ZillaTool vs ZillaTool Jr

[Mr. Whippy]

One of the complaints about the Zilla Jr is that the pliers are so small.  I decided to get the full sized Zilla Tool and compare it to the Jr, both subjectively and objectively, as an EDC tool.



First off, the ZillaTool is bigger, but honestly, it still fits very nicely in a back pocket.  The one thing about it:  It's wide.  Especially using the pliers.  So what about the pliers?  I was fairly disappointed with the full sized ZillaTool Pliers.    For the bulk, they aren't that much bigger than the Zilla Jr:



Here the fullsized ZillaTool is compared to a Charge ALX pliers (you can see the Zilla Jr at the top):


By comparison, the ZillaTool is about the same dimensions as a Charge ALX, with much smaller pliers:


And the real kicker is, the blade is not THAT much bigger than the Zilla Jr, but you get a much bulkier handle to deal with:



So to me, the Zilla Jr is a better MT for EDC.  In fact, I've been installing a couple 3 way switches using the Zilla Jr, and it is quite competent.  The wire cutters aren't as good as a Charge, but completely usable.

As for the "Mistake" where CRKT didn't get the driver size right:  There is actually an easy fix (if CRKT were willing to do it):

Here are the two tools side by side, with the bit drivers showing


And a shot from the driver end:


All that needs to be done is manufacture a replacement driver part, that can be installed by the owner or CRKT:


It's just 2 screws and the pivot.

Fixing the driver would move the Zilla Jr into the elite tier of MT's, in the same vein as Leatherman's Juice, Freestyle and Skeletool lines.

[badwolf]

Thanks for the side by side pics gives me a better idea of them both now. Kinda interested in getting one after reading Kirk13's review here http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,33007.0.html shame about CRKT's bit saga still I I'll go for the Jr

[Grant Lamontagne]

I have mentioned a number of possible ideas for a "Zilla 2" but according to the designers, CRKT isn't interested in changing anything.  I would imagine it's the same thing with the Jr.

CRKT doesn't actually manufacture these things, and I think that's the big difference here.  If they manufactured things in house I think a change like this would have been done long ago, similar to the changes we see in the PST or SwissTools- no new fancy names or model numbers, just a continuing evolution

Of course the quick driver change option (which would not be able to be done by the user for liability reasons) you suggest wouldn't address the driver storage- either you'd still be carrying bits you could no longer user, or you'd have empty slots and no bits at all.  I think think this is the main reason why the Get-A-Way Driver came out- it provided not only an adapter but also a number of spare bits and the ability to use the pliers in conjunction with a screwdriver, which is an issue that only the SpydeRench/ByrdRench has managed to successfully address.

I personally feel that CRKT should have probably started packaging these two tools together because of this.

Def

[J-sews]

My complaint about the Zilla is not just that its big (because it is) but its so big for how few functions it has. Pliers, knife, bit driver, that's it. It's overall size-to-feature ratio is pretty poor. The Junior definitely works better for me.

[AimlessWanderer]

Thanks for the insight and comparison 

The Jr didn't stop with me long, as it didn't fit into any role for me. Looks like big brother doesn't offer much extra of anything other than bit compatability 

[Mr. Whippy]

Thanks for the insight and comparison 

The Jr didn't stop with me long, as it didn't fit into any role for me. Looks like big brother doesn't offer much extra of anything other than bit compatability 

Even less in fact.  If one considers handle volume/knife length ratio, you end up with a lot more handle with only a little more knife.  For me, that makes for less precise cutting.

[AimlessWanderer]

Thanks for the insight and comparison 

The Jr didn't stop with me long, as it didn't fit into any role for me. Looks like big brother doesn't offer much extra of anything other than bit compatability 

Even less in fact.  If one considers handle volume/knife length ratio, you end up with a lot more handle with only a little more knife.  For me, that makes for less precise cutting.

Oh right  I'll stick to my Li'l Guppie then 

Probably a silly question, but that's never stopped me before  Was the thinking behind these something other than just a multitool? I'm just thinking with those ergo's it's almost like someone tried to build something with pliers and screwdrivers (and quick deploying all black blade), which nicely protrudes either side of a clenched fist ... if you catch my drift

[kirk13]

Thanks for the head to head!The Jnr is a nice tool to use and easily pocketable,its interesting to see that its big brother isnt any major advantage.Overall its a bit of a shame as these little guys could be a really good package with only a little development

[5hif7y]

with almost the same tool set, does anyone know how it compares to leatherman's Skeletool???

[Mr. Whippy]

For me, the pliers are a tossup.  I like the springloaded Zilla Jr pliers, but the Skeletool pliers open wider and have better cutters.  The Zilla Jr is better for making copper hooks for wiring outlets and switches.

I prefer the Skeletool PE to the Zilla Jr CE, but both operate absolutely smoothly.

The Driver on the Skeletool wins because you have the full line of LM bits.  Nothing but the Zilla Jr Phillips and standard driver bits will work in the Zilla Jr.

[Heinz Doofenshmirtz]

For me, the pliers are a tossup.  I like the springloaded Zilla Jr pliers, but the Skeletool pliers open wider and have better cutters.  The Zilla Jr is better for making copper hooks for wiring outlets and switches.

I prefer the Skeletool PE to the Zilla Jr CE, but both operate absolutely smoothly.

The Driver on the Skeletool wins because you have the full line of LM bits.  Nothing but the Zilla Jr Phillips and standard driver bits will work in the Zilla Jr.

Thanks from me too for the comparison and info.  I've been intrigued by the Jr. for a while, but as most have said, it doesn't seem to give much of a payoff in terms of use for the bulk/volume of the tool.

That said, as I was loading my EDC bag out of my drawer where I keep my rotation, I grabbed my CX and was admiring just how well designed it is.  I can't think of another tool in its class that I like better; I should have bought one a long time ago...