Craftsman Multi tool

[nelg]

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-12-in-1-multi-tool/p-00935721000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

[rdub934]

Wow. Cool little sliding head MT. I like how it has the center button, like the Gerber Balance. Too bad it is a Craftsman, probably means it is really cheaply made. Maybe it will have the famous waranty?

[jekostas]

First blush it looks quite a bit like the Gerber Balance.  Similar single button sliding head, similar handle profile without the piece on the Balance that covers the pivot.

The tool profile is completely different, however.  I'd like to see the opposite angle shot to check whether there's a maker's stamp on the plier head.

[Mr. Whippy]

Wow. Cool little sliding head MT. I like how it has the center button, like the Gerber Balance. Too bad it is a Craftsman, probably means it is really cheaply made. Maybe it will have the famous waranty?

This is one of the saddest things I've read on MT.O.  I remember when Craftsman was top of the line, especially for the homeowner/hobbyist.  Sadly, I fear you're right.

It is backed by the Craftsman warranty, for however long Sears stays in the game.

[turnsouth]

This is one of the saddest things I've read on MT.O.

Right there with you 

It is backed by the Craftsman warranty, for however long Sears stays in the game.

It does have a snap on the sheath, which takes away the some smurfiness, but there is a general meh look to the implements...

[Gareth]

Very interesting.   If someone decides to pick one up I'd be very interested in hearing what the quality is like.

[rdub934]

Wow. Cool little sliding head MT. I like how it has the center button, like the Gerber Balance. Too bad it is a Craftsman, probably means it is really cheaply made. Maybe it will have the famous waranty?

This is one of the saddest things I've read on MT.O.  I remember when Craftsman was top of the line, especially for the homeowner/hobbyist.  Sadly, I fear you're right.

It is backed by the Craftsman warranty, for however long Sears stays in the game.

I agree. I really love my Craftsman Tools. Now I sort of shake my head when I think of the state of Craftsman and Sears.

[stealth007s]

I like Craftsman stuff usually. I wonder how well this one hold up?

[scrappy]

I got one and at first glance it is as well built as the gerber balance. However, it is not anywhere near rebar quality or the gerber mp600 sight tool. Quality, I lump it with the balance, crucial and octane. The pliers actually look??? like they would be stronger on this tool than the gerber tools I just mentioned. The knife and can opener are comparable to the suspension line IMO. The knife is really sharp but it is so polished and stamped china in big letters that it looks cheap to me. But it is pretty sharp. The bit driver is decent though. Uses a reversible bit, appears to be 1/8 inch so it won't take the standard quarter inch bits. As for the sliding mech, it is smoo and nice coming back in but deploying is a real bugger. I find it is easier to flick it open than use the sliding button, either way it is hard to open but this could be a learning curve so I will edit for a couple days and then share my thoughts.
The handle and knife are labeled craftsman.
The sheath has a snap and a nice plastic clip on the back, like a sog sheath does. Sturdy construction on the sheath.

[scrappy]

And the saw is double cut and sharp.

[Gareth]

Cheers Scrappy.

[trouthunter]

I am after one this week.  It will go with my regular Craftsman MT collection

[AimlessWanderer]

I quite like the look of that actually. I can see the issue deploying the pliers - unlike the balance the channel the sliding button runs in is tapered, which means it will push the plier handles apart so not having the potential pinchiness of the Balance, but the resistance from having to push a handle out would make it less smooth than the Balance?

Would I be right on that Scrappy, or am I talking out of my poo chute?

Are the driver bits the same size as the ones in the Cybertool?
Is it a similar size to the Balance when closed?

[scrappy]

You are right. In order to open the tool, as you slide the button up it pushes the handles out which is hard to do if you your holding the handles together in one hand and pushing the button up with your thumb. I find if I hold it in one hand and push the button up with another hand, it opens much smoother. The problem is that when I do it all in one hand, I have to hold it tight enought to be able to apply force with my thumb to the button but if I use two hands I can hold the tool looser, allowing it to open as I slide the button up.

The tool is about a half inch longer than the balance. It is also thicker, the pliers are twice as thick as those on the balance.
The bits are the same size in diameter as a cyber tool. You can fit your cyber tool bits in this tool if you choose. The cybertool bits are a little shorter but they still work. Oddly, the balance bits do not fit, they are an odd size in diameter.

[scrappy]

Oh, the pliers are spring loaded.

[rdub934]

Oh, the pliers are spring loaded.

Okay, now I want one!  Why didn't they list this on the specs sheet? I wish more tools had spring loaded pliers.

[Dtrain]

I have had decent luck with Sears/Craftsman...I think it comes down to taking a close eyes on hands on look at what your considering before making a purchase..Maybe when it comes to Multi Tools they feel that such a Purchase is an "After Thought" by their Core Customers..Something to "Have" and not really "Use"...Hence they go with a lower cost Offering versus a Top End Offering with their name stamped on it..However, in defense of Sears I have seen Leatherman Products bieng sold in Tool Central right along side the "Craftsman Branded" Multi..So in the scheme of things they are covering the "After Thought" and "User" Market equally..

Dtrain

[trouthunter]

Okay, so I had to go to Sears for some new sockets and such and picked up their new multi tool.  Though it is no Leatherman or Gerber it is an okay tool.  The knife is sharp and appears to be well built.  It should make a medium duty use tool.  I will include it in my tool bag that I travel with.  I also tried the bits from my precision screw driver set and they fit just fine.  Should be a handy addition.