Do you find it necessary to carry a multitool?

[CallsignBadger]

I've noticed that over the past month, I haven’t really been carrying multitools, but rather folders. I’ve been enjoying a lighter and more convenient blade (even full sized ones) over decent sized multitools, with less than ideal cutting edges.

Whenever I need a tool (i.e. a screwdriver), it seems like its easier to find a dedicated one over compromising with a MT. Being that I always have dedicated tools somewhere, the main appeal of MT’s doesn't seem so... appealing.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this, and do you find multitools to be an essential part of your carry? Or will a folding knife do all that you need?

[ezdog]

Yes and Hell Yes!

When I am any distance from real tools I am closer to a MT regardless of the situation really.

I carry both all the time too though and do not remember the last time that I used a MT knife blade honestly?
I use the Pliers and Driver from my MT all the time though and so for me it is pretty much indispensable.

I also only use a Power Driver when I really need to too though so admittedly I am a little off maybe?

I see so many guys strip every screw they drive with a power tool that it is crazy to me.
I sure do not need a power driver to screw in wall plates or outlets and can do more harm than good that way too easily.

Plus I like to maintain my Six Million Dollar Man grip by turning the screws by hand,with my Centerdrive if I can!

[Nix]

 

 

[Nix]

Day to day, EDC, I just carry a SAK or a SAK + a folder.

But, if I go hunting, fishing, or camping, I feel better if I have a pliers-based MT with me. Motorcycle trips.....I always keep a MT with me.

When fishing, I use the scissors and pliers of a MT a lot! So no fishing trip is complete without a pliers-based MT.

[Aloha]

At work I absolutely carry a MT.  Around the house it varies but a MT does get carried.  On off days when I leave I will carry my Squirt or if the mood strikes me I'll carry my Skeletool CX.  I can always go get a tool off my truck or in my garage but with a MT on my hip I can take care of most everything on the spot.       

[gerleatherberman]

I honestly do not understand people who do not carry multitools. 

[Shuya]

Depends.

When I lived with my in-laws with their large garden and houses I carried a MT often for doing small tasks, saving the way to the real tools for minor stuff. Never took my MT when knowing I have to do real, major repairs.

Now, when moved to a flat with my family, a simple SAK does the job. Still grab a MT for minor tasks (there are so many around  ), why go grab the whole toolbox for one single screw or something?

When outside it depends, too. When doing backpacking I mostly take a SAK, for minor repairs the pliers on it are enough if taking my Deluxe Tinker as I do for mountain trips. Or I combine my Huntsman or Outrider with a PS4. Never missed anything larger. What for?
Did some car camping the last 2 years (pregnant girlfriend, and later little kid). Had a  large MT with me, just in case, needed it...once.

Jobwise a 2 layer SAK gets me through the day.

So, for me I could survive with a SAK only. 
Still got a Supertool in my EDC-Bag. In case. 

[ReamerPunch]

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this, and do you find multitools to be an essential part of your carry? Or will a folding knife do all that you need?

I own very few folding knives. Most were bought for the collection, like Opinels, or my LM Crater. I have a few little Sanrenmu folders that were purchased also for being inexpensive, small, and of good quality.
The thing is, a folding knife is just a folding knife. Here we cannot just carry a knife. There has to be a good reason for it, whatever that means. But a multi-tool or better yet a sak, that's not as weapon-y. I can justify a sak or MT much more easily than I can a knife. I carry an Olfa box cutter too, and that's still not as much of a weapon as a folder would be.
Plus, if I am away from home, the only tools I have access to are the ones I have on me. And I will not go in a restaurant or jewellery shop and ask for a screwdriver. So, my Deluxe Tinker and Rebar are coming with me.

It would be nice to carry folders here. I'd like to be able to carry a nice Delica or a RAT2, and not be paranoid and afraid it may be taken from me and I be fined for it. As it  is, the cutting tasks are handled more than adequately with the multiple blades of the mt, sak, and the Olfa.

[magentus]

I do a lot of odd jobs at work - tightening things, loosening things  , small repairs etc and most of them can be completed using an SI and or Gerber MP400. Very occasionally I'll have to use a dedicated tool, but where's the fun in that? 

[Poncho65]

If I am going to carry something it might as well be a MT over a folder If going light I just try to carry a lighter MT   If I think something more might be required then I carry a heavier MT I have a half Charge knife now and I use that instead of a folder and it has way more funtions than just a folder with a very similar weight I still also carry a small SAK with me everywhere I go as well

[this_is_nascar]

I've never carried a MT during my normal day to day existance.  When a tool was needed, a real one was never more than a few steps away.

I do EDC a small SAK.


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[CallsignBadger]

Thanks for all of the replies, guys

Thinking about ease of carry has been really making me wish that they made a Skeletool with pliers that didn't break 

Maybe doing something custom w/ a Wave 

[Kev D]

Most of the time nowadays I don't need to carry a multi, but I do anyway.

[lister]

Two words: LM mini...

 

[Poncho65]

Maybe doing something custom w/ a Wave 

 

[Poncho65]

Two words: LM mini...

 

 

[MMR]

I "custom" made my LM rebar specifically for my wants and needs, so for that reason I have mine on my belt everywhere I go (unless it's on an airplane of course).

Do I use it every day?

Well no, but I use it multiple times per week, a lot of times it will get most jobs done, but (and it goes without saying) it will never replace dedicated tool. Most of the times I need a dedicated tool, it's either when I am working on my car or fixing some kind of electronics, in which case the jobs are somethings that the a multitool was never designed for in the first place, but most things around the house I can do (and do) with my multi tool.

For instance:
- If I need to take a lamp apart to change a lightbulb = Multi tool
- A week ago I had to fix the lock on the front gate = multi tool
- Vacuum cleaner wasn't working properly = multi tool
- Fix a vent for the fireplace = Multi tool
- My parents have this mechanical wine bottle opener at their house, it's made to look like something from like the 30s - 40s (I think) but it is a reproduction that's maybe 10-15 years old, it was starting to stick and wouldn't operate properly, so I took it apart, cleaned it, oiled it up and put it back together, and what did I use? ...My LM Rebar.


My latest purchase is a 3 Layer SAK, more specifically a Victorinox Hunter. It has all the tools needed for must "outdoor" situations, both for hiking, camping and even when I go hunting. It has a good size blade that will take care of must knife needs, a saw that will cut branches up to about 3-4 fingers thickness, which will be good for walking sticks, sticks for starting a fire etc. but it will not be replacing any real saw, but for most needs around a camp site, it will do the job just fine.

Other features include, a gut blade, which I haven't tested yet, but I will be able to test next time I am out hunting. A cork screw and an awl, which might come in handy, but are not my main reasons for buying the knife.

I carry the SAK in my jacket, as that's the only time I will be needing it, is when I am outdoors. Like with my LM, I don't use it everyday, but I do have it with me.

[Aloha]

I've seen the pictures of broken Skeletool pliers.  So far mine have escaped damage.  I wont say I've "abused" mine but when the task presents itself I am not shy to push them into action.  What I've come to appreciate about the Skeletool over the years is the simplicity.  I wasn't a fan early on.  With the CX version I'm very happy with the 154CM blade which negates carrying another folder.  Versatile enough driver and bits and capable enough pliers.  That all said, I've also come to understand the limits of any and all my MTs, SAKs included. 

Just like any tool for that matter.  Theres going to be a limit.  If you're turning a bolt sometimes you need a breaker bar, if you got a screw thats driven deep, time to get the power tool.  Stripped head, theres a tool for that as well.  I've often heard and said, a MT is a compromise.  Yes when compared to dedicated tools a MT is a big compromise in many ways.   A MT and SAK are solutions to the the unexpected within reason.  This doesn't make them compromises tho IMO, quite the opposite.   We know the limitations which for me balances limitation and capability.  We are not going to solve everything with a MT or SAK.   

For me personally, I have tools on my truck and a MT on my hip.  If I can reasonably take care of "IT" with my MT then win.  If I'm uncertain, I'll give it a go, and if I cannot, out to my truck I go.  No loss IMO, just a learning moment which for a future situation I dont spend time trying to do the work of a dedicated tool with a MT, win. 

Not all jobs require dedicated specific tools.  Those that do should be met with dedicated tools.  I'd imagine those that have tool specific jobs carry those specific tools.  A MT is potentially everything in between.

A knife is a knife.  When I am out an about a knife is a wonderful tool to have.  Only tool?  Not by a long shot, for me anyway.  Which is why the venerable SAK is such a genius tool.  I've seen more than my share of broken knife tips.  I often wonder when I see them, did they accomplish the task before the tip broke?  If yes, was the "price" worth it? 

None of us have ever used a tool outside its intended purpose  .  I'd like to think those who did were able to complete the task with tool unscathed. 

In the grand scheme of things I've come to accept I am not required to solve all issues I encounter.  I neither have the skill nor knowledge.  The things I do have the skill an knowledge to resolve I also understand which tools are required and what I can potentially do or not do with the tools I carry.

Which now reminds me 

I really appreciate threads like these.  Thank you.           

[MMR]

None of us have ever used a tool outside its intended purpose  .
       

"None of us", eh? ..Is that so? 

[CallsignBadger]

 

Thank you, Aloha 

I think one of the things for me is that at work, there are dedicated tools somewhere close, and at home, the same applies. The weekends are a different story, but thats why I keep tools in my vehicle.

I think what I find MT’s best used for is anything like hiking/camping/etc., going on a trip (if possible), and anywhere I know I’ll need tools, but a full toolbox isn't ideal. I think that's when I appreciate multitools the most, and that they might not be as useful as a part of my edc (given my situation).

Well theres some multitool philosophy for you

[Aloha]

None of us have ever used a tool outside its intended purpose  .
       

"None of us", eh? ..Is that so? 

 

say it isnt so................

[Vidar]

Whenever I need a tool (i.e. a screwdriver), it seems like its easier to find a dedicated one over compromising with a MT. Being that I always have dedicated tools somewhere, the main appeal of MT’s doesn't seem so... appealing.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this, and do you find multitools to be an essential part of your carry? Or will a folding knife do all that you need?

For me a multi-tool or SAK is a matter of convenience and availability more than anything. If it is some small issue they are really handy to just have around. And they can be available in situations where you can't bring or hadn't planned to drag along (the right) specialized tool.

Specialized tools might do the task at hand better or faster, but getting them there in the first place take time and effort. Which for small tasks just isn't worth it. Thus I think of specialized tools as a balance act too - better performance at the cost of far more weight and volume. So for me the logic is something like multitools for small stuff or unplanned away stuff, and specialized tools where the added performance make sense.

[ezdog]

It all really boils down to ones point of view doesn't it?

I work with tools all day every day for the most part and am always encountering opportunities to use them whether I am armed with my regular tools or not.

If far from real tools I use what I have if I can and go get tools if not,but I am usually more prepared on the spot with a MT on me than without and so I usually carry one and it is that simple for me.

If this is not how your days run then my carry might not be the best for you and that is certainly fine too.

I also do not rely on Leatherman tools any more as I kept breaking the pliers.

[Aloha]

Thank you, Aloha 

I think one of the things for me is that at work, there are dedicated tools somewhere close, and at home, the same applies. The weekends are a different story, but thats why I keep tools in my vehicle.

I think what I find MT’s best used for is anything like hiking/camping/etc., going on a trip (if possible), and anywhere I know I’ll need tools, but a full toolbox isn't ideal. I think that's when I appreciate multitools the most, and that they might not be as useful as a part of my edc (given my situation).

Well theres some multitool philosophy for you

I totally understand.  When I worked in a machine shop there were more than enough tools to choose from.  I cannot recall ever seeing a MT.  Dedicated blades, YES.  That made perfect sense.  Most tool boxes the guys had were stuffed with tools but no blades. 

As a part of ones EDC a MT just may not make sense and thats personal.  I have scaled down what I carry.  84mm Salesman and Squirt P4.  I don't want to carry much more.  Around the house as I've said it varies but a MT is nice to have.  Is walking into the garage a big deal?  No way,  but by the time I walk into the garage fetch the proper tool I've forgotten what Im there for and begin a new task  . 

[Aloha]

It all really boils down to ones point of view doesn't it?

 

[MMR]

None of us have ever used a tool outside its intended purpose  .
       

"None of us", eh? ..Is that so? 

 

say it isnt so................

There was a time when we were all young and rebellious... 


You know like...eating breakfast for dinner #anarchy ....or tried to ram a HEX key into a Torx screw. #crimerider

[Aloha]

So, let me get this straight.....   Large flat drivers weren't designed as pry tools?  Hammers aren't to solution to "it wont turn", "its stuck",  "slide that over just a bit"?   

[Poncho65]

A hammer and a hex wrench vs a torx or vice versus works in a pinch

[SteveC]

I don't need to carry a MT everyday but I do anyway because you just never know ........ 

[CallsignBadger]

A 3/16 flat driver fits in T8 torx screws