzukiGS750EZ · **Reply #6 on:** July 08, 2011, 12:41:09 PM

I checked the prices online for at store. almost 90$! I got my surge, bit extender and bit kit for just over that!

turnsouth · **Reply #7 on:** July 08, 2011, 12:57:45 PM

Quote from: SuzukiGS750EZ on July 08, 2011, 12:41:09 PM

I checked the prices online for at store. almost 90$! I got my surge, bit extender and bit kit for just over that!

Take a look at the ST300 page at the Leatherman website, under "BUY NOW'. You should be able to find a much better online price at one of those retailers.

powernoodle · **Reply #8 on:** July 08, 2011, 02:47:32 PM

There are at least 2 new ST300's on ebay right now for under $50 shipped.

As a laptop jockey whose hands (and multitool) never get dirty, I like to read about you guys who are swimming in petroleum products all day, and who really use a multitool like God intended.

Pacu · **Reply #9 on:** July 08, 2011, 04:37:28 PM

Quote from: turnsouth on July 08, 2011, 12:07:40 AM

Quote from: SuzukiGS750EZ on July 07, 2011, 11:48:51 PM
Yeah, we have plenty of brake cleaner to spray the tool down with! Maybe i'll go and pick up a ST300 at walmart.

While you are there, get yourself a little bottle of Rem-Oil. The one ounce size with the flip open dropper top, is real handy. That way when you do spray down your tool, you can give the pivots a quick lube.

Pacu approves this message

dks · **Reply #10 on:** July 08, 2011, 04:46:09 PM

Quote from: powernoodle on July 08, 2011, 02:47:32 PM

There are at least 2 new ST300's on ebay right now for under $50 shipped.

You should be able to get a New 300 for under $50 easily; used ones sell for about the same so there’s not much reason to go after them..
Just avoid overpriced collectable originals and 200s that can sell at ridiculously high prices.

For the EU based lot, amazon uk has a good price on Swisstools now, with free UK shipping

SuzukiGS750EZ · **Reply #11 on:** July 09, 2011, 03:17:30 AM

I'll search online. I'm constantly working in gritty sticky undercar sludge, oil, coolant, water and everything in-between. I want a dedicated work tool. My dad had an original supertool on his job and used it daily. He made sheet metal products, ran a powderpaint line and so on at Durham manufacturing. So I saw that tool go through he'll. I just don't want to spend a bunch of money and feel the need to keep disassembling it to clean it.