CRKT Tool

[Grant Lamontagne]

Are you sure?  Did you take the blue pill or the red pill before you went there? 

Def

[Sazabi]

[Grant Lamontagne]

Look what just arrived in the mail!

I just walked in the door and found it- initial impressions soon!

Def

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[AHB]

Look what just arrived in the mail!

I just walked in the door and found it- initial impressions soon!
Def

Sent from my MB860 using Tapatalk 2

Quick.. Wrap it up and send it to me..  
Looking forward to hear your thoughts..

[Grant Lamontagne]

That's odd Allan, I hadn't heard that Satan's air conditioner was malfunctioning ....

Def

Sent from my MB860 using Tapatalk 2

[AHB]

Haven't you heard??

[Grant Lamontagne]

The only thing I'd heard is this:





Getting back to the more serious subject of the CRKT Tool, it seems like exactly the same tool I remember from SHOT- if there are any differences between this production version and the pre-production version I saw at the show, I can't find it.

It comes with a rubber bit housing with nine bits and an adaptor that fits over the phillips driver- although one of the phillips bits is exactly the same size as the fixed driver and one of the three flatheads is the same as the fixed flathead which seems a bit pointless to me.  On the up side it'll make the decision of which ones to ditch in favor of a Robertson or Torx bit a lot easier.

The switchblade screwdrivers are a bit addictive, but also kind of pointless.  They are fun and once the driver is out it's got a fair bit of reach and since it's a T handle you'll get lots of torque with it so it's all good- I just don't know about the opening mechanism- it's fun though so we'll just go with it!

I like the blade- I know some folks are going to complain that it's not long enough since it only takes up about two thirds of the tool, and sharp readers will point out that this was one of the problems I had with the Wingman/Sidekick models.  I can't explain it, but it seems to work better on the CRKT Tool- perhaps because it looks more like a blade that a contractor or tradesman would use for scoring wood rather than the tactical type blade on the Wingman/Sidekick so it doesn't seem like it has to be ninja-ey.

I don't like the pocket clip- it gets in the way of the button for the flathead and gets in the way for the OH opening stud for the saw.  I know, who the hell needs a one handed opening saw?  You are exactly right- plus the saw could be about a quarter inch longer.  The up side of the pocket clip is that it's removable.  It comes off easily with a couple of teeny Torx bits.  It's not reversable though, but then this thing isn't really lefty friendly anyway, so I doubt that matters much.  I'll probably take the clip off mine since it also gets in the way in the sheath.  I tried sstuffing it clip and all into the sheath and it didn't really fit, so I've been clipping it to the sheath, but then the clip gets in the way of the flap closing... although you don't really need the flap to close because that clip isn't letting the tool go anywhere.

One neat thing about this tool is that there really is no wasted space.  At first it kind of seems like the XTract with bits and pieces sticking out all over, but unlike the XTract this one makes use of all the space.  On the two bolster sides are One Piece Tool type wrench cutouts which are really cool in their own right, but extra so because both sides are also cut to work as bottle openers.  I bought a 6 pack of Corona on my way home tonight specifically for testing!  Apparently there's some kind of technique involved since the first one didn't come off so cleanly, but I promise you I will keep trying!

The only other exposed piece (the pocket clip covers 1/4 of the tool, each wrench covers 1/4 of the tool) has holes drilled in it for wire cutting/stripping.  Personally I don't strip enough wire to need such a thing, and after trying the SOG Kill-A-Whut? I found I am really not fond of this kind of stripper.  Of course, someone who knows what they are doing with electricity may feel differently.

All in all it seems like a pretty neat tool, but I'll have to carry and use it some to see what it can do.  I see it more as a companion tool than a standalone, but if you really don't feel you'd miss the pliers then maybe this might be of interest to you.

Oh, and the blade is One Handed Opening and locks open so I guess it won't be a huge hit in Europe or Oz.   

Def

[AimlessWanderer]

Thanks for the insight mate. Can we have a size perspective please?

 

[Grant Lamontagne]

It's about that big by yay wide....

Seriously I'll get some comparison pics up tomorrow when the light is better but it's about the same length as a PST or Spirit if that helps.

The saw is about the same length as that of a Juice, and it's dimensions are surprisingly close to that of the Gerber Fit for the three or so of you that have one of those! 

Def

[AimlessWanderer]

It's about that big by yay wide....

Seriously I'll get some comparison pics up tomorrow when the light is better but it's about the same length as a PST or Spirit if that helps.

The saw is about the same length as that of a Juice, and it's dimensions are surprisingly close to that of the Gerber Fit for the three or so of you that have one of those! 

Def

  I'm one of them 
I'll take a look at that tonight to get a perspective

[Grant Lamontagne]

Just uploading the pics now... hang in there! 

Def

[Grant Lamontagne]

Here's a pile of pictures now- I need to do a couple of things around the house then take Daisy to the park before I can go kayaking, so I'm trying to hurry up a bit!

Ask questions and I'll do my best to answer when I get home! 





























Oh, and for the record, the Octane is out of my work vest and the CRKT Tool is going in!

Def

[AimlessWanderer]

Cheers Grant .... how big is a Crunch? 

[Gareth]

I got my "Tool" in the post yesterday and have had a little play already.  First thoughts are pretty much the same as Grant's; poor pocket clip, nice blade, fun screwdrivers.  I've also just tried the saw on a piece of pine dowel and it works fine.  My only slight niggle is that the liners, locks and tools feel a little roughly finished.  On the up side this is the first tool I have owned with TWO bottle openers.

[Grant Lamontagne]

That just means it's twice as good as any other tool!  After all, if bottle openers weren't so important, why would every tool have them? 

Def

[Syph007]

Ya I bought one and wasnt too impressed with the fit and finish.  The philips head on mine wasn't even properly formed.  My biggest issues where poor steel, poor finish, large voids of wasted space in the tool, limited utility of T shaped drivers and awkward overall shape.  The switchblade drivers on each side were the most fun part of the tool, but one of mine would get stuck 50% of the time.

It didnt make the cut for my MT drawer and I threw it on ebay and got 15 for it, which I think is about what its worth.

It looked neat in the pictures though... oh well.

[Gareth]

Not had any issue with the drivers locking open on mine I am happy to say.

[Grant Lamontagne]

Ya I bought one and wasnt too impressed with the fit and finish.  The philips head on mine wasn't even properly formed.  My biggest issues where poor steel, poor finish, large voids of wasted space in the tool, limited utility of T shaped drivers and awkward overall shape.  The switchblade drivers on each side were the most fun part of the tool, but one of mine would get stuck 50% of the time.

It didnt make the cut for my MT drawer and I threw it on ebay and got 15 for it, which I think is about what its worth.

It looked neat in the pictures though... oh well.

That sounds like you got a bad one- I haven't had any of those issues with mine.  I would have seriously considered contacting CRKT about a replacement for it since it was obviously defective.

Def

[Syph007]

Ya I bought one and wasnt too impressed with the fit and finish.  The philips head on mine wasn't even properly formed.  My biggest issues where poor steel, poor finish, large voids of wasted space in the tool, limited utility of T shaped drivers and awkward overall shape.  The switchblade drivers on each side were the most fun part of the tool, but one of mine would get stuck 50% of the time.

It didnt make the cut for my MT drawer and I threw it on ebay and got 15 for it, which I think is about what its worth.

It looked neat in the pictures though... oh well.

That sounds like you got a bad one- I haven't had any of those issues with mine.  I would have seriously considered contacting CRKT about a replacement for it since it was obviously defective.

Def

I would have if it was a keeper for me, but the problem with non plier based tools is the lack of pliers!    I thought of leaving it in my car, but ive got tools there already, and im more covered really with a standard MT and crescent wrench.   I really only bought it to satisfy my curiosity, and I didn't pay much for it anyhow.   

[Grant Lamontagne]

Yeah, I don't know where they get off making non plier based tools without pliers.... what were they thinking?   

Def

[Gareth]

Gave the wire stripper holes a go this afternoon and, while a little bit fiddly, did the job well enough.

[Grant Lamontagne]

I don't really like the "hole in the body then fold the knife blade" type strippers.  I just roll the wire gently between my thumb and the blade until I cut all the way around. 

I find all of these hold type strippers just too fiddly, not just this one.

Def

[Gareth]

I don't really like the "hole in the body then fold the knife blade" type strippers.  I just roll the wire gently between my thumb and the blade until I cut all the way around. 

I find all of these hold type strippers just too fiddly, not just this one.

Def

TBH I agree.  I've never had an issue stripping wire with just a blade either, but it's nice to know that this one works for those who do like them.

[Grant Lamontagne]

I know a few electricians and all of them use some sort of knife rather than any sort of commercially available strippers.  While the few guys I know may not be much of a cross section for the entire electrical industry, I just don't see the point if them myself either.

Def

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[Grant Lamontagne]

Here is a quick update:

I have been carrying the CRKT Tool in my work vest for a few months now, in the rain, the cold, the ocean spray and in the sun.  It's seen mud, dirt, hydraulic fluid and grease and I have not cleaned it, oiled it or maintained it in the least, preferring to torture test it.  I've done on the spot repairs of my Jeep and a few other things, and I have to say that this tool has held up remarkably well.

There are no signs of rust on it at all.  I'll take photos later on to prove it.

It hasn't been all rosy though- while both spring loaded screwdrivers still launch out, the lock on the flathead has become rather argumentative.  It does not like to be released, meaning I have to use another tool to release the lock to fold the spring loaded driver, which is actually quite awkward.  There is a good chance that a good cleaning and oiling would solve that problem though.

The other issue, and this isn't exactly a flaw in the tool, is that the pocket clip must have gotten hung up on something at some point and been stretched out a bit as it now catches on anything that comes near it.  This is not a big deal though as it is held in by two screws, and so I'm sure I can pull it out, bend it back in shape and put it back on.

Functionally it hasn't been the best tool out there- I miss the pliers.  The wrench sides are a nice feature but if the nut is too big (as many vehicle oriented nuts are) or if there's any overhang or limited access then it's very diminished.  Of course, this is a failing of many of these types of wrenches, and again, not specific to this tool.  Of course, pairing this with something like the CRKT Guppie or Spyder/ByrdRench to get the adjustable wrench would greatly enhance this one, and the only duplications would be the blades and since the screwdrivers would be different (similar heads but configuration/length is different). The blade duplication is ok too, as the CRKT Tool blade is more like a utility type knife, perfect for point work, while the Spyder/Byrd and Guppie have more fragile tips.  The saw and bottle opener functions of the CRKT Tool would compliment the Spyder/Bird nicely since they are lacking those functions.

On to specific bits about the CRKT Tool itself- first up, I hate the name.  Sorry CRKT folks who may be reading this, but the name is boring and awkward- sort of like Ford's new model, the Mercury Car.  No smurf.  We know what it is, why not give us a good handle to use?  Hell, calling it the XL48.2 would even be better, despite it being a bit more pointless.

Functionally I like it.  The blade seems pretty short when compared to the amount of available space, and normally that bugs the crap out of me, but I actually like it in this thing.  It's short and stout so you feel like you can really use it and not worry about chips, scratches, dings or broken tips.  If it were longer it would start to feel fragile or too elegant for manual labor- and no tool should be too elegant to be used.

The saw is also nice- it's not Wenger Ranger nice, but it has a decent length for any impromptu sawing needs.  If you are cutting down trees in the yard, get a chainsaw.  If you need to trim a few branches while camping or hiking it's quite good.

The wrenches, when they are in a situation where they work, they are great.  I haven't slipped once with them, although as I said, there were a few situations where they weren't much use.  Unlike one piece tools that are hollow the CRKT Tool has backsprings and other tools so if there's an extended bolt in there, it's not going to help you.  Fixing that would lose you some other functionality though, and I'd rather have the saw, blade, screwdrivers etc.

The wire strippers have not seen any use- I never use those kinds of wire strippers.  If anyone does, please feel free to let me know how these compare.  For my own limited electrical work I'll continue on using the blade.

The T handle screwdrivers are nice- for T handled screwdrivers.  They are great for applying torque to stuck screws, but kind of stink if those are long screws.  Again, not a specific flaw with the XL48.2, but with T handled screwdrivers in general.  Sadly the XL48.2 doesn't have any alternative- you can loosen the screw easily but then you are screwed if it's an inch or more long.

All in all I like the CRKT Tool despite the complaints above, and I'm not just saying that because the co-designer Tom Stokes is a friend.  The thing is, a lot of manufacturers and designers make tools that are slick to use but really don't think of the odd time when a tool is going to be pushed hard.  Sure there are warranties for the odd time that a really stuck screw has to be manhandled, but this tool gives up some convenience for it's ability to deal with things like stuck screws, drywall scoring and so on.  Given it's skeletal type design it should be fairly easy to clean (when/if I ever clean mine I'll let you know how it goes ) which means it's not only designed for hard jobs, it's also ready for the dirty ones.  It's not perfect, but then no tool is.  This one however is the kind of tool that is happy to get down and dirty and even better is at a price point where you might as well grab a couple of them so that you won't have to slow down when you send one in for warranty work in the off chance you do manage to push it too far.

But, make sure you carry a plier based tool too.

Def

[AimlessWanderer]

Thanks for the feedback mate

Based on what you've said I'm going to stick with my initial assessment and say it would have been a lot better if they's "been inspired by" the driver on the X-Tract (flat and Phillips) on one side, leaving the other side free for scissors. That would resolve the driver lock thing (although when you clean it there might not be an issue anyway  ) and reduce the clearance needed. It "might" also help clear up a bit of internal space (possibly with a little rejigging) to give the extra internal clearance for bolts to pass through the wrench area.

I totally agree on the name thing too and overall I think it's a nice effort by the CRKT boys and it's good to see them trying out new concepts again, but I'm not convinced it's one for me.

I'm going to take another step towards lunacy  and say I'd like it even better still (on top of my other suggestions  ) if they either lost the wrench area altogether, or went for a removable one-piece-tool scale so the drivers and wrench could be used together  That way the length of the blades and saw could be maximised.

[Accujohn]

I'm going to dust this thread off and record my experiences with this tool. Just got one. I've read all the past comments and was still curious. I picked the best of several I touched here at the crkt headquarters. About 3 miles from my home:) So I will still have my Charge TTi with me but it will be interesting to see later what tool I use first and for what. I will keep you all posted.

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[Gareth]

I have to admit that I don't use mine an awful lot, but I do still think it's a quirky and fun concept.  If I didn't use pliers a LOT at work I suspect I'd get a lot more use out of mine.

[lowtech]

Had I (re)found this thread earlier, I might not have hit the buy me now button.
Now I am awaiting my CRKT tool to be delivered from the US.

I´ll let you know how I like it.

[Accujohn]

I would not worry too much, as it is hard to be disappointed at the price. I really like mine so far. It's easy to get hung up on all the comments here. We all over analyze each tool. I have loved what others have hated, and vice versa. Sort of the circle of life here;)

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