Sheffield 17-in-1 'mod'/fix

Lynn LeFey · **on:** April 04, 2012, 12:20:49 AM

I picked up a Sheffield 17-in-1 MT a while back. Yes, I seem to have a 'thing' for
Cheapos. FYI, it seems to be the same thing as the Lowes Kobalt tool, only with slightly
different scale design.

ANYway... I've seen a fair range of difficulty in deployment on MTs on the cheap end,
but this is the first time I literally could not get some of the tools out.

These are the long tools on the side. The problem here is two-fold. First, there is very
strong tool retention. Second, the handle's scales extend a bit beyond the body, making
the nail nicks too recessed for my nails to reach. Impossibly frustrating.

I keep my nails short, because they tend to split on the sides, then tear into the meat,
which is far from fun. Someone with longer nails may not have the problem as badly, but
even my hubby had problems extracting the tools, and could only get 2 of the 4
problematic tools out.

The solution? I clipped a bobby pin to the sheath. I can use the loop to hook the tools
and pull them out. Stupid that it's even necessary.

WWW · **Reply #1 on:** April 04, 2012, 12:23:09 AM

Any pics ?

J Mackrel Jones · **Reply #2 on:** April 04, 2012, 12:29:08 AM

There is a religious sect with similar propensities: the penitentes, whipping themselves as they go. My apologies, but why? A quality tool is its own reward, in use.

Lynn LeFey · **Reply #3 on:** April 04, 2012, 01:08:01 AM

There is a general belief that if it's not Leatherman, Victorinox, SOG, (possibly a few
others like Bear),and to a (sometimes much) lesser degree, Gerber, it is utter
garbage. This simply isn't true.

This tool has one failing. Which can be rectified with the addition of a (probably)
1 cent hair pin.

I have a SOG Powerlock, and Leatherman Wave. Both good tools. Dollar for dollar
though, I'd say my best buy ever was a $3 Sheffield, followed by a $5 Sheffield.

I intend to get a good cross section of tools for testing, not just the upper end ones.
The Wave might be better than this tool but it certainly isn't 5 times better, which is
the cost difference.

There are LOTS of folks out there who can't or won't shell out $55 for a Wave. So,
what is the best option at various price points? Well, I'm testing that.

J Mackrel Jones · **Reply #4 on:** April 04, 2012, 02:25:56 AM

Touché

Lynn LeFey · **Reply #5 on:** April 04, 2012, 02:34:20 AM

Hope that didn't come across as harsh. That wasn't my intent.

Also... sorry to everyone for the weird line-break stuff. My laptop is currently ailing, so I'm on a PC with a monitor that won't allow a resolution that will fit the whole reply window in it, and cuts off my text. It's making me crazy.

I LOVE quality tools. When function, fit, and finish are all good, it's a joy. It's just that when I was a kid, I certainly couldn't have afforded a Leatherman or SOG. I'd like to be able to help those less cash-enabled folks to make the best purchase for their meager dollar. That is, unfortunately, probably going to mean a lot of hit and miss... with the more frequent miss.

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #6 on:** April 04, 2012, 02:41:16 AM

We tend to be mostly enthusiasts here, and as such we tend to stick to the higher end tools for most of the discussions here. That having been said, I think it's great that we are looking at some of the lower end/entry level tools as well.

I've always thought this place needs some bottom end representation to be the ultimate multitool resource, and I believe that just about every tool has something to offer, from the top end all the way to the bottom. I have found few tools that are in my opinion a complete waste- and one of which is a high end titanium hand made piece that cost me about $60.

High price tags are not necessarily the indicators of decent tools.

Def