OUTU Multi Tool Overview (VERY PIC HEAVY!!!)

[Demel]

I got this tool for less than $10 on ebay and I have to say it is worth every penny. It wasn't until I pocket carried it that I realized how similar it is to Leatherman's Skeletool, and I have to say I would choose this over the polarizing Skeletool anyday. I wanted to do a full review for the site but...time is short so hopefully this overview is helpful.
 
Comparison pics:


As you can see these two are very close to size and weight. The OUTU is heavier but it also has more to offer. Solo pics of  the extras:

 
And both tools fully opened:


 
My impressions: I did not expect such a well built tool for under ten bucks. This tool feels like a name brand multi tool. The tri folding butterfly style is cool and saves a lot of bulk. I like that it has all the basics and includes VERY GOOD scissors. The drivers are very light duty. Because of their location when driving screws it puts a lot of pressure on the pivots. The blade needed a few passes on a sharpener then it was ready to go. Note this is a slip joint blade. Lastly, for me, it makes the Skeletool very undesirable. Even at $30 I would still choose this tool. You get more without adding noticeable weight or bulk. This is a great tool for urban edc.

In conclusion:

Pros:
Good spring loaded pliers
Great scissors (more like shears)
Outside accessible knife
Unique style

Cons:
File (why is it even included, I would have preferred a small serrated blade)
Very weak screwdrivers
Scales feel slippery

Indifferences:
Non locking tools
Comes with sheath and removable pocket clip

Overall I would give the OUTU a 7/10. If you can pick one up GO FOR IT. You have nothing to lose and a great tool to gain.

[AimlessWanderer]

  I'm supposed to be getting rid of tools, not wanting new ones 

Thanks for the write up Demel  that does indeed look like a very interesting tool 

[AimlessWanderer]

I'm supposed to be getting rid of tools, not wanting new ones 

Thanks for the write up Demel  that does indeed look like a very interesting tool 

Did this ship from somewhere local, or from overseas?

[Kampfer]

Send it to me for review.

[Demel]

I'm supposed to be getting rid of tools, not wanting new ones 

Thanks for the write up Demel  that does indeed look like a very interesting tool 

Did this ship from somewhere local, or from overseas?

Mine shipped from New York but I'm sure they can ship overseas. Just do a search for "outu multi tool" and see what comes up.

Send it to me for review.

Pm me your address.

[Demel]

I'm supposed to be getting rid of tools, not wanting new ones 

Thanks for the write up Demel  that does indeed look like a very interesting tool 

Thanks. I felt the same way but I couldn't resist trying it out simply because of the design.

[AimlessWanderer]

We can't do ebay, but searching on the usual sites just brings up the X-Tract "homage" with the fold out drivers. I'll give it a while and look again (unless anyone knows of any UK friendly links)

[Kampfer]

Send it to me for review.

Pm me your address.

[Demel]

We can't do ebay, but searching on the usual sites just brings up the X-Tract "homage" with the fold out drivers. I'll give it a while and look again (unless anyone knows of any UK friendly links)

http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,45641.30.html
Check out reply 38. They had a link up. That's how I found this one.

[Demel]

I just realized I have a lot of typos in the op. my apologies

[Kampfer]

I just realized I have a lot of typos in the op. my apologies

I agree, Skeleton is very undesirable. 

[Demel]

I just realized I have a lot of typos in the op. my apologies

I agree, Skeleton is very undesirable. 

Auto correct is helpful but also aggravating.

Can mod open up the edit function so I can correct some mistakes?

[zoidberg]

Can mod open up the edit function so I can correct some mistakes?

I will have to do it for you, PM what you want changed.   

[Demel]

Can mod open up the edit function so I can correct some mistakes?

I will have to do it for you, PM what you want changed.   

Pm sent

[zoidberg]

Sorted.   

[Demel]

[sawman]

But the screwdriver is one of the best parts and the Skeletool has a darn good one. It's an interesting tool but I don't see it replacing mine.

[Demel]

But the screwdriver is one of the best parts and the Skeletool has a darn good one. It's an interesting tool but I don't see it replacing mine.

Fair enough. If screwdrivers are the most important thing then I would say NO. This is not the tool for you. For me that is the least important implement. Pliers, blade, scissors are vastly more important. Also remember it is a fraction of the cost of a skeletool.

BTW: how is the skeletool mp600 combo going?

[sawman]

But the screwdriver is one of the best parts and the Skeletool has a darn good one. It's an interesting tool but I don't see it replacing mine.

Fair enough. If screwdrivers are the most important thing then I would say NO. This is not the tool for you. For me that is the least important implement. Pliers, blade, scissors are vastly more important. Also remember it is a fraction of the cost of a skeletool.

BTW: how is the skeletool mp600 combo going?

You're right you can't beat the cost for under $10. I just would like to see them make a couple improvements by perhaps tweaking the drivers to make them stronger. It's a very interesting concept for a tool

As for the price of the Skeletool, I only just recently picked up 3 sets because they were on sale at HD for $29 ea. Which I consider to be a fair price (I would not pay $60).

As for my combo, it's working out great! I also have a sheath for the Gerber bit kit and full Leatherman bit kit so I'm ready for anything

[Demel]

But the screwdriver is one of the best parts and the Skeletool has a darn good one. It's an interesting tool but I don't see it replacing mine.

Fair enough. If screwdrivers are the most important thing then I would say NO. This is not the tool for you. For me that is the least important implement. Pliers, blade, scissors are vastly more important. Also remember it is a fraction of the cost of a skeletool.

BTW: how is the skeletool mp600 combo going?

You're right you can't beat the cost for under $10. I just would like to see them make a couple improvements by perhaps tweaking the drivers to make them stronger. It's a very interesting concept for a tool

As for the price of the Skeletool, I only just recently picked up 3 sets because they were on sale at HD for $29 ea. Which I consider to be a fair price (I would not pay $60).

As for my combo, it's working out great! I also have a sheath for the Gerber bit kit and full Leatherman bit kit so I'm ready for anything

As long as it works. $30 is reasonable for a skeletool. No more, less would be great  

The Phillips on the OUTU is decent. Its the flat head on the scissors handle that is terrible. They would have been better off to replace the file with a true large flat head.

[SolomonKane79]

Thanks for the review! Interesting tool!

[Gareth]

Looks well worth it for $10.

[Kampfer]

 

[Demel]

Can't wait to get your thoughts 

[Demel]

Btw, I do want to clarify one thing: the skeletool is still a very good tool. But if I had to gift a non mt user a tool I would give them the outu instead. Mainly because of the price. I wanted to do a comparison to the skele because it gives a good idea of how the tool "feels" :shrug"

[Kampfer]

I am very impressed by this MT so far.

[Alan K.]

My guess is you won't see the OUTU for much longer as the Schrade becomes widely available.

[Demel]

Probably. As long as the price stays reasonable I'm ok with that

[Kampfer]

A review on this tool by me is long over due, I get to it as soon as I sorted things out at work, it had been crazy.

[Demel]

opcorn: