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

windson · 26 · 12273

de Offline windson

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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.]


us Offline Smaug

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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
-Jeremy
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us Offline ToolJoe

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I think a pair of regular slipjoint pliers would probably fare better than a pair of Cobra.
I knew my wife was a keeper when she transitioned from calling it a knife thingy to a multi-tool.

I might be crazy but it's kept me from going insane- Waylon Jennings


de Offline windson

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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.


us Offline Kampfer

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Nice Cat!  :tu:
EDC: Black Talon, Black Cat, Spirit, LD02


nz Offline zoidberg

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ch Offline Etherealicer

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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).
It wouldn't be the internet without people complaining.


us Offline n4vgm

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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.


de Offline lowtech

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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?!


de Offline windson

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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.


sg Offline Dr Hunt

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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).

Do not hold on to possessions you no longer need- Miyamoto Musashi ce.1645


us Offline Aloha

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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. 

Esse Quam Videri


de Offline lowtech

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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?!


ch Offline Etherealicer

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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 :drool:
It wouldn't be the internet without people complaining.


nz Offline zoidberg

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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 :drool:

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


sg Offline Dr Hunt

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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 :drool:

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?
Do not hold on to possessions you no longer need- Miyamoto Musashi ce.1645


de Offline windson

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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 :drool:

NICE!


us Offline ToolJoe

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If Vic sold a set like these days, i'm sure it'd sell like hotcakes  :climber:
I knew my wife was a keeper when she transitioned from calling it a knife thingy to a multi-tool.

I might be crazy but it's kept me from going insane- Waylon Jennings


us Offline ironraven

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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.
"Even if it is only the handful of people I meet on the street, or in my home, I can still protect them with this one sword" Kenshin Himura

Necessity is the mother of invention. If you're not ready, it's "a mother". If you are, it's "mom".

"I love democracy" Sheev Palpatine, upon his election to Chancellor.


us Offline aerojet

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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.
The early bird may get the worm, but it is second mouse which gets the CHEESE !!

The only easy day was yesterday.


us Offline parnass

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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.

Retired engineer, author.

A man with one multitool always knows exactly which to use. A man with many multitools is never quite sure. - parnass


sg Offline Dr Hunt

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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?
Do not hold on to possessions you no longer need- Miyamoto Musashi ce.1645


us Offline parnass

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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).




Retired engineer, author.

A man with one multitool always knows exactly which to use. A man with many multitools is never quite sure. - parnass


sg Offline Dr Hunt

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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.


Do not hold on to possessions you no longer need- Miyamoto Musashi ce.1645


us Offline ToolJoe

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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.
I knew my wife was a keeper when she transitioned from calling it a knife thingy to a multi-tool.

I might be crazy but it's kept me from going insane- Waylon Jennings


de Offline windson

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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.


 

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