I'm designing a new multi-tool.. Feedback on yours would be really helpful! :)

[jasondp]

For a university project I've chosen to redesign the multi tool. Focusing on the users experience, freedom & customization. 
It would be amazing if anyone could help me by answering a few questions.

- What multi-tool do you have?:

- How often do you use it & for what occasions?:

- What tool/s do you use the most or find most useful?:

- What tool/s do you use the least?:

- How pleasant is it to use?:
   - ease of extracting tool bits?
   - do they lock & stay in place during use?
   - comfort during use (any tools that are uncomfortable to use?) etc.

- Would you like more customization with tool choices? (being able to take off & put on tool bits for certain uses eg. everyday & camping trip? Being able to order the tool bits you want to come with your multi-tool? no useless unnecessary tools)

- Any other comments/recommendations?

Your help would be much appreciated, and will hopefully aid in designing an awesome multi tool that could be personal to you.
Thanks

[dks]

welcome to the forum.

Maybe some more information on what you are aiming for will help + a bit about you and your objective = theory or practice (make the tool)

SOG,  and others, make tools that can be customised.

[kirk13]

Hi and welcome!

Firstly good luck with your project,I know the guys and girls here will be very willing to help!

Secondly,good luck,I'm not sure you know what your getting into asking us!

I'll kick off the kaos

[hiraethus]

Fit a permanent deep carry pocket clip to a Spirit.

/thread

 

[kirk13]

- What multi-tool do you have?: Lots,mostly Leatherman,but also SOG,Victorinox and Gerber.
Most carried are LM Fuse,Sideclip and PST,all modified;Vic Spirit

- How often do you use it & for what occasions?: Daily,for work,domestic and leisure 

- What tool/s do you use the most or find most useful?: Phillips driver,scissors,flat driver,blade

- What tool/s do you use the least?: Woodsaw

- How pleasant is it to use?:
   - ease of extracting tool bits?
   - do they lock & stay in place during use?
   - comfort during use (any tools that are uncomfortable to use?) etc.
All good except for heavy duty use of the pliers on the earlier LM models.

- Would you like more customization with tool choices? (being able to take off & put on tool bits for certain uses eg. everyday & camping trip? Being able to order the tool bits you want to come with your multi-tool? no useless unnecessary tools)-pass

- Any other comments/recommendations? Bladeless options would be welcome in many markets. The knack is good materials,excellent QC standards mated to good ergonomics

[Etherealicer]

Well, there are several questions that should be asked

Size: Large for heavy use, medium for general use and small for pocket size.
How should the tool work: As a tool hub (like a Surge) or be a complete tool in itself (like a Rebar).

Here is my do's and don'ts for a great MT:
- Avoid pointy bits at all cost, nothing is more annoying than having sharp edges sticking out.
- Reach: no-one likes short drivers
- More is less (or so): It's better to have a well functioning tool than two half ass tools.
- Make sure that the handle is not too wide when open.
- Quality over price: Nothing sucks more than poor tool quality
- Tool selection: An office tool does not need a Wood-saw, a outdoors tool probably needs not that many screwdrivers etc...

[Etherealicer]

- What multi-tool do you have?: CyberTool

- How often do you use it & for what occasions?: Taking computers apart.

- What tool/s do you use the most or find most useful?: Precision bit holder. It's long reach and thin form is excellent.

- What tool/s do you use the least?: Can opener (can-opener and cap lifter are everywhere). I could do without the blade (I use the blade a lot, but prefer to carry a dedicated blade)

- How pleasant is it to use?: 11of10
   - ease of extracting tool bits?yes
   - do they lock & stay in place during use? No locks but excellent back spring and well designed
   - comfort during use (any tools that are uncomfortable to use?) etc. yes

- Would you like more customization with tool choices? (being able to take off & put on tool bits for certain uses eg. everyday & camping trip? Being able to order the tool bits you want to come with your multi-tool? no useless unnecessary tools) I would like to have a metal file (taking sharp edges off computer cases) but no wood saw (what on earth should I use that on).

[jasondp]

welcome to the forum.

Maybe some more information on what you are aiming for will help + a bit about you and your objective = theory or practice (make the tool)

SOG,  and others, make tools that can be customised.

Haha I dont think I did realise what I was getting myself into on here. But thank you for the welcomes.
I'm 20 years old studying Sustainable Product Design in Cornwall, England.
I'm looking to design a kit that would come along with your multi tool. Something similar to this cycling tool 'The Breaker' http://www.bikerumor.com/2014/10/28/first-the-nutter-now-the-breaker-full-windsor-reinvents-the-multi-tool-again/

This is just my initial concept which will change and develop along the way by interacting with users and prototype testing. (The project is around 35 weeks long, It's only the second week). I was thinking that you would be able to order which tools you wanted to come in your pack for the various activities you participate in and you would be able to take apart the tool and replace toolbits with others. I realise that this could be quite difficult but I am up to the task and I'm sure it can be done.

[dks]

Victorinox and LM make some, standard, kits that can be added to their products.  (Do you mean a pliers based multitool or would you consider a SAK as a multitool too? something to think about)

SO:
 What multi-tool do you have?: Various, but mainly use the LM ST300/ victorinox manager

- How often do you use it & for what occasions?: a few times a week

- What tool/s do you use the most or find most useful?:mainly the scissors and pliers

- What tool/s do you use the least?: can opener

- How pleasant is it to use?:
   - ease of extracting tool bits?
   - do they lock & stay in place during use?
   - comfort during use (any tools that are uncomfortable to use?) etc. N/A

- Would you like more customization with tool choices? (being able to take off & put on tool bits for certain uses eg. everyday & camping trip? Being able to order the tool bits you want to come with your multi-tool? no useless unnecessary tools)

Yes, but these efforts have never been really successful. Cost seems to be a factor. Even the SOGs are usually kept the way they are bought

- Any other comments/recommendations?  look into the Swisstool, LM kits to get ideas

[Etherealicer]

welcome to the forum.

Maybe some more information on what you are aiming for will help + a bit about you and your objective = theory or practice (make the tool)

SOG,  and others, make tools that can be customised.

Haha I dont think I did realise what I was getting myself into on here. But thank you for the welcomes.
I'm 20 years old studying Sustainable Product Design in Cornwall, England.
I'm looking to design a kit that would come along with your multi tool. Something similar to this cycling tool 'The Breaker' http://www.bikerumor.com/2014/10/28/first-the-nutter-now-the-breaker-full-windsor-reinvents-the-multi-tool-again/

This is just my initial concept which will change and develop along the way by interacting with users and prototype testing. (The project is around 35 weeks long, It's only the second week). I was thinking that you would be able to order which tools you wanted to come in your pack for the various activities you participate in and you would be able to take apart the tool and replace toolbits with others. I realise that this could be quite difficult but I am up to the task and I'm sure it can be done.

I have a Nutter and a Urban 8 (did a little write-up here).

Personally, when looking at the breaker I immediately miss the 15mm wrench, meaning there is no use for a tire-lever if I can't get the wheel off. I think this is probably the most critical part of a tool. Don't just throw random functions in, make them work together.

[Chako]

What tool do I have: Easier to say what tools I do not have. At last count, I have over 1000 multi-tools and over 1000 Swiss Army Knives.

How often do I use it & for what occasion: I use them everyday for any job that doesn't require a full dedicated tool.

What tools do I use the most or find the most useful: Because of work restrictions, I tend to use multi-tools with no knife. However, I have been known to rotate my multi-tools in the summer or on my off time. I tend to find that if I have a pair of scissors, I rarely require a knife for cutting purposes. Pliers are also very useful. My most used multi-tools are Leatherman Knifeless Fuse, Leatherman MUT, Schrade Navitool, and Swiss+Tech utili-key 6 in 1.

What tools I use the least: Saw and fish scaler.

How pleasant is it to use: They are ok so long as the tool's design makes using the pliers very comfortable when applying pressure.

ease of extracting tool bits: Not that important so long as I do not lose them whilst carrying on my belt.

do they lock & stay in place during use: Yes.

comfort during use (any tools that are uncomfortable to use?) etc: There are plenty of designs out there that cause grief when applying pressure to the pliers. Thankfully, the MT industry as come a long way in this regard from the days of the Leatherman PST.

Would you like more customization with tool choices: This is an interesting question. The hallmark of a successful MT is that it is small, relatively light, and feature rich. The industry has struck to a general tool design that cannot overall be modified for specific usage, hence why so many folks these days are modifying their tools to suit their specific needs. This hopefully simplifies a company's product and hopefully makes them more competitive by driving down cost, there are a few notable companies that do allow an easier modification such as SOG. Keeping in mind that SOG isn't as big as Leatherman or Gerber in the multi-tool market. So one could probably argue that a fixed set of tools found in a multi-tool is probably the industry standard at the moment. On the flip side, having the ability to grow a multi-tool to meet more than the set needs of the user is one that has been toyed with quite frequently. Take for example, the Gerber Evolution 650 which allowed you to change plier heads, or the Coleman ProLock which really had a nice system of removable tool pods that would offer increased capability, or the Quirky Switch which allowed you to not only carry the options you want, but in 3 sizes. The main issue with Gerber 650 was that the tool wasn't portable enough as the mechanism for changing the plier head came at the cost of being able to fold the tool away. The Coleman ProLock was an idea that never got off the floor. This system was perfect but there never were any other tool pods created for this. Imagine being able to have a survival tool pod, a metal working tool pod, a woodworking tool pod, an archery tool pod, etc. Sales didn't materialize, and one would have to wonder about pod storage over time, and possibly cost of such pods. The Quirky Switch fixed the storage solution, but created many others. I would wager that the majority of folks do not want to fiddle with tool assortment. Ultimately, the Switch was a bit too complex for the majority of users...that and the form-factor really needed to be improved as the Switch's design did not allow an end user to carry it with any ease, thereby crossing one of the cardinal sines for selling lots of multi-tools...and that is carry ability.

Any other comments/recommendations: Things to think about:

1. Multi-tools need to be small and feature rich.
2. Multi-tools need to be easily carried on person with comfort.
3. Multi-tools do not need lots of small parts to lose or misplace.
4. Multi-tools need to be built with quality materials and intelligently designed.
5. Multi-tools need a good quality method of carry, be it a sheath, pocket clip, or whatever.
6. If you design components that can be changed for other components, care needs to be focused on the retention mechanism, ease of dis-assembly and re-assembly, and storage of parts when not in use.

[Lynn LeFey]

For a university project I've chosen to redesign the multi tool. Focusing on the users experience, freedom & customization. 
It would be amazing if anyone could help me by answering a few questions.

Welcome to the boards. I hope, after the project is done, that maybe you'll continue to hang around. I don't think you know it, but you have chosen a VERY large task. My own research on MTs is years in the making. Designing one based on input in one thread on a message board would be coming at it from a very limited data set. However, I applaud the effort, and hope the tool you end up creating is great.

- What multi-tool do you have?:

I currently have about 60 different tools. Either keychain size, light duty, or medium duty. About half of my tools are well-known name brands (Primarily Leatherman and Victorinox, but a few SOGs and Gerbers). The other half are low-cost alternatives, some of very questionable quality.

Keychain tools of note: Leatherman Style, Style PS, Style CS, Squirt PS4, and Micra. Victorinox Classic SD and Rambler.

91mm Swiss Army Knives: Tinker, Climber, Explorer, Huntsman, Handyman.

93mm Swiss Army Knife: Farmer

111mm Swiss Army Knife: Rucksack

Medium Size, plier based tools: Leatherman Wave, Rebar, Wingman, Sidekick, PST II. Gerber MP600, Strata.

This might not answer your question. So, what I normally carry is a Victorinox Explorer, and IDL T-10 (a small tool carried for the pliers). The Explorer is more accessible and more often used. It's the 'go to' tool.

- How often do you use it & for what occasions?:

I use the Explorer (or whatever tool I have) pretty much daily. Some days I might not use it, but others, I might use it 6 to 10 times.

- What tool/s do you use the most or find most useful?:

I always carry a multitool with scissors. They are used most often for whatever task I need to accomplish that requires scissors. Next most often, I use the blades. Most often, this is for opening packages, but could be any number of tasks. Third most often, I use the tooth pick, for it's intended purpose. Next, probably the flathead screwdriver as a light duty general pry tool. On Friday Nights, that same flathead's built-in bottle opener opens the beers I drink. After that, there's a pretty big fall-off on use.

- What tool/s do you use the least?:

In general (not the tool i carry most of the time), fish scalers. Specifically for the Explorer, the corkscrew.

- How pleasant is it to use?:
   - ease of extracting tool bits?
   - do they lock & stay in place during use?
   - comfort during use (any tools that are uncomfortable to use?) etc.

Very pleasant. Most of the tools are very easy to extract, with the exception of the magnifying glass, which can be a little difficult at times. They are slipjoint tools, so they don't lock, but the stiff backspring means they stay in place even with considerable force. The thickness of the Explorer, a 4-layer model, means that it's comfortable in the hand, neither too thin for a firm grip, not too bulky.

- Would you like more customization with tool choices? (being able to take off & put on tool bits for certain uses eg. everyday & camping trip? Being able to order the tool bits you want to come with your multi-tool? no useless unnecessary tools)

For swiss army knives, usually you can find a model that has the features you want without ones you don't. Once you know what you're likely to need on a given day or for a given task, you get that model, and off you go. If you have several very different tasks, for instance day-to-day office work, with weekend camping, then having two models is a reasonable method for covering those applications without the  need of removable bits.

- Any other comments/recommendations?

I hope you'll bear with me. I think your question of 'what multitool do you have' is flawed with an assumption of one. You're visiting a board dedicated to multitools. Usually people interested enough to participate on such a board are going to have more than one multitool. They're going to be enthusiasts. I've tried to answer the questions based on my 'daily carry' tool, but understand that I, and most folks here, have a variety of tools to select from.

On the issue of bits and customization. This is a two edged sword. Yes, swappable bits allow on-the-fly customization, but they're also extra little items to be lost. And if you carry all of them, for instance in a neat little pack with the tool, then you're getting no weight/space savings.

As the swappable bit idea seems to be the thrust of your post, I thought I'd recommend some examples of how it's been done in the industry already.

Victorinox Cybertool uses a small hex bit driver.
Leatherman Wave (and other Leatherman tools) uses a proprietary bit driver, and offers optional 'bit cards' which hold a fairly large number of bits in a reasonably flat package.
Leatherman Surge has a t-shank bit holder, which comes with file and saw, but allows a large number of other standard t-shank blades to be fitted.
SOG Pocket Power Plier and other SOG tools has a socket drive which accepts sockets, which in turn can accept 3/8" hex bits.
Many tools have optional add-on extenders which take hex bits
The Switch multitool allowed the user to completely take it apart and select which tools they wanted.
SOG multitools are intentionally made to allow the user to easily change the tools they want.

I hope this has been helpful, and good luck with your project. It sounds like a lot of fun.

[sawman]

I have a Swisschamp and MP600 that I use and carry DAILY.

The implements I use the most would be the SC scissors, SC knives, MP600 wharncliff blade and serrated blade. Both Phillips get a lot of use. Then the pliers on both the SC and MP are indispensable.

Mag glass is plenty helpful and corkscrew available for others (I don't drink) who may have a need for one, plus to hold handy eye-glass screwdriver.

My least used item is actually the can openers.

I hope this helps, and I don't mean to toss a wrench into your project, but unless you have good machining resources/skills, you're taking on something VERY difficult... Good luck

[Corwyn]

- What multi-tool do you have?:
- As pretty much everybody here I have slightly over 200 multitools but I'll talk about my favourite one, which I carry most, the Victorinox SwissTool Spirit X

- How often do you use it & for what occasions?:
- for office I use it less often nowadays, but always have it when hiking or working at an installation or at home when fixing (or breaking) anything

- What tool/s do you use the most or find most useful?:
- Scissors, knife, pliers, philips, prybar

- What tool/s do you use the least?:
Wire cutters, corkscrew (yes it can have one), the hook, small screwdriver

- How pleasant is it to use?:
- Incredibly pleasant. You do need some nails for the nail nicks, but it works buttersmooth and locks like crazy.

- Would you like more customization with tool choices?
- Nope - why use flimsy lockable bits when you can have proper, strong tools? My Spirit has everything I need. The bits are why I sold my Surge and if I really need them I'll pop out a SkeleTool...

- Any other comments/recommendations?
- Yap, would love to see Victorinox make the blade of the Spirit one-handed opening. They could add tweezers and toothpick to the scales. They could also make a smaller, lighter version...

[anditsgone]

I have also been thinking about designing my own MT, but i dont have the funds or resources.

But use the leahterman style of opening the tools because some people (not me i love it) dislike the Victorinox style nail nicks and the tight opening and closing.
Use springs to open and close the plier handles. The Leatherman style friction wears out in a couple of months.
Copy victorinox their scissors. They are the best dont change a thing.
Dont really care about the knife as long as it has a decent thickness and lenght.
Dont care about one hand opening.
Dont use blunt nose pliers.
Dont care for replaceble cutters because it makethe plier weaker.

Must have tools:
A couple of flat heads different sizes.
Philips screwdriver
Scissors capeble of cutting zip ties.
Decent knife blade
Pliers

Design the tools to be as close to dedicated tools as possible. I hate the leatherman wingman style tools that are combined tools on on element like the file, ruler and small screw driver on one element. Not one of the tools works properly. What do you want with a 1 inch ruler a 1 file and a screw driver with a huge shank.

Dont make the tool too big, make it pocket friendly, under the 200 grammes and ad a pocket clip.
 

[AimlessWanderer]

Welcome aboard  Quite a challenging task you've set yourself there. Multitool is a very broad description which covers a very wide range of possibilities. I will try to answer your questions as best I can, giving some perspective as to my views:

What multitool do you have?

I have pliers based multitools, swiss army knives and other multifunction knives, bike tools, axes which have a hammer head and pry bar, kitchen multitools which open bottles and jars and also work as nutcrackers....

How often do you use it and for what occasion?

I pick the multitool to suit the setting. I also have a number of multitools I have modified to better suit my needs. I work in heavy engineering, I used to own a narrowboat and refitted the inside including all the wiring, I used to run a boatyard and got involved with repairs and installations, I used to run a stage society and got involved in set design and construction as well as lighting and sound, I do gardening, I ride a bike occasionally, and I am that friend and family member that gets phone calls and texts to go round and fix problems for them. There is no one tool I will take for all settings. UK knife law also has a bearing on what tool I will choose for what day/setting.

What tools do you use the most?

Depends on the day. Out in the garden it might be shears and a knife, occasionally a saw. Awls, wire cutters and scissors come in useful too. About the house it might be screwdrivers. At work it's pliers, but the gripping areas are more important than wire cutting. Knife, scissors, file (including diamond file), and both hex and torx drivers are often needed with varying frequency. Fitting out the boat and running the boatyard, any tool could be needed at any time - no two days were the same. Helping friends and family, it tends to be pliers, drivers, and file, though other tools may still be needed. I tend to use a Topeak Hexus II on the bike, but keep a pliers based multi handy too. I keep a pliers tool and a swiss army knife in the car for unforeseen events.

What do you use least?

Every day is different - see above 

How pleasant is it to use? ....

I have owned MANY tools, and only keep ones that work well for ME. I find many tools have poor ergonomics, and personally prefer outboard tools (such as the Victorinox Spirit) as I find the knife blades and saw are better orientated for efficient use than inboard tools (such as a Leatherman Rebar). I also as mentioned before modify tools to better suit my needs. I did a thread called "why I keep choosing Gerber" (or something like that) which explores handle ergonomics of various tools. You might find that of use/interest.

Would you like more customisation...?

I tweak tools anyway  however, I would rather have a number of different multitools optimised for different environments, than having to disassemble and rebuild the one tool every time I changed setting. Customisable tools are great, and there are many here that make tool mods to suit them, but options and combos will always be superior to one tool that tries to do everything. That would be like trying to make a vehicle that can transport 30 people, can deliver furniture, can go out on a lake for a fishing trip, and still be suitable for nipping to Tesco and fit in a single parking space in a busy car park or side street.

Any other recommendations?

Yes, focus your aims. One tool will never meet everyone's objectives for all their different scenarios. Consider how the tool will be comfortably carried (left at home for being heavy/bulky is a big fail). Some people will sheath carry a pliers tool bigger than I would use for ergonomic reasons and be happy, whereas others won't carry anything which won't sensibly fit on a keyring. Consider environmental issues like sea water (corrosive), mechanical applications (oils which make hands slippy and degrade certain plastics), restricted areas where knives may not be tolerated.

People are not one size fits all, and so you may need even more flexibility and variety than initially considered. You probably couldn't come up with a one size fits all tool for me alone (something that I could handle the above with, and still carry in a suit at a wedding), let alone the huge diversity of people here. You either need a very broad system of interchangable and customisable options, or focus down to a target audience. That is of course assuming I've not strayed too far off field with my answers 

Good luck, and keep us updated on what path you're taking, and we'll be sure to keep chucking ideas and opinions in along the way 

[styx]

welcome mate. i'm gonna answer this asap

[AimlessWanderer]

After thinking this through a little more, I think the key to this will be to focussing on the level of capability expected. Some people will want to pry open a packing crate, whereas others will only ever want to pry the lid off a tin of paint.


Let's take one implement as an example. Wire cutters, who might need to achieve what? An alarm system engineer might be working with fine multicore cable, but an auto mechanic, marine engineer, or welder might need to be cutting very heavy multistrand cable. A welder might also just need to snip a bit of mig wire or possibly a welding rod. Cable ties (plastic and steel) might need cutting. A bike's brake cable. How about a heavier vehicles cable? Fencing wires on various description might need cutting in an agricultural environment. In civil and heavy engineering, some muppet might try attacking banding iron (steel strapping) with it. I have to occasionally tackle thicker wire when smalll components come back from heat treatment and have been wired together for batch processing. I've had to cut heavy streamered turnings in machine shops. Gardening wire, domestic wiring, small diameter bolts, where do you draw the line?

Look not at what will work for all users, but a level of capability and flexibility that you are happy to accommodate. Multitools are by their very nature a compromise. They are a convenient item that within reason will provide a working solution in the absence of dedicated tools. Where the line is drawn as regards capability depends on whether the tool will fit on a keyring, is pocketable as a stand alone item, needs carrying in a jacket or bag, or lives in the boot of your car 

Personally, I think you need to (if you haven't already) work on some defining parameters. I know you linked to the bike tool thingummywhatsit earlier, but I'm still unsure as to the capability/size range we're looking at. Hopefully you have a clearer image in your mind and I'm just missing the point 

[sLaughterMed]

- What multi-tool do you have?: Leatherman Rebar, Victorinox Climber. These are my EDC, I own a few more that I dont use as often. I also carry a 3" folding lock blade often.

- How often do you use it & for what occasions?:
Rebar: Adjusting screws, cutting rope, adjusting bolts, stripping and cutting wire, prying and general plier type tasks. Mostly used around the house (and my moms house).
Climber: cutting threads/tags/paper/stuff, untangling rope, light duty screwing/unscrewing

- What tool/s do you use the most or find most useful?:
Rebar: most useful: Pliers, drivers, file wirecutters and serrated blade.
Climber: large blade, Scissors, flat driver

- What tool/s do you use the least?:
Rebar: plain Edge blade (I usually carry a SAK/folder with a better blade), can opener, awl
Climber: can opener, awl, hook, bottle opener

- How pleasant is it to use?:
Both are very pleasant to use. No sharp edges, good fit and finish, everything fits well together.

   - ease of extracting tool bits?
Rebar: came very stiff, but once broken in are very easy to extract
Climber: openers are a tad hard to open, as areall the back tools (hook, awl, corkscrew)

   - do they lock & stay in place during use?
Yep. Rebar locks are great, and Climber retention is very strong

   - comfort during use (any tools that are uncomfortable to use?) etc.
Rebar straight blade is uncomfortable to use for anything but short periods, as the handle is too thick to rest comfortably in the hands. plus the cutting edge position in relation to the edge of the multi makes the blade less than effective. Also applies to serrated blade, file and saw, but the cutting pisition matters less because of how they are used.
Climbers tools are all comfortable, because of its slimmer construction.

- Would you like more customization with tool choices? (being able to take off & put on tool bits for certain uses eg. everyday & camping trip? Being able to order the tool bits you want to come with your multi-tool? no useless unnecessary tools)
Yes I would, but SOG already does this. If this is something you plan on, do not fall into the same hole that has kept sog back, and utilize all the space in the tool. SOG uses all the same size implements in all their tools, leaving lots of empty space (and many implements, namely the phillips driver, arent very good). I feel like this is why they arent more popular

- Any other comments/recommendations?
1. Figure out who you are trying to appeal to first, bicyclists, tradesmen, EDCers, sailors etc. .bicyclists dont need several flatheads, EDCers dont need fish scalers, etc. Sailors need a serrated blade, and a tool that wont rust. Campers need a saw, but few drivers. Campers are also one of the few who actually may need can openers.
2. Not every tool needs a blade. Not every tool needs a can opener. Not every tool needs, a can opener, or 3 flatheads. Dont include any tool just because.
3. No stubby drivers, or tapered flatheads. Flatheads should be the same width along their whole length
4. Saving space is good, As is having many tools, but dont compromise function to do so.
5. NO COMBO EDGED BLADES! Either all serrated, or all plain edge. Multi blades are short enough as it is, and squeezing both types of edge into one blade comprromises function. Leatherman has the right idea with the Sidekick, with a short seperate serrated blade and a full sized pain edged blade.
6. If you want more specific feedback, you should really be a little more specific as to what you had in mind (size, shape, function)

[Grant Lamontagne]

1. Multi-tools need to be small and feature rich.

With all due respect, I could not disagree with this comment more if I had a nuclear powered, electrified disagreement machine.

The fact is, designing a tool is more than shoving as many functions into it as possible.  Functions need to be complimentary- I have just finished tearing apart a number of tools (cheapos for the most part, but some were copies of not-cheapos) and these all fall into the "as much as you can fit in a small package" category.  This is sheer folly, as it means many of the functions are barely functional because you either can't get a grip on it or you need to put pressure on a sharp or pointy bit to use it.

Victorinox knows this and that is why the Spirit is a functional work of art.  Peter Atwood knows this and that's why there may not be a lot of functions on his stuff, but they are good at what they do.

MultiTasker failed miserably at this- they took generic tools, drilled holed in the bases and bolted them into generic handles.

There is a lot of crap out there.  A lot.  Please listen to the masses here and don't foist another piece of crap onto a poor market that just wants to tighten screws and open bottles.  The folks here will discuss ideas and probably never come to a set conclusion, but there will be a lot of good ideas along the way.

Def

[Chako]

No worries in offending.

I like to think that if I am going to carry something, it should be feature rich in that it has several capabilities built into it that is more than a dedicated tool. if it only had the one feature..is it really a multi-tool?

[Grant Lamontagne]

I'm not saying it shouldn't have multiple functions, I'm saying that adding features for the sake of adding features, especially at the expense of other features is pointless.

Def

[gregozedobe]

I'll keep this short.  The only MT I carry on my person is a Leatherman Squirt PS4, because it is small enough to hardly notice it is in my pocket.  I mostly use the pliers and the knife.  I used to carry a P4, but decided to try a PS4 to see if I would use the scissors (in two weeks I haven't so far).

I do have a Leatherman Crunch and a Surge in both my vehicles, so I'm usually close to a larger MT if I need it.  I could choose from many other MTs ( I also have a large collection of plier-based MTs), but these are the ones I prefer.  Other people have different requirements in terms of size, capability and form, so there will never be one "perfect" MT that suits everyone.

[Chako]

I believe you are interpreting my statement wrong. But that is ok. 

[comis]

Jasondp, welcome to MT.O!

There are already many good ideas, and if I may, please allow me to share ideas deviate from the format:

1) Fine folks here are the multi-tool elite users and owners, but because of their vast different background, you will hear different opinions pointing to million directions.  These ideas are all legit in their own rights, and you may have to decide this tool is a general-purpose tool(which may look like every other tool that is popular and existing), or a speSmurfpillst tool(something like Crunch in LM camp), so you could pick ideas or centralize to one direction.

2) To make this process more efficient, I will suggest to look into the 'best' MT and best selling MT of the size(keychain/pocket/mid/large), and either improve and add elements, or pick out the must haves, and decide groundup.

3)For me, my dream MT will be a shinny grippy Victorinox Spirit, with compound leverage needlenose pliers, OHO blade, and mod-able tools.

Good luck!  And please keep us posted!

[Etherealicer]

I have to side with Def here... more functions are great but it is about balance.
Case in point the Böker City Tool "Rescue Blade/small screwdriver"

Its poor as rescue-blade, as it is too thick.
Its horrible as screw driver as it is at an angle and scary to use.
If they would have settled for one of the two it would have been a working tool but now we have 2 functions, none of them working.

The other thing are useless functions. What's the point of a fish-scaler on tool designed to be used in an office (ok, other than using as olive fork)? Or a wood-saw (Make a hole in your pristine office desk)?

[Chako]

 

[pfrsantos]

I have to side with Def here... more functions are great but it is about balance.
Case in point the Böker City Tool "Rescue Blade/small screwdriver"

Its poor as rescue-blade, as it is too thick.
Its horrible as screw driver as it is at an angle and scary to use.
If they would have settled for one of the two it would have been a working tool but now we have 2 functions, none of them working.

The other thing are useless functions. What's the point of a fish-scaler on tool designed to be used in an office (ok, other than using as olive fork)? Or a wood-saw (Make a hole in your pristine office desk)?

It could happen...

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[dks]

http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,62487.msg1164412.html#msg1164412

Megan edited Grants post 


      

[Smaug]

Welcome Jason. That's a great little multi-tool for cycling.

I'm a part-time cyclist, and what I think is missing from that tool is:

• Pliers w/gripper
• LED head lamp
• Some bigger sockets, as mentioned above
• Adjustable wrench (can maybe replace several of the bigger sockets?)
• Good, hardened #1 and #2 Phillips, mostly for accessories or cheaper bikes. (don't discount the cheaper bikes, as they are the ones that are more likely to need repair on the road)

Keep in mind the hex socket head bolts, and screw bolts, and even hex bolts often needs something to hold the nut on the back. (adjustable wrench or pliers gripper)