EDC Experiments

[Tom Munch]

So we just need Knipex to build in a wire cutter into the Cobra.

[Tom Munch]

Maybe we could put a couple of those replaceable wire cutter blades on a Cobra?  It would have to be on the same side.  Or maybe it could be put on just one side that opposed the jaw as an anvil cutter.

[Tom Munch]

I'd rather just carry a small dedicated cutter or PS4 in a pocket.

[Tom Munch]

Or go back to what I've done the past 8 years - pocket carry a Skeletool for the blade, bit driver, wire cutter and pliers, and then carry a Cobra or Plierench and LM bits in a sheath or bag.

[Tom Munch]

Then of course have a Super Champ in the bag to cover all the bases.

[parnass]

Would a pair of electrician scissors work to cover wire cutting needs? ...

I want to be able to cut a 3-conductor, 16 gauge AC line cord as well as 12 ga. solid copper wire.   Most 4 inch pliers multitools (e.g., Rebar, Spirit, SOG PPP) can do that, but I'm exploring carrying a few individual tools instead of a multitool.

I have electricians scissors.  They are good for small gauge telecom wire cuts and weigh about 3 ounces (hefty).

[parnass]

Just ordered 3 drivers on Amazon.  ...

I've been looking for a multi bit pocket screwdriver which takes 1/4 inch bits like that Suzo Happ.  Thanks for finding it.  One point of confusion in the Amazon description is that the driver comes with a 3/8" (not 1/4") nutdriver.

I had noted a similar pocket driver at http://pocketscrewdrivers.com , but it looks like you must buy them in quantities of 150 or more:

http://www.pocketscrewdrivers.com/Round_4_in_one_magnetic_driver_set_p/8833.htm

[Tom Munch]

That's not the one I ordered.  It's this one. 

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00UNYSMEY?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00

[Tom Munch]

If I were Leatherman I'd put a LM bit driver on everything they make - maybe even flashlights.  It's a way to tie a customer into their ecosystem and make everyone want to have bits and accessories.

[Tom Munch]

Never mind, that is what it says - 3/8' driver.  Dang!  I wasn't paying attention.

[Tom Munch]

I'm looking right at it, and those definitely look like 1/4" bits, not 3/8".  In fact I don't think I've ever seen 3/8" bits.  I found it on two other sites with the same stock description though.  I think it's a typo.  Those screwdriver heads would have to be massive if they were 3/8".

[Tom Munch]

It arrives tomorrow, so I'll tell you what it is then.

[Tom Munch]

Forgot I have the bit driver Crater too. No need to carry the bit kit.

[powernoodle]

Great thread, Tom.   

[Tom Munch]

Thanks!

[Tom Munch]

Parnass, I got the bit driver in. It's definitely 1/4". It's quite a bit bigger than the Craftsman driver. Here's a comparison along with the other drivers I got in and a Wave for scale.

[Tom Munch]

It does fit into the sheath with the Cobra where the Craftsman driver was.

[parnass]

Parnass, I got the bit driver in. It's definitely 1/4". It's quite a bit bigger than the Craftsman driver.

Thanks.    I was concerned that a small handle would not afford enough torque, but your photo gives one hope.      I ordered one.

[Tom Munch]

I wish these little drivers had a hex shaft or fitting above the bit or on the end so we could put a wrench on them for more torque.

[Demel]

This is  very nice thread. It even convinced me to snag a pair of Cobra pliers. good stuff. Very lightweight

[Tom Munch]

Glad you're getting something out of it!

[Tom Munch]

I'm favoring the Screwpop driver over the Suzo Happ and True Utility MiniDriver.  It has better leverage and is nice and small.  The bit is a little loose in the socket, and the magnet was out when I got it and had to be glued back in.  Actually I should have left it out and used the Klein double-ended bits with their ball bearing to hold them in - probably would have worked better.  The True Utility is nice and small, but you have to take out a bit to put a quarter or key in the slot on the driver to get leverage, and that will probably lead to losing bits since they are shorter than normal and black.

[Tom Munch]

Just made my EDC sheath a lot smaller. I got in the Leatherman Piranha 2, and if this works I now have cut down my tools to a lot smaller profile by combining the crescent wrench functions, screwdriver, and prybar into one tool (actually 2 with the driver extension.)

[powernoodle]

for more torque.

Just throwing this out there for giggles:  http://chapmanmfg.com/collections/new-tools/products/famous-midget-ratchet-cm-13

[parnass]

Just made my EDC sheath a lot smaller. I got in the Leatherman Piranha 2, and if this works I now have cut down my tools to a lot smaller profile by combining the crescent wrench functions, screwdriver, and prybar into one tool (actually 2 with the driver extension.)

I forever fight the battle between "ease of carry" versus "ease of use".

[Tom Munch]

for more torque.

Just throwing this out there for giggles:  http://chapmanmfg.com/collections/new-tools/products/famous-midget-ratchet-cm-13

Those look nice. I have a couple like that. I guess I should try them. I have the little Vic one too.

[Tom Munch]

Just made my EDC sheath a lot smaller. I got in the Leatherman Piranha 2, and if this works I now have cut down my tools to a lot smaller profile by combining the crescent wrench functions, screwdriver, and prybar into one tool (actually 2 with the driver extension.)

I forever fight the battle between "ease of carry" versus "ease of use".

It only takes a couple seconds to snap it together, and it works better than I thought it would - easy to turn and good torque. I tried the wrench part on a couple bicycle nuts, and it worked pretty well. I was surprised.

[Tom Munch]

Just made my EDC sheath a lot smaller. I got in the Leatherman Piranha 2, and if this works I now have cut down my tools to a lot smaller profile by combining the crescent wrench functions, screwdriver, and prybar into one tool (actually 2 with the driver extension.)

I forever fight the battle between "ease of carry" versus "ease of use".

It's fiddly but capable.

[zepla]

I did not read every post but it seems I am working on the same thing as Tom is. I carried a wave/skeletool for the last, say 10 years, and it seems I have used only some part of it frequently. Pliers, knife, screwdriver/bits. As a MT is always a compromis I am thinking of getting dedicated tools for just those three tools.

I have now the 125mm knipex cobra and plier wrench, a small combination plier, knife, screwbits and a Wera bitdriver that could fit my needs and of course something to put everything in so I am workining on a Skinth. Oh, and a flashlight have to be in that as well.

[Demel]

I've had the Knipex pair for about a week or two. I've used the pliers wrench more than anything. They are great to have. I can say they weren't on my radar until I saw this thread. Now I wouldn't want to be caught without them. How's your setup going Tom?