Multitool Deconstruction: An Experiment in a Modular Multi Tool for Urban EDC

[windson]

When it comes to "multi tool", I'm assuming Leatherman Wave or Swisstool Spirit; complete tools with pliers, some drivers, blade(s), and scissors.

"Complete" has advantages and disadvantages, the former space and size and number of items carried around, the latter clumsiness; every time you need scissors for the lightest task, you have to handle the whole half-pound of tools. Also, I sometimes like my knife blades to be in carbon steel; and again, hauling the whole for finer work makes the work less -- fine.

So, as an experiment, I am running a test carrying a modular suite of tools, a Victorinox Rambler for scissors, tweezers, and all the drivers I usually need; a Mercator K55K with a single carbon steel blade, and as for pliers, Knipex Cobra 125mm.

The idea is to have three tools that are excellent for their respective jobs, instead of one that is only adequate at any job.



Anyone using combinations of distinct tools? What are the experiences?

[Disclaimer: Obviously nothing against all-in-one multi tools, but some research in other directions may lead to improvements to feed back into the next best MT.]

[Smaug]

Interesting idea, but I feel like there's a very low probability you'll stick to carrying the dedicated pliers around, unless you have a hip pack, murse, or something like that. It just seems uncomfortable to carry another way, and it would rip up your pockets or upholstery.

As a side note, if I were going to do that, I think I'd replace the Knipex pliers with a 6" adjustable ("Crescent") wrench:
http://www.crescenttool.com/wrenches/adjustable-wrenches-2/crescent-ac610rs-crescent-r-6-10-rapidslide-adjustable-wrench.html

[ToolJoe]

I think a pair of regular slipjoint pliers would probably fare better than a pair of Cobra.

[windson]

Interesting idea, but I feel like there's a very low probability you'll stick to carrying the dedicated pliers around, unless you have a hip pack, murse, or something like that. It just seems uncomfortable to carry another way, and it would rip up your pockets or upholstery.

As a side note, if I were going to do that, I think I'd replace the Knipex pliers with a 6" adjustable ("Crescent") wrench:
http://www.crescenttool.com/wrenches/adjustable-wrenches-2/crescent-ac610rs-crescent-r-6-10-rapidslide-adjustable-wrench.html

I also have 150mm Vise-Grips to add to the trial, in either case, that is one of the tools that I don't need often, but when I do, it's crucial to be able to grip; so wrenches are out (even though I'd like a small one...)

I think a pair of regular slipjoint pliers would probably fare better than a pair of Cobra.

Probably more versatile, we'll see.

[Kampfer]

Nice Cat! 

[zoidberg]

 

[Etherealicer]

I do that often, although for me its simply

Folder or SAK (Pioneer/Soldier/Cadet/Classic)
and a
PH1 screwdriver

The logic is fairly simple I often use a blade for many things from unpacking boxes to cutting apples etc. and the PH1 can do about anything on computers as long as its not an Apple product (they use Torx and in all fairness some high end PC manufacturers have started to use Torx too, still that is rare).

I do agree with Smaug though. Dedicated tools are not made to be pocket-carried (A single one like a screwdriver works but it gets quickly uncomfortable).

[n4vgm]

Interesting idea for a carry test. When I did tech work I just had a small fold-up tool kit including a tube of screws/etc. I think I would lean towards a micro vice grip plus a Cybertool (29?).

My current job all I carry is a 91mm SAK or like today, a Micra.

[lowtech]

A friend of mine used to carry a small Cobra for quite some time, especially when organizing Boy Scout Camps as for example gas bottles require a bigger grip than a Multi provides. He took a leather knife pouch, put the Cobra in upside down and cut the flap to a thong that would fit between the handles of the plier.

I´m curious how the test runs - If you need bigger drivers you could use a 6-1 bike tool I guess?!

[windson]

A friend of mine used to carry a small Cobra for quite some time, especially when organizing Boy Scout Camps as for example gas bottles require a bigger grip than a Multi provides. He took a leather knife pouch, put the Cobra in upside down and cut the flap to a thong that would fit between the handles of the plier.

I´m curious how the test runs - If you need bigger drivers you could use a 6-1 bike tool I guess?!

That's a good idea for carrying.

[Dr Hunt]

I have similar thoughts regarding the heft of MT when using the small tools and occasionally need pliers to grip on a part while working on it with another tool. So it is good to have separate pliers and other tools. I'll try that with a stripped down SOG PL (arriving) or LM OHT/Wingman (yet to buy).

[Aloha]

I really enjoy these threads.  I can appreciate the thought that went into considering each tool and not being so determined to make them work, staying open is key. 

I used to carry a small vise grip plier along with my MT I even gave the Crunch a go as well.  I found I wasn't needing locking pliers and when I did I would tend to know beforehand. 

[lowtech]

Victorinox once sold a set like that - A set of combination pliers with oddly shaped legs and a 91 mm SAK - I think Chako owns a kit?!

[Etherealicer]

Victorinox once sold a set like that - A set of combination pliers with oddly shaped legs and a 91 mm SAK - I think Chako owns a kit?!

Of course he does:

By Chako


P.S.: I want one too

[zoidberg]

Victorinox once sold a set like that - A set of combination pliers with oddly shaped legs and a 91 mm SAK - I think Chako owns a kit?!

Of course he does:

By Chako
(Image removed from quote.)

P.S.: I want one too

I have a client that carries one of those but it's in a leather sheath.

[Dr Hunt]

Victorinox once sold a set like that - A set of combination pliers with oddly shaped legs and a 91 mm SAK - I think Chako owns a kit?!

Of course he does:

By Chako
(Image removed from quote.)

P.S.: I want one too

The pliers' handles look as heavy as regular pliers. I'll like to get one. Anyone knows the model name or where to get a set?

[windson]

Victorinox once sold a set like that - A set of combination pliers with oddly shaped legs and a 91 mm SAK - I think Chako owns a kit?!

Of course he does:

By Chako
(Image removed from quote.)

P.S.: I want one too

NICE!

[ToolJoe]

If Vic sold a set like these days, i'm sure it'd sell like hotcakes 

[ironraven]

As for the origional post, I think we all try it one time or another. Those of us who are old enough started there- mine was a Huntsman and pliers and sometimes a 6-in-1 screwdriver. It works. It can honestly do more serious work than just a multi can becuase as good a multi is, real pliers are still usually better when you need real pliers and a real screwdriver beats a multi or a SAK most of the time to. But a Leatherman and a small SAK for the scissors and small screwdrivers for glasses and electronics usually ends up being lighter, smaller, and as good 99% of the time.

And yes, if Victorinox brought that combo back, I'd buy it. Heck, just the pouch and pliers, and I'll supply the SAK Of my choice. Only way to get better would be if they had a socket stud on one leg of the pliers.

[aerojet]

The real problem is -- almost any manufacturer makes at one time or another makes a super product. It sells well, but gets dropped from the line for some goofy reason, and it isn't sales - they just move on. This is another example of that, and the current Swiss Tools looks like it was the designed replacement for it. Now if you want the old tool like the one above, which is super cool, you need to prowl E-bay or flea markets and hope you can find one.

[parnass]

As for the origional post, I think we all try it one time or another.  ...

That's right.

Needs vary from person to person.  This year, I've been carrying the tools shown below 95% of the time instead of a single multitool.   

I have a wide variety of Knipex pliers, plier wrenches, Channellocks, and Vise Grips, but this tiny 125 mm Knipex Cobra suits most of my needs and easily fits head up in a jean pocket.  It can grip larger objects than a Swisstool or Rebar and I don't have to worry about breaking the jaws no matter how I twist them.

The Leatherman Crater's knife and screwdriver blades are stronger than most of my pliers type multitools.

A Streamlight Protac 1AAA flashlight is shown, but I rotate among several 1AA, 1AAA, and 2AAA flashlights.

My collection contains dozens of multitools, flashlights, some SAKs, pliers, Vise-Grips, and other gadgets one would expect to accumulate during several years on these forums.  So far, this setup is working best for me.

I will instead carry a needle nose pliers style multitool if I expect to work on an electrical task.

[Dr Hunt]

As for the origional post, I think we all try it one time or another.  ...

That's right.

Needs vary from person to person.  This year, I've been carrying the tools shown below 95% of the time instead of a single multitool.   

I have a wide variety of Knipex pliers, plier wrenches, Channellocks, and Vise Grips, but this tiny 125 mm Knipex Cobra suits most of my needs and easily fits head up in a jean pocket.  It can grip larger objects than a Swisstool or Rebar and I don't have to worry about breaking the jaws no matter how I twist them.

The Leatherman Crater's knife and screwdriver blades are stronger than most of my pliers type multitools.

A Streamlight Protac 1AAA flashlight is shown, but I rotate among several 1AA, 1AAA, and 2AAA flashlights.

My collection contains dozens of multitools, flashlights, some SAKs, pliers, Vise-Grips, and other gadgets one would expect to accumulate during several years on these forums.  So far, this setup is working best for me.

I will instead carry a needle nose pliers style multitool if I expect to work on an electrical task.

Great setup Parnass. It is good to have derived at a simple set of tools through daily experience. If you were to use a multi bit 1/4 driver tool, what will it be?

[parnass]

Great setup Parnass. It is good to have derived at a simple set of tools through daily experience. If you were to use a multi bit 1/4 driver tool, what will it be?

Thanks.   I don't have a 1/4 driver tool which fits well in a pocket.  Some of those being sold don't look like they would be comfortable or provide enough torque in actual use.

I would consider either a Leatherman bit adapter which would fit on the Leatherman Crater, carry the bits inside a pen barrel, or try try to make due with a Picquic Stubby teamed with an extension (shown below).

[Dr Hunt]

Great setup Parnass. It is good to have derived at a simple set of tools through daily experience. If you were to use a multi bit 1/4 driver tool, what will it be?

Thanks.   I don't have a 1/4 driver tool which fits well in a pocket.  Some of those being sold don't look like they would be comfortable or provide enough torque in actual use.

I would consider either a Leatherman bit adapter which would fit on the Leatherman Crater, carry the bits inside a pen barrel, or try try to make due with a Picquic Stubby teamed with an extension (shown below).

(Image removed from quote.)

(Image removed from quote.)

Nice idea of LM bits and driver in a pen tube. Too bad that it does not fit the OHT that I plan to buy.

I just found the bit adapter mod thread by Mike 56 (apologies if I give the wrong name), showing how to fit 3rd party 1/4 driver adapter on SAK can opener.

[ToolJoe]

I carry a little pouch in my car and keep it under the seat. It has an electricians screwdriver, pair of vice grips, electrician scissors and a utility knife in it.

The Crater knives are good because they are comfortable to use as a screwdriver. Also, they will cut through almost anything. I've had good luck pairing mine up with a pair of slipjoint pliers and electrician scissors.

[windson]

As for the origional post, I think we all try it one time or another.  ...

That's right.

Needs vary from person to person.  This year, I've been carrying the tools shown below 95% of the time instead of a single multitool.   

I have a wide variety of Knipex pliers, plier wrenches, Channellocks, and Vise Grips, but this tiny 125 mm Knipex Cobra suits most of my needs and easily fits head up in a jean pocket.  It can grip larger objects than a Swisstool or Rebar and I don't have to worry about breaking the jaws no matter how I twist them.

The Leatherman Crater's knife and screwdriver blades are stronger than most of my pliers type multitools.

A Streamlight Protac 1AAA flashlight is shown, but I rotate among several 1AA, 1AAA, and 2AAA flashlights.

My collection contains dozens of multitools, flashlights, some SAKs, pliers, Vise-Grips, and other gadgets one would expect to accumulate during several years on these forums.  So far, this setup is working best for me.

I will instead carry a needle nose pliers style multitool if I expect to work on an electrical task.

(Image removed from quote.)

I can confirm the versatility and strength of the Knipex. It's really handy, small enough to just throw into a jacket pocket and you don't fear breaking it.