First Multitool. HELP!

[lee12]

Hello Everyone:

I am looking for a good multitool under the $50 mark. I am wanting this for general use, I will probably not be carrying this every day. I will keep this in the car, out at the shooting range, and at home. I will also have a variety of tools at my disposal at home, less in the car, and almost none on the range. Really my main concern is cost. I have looked at the following multitools and really cannot make my mind up. I also want strong pliers but they need to be small enough to get in to small pistols to remove jams. I know leatherman makes the MUT but once again, high cost. As you can probably tell. I really spend a lot of time shooting at the range, driving, or hunting (please keep that in mind). Just thought I would get some advice from you guys. I will add a reason for each of the below models to let you know why I like them and don't. THANKS EVERYONE!

Leatherman Rebar
Pro: Several tools, looks strong
Con: All tools on the inside
Leatherman Skeletool
Pro: Looks strong and LOOKS SOOOOOOOOO GREAT. Blade looks great!
Con: Maybe a little too few features for the cost....I don't know.
Leatherman Wingman
Pro: Looks nice, access to outside blade, pretty good amount of basic tools
Con: Some people complain about the quality
Leatherman Side Kick
Pro: Looks great, several back up blades, might like it more than wingman
Con: Some people complain about the quality
SOG Power Assist
Pro: Looks great, SEAT BELT CUTTER, Assisted blade, looks amazing! (watched a review)
Con: Very mixed reviews on quality

[detron]

Hello Everyone:

I am looking for a good multitool under the $50 mark. I am wanting this for general use, I will probably not be carrying this every day. I will keep this in the car, out at the shooting range, and at home. I will also have a variety of tools at my disposal at home, less in the car, and almost none on the range. Really my main concern is cost. I have looked at the following multitools and really cannot make my mind up. I also want strong pliers but they need to be small enough to get in to small pistols to remove jams. I know leatherman makes the MUT but once again, high cost. As you can probably tell. I really spend a lot of time shooting at the range, driving, or hunting (please keep that in mind). Just thought I would get some advice from you guys. I will add a reason for each of the below models to let you know why I like them and don't. THANKS EVERYONE!

Leatherman Rebar
Pro: Several tools, looks strong
Con: All tools on the inside
Leatherman Skeletool
Pro: Looks strong and LOOKS SOOOOOOOOO GREAT. Blade looks great!
Con: Maybe a little too few features for the cost....I don't know.
Leatherman Wingman
Pro: Looks nice, access to outside blade, pretty good amount of basic tools
Con: Some people complain about the quality
Leatherman Side Kick
Pro: Looks great, several back up blades, might like it more than wingman
Con: Some people complain about the quality
SOG Power Assist
Pro: Looks great, SEAT BELT CUTTER, Assisted blade, looks amazing! (watched a review)
Con: Very mixed reviews on quality

My personal recommendation from the list you provided is the Rebar.  it is a very capable tool, and is much nicer than I expected it to be.

leaving your list (and going up a bit in price) I would recommend the Wave,  it is a phenomenal tool, that is very close to current MT perfection.

[jerseydevil]

Gerber MP series -
pro - Different sizes available, comfortable to use in plier mode, OHO flicky pliers just rock!
cons - Inside opening tools, some people don't like their current Wharncliffe blade shape, shorter drivers.

If you get a chance to handle an MP400 or 600, give it a shot.  You might be pleasantly surprised, like I was a while back. 

[Lynn LeFey]

My first suggestion will be one off of your list.

Go onto ebay and get a good used Leatherman PST.

Here's why. The pliers are smaller than most seen today. They have a very fine tip. This makes them good for working on jams on firearms. Next, the small flathead is perfect for site adjustments.

Barring that, I'd second the idea of getting a Wave. Again, you can find them on ebay in good condition for your price range. Slightly bulkier tool than the PST, so a little less capable of getting into hard-to-reach spots, but still good. It also has a very fine flathead in a bit holder. You could later add the bit cards for the Wave to cover hex nuts for removing optics or the like.

While I HAVE a PST in my range bag, and carry a Wave with me, the only tool I've needed at the range was a small screwdriver, which I had on my SOG Crosscut. This makes me think you could actually get by with a Leatherman Squirt. I think the philips would work for site adjustment, and the pliers are very nimble. But they would be less robust for use outside of the range.

Of the tools you listed, I'd go with the Rebar. Most general usefulness for the cost, IMO. Sorry if I only muddied the waters.

[nate j]

I agree with a lot of what has been said already, including this

My personal recommendation from the list you provided is the Rebar.

and this

the only tool I've needed at the range was a small screwdriver

For a few other options at or under $50 that might meet your needs, though, consider

• Victorinox Deluxe Tinker
• Victorinox Super Tinker or Climber plus a decent pair of needle nose pliers

Finally, don't get caught up in the seat belt cutter craze.  Any decently sharp blade will cut through a seat belt, if the need arises.

[av8r1]

For "leaving it in the car for occasional use" duty, I would suggest the Rebar.  It'll be the biggest bash for your cash.  I don't own one, but those who do generally love it. 

The Skeletool is at its best when it's carried at all times.  It's made to be quickly pulled out for those incidental jobs like cutting open a box or turning the odd bolt.  It's made to eliminate all those trips to the junk drawer for a screwdriver or a pair of pliers.  If you leave it in a central location like your car and have to go dig it out every time you need it, you're paying for carryability that you aren't going to use.

The Sidekick/Wingman are basically the same tool with a couple minor differences.  I own a Wingman, and it's pretty good as long as you aren't cutting wire.  Everything else--including the wire strippers--work very well.  You get a lot of tool for your $30.  I find myself reaching for my Wingman more often than my Wave, if for no other reason than the inside tools are easier to get to in the Wingman.  That and since it was less than half the price of my Wave I don't feel as bad scratching it.

[Etherealicer]

A lot has been said about the LM tools, so let me add this:

SOG Power Assist: This tool has three problems.
- If you have no tool cover, you can't hold it, if you have the tools are difficult to access
- It has too many sharp nooks (e.g. the locking buttons for the blades), so its uncomfortable to hold.
- Finally due to the Power-Assist its larger than it has to be (lower tool density).
Only recommended if you don't use it a lot and always with gloves.

[DazMechanical]

The best MT in your list IMO would have to be the Rebar, I have the Super Tool 300 which is the same as the rebar but bigger. But it has not got one hand opening blades! If your willing to spend a bit more I recommend a LM Wave, the pliers aren't as good, but I think having scissors and one hand opening blades is a very fair trade off. And your probably gonna end up wanting a Wave in the future anyway.

But yeah, from your list and budget I'd get the Rebar for sure! 

[comis]

Can't comment on all the tools listed on your list, since I don't own all of them.  But of the three I owned, Rebar, Wingman and Sidekick, I too do recommend Rebar for it general overall performance vs price.

Out of the box thinking, I will also agree with Nate j about Deluxe Tinker or Deluxe Climber, SAK's quality is without doubt the most consistent and great,  for the last century, and you will always find one that fits the bill.

[magentus]

Can't comment on all the tools listed on your list, since I don't own all of them.  But of the three I owned, Rebar, Wingman and Sidekick, I too do recommend Rebar for it general overall performance vs price.

Out of the box thinking, I will also agree with Nate j about Deluxe Tinker or Deluxe Climber, SAK's quality is without doubt the most consistent and great,  for the last century, and you will always find one that fits the bill.

I'd +1 that - Victorinox is second to none for quality and utility. There is so much choice too. Just work out what tools you need and go for it.

[Zed]

Not sure how much a wave costs your neck of the woods but its what I compare all mt's too,I'm also a fan of the sidekick as is good bang for the buck and isn't too bad quality wise ,if  full sized pliers arnt a big deal the swisschamps a great sak,on a smaller scale the LM juice s2 is a handy pocket sized mt,I've only owned a Gerber mp600 a few days but I really like it,its been compared to a AK47 in build and reliability and I can see that  good luck 

[Aloha]

Giong strictly off your list then I'd say Wingman/Sidekick you just need to decide between scissors or saw.  If you do some looking you can get a Wave off fleabay within your price and have a great tool other wise the Rebar has a strong following.  Welcome and best of luck     

[Fattsgalore]

I am against multi-pliers. Why? Well built to tackle tough jobs...but the heads are too narrow for many task.

A good pair of slip joints standing by will be able to tackle more. Add a SAK and your good to go.

[gregozedobe]

I am against multi-pliers. Why? Well built to tackle tough jobs...but the heads are too narrow for many task.

A good pair of slip joints standing by will be able to tackle more. Add a SAK and your good to go.

But in this case narrow heads are exactly what the OP wants

I also want strong pliers but they need to be small enough to get in to small pistols to remove jams.

As is often the case, what suits one person may not be the best solution for someone else .....

[Grail Knight]

I am looking for a good multitool under the $50 mark.

Save another $20 and buy a Leatherman Wave.
I bought a multi-tool for the same purpose and am glad I ponied up
the extra money for the Wave. I use it almost daily around the house.

I keep a Victorinox SwissTool Spirit in my truck/BugOut Bag.

I carry a SwissChamp in a horizontal nylon sheath and that gets the most
use of all.

[sawman]

I am looking for a good multitool under the $50 mark.

Save another $20 and buy a Leatherman Wave.
I bought a multi-tool for the same purpose and am glad I ponied up
the extra money for the Wave. I use it almost daily around the house.

I keep a Victorinox SwissTool Spirit in my truck/BugOut Bag.

I carry a SwissChamp in a horizontal nylon sheath and that gets the most
use of all.

The Wave can be had for around $50 brand new. Shop around and remember, you get what you pay for! Invest in a Wave

[TheDude]

Get a Wave.

[derekmac]

I am looking for a good multitool under the $50 mark.

Save another $20 and buy a Leatherman Wave.
I bought a multi-tool for the same purpose and am glad I ponied up
the extra money for the Wave. I use it almost daily around the house.

I keep a Victorinox SwissTool Spirit in my truck/BugOut Bag.

I carry a SwissChamp in a horizontal nylon sheath and that gets the most
use of all.

The Wave can be had for around $50 brand new. Shop around and remember, you get what you pay for! Invest in a Wave

Agreed.  I think you'd be happiest with getting a Wave.

[Mike 208]

I'm going to suggest that you check out the Gerber Crucial F.A.S.T.  This tool is usually what I carry when I have to go to the range for requalification.  It doesn't have many tools (rather long flat and crosshead screwdrivers, plus knife [which is spring assisted]), but they all open from the outside.  The plier head is small/thin enough to reach inside most pistols to remove brass.  I don't know how strong the plier head is, but for the range it works well for me.  It fits well in the pocket (it has a clip) or range bag, and the price is sub $50.00.

[sawman]

I'm going to suggest that you check out the Gerber Crucial F.A.S.T.  This tool is usually what I carry when I have to go to the range for requalification.  It doesn't have many tools (rather long flat and crosshead screwdrivers, plus knife [which is spring assisted]), but they all open from the outside.  The plier head is small/thin enough to reach inside most pistols to remove brass.  I don't know how strong the plier head is, but for the range it works well for me.  It fits well in the pocket (it has a clip) or range bag, and the price is sub $50.00.

I just had to look up the FAST. Good looking tool aside from those partial serrations

[kkokkolis]

The Wave and Rebar are the most universal and versatile options. Having OHO blades and the ability to use Torx/Hex bits makes the Wave even more versatile and the pliers are needle nose too. I don't own one but have a Surge and a Charge that are actually versions of it and appreciate the functionality and usability, regardless the fact that I find the Swisstools better (and they also cost less in my country than LMs but in the US it's the other way around). So the Rebar has serous competition in the form of the Spirit but neither Victorinox, nor SOG, nor Gerber produce something like the Wave. It takes a Charge or Surge to beat a Wave.

[CanadianLMfan]

The Rebar is the best tool.

[Aloha]

I dont know if you are able to buy from fleabay but here is a nice looking used Wave for $49

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Nice-Leatherman-Wave-Multi-Tool-Knife-Pliers-w-Sheath-New-Style-w-2-bits-/321407323558?pt=Collectible_Knives&hash=item4ad55e8da6

New BO Wave $59

http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRIT?PMAKA=327-4324&&cm_mmc=Didit-_-SEM-_-GglProd-_-GglProd&003=18299132&010=327-4324&gclid=CP-n9sDysb4CFQqIfgodj6EAvQ

I have no affiliation with these sellers nor have I bought from them please use your own judgement. 

[Mango808]

I'd say get a Rebar if you are looking for something new.

I'd also say get a decent used PST off ebay.

I used to carry my PST all the time in the Marines and used it on the range to disassemble/re-assemble my rifle and pistol when needed.

Not knocking the Wave, but with the Rebar and PST, I prefer their tool loadout for the range with the flat drivers, awl, file, 3d phillips driver.

[ironraven]

Rebar for current production, but as others have said, for range work, I'd go with a PST. You can get them for under $20 on eBay, and use the rest of your money to also pick up a punch or two and a dedicated bit driver.

And just what are you jamming in such a way that you need pliers? I can only think of a few ways, and they all work better with much skinnier pliers than you can get in a multi, or even hemostats.

Also, yeah, don't worry about the seatbelt cutter unless you are down range. My brother has been an EMT/firefighter for about18 years now, and the only time he's ever heard of someone actually needing one of those (rather than a pair of shears or a knife) has in the lands of the IED or while diving.

[Zed]

Personally I prefer the original wave as like its longer drivers and slimmer construction, check eBay for a good user 

[glorn]

Clearly you have considered this carefully, as you have a list of tools you like that fit your stated budget. You also have a specific stated use for this tool and a specific place to store it.  Well done. 


So rather than offer you ideas for what I personally like that isn't on your list like some here have.. 

Or tell you what you should carry that has nothing to do with the uses and needs you clearly stated (did some of you even read his post?)   


I will suggest the Rebar. It is small and fairly smooth when closed which means it will easily go from glove box to pocket or range bag. It is low cost and within budget. It has narrow pliers that might work for what you describe. It is popular among MT geeks, which means people who spend lots of time examining and grading these things generally review it positively. It has an extensive tool load out for its size. It has full length drivers instead of bits, which means reach in small spaces.

I believe that given your list, the Rebar is best for you.

[toolguy]

New BO Wave $59

http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRIT?PMAKA=327-4324&&cm_mmc=Didit-_-SEM-_-GglProd-_-GglProd&003=18299132&010=327-4324&gclid=CP-n9sDysb4CFQqIfgodj6EAvQ

I have no affiliation with these sellers nor have I bought from them please use your own judgement.

I don't know if this will do the OP any good because he hasn't been back since his original post.

 Any member who would like to take advantage of Enco's deal can use this promo code for free shipping MAY25.


Total cost for a new Leatherman BO Wave is $59.00.

[sawman]

New BO Wave $59

http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRIT?PMAKA=327-4324&&cm_mmc=Didit-_-SEM-_-GglProd-_-GglProd&003=18299132&010=327-4324&gclid=CP-n9sDysb4CFQqIfgodj6EAvQ

I have no affiliation with these sellers nor have I bought from them please use your own judgement.

I don't know if this will do the OP any good because he hasn't been back since his original post.

 Any member who would like to take advantage of Enco's deal can use this promo code for free shipping MAY25.


Total cost for a new Leatherman BO Wave is $59.00.

Bump.

These BO Waves still appear to be available.

Anyone ordered yet from there?

[ryan1976]

Going of the list, from personal experience, the LM Skeletool.
Very handy for small jobs,blade is sharp and very lite to carry.

My edc is the Charge ALX,but that's a bit on the high end.

Good luck.