Sebertech M3- sweet little plier tool

[Grant Lamontagne]

Since I was doing one of my patented Multitool Fashion Shows today I decided to include a few oddities- you know, the kinds of things folks know about but may not spring to mind when thinking of a decent tool.  The Sebertech (now known as IDL Tools) M3 has a full review on the Main Site here at MTO, but who doesn't appreciate a few extra graphic photos? 



I had some Swiss Tech tools out as well since they are all in the same vein, but more on those later.  For now, you can see how it compares size wise to the Swiss Tech Micro Max plier tool.



The pliers on this little guy are quite substantial for a small tool.  They aren't that much smaller than the Leatherman Juice series, and are pretty close to the Wenger New Ranger or Buck XTract size, which is amazing considering how compact the M3 really is.



In addition to the great pliers with a decent set of wire cutters the M3 also includes four different screwdrivers- two phillips heads and two flatheads.



The other handy thing about it is that it all folds up in a neat package and doesn't require an additional keyring to mount it on your keys- simply unfold it and it releases itself from a keyring, then when it's done, fold it back up with the keyring going through the hole in it's body and away you go.  Brilliant!

Oh, and one more thing- there are also Craftsman branded versions of these, one of which I have, still in the original clam pack thanks to a very helpful forum member. 

Def

[AimlessWanderer]

The pliers on this little guy are quite substantial for a small tool.  They aren't that much smaller than the Leatherman Juice series, and are pretty close to the Wenger New Ranger or Buck XTract size, which is amazing considering how compact the M3 really is.

I have the IDL T5 and T7 which from what I can gather are the reincarnations after Sebertech became IDL ... but was there a change in dimensions at that point? My IDLs are maybe 3/4 the size of an X-Tract Fin pliers and around 1/2 the size of the Wenger Rangergrip 90 pliers 

Also the keyring attachment may be cunning, but it's also rather fallible and care must be taken to avoid it going walkabout in my experience. OK maybe for those who carry their keys in their pocket, but risky for those who carry their keys on a belt

All that aside I do think they are excellent little tools. They're also knifeless for those in restricted environments ... and they are cheap too. I think one of these would make a good accompanying tool for the SAK lovers who may not feel the love for the larger pliers based multitool, or someone who just wants to supplement their SAK loadout with a capable set of Phillips drivers and pliers 

[Grant Lamontagne]

They are a bit smaller than the XTract pliers (how did I know you'd be the first person to respond to a post in which I referred to the XTract? ) but closer than most other keychain pliers.

Mine has never come loose off my keys, and as you can see from the marks on it, it was carried fairly extensively.  I suppose I could see how it could fail, but I can only comment on my experiences since no one else seems to talk much about these.

Def

[AimlessWanderer]

They are a bit smaller than the XTract pliers (how did I know you'd be the first person to respond to a post in which I referred to the XTract? ) but closer than most other keychain pliers.

Mine has never come loose off my keys, and as you can see from the marks on it, it was carried fairly extensively.  I suppose I could see how it could fail, but I can only comment on my experiences since no one else seems to talk much about these.

Def

Cos only a wierdo like me would use 'em 

In fairness my T7 would be quite secure. It is rather stiff and the latching ridges seem to be more positive ... ahh, that might be why ...

OK, the pivots where the driver arm swivel out have a spring washer in there to take up any play - but if there is any play it's away from the latching ridges. Just noticed there is more "shape" to the washers on my T5, so a little percussive maintenance with a universal adjuster might tighten it up a bit 

[WoodMan]

I have the IDL T5, T7, and T10, all ordered directly from IDL off ebay a few months ago.  The T5 and T7 are still in their packaging.  The T10 came wrapped only in bubble-wrap so it got put to work immediately.  Overall, I like the T10 and think it's a decent keychain tool, but the chisel-ground blade arrived dead dull.  So be prepared to spend some time sharpening it right off the bat.

In any case, I think they're far superior to the Swiss Tech tools or at least their Micro Max 19-in-1 which I also have.

[AimlessWanderer]

Oh, forgot to mention .... another tool these work very well with is a Leatherman Micra!
Great little combo 

[6thtexas]

I carry a T5 with my SAK Rambler.  I like that set-up better than the P4 Squirts I have tried on occasion.

[nuphoria]

Got one, like it and sometimes carry it

I much prefer the pivots and general build quality to the Swiss+tech ones too.

[chris777]

Looks Like You found My lost Swisstech, lol