PST Clones

[Lynn LeFey]

I think of the original Leatherman PST as the Jango Fett of the multitool world... more cloned than any other.

They come in various levels of quality, sometimes with plastic covers on the handles, or big ugly puffy stickers on the sides (yeah, thanks Sheffield!).

I think the simplicity of the original PST design lends itself to low-cost knock-offs more than many other more complex designs. This very simplicity also means that even a bad knock-off might still have merit.

I have 2 clones, myself. One made by Sheffield (model #1200E), and one that's just marketed as the 'High Uinta Gear Multifunction Tool'. Mmmm... vague!

I have compared the Sheffield 1200E to the Leatherman PST here...
http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,36892.msg592550.html#msg592550

And have reviewed the High Uinta Multifuntion Tool here...
http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,39450.0.html

And I would contrast this thread with the 'Swiss army STYLE' knife review thread here...
http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,42423.0.html

In contrast to the 'Swiss Army STYLE' knives, every tool on every PST clone I've had will actually work as promised. It won't be the best example of the tool in most cases, but it works. That CAN'T be said for swiss army knife knock offs.

One other point I'd make is that even a PST clone is in some ways a stronger tool than an actual name-brand Swiss Army Knife. The specific example I'd point out is that I was able to extract a wood screw with the High Uinta tool that popped the center pin on a Vic Tinker, using its Phillips.

Given the option between a $4 Swiss army knife clone, and a $6 PST clone, I'd chose the PST clone every day.

I'm not going to do a tool-by-tool review, since I've covered that in the threads linked above. Not a lot else to say here, but I'm interested in hearing others' thoughts on these ubiquitous clumps of metal.

Oh, and here's a pic, because... ummm...

[Gareth]

This reminded me of a comparison review I did a while back between a PST and a clone.  They really can be OK if it's all you have to hand but I've never carried one in preference to a real PST.

[Nhoj]

I have had saks all my life but I discovered plier based multi tools when I was around 11 years old thanks to a $5 pst clone. I loved that thing ( I was too young to know/be mad at a stolen design) I used it so much!( even the fish scaler once!) I don't like stolen ideas but I would never have gotten into multi tools without my $5 pst clone.

[Ombudsman]

I think of the original Leatherman PST as the Jango Fett of the multitool world... more cloned than any other.

Indeed !

 

[Lynn LeFey]

Gareth, excellent thread. And, pretty much dead on with my feelings on these.

Nhoj... good story. And kind of the point of this entire forum... getting people in the door of MTs at a price point they can handle.

Ombudsman... I'm glad SOMEONE got my joke!

[Gareth]

Jango Fett.  Cool and all, but in the end he's outclassed.

[Lynn LeFey]

Jango Fett.  Cool and all, but in the end he's outclassed.

By Mace Mothersmurfing Windu. That's a hard dude to out-cool.

[SwissArmy Zippo]

PST Clone: Coghlans Campers Tool retail $8.99 Its a horrible tool!

[Millhouse]

My first plier based MT was a no name PST clone.

The first time I used the large flat driver on a screw, it bent. My Vic Hiker removed it no problem.

[Lynn LeFey]

Here's a cross-link with Yadda's thread on his PST clone.
http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,42757.msg686656.html#msg686656

That is all, for now.

[Cupboard]

I had one of them once! Someone actually nicked it though 
I kept it in my toolbox after I got my Kick and my toolbox was relatively accessible.

It was from Woolworths and I got in in the January sales at some point. It's hard to pick out the single crappiest thing, but I'd probably go with the phillips screwdriver. Because of where the pivot was it just folded up as soon as you put any pressure on it.

[derekmac]

This is the only one I have.  Overall it's not a bad tool, and the red coating is actually really nice!

[Cupboard]

What's going on in the pliers on that? There's a weird notch!

[Sazabi]

Hook disgorger maybe?

[Nhoj]

I've seen that notch on some fishing pliers, I have no clue of the purpose

[Gareth]

Some kind of crimp I guess?

[derekmac]

I'm really not sure what it's for either.  I don't really use this tool, so I haven't had a chance to find a use for it yet.

[trouthunter]

It can either be used as an electrical crimper or for crimping weights on fishing line.

[detron]

What's going on in the pliers on that? There's a weird notch!

Probably an electrical crimper

[farrierphil]

Those cloned multitools cause endless rows with me and my Father-in-law. Hes bought, used and thrown them in the bin. They cost him about £4.99 each from a market and they were just junk. The first time he wired a plug and the screwdrivers head sheared off.  The plier heads twist when using them etc. So when we work together and i take out my Leatherman he shouts a lot and tells me to get real tools lol! So he walks off to get screwdriver, pliers whatever and by the time hes back ive the job done!  Then the swearing starts lol!

[Gareth]

Sadly that's all to common story.   I've had more than a few tradesmen slag off MTs, but when your only experience is with a cheap nasty clone it's no surprise they'll have a low opinion.  Hopefully once they are convinced to try a good quality MT they're opinion can be changed.

[Jothra]

Actual conversation:
"[The Leatherman Wave's] too big. It takes up too much space on my belt."
"You carry two smartphones in belt holsters."

A couple years later, he also thought my $6 "Campers Tool" PST clone was a Leatherman Wave just like the one he hated and gave away until I told him otherwise. Hoo boy.