Never Seen this

[django.cj]

I was in the RedHook brewery in New Hampshire this weekend.  Their store was selling a hammer-based multi (I'm guessing to promote their Hammer brew).  About the length of a leatherman, with a hammer on top, and a knife, corkscrew, bottle opener, and a few others inside.  I should have picked one up, but I was pretty busy spending money on other stuff LOL.

[rockyman500]

i have seen that kind of design... at home depot, they sell it where the hammer splits into pliers! i dont like it

[hawkchucker]

Crappy tool. Good beer!!!! I allways pick some up on my way to sebago!

[Leatherman123]

Excellent beer!!!!

[hawkchucker]

Yup and cheeper at the store on 95! third cooler second shelf on the left!

[Anthony]

I was in the RedHook brewery in New Hampshire this weekend.  Their store was selling a hammer-based multi (I'm guessing to promote their Hammer brew).  About the length of a leatherman, with a hammer on top, and a knife, corkscrew, bottle opener, and a few others inside.  I should have picked one up, but I was pretty busy spending money on other stuff LOL.

Ahh that design pops up every so often..sounds like a cheap chinese made tool, but it would be something cool to keep in the rec room along with other beer related collectables!  And always have the bottle opener on it deployed

Just out of curiosity, how much was it?

[django.cj]

$12, I didn't see any markings of origin stamped on it.  I didn't feel flimsy, but I figured it wasn't anything built well.  Never seen a hammer before so it caught my eye.
Their double-black beer that's made with espresso is FANTASTIC.

[glorn]

There's this one:

http://nbnl.globalwhelming.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/shopros-multitool.jpg

Which is crap.


But then there is this one:

http://kanglitools.en.alibaba.com/productshowimg/202304654-200085638/multi_tools_Hammer_hand_tools_.html#inSearch

Or at least that style anyway.. that is actually quite nice. I handled one at Dick's Sporting Goods just this past Sunday (it was part of a "Survival Kit"   ) expecting to be very disappointed. I was not. Sure, it was Chinese.. sure, it was not a Swisstool, and sure, I have not been able to test it with real work..

But the finish was exceptional, the thing was held together tight as a LM, the hammer had a good weight and nice balance, and the tools inside were every bit as good as a Gerber. I almost bought the silly survival kit for $25 just to have the hammer tool. That and the waterproof box the kit came in were worth more than $25, and if any of the popular EDC companies got in touch with the Chinese folks who make the tool and the box and were to have them made up and branded, they would sell for far more than that.

I guess I would want to know if the blade will hold an edge and if the screwdrivers strip out after one use, but..

In fact, I may go get one to see. That box under any other name would cost $25 by itself.

The hammer tool I saw did not contain pliers of any sort unless I am mistaken.

Heck with it, I'll go buy one and give you all a review.

[DaveK]

Heck with, I'll go buy one and give you all a review.

Cool

[ecfiffer]

Yup and cheeper at the store on 95! third cooler second shelf on the left!

not that you have been paying that much attention to where it is!

[glorn]

Well, I picked up my hammer multi last night.  I'll add some pictures in later, but here is my quick review:

Before I go into anything else, I would like to point out that this tool came as part of an "Emergency Kit" that cost $24.95 USD. Granted, the rest of the kit is mostly junk or cheap items, but the waterproof box it all came packed in is quite nice as well. So technically we are talking about a tool that cost me less than $25 and came with a large Otterbox knock off. If it had a name brand on it, and the tweaks in QC that would come with such a name, it would surely cost twice that. All in all, this is a $15 tool we are talking about.  

On close inspection it is exactly the same as the Chinese version I posted above and more or less precisely as I described it in my initial impression. It has no markings on it to indicate a maker or country of origin. It has the same "locking" mechanism as the Coast Fishing Buddy, but the tool cover (like SOG) is actually put together with a Phillips head fastener, as is the tool compliment. This is something I wish all MT companies would do, frankly. It makes disassembly a snap.

The finish is Leatherman all the way, which is to say that it is satin and smooth and rather nice. On the table next to my Surge, you would say that they were two tools from the same company if you didn't know any better. The thickness of the sheet steel is even the same. In the hand it feels very nice, as the tool cover completely obscures most of the sheet metal edges. I can find no fault with the finish whatsoever. Sure, it could be mirror polished like a Victorinox, but it isn't necessary.

The fit of the parts is quite tight. The design of this tool is so incredibly simple that there really is no room for error. I find that refreshing in a world of ever increasing MT complexity. There is some play with this type of "lock" and the tools will move just a bit, but they can't close on your hand at all. I suppose this movement could be a problem with delicate work, but then again I don't want to be using a hammer MT for delicate work anyway. I will complain that my hammer head is slightly out of alignment with the handle. Nothing that should affect performance, but for the type of user who notices such things it is slightly annoying. If this were made by any of the better MT companies, I would bet that this one would have been rejected by QC, but maybe not. Then I also consider that if that were so, this tool would cost a lot more. 

The hammer head itself is quite beautiful in fact. Well balanced given the size of the tool, though you do tend to hold it only with the index and middle finger under and the thumb across the spine so that you are gripping more toward the end of the handle. This just "feels right" and gives you the leverage you need for a strike on such a short handled hammer. I would have been happy if the handle was 2 inches longer though, as this would make the hammer function feel much more confident in spite of the increased carry size. This is not a real hammer by any means though, and I would not even consider using it for serious carpentry obviously. This is meant for hammering a small brad to hang a picture indoors or a small nail to set a snare outdoors, driving a tent stake into the ground, breaking car window glass in an emergency, tapping the side of a cabinet back in place, etc.

The bottle opener on the hook side of the hammer head is brilliant. In fact, the ability to pry and strike makes me think that in some cases a hammer MT could be better than a pliers MT.  Or at least a good compliment.

The tools inside are basic at best, and a few are of questionable quality. There is a can opener, clip point blade, saw, file, and a serrated sheep's foot type blade. I guess I don't need to worry about the drivers stripping out as it does not have any. 

The can opener is almost a dead match to the one on my Surge, minus the wire stripper. It works fine, and is nothing to worry nor brag about.

The clip point is sharp and nicely tapered from spine to edge. I can't say that there is anything wrong with it or great about it either. It is a nice small knife made from what is probably 420 stainless steel. All it says on it is "Stainless Steel". We'll see if it holds/takes an edge after some use.

The saw is the weak point here, as it is a simple affair to say the least. A blank of steel with the most basic of triangular teeth cut into it. It is a bit thin as well. I have not tried it yet, but anyone who uses tools can tell you that they would not expect much. We'll see.

The file is fine. It files. No metal saw, no diamonds.. just a basic file. No complaints here really.

The serrated blade has rather large single serrations that are a bit dull compared to what I am used to. I imagine they could be touched up though and would be just fine for cutting rope and such.

Yes, the tools do clump. I am indifferent to the clumping versus non-clumping debate. Sometimes getting a tool from the middle is easier with clumping tools. Sometimes having a tool come along with the one you wanted is a pain. Either way I just don't think about it. This tool has 2 cutouts on each side of the handle for nail nick access, but without clumping, you would not be able to get the saw out (not that you'd want to given how poor it is) due to it being dead in the middle. All the other tools are easily accessed with a finger or thumb nail. In some cases, the hammer head can get in the way of comfortably using one of the tools. Nothing painful, but bothersome.

The hex cutouts on the handle cover are of questionable use, as I am trying to figure out how one would even manipulate them into a workable position. They are 12mm, 10mm, 8mm, and 6mm.

It comes with a sheath that is nicely stitched, but laughable. Thin papery nylon that makes a crunchy sound when handled does not make a good holder for a metal tool. Oddly though, and as I said, the stitching is superb. It would be good for something else, but not a MT. It does offer both horizontal and vertical carry options.

And that's about it. For the money, this is a tool that I would add to your collection and that I would even recommend using. It is a good outdoor MT for general use, and is obviously one that you will not cry about should it become lost or ruined. The lack of drivers and the poor saw are perhaps it's only real weak points compared to other MTs. Well, that and the lack of pliers, but this is a different animal than what we are used to.   

[glorn]

Update via EDC today:

Used the saw today on a piece of 3/4 inch plywood. I take back my comments from the review. It worked just fine. Granted, my Surge saw would have been faster, but the saw works well. At least as well as most multis.

Also hammered a few medium sized nails today. They were 2" 6d common. The hammer functioned just as you would expect it to, and there are no marks on the head. I wouldn't want to use this for a lot of nailing or for a large job, and not on a framing job of any kind, but on an "as needed" basis or in a pinch, I'd be fine with it.

No buyers remorse so far. I'll knock on wood though. Heck, for the price.. who cares?

[DaveK]

I missed the first part of this glorn, dunno how 

That's a great write-up, and I must say I'm surprised. I fully expected you to come back and say "it's crap".

Strange that there's no drivers though, they seem to be standard fare on all multis.

[glorn]

That's a great write-up, and I must say I'm surprised. I fully expected you to come back and say "it's crap".

Thanks!

I expected that too when I opened the kit 2 Sundays ago. I saw the "Emergency Kit" and liked the box. I only looked inside it because I figured I'd get a chuckle at the pitiful MT and crappy kit. I'd put it back and feel all superior or whatever..

When the tool actually looked.. well, really quite good.. and then this thread started on Tuesday, I figured it must be fate. Like I said, the tool and the box for $25 is a fine deal.

Strange that there's no drivers though, they seem to be standard fare on all multis.

I agree. My best guess is that this is supposed to be more of an outdoor "camping" kind of design. I don't know. Saw some branches, open a tin, cut up a fish, pound tent stakes, crack open a beer?


BTW:

If anyone has a broken or unused SOG tool (not the whole MT, just one tool) could you send it my way? I am thinking that they might fit this tool with minor mods. If that is the case, one could have a hammer MT with the SOG 1/4" drive, dedicated Phillips, awl, V cutter, or whatever else tickles your fancy. Would be a hell of a compliment to a Charge or Surge if it works out.

[J-sews]

So am I understanding correctly that it is this tool here?





The blade selection looks very much like that of the US-made Kutmaster MultiMaster plier tool:

[Leatherman123]

How are the Kutmaster tools? I still don't have one!

[glorn]

So am I understanding correctly that it is this tool here?

(Image removed from quote.)



The blade selection looks very much like that of the US-made Kutmaster MultiMaster plier tool:

(Image removed from quote.)

Yep. That's the one. And the components look precisely like that MultiMaster. I would guess that they are the same maker or designed by the same person. Even the handle is exactly the same, save for the end where it attaches to the pliers or hammer head. And the Phillips posts and screws..

Cool!


   

[J-sews]

Yep. That's the one. And the components look precisely like that MultiMaster. I would guess that they are the same maker or designed by the same person. Even the handle is exactly the same, save for the end where it attaches to the pliers or hammer head. And the Phillips posts and screws..

Cool!

Hmmmm, very interesting.....


BTW, more details about Kutmaster tools can be found HERE on the Multitool Encyclopedia.

[cgjones]

The Kutmaster headquarters are a 15 minute drive from where I live.

[J-sews]

The Kutmaster headquarters are a 15 minute drive from where I live.

Are they still in Utica?

[cgjones]

According to their website, they still are. I thought Utica Cutlery had gone out of business.

[glorn]

[Grant Lamontagne]

Looks like you were fixing stuff on the Starship Enterprise! 

Def

[glorn]

Looks like you were fixing stuff on the Starship Enterprise! 

Yes, Captain.



 



(Black Galaxy granite counters in my kitchen. I like sparkly stone.)

[glorn]

http://www.kanglitools.com/Detail.asp?Pro_ID=E202

There is the manufacturer's website.. I think. And I'd say they probably make the MultiMaster as well.

[J-sews]

http://www.kanglitools.com/Detail.asp?Pro_ID=E202

There is the manufacturer's website.. I think. And I'd say they probably make the MultiMaster as well.

Within just the past couple years, MultiMaster components started being made in China. So I'll bet you are right.

[glorn]

Aha! I found the kit online that the tool came in:

http://www.rei.com/product/768977

Nice tool, nice box, the rest is more or less bin fodder. I suppose I'll give the plastic LED flashlight to my daughter (3 years old and loves flashlights), I will just add the poncho and mylar blanket to one of my BOBs, the whistle is just silly... no idea there..

..and the FAK is silly too. I may repack it with better stuff and put it in my wife's VW.

But the box... what shall I do with the box?

Emergency kit comes in a waterproof polycarbonate box for worry-free storage

Well sir, if that is your emergency kit, I think moisture is the least of things preventing you from being "worry-free".

I think I will make a truck emergency kit. Hmmm... Or it could be a camping dry box.

 

[glorn]

Alright... so I am going on 2 months of EDC with the ridiculously cheap Kanglitools hammer multi from the People's Republic of Bizarre Multi-tools.

I have been using it on small job site repairs, around the house this and that, and it was used while helping a family member move. From banging some nails back into a piece of furniture, to resetting a transition strip, to bending the sharp exposed end of a nail out the way of my fingers, I have very much enjoyed having a pocketable hammer close at hand.

While I do EDC a mini pry bar, when it comes to pulling nails, there is no comparison.. the hammer tool is by far superior. And the bottle opener on the claw is just... well, it is the best beer opener of all time. No need to open a pliers tool to crack a bottle of suds. You just unsheath and then uncap. Oddly enough, a lot of both my construction pals and my average Joe friends have taken more interest in the hammer tool than any of the pliers based tools I have EDCed.

I have used the blade quite a bit, sort of as a beater blade, and I can't say anything bad about it. It cuts, it holds an edge just fine, and that's all one could ask for. The simple "locking mechanism" for the tools is refreshingly uncomplicated, as is the general nature of this simple but elegant little Chinese beast. Oh, and not a spot of rust so far.

It is not fancy. There are no trick bits. It is almost frighteningly inexpensive. The design is utterly.. even serenely.. simple. Everything on it works just fine for what it is and given the size.


If you want a framing hammer, this is not it. If you want a Swiss Grip sized saw, this is not it. If you are looking for a LM diamond file, SOG compound pliers, Swisstool finish, bit drivers, or a carabiner that doubles as a bottle opener.. this is not something you should pick up.

But I am more than happy with mine, and I even handled my first Swisstool this past Friday.

What do I like best about it? Well, it reminds of my first Gerber MP.. way back when I did not know a good MT from a poor MT. Way back when my taste in MTs was uncomplicated and unsullied by fanaticism. It is just a cool little gadget that comes in handy and is fun to fidget with.

And on top of that it was dirt f@cking cheap. Frankly, that is what really drives it all home. A good gadget with no pretense that cost me next to nothing and works just fine. There should be more MTs like that I think.       

[MultiMat]

"Cluck" another nice odd one I would like . On OZ Ebay there are a lot of hammer multi tools , but not like your one Glorn.I have a Kutmaster MT & I really like it , it's wire cutter is a real beauty & I too love the L lock system it has, like a T34 tank simple but totally effective .

How are the Kutmaster tools? I still don't have one!

Get one Nikko simple, almost crude , but a solid chunky little winner