Are our MTs really a compromise?

[Aloha]

This is something that echos within many conversations about MTs.  Recently callsignbadger posted https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,80011.new.html#new.  I have been thinking about the idea that a MT is somehow a compromise.  What do you think? 

[Poncho65]

I think they are a compromise but not necessarily in a bad way they are not dedicated tools and although they do many tasks they may not be able to accomplish them as well as a tool that was specifically designed for a task but they can do many tasks almost as well as several tools so they are worth the compromise to me

Another good topic

[MMR]

I have been thinking about the idea that a MT is somehow a compromise.  What do you think?

Illuminati confirmed!

 





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.....On a serious note: It might be a bit harsh calling MTs "a compromise", a multi tool should never be ones primary tool, they are more intended to be ones "backup" for the situations where ones primary tools are not available or with in reach. In my case my MT is always handy on my belt, but if the situation calls for it, I will go and grab the dedicated tool for the job.

[Aloha]

@callsignbadger no shot fired at you brother .  I've been thinking about this for a while and your post just reminded me.  I need to make reminder notes wait,  didn't I?   

[SteveC]

A MT is a compromise between having no tools on you and having to carry a toolbox or tool belt with you.   

[CallsignBadger]

 

[Wspeed]

I see a MT more as a emergency tool
If I am in the workshop than I would
rather use a dedicated tool for the job

But when I am out on the road driving
or riding I wouldn’t want to be without a MT
And wouldn’t want to carry dedicated tools 

[dks]

yes

[Vidar]

All tools are compromises between various factors. That includes multi-tools.

You get compact and portable tools that enables you to do tasks that you just couldn't do on your own.

Specialized tools for a given task might do it better, but in comparison they compromise on volume and weight. In that sense multi-tools are specialized portable packages. Having something portable with you is convenient, and sometimes the only option. If so then the tool you have around is always a lot better than the tool you couldn't bring or go get.

[Aloha]

All tools are compromises between various factors. That includes multi-tools.

You get compact and portable tools that enables you to do tasks that you just couldn't do on your own.

Specialized tools for a given task might do it better, but in comparison they compromise on volume and weight. In that sense multi-tools are specialized portable packages. Having something portable with you is convenient, and sometimes the only option. If so then the tool you have around is always a lot better than the tool you couldn't bring or go get.

  well said. 

[ezdog]

Again it is really all in your point of view.

If you consider having more opportunities to get work done by carrying a MT to be a compromise then sure.

If the tools in a MT allow you to get things done that not carrying the tool do not then same as above.

If you are wondering if a Screwdriver or plier from a MT is not as useful as that of a dedicated tool or driver then.......?

Maybe a single use tool is a compromise at times too?

I am not arguing against using the right tool for any given job but can getting the job done really be considered a compromise?

[powernoodle]

A MT is a compromise between having no tools on you and having to carry a toolbox or tool belt with you.   

Yes.  We value everything relative to something else.  Should I take job X or job Y?  Which is "better" than the other?  Which chick to date, and who to marry?  Which fast food do we want right now? We always evaluate relative to the available alternatives.  And so too it is with MTs.  They are better than a handful of nothing, but not as good as a bow saw or Knipex pliers wrench. 

[Aloha]

When talking about getting the job done then the compromise to me is not getting it done.  If time is how you bill and having to go back to the truck to get the dedicated tool rather than having a MT on you then thats a compromise over the long haul.  Yes there are things we can do with our MT and most our dedicated tools that are not within the design of the tool.  However with a MT the design to me is about having said tool on you when the need arises.  Its not necessarily about using a Wave as a hammer for example.  That would to me better describe a compromise. 

I've got a lot of work done with my MT.  I've also had the tool not be able to perform.  We make due at times thru experience and knowledge of our tools when the job throws us a curve.  The MT for me wont be described as a compromise.  I wont say I have to make due with my MT.  Over the years I have become pretty familiar with what my MT can do and cannot do.  I am also fairly confident with that knowledge when to reach for it and when to go to the truck.  One nice thing is LMs warranty.  No I am not going to torutre my tool then send it off to LM but if the tool fails in the course of its job then I certainly am glad they as well as others have a great warranty.

   

[Aloha]

A MT is a compromise between having no tools on you and having to carry a toolbox or tool belt with you.   

Yes.  We value everything relative to something else.  Should I take job X or job Y?  Which is "better" than the other?  Which chick to date, and who to marry?  Which fast food do we want right now? We always evaluate relative to the available alternatives.  And so too it is with MTs.  They are better than a handful of nothing, but not as good as a bow saw or Knipex pliers wrench.

   Well said. 

[stugumby]

No different than a swiss army knife, capable of many things but sometimes not. Just a handy piece of gear that helps one deal with simple problems. Then one finds oneself having to have this because it can do that etc. Its all a organized way by the man to control the masses.

[gerleatherberman]

Compared to high-quality dedicated tools, then yes, MTs are a compromise. However, that said, there is another facet to the equation.
I would go as far as to say that a good quality multi tool is preferable over low-quality dedicated tools.

[CallsignBadger]

  I would too

[Dutch_Tooler]

One further facet, if I may, is that one need not necessarily feel oneself restricted to what the market has to offer.
Quite a few forum members, including myself, like to mod MTs to make the compromise less evident, by adding tools of better quality (that may involve purloining from other brands) or of a different kind - to balance the tool load against what one expects to need and against portability.
Of course, you just raise the bar by doing so, as a MT will still be a compromise compared to a toolbox full of dedicated tools... 

[SteveC]

 

[gerleatherberman]

The plot thickens!

Good point, D_T! 

[CallsignBadger]

The plot is so thick that I could cut it with a...


MULTITOOL   

[Aloha]

Yes the plot does thicken.  Modding our MTs does change things.  I'm sure in some ways this is not so easy with dedicated tools  .  Modding our MTs is an advantage in many ways.   

[Sam Lim]

MT is an upgrade to the person who carries them! It compliment the purpose made tools that we have!

[Syncop8r]

"Compromise" is not a dirty word.

[gerleatherberman]

The plot is so thick that I could cut it with a...
MULTITOOL   

Touche'! 

Yes the plot does thicken.  Modding our MTs does change things.  I'm sure in some ways this is not so easy with dedicated tools  .  Modding our MTs is an advantage in many ways.   

Another good point! 
Modding dedicated tools may allow a minimal advantage, but modifying a multitool has massive benefits.

MT is an upgrade to the person who carries them! It compliment the purpose made tools that we have!

Very true. It can, at times, be an extension of our immediate capabilities. Example: last week I was at a store and the clerk's stapler jammed. Used my MT pliers to coax the tray open and then used the awl to pick out the defective staples that caused the jam.

"Compromise" is not a dirty word.

Indeed. The flip side of multi tools not being perfect at one single thing opens the causeway of things that it can do adequately without the need to search for dedicated tools.

All in all, I would assert, MTs are superior to dedicated tools in that respect.

[Aloha]

"Compromise" is not a dirty word.

Yes and no.  When applied to MT is seems as if its disparaging.  The other side is a compromise can be looked at as positive. 

So I agree with you.   

[ezdog]

Friends don't let Friends harsh on the Multi-Tool

[ThundahBeagle]

I think a multitool is a compromise. While in theiry, everyone wins, or everyone loses, this compromise is different. You sacrifice the true robust tool for having a pretty darn good one. But your wallet and back benefit greatly in this compromise.

Thinking if we had to go out and buy a quality tool for every tool on the Leatherman Rebar, what would that cost if you got each tool from Craftsman or Snap-on? If you paid $20 for a quality version of each tool in a Rebar, what are you at? Almost $400?

And then, what kind of a toll would it take on your back if you really wore a tool belt all day with all of those tools in it? Lugging around linesmans plyers, three full size screwdrivers, a Buck 110, a Spyderco rescue blade, a basterd file, a small hand saw, etc, etc. You would look, and sound like a one man band.

Sure, you would have the correct and dedicated tool on-hand for 90% of your tasks, but your back would hurt a lot more and your wallet would suffer.

Instead, a 4 inch piece of steel with almost everything packed into the channels, sits in a small sheath on my belt and I am not just a handy man, but I am when I need to be.

The truth is in being able to look at the task on hand and make the judgement as to whether or not the multitool is up to the job or you need to go get the dedicated one.

Mt wallet and back thank me daily. And, it has been the rare case where I couldn't make due at work with the multi tool. Working on the Jeep is a whole different matter, but even still, I have used my Rebar or Surge there as well.

Know your needs. Know your skills. Know your limits

[Aloha]

 

[ironraven]

Mechanically, yes. They have more moving and/or modular parts.

They are also a compromise with my back. Carrying over a dozen screwdrivers, a file, a crosscut wood saw, some knife blades, an X-acto knife, a can opener, multiple bottle openers, a pair of pliers, corkscrew, nail file, crochet hook, ruler, a pen, tweezers, toothpick, splinter picking pin, electronics reset pin, gimlet, punch, and sight tool is a LOT bulkier and heavier than my Rebar, Compact and Doc Allen Versadriver with their normal trimmings. Are any of those as strong as the dedicated, full sized monotool is? NO. Mechanically impossible. That is the compromise which allows you to have a set of tools that can cover what you need 97% of the time (except for a hammer, to which I say "oh look, a rock") on your person 99% of the time. It beats the snot out of wishing you had the perfect tool when you need a tool now.

I look at multitools like I do folding knives and pistols. If you're not expecting trouble, those are what you carry. When you expect trouble, you bring more. And friends with more.