I used this in the same way and even harder than I would have used a branded multitool
of the same size.
Pliers.
I first cut some 1.5mm steel wire.
This was done easily, both in the hard wire notch and in the regular part of the cutters.
The only visible change was some removal of the coating on the cutters, at the point where I was cutting.
Then I tried to cut stranded wire, 2mm, used for clothes lines etc.
This was not cut properly with the first cut.
I had to turn it and try again 3 times to cut it.
This is a common issues with cutters of that style, which I also face with the LM ST300. However the ST300 has speSmurfpillsed stranded wire cutters too, which work much better.
No major damage, though I think that there was some scratching on the edge.
Then I tried to see whether it could cut the metal, nail part, of rivets.
I used 3 rivets, sized 1.7mm, 2.2mm and 2.57mm.
The 1.7mm and 2.2mm ones were cut reasonably easily.
In both cases one part of the river went flying and I could not be bothered to look for it.
1.7mm
2.2mm
The 2.57mm one proved impossible to cut. I applied force using both hands but the leverage just wanted there (I am not the weakest bloke). I tried the hard wire notch and the regular cutter part.
Here is what it looked like afterwards.
I need to get Tim Leatherman to give me the device he uses to cut nails with his tools, during special demonstrations
..
And the pliers
The pliers still felt as tight as before.
The Saw.
The tool that actually impressed me was the saw. I expected it to be rubbish but I was able to cut the wood I was using really easily (soft pine). It seems to be on par with the established multitool saws, at least on cutting, if not on longevity.
A few seconds work
The awl/reamer
I wanted to start a hole for screwing and used the awl. It worked.
Screwing
I chose a hefty screw and went ahead.
I used the Philips screwdriver.
It fits the screw well.
I managed to screw the screw two thirds in, when I started to feel the screwdriver flexing a bit and slipping. I pushed a bit more and there was some damage to the head of the screwdriver.
The small “flaps”, for lack of a better word, as can be seen have bend a bit.
I then used a proper screwdriver and was able to screw it in a bit more, with effort. I think that the multitool screwdriver was pushed more than necessary, but I had to find its limit. A proper screwdriver, like that of an ST300 would not have suffered any damage, had I applied the same force, but I would not have regularly used a screwdriver of the type found on the Cima with that much force.
I do not like abusing tools and felt guilty for the damage.
I also used the screwdriver on the can opener for a turn, after the main one failed and it did not appear damaged, though I could feel it flexing a bit.
I tried to use the screwdrivers at a 90 degree angle, as they have a halfstop, but that was not very successful. The springs do not have enough strength to support them in that position and they kept closing. A good idea, but only for emergency situations.
I also shaved some wood with the blade, and it was unaffected.
Summarising, I have to say that it appears to be a good tool, for its price point.
It would have been better if it had:
one less flat screwdriver and a more robust Philips,
stronger backsprings,
a better sheath,
better aligned pliers and
a way to replace the cutters.
Also,
with a tool like that you only have the sellers guarantee, which will vary from seller to seller.
There are ofcourse a several no brand/Ganzo products at that price point but not many with the hard cutters and interesting looking blade.
Would I buy it? Possibly not, as I have several branded tools that get little use anyway.
However it is cheap, solid enough, especially with regard to the pliers, blade and saw and seems well finished/made.
It should serve any non-multitool fanatic well.
It should also serve well as a “beater” tool, for when you do not want to risk damaging a more expensive tool.
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