Multi-tool with jaws that can open wide enough for a hose?

[pfrsantos]

You should use a thick piece of rubber (like from a bike tire inner tube) to place around the hose before using the pliers. It gives more grip and protects the hose from the teeth in the pliers.

[pfrsantos]

[gerleatherberman]

Funny, the tool I was carrying was a Kutmaster Wrench Head, (a multimaster variant) and it was just nowhere near able to do the garden hose.
Charles.

The MM is fundamentally different in design. The Wrenchhead and RealTree models don't open nearly as wide as the MM BN. The MM also feels like it is of better build quality.

[Don Pablo]

I just read the topic title as "Multi-tool with jaws that can open wide enough for a horse?" by accident. 

[gerleatherberman]

Bad Pablo
 

[ChopperCharles]

Well, I've tried both the Craftsman/Schrade ST5E and the Sheffield 12020, and while they can both barely get purchase on a metal hose, they fail to grip it securely. The Sheffield grips it better than the Schrade, but the handle splay for the Sheffield is unacceptable (have to use both hands). The Schrade was better in the handle splay, but couldn't get as much purchase. Neither are suitable for that. I'm thinking maybe the Crunch is the only one that can fit this bill.

The Sheffield is a damn good hard wire cutter though, so I may keep it around for cutting metal fencing wire we use to make deer fences or trellises for our garden.

Charles.

[gregozedobe]

Well, I've tried both the Craftsman/Schrade ST5E and the Sheffield 12020, and while they can both barely get purchase on a metal hose, they fail to grip it securely. The Sheffield grips it better than the Schrade, but the handle splay for the Sheffield is unacceptable (have to use both hands). The Schrade was better in the handle splay, but couldn't get as much purchase. Neither are suitable for that. I'm thinking maybe the Crunch is the only one that can fit this bill.

The Sheffield is a damn good hard wire cutter though, so I may keep it around for cutting metal fencing wire we use to make deer fences or trellises for our garden.

Charles.

What is the diameter that you are trying to grip ?  I can check out one of my Vise Grip/Schrade 6LC toolbox locking MTs to see if it will go small enough.

[Walley]

I think in this thread only ChopperCharles mentioned the Crunch.
the Crunch is the first thing that came to my mind, mainly because I bought it specifically because it's jaws opened wider than my other MT's
I don't know it it's the widest jaws of all MT's but it sure would do the trick.

[ChopperCharles]

I suppose a Kershaw A100 would work too, but that's a lot larger of a tool, and not in the same category of what I'm looking for. Also the same money for a used A100 as a new Crunch, so yeah the Crunch is on my mind.


Charles.

[gregozedobe]

I just checked on my Crunch, the pliers open up to a max of 21mm, at that width the handles are splayed 120mm and at an awkward angle which would make it difficult to put a lot of strength into the grip.

[ChopperCharles]

Well, that stinks. The nut on my garden hose is 30mm. I'd need something that can do 30-35mm. I guess maybe a Kershaw is the ticket after all.

Charles.

[gerleatherberman]

Hey Charles,

This post may still be of assistance.

https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,77907.msg1724825.html#msg1724825

1.39" is about 35mm and 1.21" is about 30mm.

Edit: typo.

[ChopperCharles]

Cool. I'm probably going to order a multimaster just to have one.  The kershaw would be useful for other things. I like that it has a hacksaw for instance... (though what to do when that blade is dull is anyone's guess). I'm still considering options.

Charles.

[zoidberg]

The BN MP600 will work, pics and measurements on the first page, yet you keep ignoring it...   

[ChopperCharles]

Something about the Gerber rubs me the wrong way. It looks too... I dunno, "tactical". And the jaw splay seemed rather much, and the grip rather low, on the items you showed.

That said, I just looked it up on Amazon, and for some reason the needle-nosed version (which has significantly wider opening available) is on sale for $37.65. Which is a lot cheaper than a Crunch or a Kershaw. Sad that the needle nose version doesn't have the replaceable carbide cutters though. Hrm. You've got me considering it now.

Charles.

[Don Pablo]

Tactical?

THIS is tactical. 

[ThePeacent]

I can't believe that the doubts in this thread are still going...

here below, you have the three biggest opening multitools I have with locking feature.  This is the maximum width at which they can close and lock an object in between the jaws. You'd have to use both hands to lock the thing due to the handle splay

Crunch, about 3.6cm width at the tip



ST5, about 4.6cm width at the tip



A100, about 5cm width at the tip



Let's hope this settles it once for all and you can choose your tool to solve this 

[gregozedobe]

..... The nut on my garden hose is 30mm. I'd need something that can do 30-35mm. I guess maybe a Kershaw is the ticket after all.

Given the stated requirement is to grip a round hose I've looked at properly gripping a round object inside the jaws, not just the maximum width at the tips of the jaws, because you can't get a very good grip at the tips if the jaws are at a steep angle to each other (eg 60 degrees plus)

I've just checked one of my Kershaw A100s, it could only properly grip a round object that is approx 22mm in diameter, and you would need to grind off the leading edges of the wire cutters to do even that without damaging the hose.

The only locking MT I have that could properly grip something 30-35mm diameter is the Schrade/Vise Grip Toolbox 6LC (the so-called "leg-iron" MT).  This is not a small tool being 170mm long.

[Old man Chris]

A Knipex 125 mm Cobra . Very strong , very flat , has a gape of aprox. 1 /2” . They may not be a multitool , but they damn well should be !

Here are my two little Champs , a Cobra , and a plierwrench , for when you can’t afford to mess up a fastener !The plierwrenches , can also swage , and crimp in a tight spot .

One other thing about the Knipex system , you don’t need to wrap your hand around them , just adjust them to size , and put pressure on the rear handle with your palm heel ! The Plierwrench is also. apable of a “ ratcheting “ action , with a bit of practice .

Furthermore , they are well forged , and brillianly heat treated , and very unlikley to break , like an investment cast multi !

Best Regards ,

Chris

[ChopperCharles]

Interesting that someone else had my same wants and came up with this: http://www.ebtx.com/mech/tool.htm



Now if only someone would actually make that...

Charles.

[Sam Lim]

Interesting that someone else had my same wants and came up with this: http://www.ebtx.com/mech/tool.htm

(Image removed from quote.)

Now if only someone would actually make that...

Charles.

If this is really in the market, I would turn both handles the other way round the moment I buy it.... 

[ChopperCharles]

It's just a photoshop. But I wish someone would make something like this. 

Charles.

[cody6268]

Not a bad idea.  Channellock or Knipex could use their smaller (4-5" pliers) as a basis. Channellock's tools made for firefighters are a bit too much of a limited audience, but I feel they could sell quite a few if based on the 426, which would give a decent size for the fold-out implements.

[ChopperCharles]

Just an FYI, the MP600 couldn't manage the hose. The jaws go around the nut, but don't have any grip at all.

MP600 is a really nice tool though. I'm enjoying it so far. Plus I got it dirt cheap!


Charles.

[gerleatherberman]

Is it the needle nose or blunt nose?
The needle nose doesn't open as far/have the opening needed.

[ChopperCharles]

Ah, it's the needle nosed.

Charles.

[SteveC]

My Crunch and Mp600 both get a firm grip. the crunch locks tightly on it .

[ChopperCharles]

Okay. I thought I wanted the Crunch. Now I'm sure of it. That's the tool I need! 

Charles.

[gerleatherberman]

Ah, it's the needle nosed.

Charles.

Still a fine tool, Charles. Keep an eye open for a blunt nose version. You could also post in the tools needed section to see if anyone has a spare blunt plier head to pop in your 600.

I have seen the plier heads themselves put up for sale before, so be on the lookout. The pliers are so easy to change, it is awesome.

Okay. I thought I wanted the Crunch. Now I'm sure of it. That's the tool I need! 

Charles.

The Crunch is a phenomenal piece of engineering. Good luck finding one for a good price! 

[ChopperCharles]

I think I'm going to go new for the Crunch. $109 on Amazon seems a good price.

Charles.