Multitools of the future.

american lockpicker · **on:** February 07, 2009, 02:31:37 AM

What will they be like? Feel free to speculate.

Mike · **Reply #1 on:** February 07, 2009, 02:33:10 AM

How far in the future are we talking here?

Mike

american lockpicker · **Reply #2 on:** February 07, 2009, 02:35:24 AM

Within the next 100 years.

cliosguy · **Reply #3 on:** February 07, 2009, 03:01:38 AM

super slim and super resistant materials is in the top of my head, knives that never need to be sharped, driver heads that will automatically adapt to the screw head like if they were made of play-doh but become strong when torsion is applied....

Tsquare · **Reply #4 on:** February 07, 2009, 03:10:31 AM

Super plastic tools. No rust, you can take it on airlines, and is take apart.

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #5 on:** February 07, 2009, 03:14:22 AM

Star Trek Tricorder:

Mr Spock, Data, and heck even Captain Archer all managed to solve the majority of problems they encountered using a tricorder. And, if you think that's a little far fetched, look at modern cell phones with 'net access, email, GPS, text messaging, cameras etc. Cell phones are actually more advanced than many of the units you see on Star Trek- it's a tricorder, communicator and datapad all in one. Captain Kirk, eat your heart out! Now if Motorola could only build in a phaser!

Luke Skywalker wouldn't have managed to blow up the Death Star if it wasn't for an Astromech droid like R2D2. These small droids have a number of features, including periscopes, welding torches, holographic projectors and hacking software, not to mention the all important navicomputer, used to calculate hyperspace jumps for smaller spacecraft that aren't otherwise equipped. Admittedly it's somewhat larger than even the Surge, but since it's mobile it doesn't require a sheath, and unlike the Surge, can find it's way back if dumped overboard!

The Astromech is ideal for performing all types of on the spot repairs, and also has a short range sensor package, storage compartments, and apparently small jump jets. And, it also stores all kinds of info, just like a SwissMemory!

Now if they installed some lasers and Bluetooth compatibility, it would be almost as the Presentation Pro!

I know Star Trek takes place in the twenty third century, not in a hundred years, but it really looks to me like we are on a faster track than George Lucas or Gene Roddenberry had guessed, and I think it's very possible that we'll be seeing either or both (or something very similar!) well within the next hundred years.

Def

I'm Still Bison · **Reply #6 on:** February 07, 2009, 05:55:01 AM

Remember what Einstein said how World War 4 would be fought? The same probably applies to tools

Sea Monster · **Reply #7 on:** February 07, 2009, 06:49:44 AM

I'm going down the phaser/light sabre route.

Man will always love fire.

ducktapehero · **Reply #8 on:** February 07, 2009, 07:03:11 PM

Duck tape that is also delicious and nutritious. Oh, and glows in the dark. Cuz that's pretty cool.

Nikos · **Reply #9 on:** February 07, 2009, 10:53:12 PM

Benner · **Reply #10 on:** February 07, 2009, 11:03:39 PM

Full of electronics and with no screwdrivers as everything will come in sealed units due to our throw away society.

Mike · **Reply #11 on:** February 08, 2009, 01:28:41 AM

Quote from: Benner on February 07, 2009, 11:03:39 PM

Full of electronics and with no screwdrivers as everything will come in sealed units due to our throw away society.

You're just mean.

Mike

american lockpicker · **Reply #12 on:** February 08, 2009, 02:12:48 AM

I wouldn't be so sure of that. With everyone trying to be more ecofriendly(and low on money do to the falling and possibly collapsed economy) I forsee stuff that will be repaired rather than replaced.

Neil · **Reply #13 on:** February 08, 2009, 02:18:01 AM

Quote from: Benner on February 07, 2009, 11:03:39 PM

Full of electronics and with no screwdrivers as everything will come in sealed units due to our throw away society.

Why do you think I'm such a fan of the watch case opening blade. Great for unclipping all the tabs on electronic items.

Neil

DaveK · **Reply #14 on:** February 08, 2009, 02:47:08 AM

That looks pretty sharp for a watch case opener Neil

I have a case opener that I got when trying to repair a stopwatch a few years ago (never tried that again

), and it didn't have an edge like that. In fact I'd be frightened of damaging either the blade or the watch with that I think - did you sharpen it yourself?

Teofilo · **Reply #15 on:** February 08, 2009, 09:14:39 AM

Quote from: american lockpicker on February 07, 2009, 02:35:24 AM

Within the next 100 years.

Great Multitool companies will merge due to failing economies.
These companies are now named, WengerMan? or Leatherinox?

Neil · **Reply #16 on:** February 08, 2009, 01:50:33 PM

Quote from: DaveK on February 08, 2009, 02:47:08 AM

That looks pretty sharp for a watch case opener Neil

I have a case opener that I got when trying to repair a stopwatch a few years ago (never tried that again ), and it didn't have an edge like that. In fact I'd be frightened of damaging either the blade or the watch with that I think - did you sharpen it yourself?

Nope, its comes with a very fine edge, not actually cutting sharp though. I very slightly rounded/polished that edge to make it friendlier for work on plastics.

Neil

Dtrain · **Reply #17 on:** February 08, 2009, 03:06:31 PM

Testo a measuring instruments comapny makes several items quiye similair to a Tri Corder now.

Dtrain

Benner · **Reply #18 on:** February 08, 2009, 07:27:05 PM

Quote from: american lockpicker on February 08, 2009, 02:12:48 AM

I wouldn't be so sure of that. With everyone trying to be more ecofriendly(and low on money do to the falling and possibly collapsed economy) I forsee stuff that will be repaired rather than replaced.

When I worked in my last job as an electronic service engineer, more and more stuff was unrepairable as spares weren't even produced by the manufacturers. We even sold a line of digital TV receivers that were sealed boxes. The only way in was to bend out parts of the casing.

I hope I am wrong but I bet we see more and more of that.

Mike · **Reply #19 on:** February 08, 2009, 07:42:34 PM

I think there will always be things that need fiddling with. It's unlikely our fingers will get much stronger so we'll probably always need pliers for something. If you look at some of the vintage examples that J-sews has shown us, you'll see a progression towards better materials and better designs that more efficiently include more tools and generally more useful tools. The limits being what people are willing to carry on their belts or in their pockets. Realistically, you can only squeeze so many tools into what are now common sizes and weights, with the Surge probably being the upper limit.

What I see possibly happening is a shift towards "politically correct" multi-tools that don't have knife blades on them, which would be very sad indeed. Also, the bits may change to adapt to any new fasteners that become common. But basically, I think it'll be more of the same with very few surprises.

Mike

Mike

jzmtl · **Reply #20 on:** February 08, 2009, 08:10:22 PM

Self liquidifying/molding adamantium, changed to any shape you can think of.

Okay that's a little far fetched, but wouldn't it be cool!

Nikos · **Reply #21 on:** February 08, 2009, 08:17:58 PM

OT: Isn't the PT-540 actually larger and heavier than the Surge? I've seen it listed as a 13oz brick, much less than the Surge's mere 11.8oz...

minnesnowtah · **Reply #22 on:** February 09, 2009, 01:43:49 AM

the exact same. only super strong metal used that's also light weight

Anthony · **Reply #23 on:** February 09, 2009, 05:43:07 AM

I think the basics (pliers, drivers, and a blade or two) will stay the same. I think materials are where the big changes are going to come from.

nuphoria · **Reply #24 on:** February 10, 2009, 03:33:01 PM

Perhaps massive global economic collapse and a lack of resources will eventually drive things backwards. For instance, the Mad Max retro type thing, or crazy steampunk designs, and frankenstein devices butchered together from whatever we have available.

I think there will be a need for survival gadgets like rechargeable power sources and water purification methods.

So, a solar powered SAK with GPS and a purification straw in it?!

BIG-TARGET · **Reply #25 on:** February 10, 2009, 03:38:01 PM

Quote from: nuphoria on February 10, 2009, 03:33:01 PM

Perhaps massive global economic collapse and a lack of resources will eventually drive things backwards. For instance, the Mad Max retro type thing, or crazy steampunk designs, and frankenstein devices butchered together from whatever we have available.

I think there will be a need for survival gadgets like rechargeable power sources and water purification methods.

So, a solar powered SAK with GPS and a purification straw in it?!

Sounds like you read the "OUt of the Ashes" series too

nuphoria · **Reply #26 on:** February 10, 2009, 04:22:35 PM

Nope, not heard of it... link please?

Neil · **Reply #27 on:** February 10, 2009, 04:56:50 PM

Quote from: nuphoria on February 10, 2009, 03:33:01 PM

Perhaps massive global economic collapse and a lack of resources will eventually drive things backwards. For instance, the Mad Max retro type thing, or crazy steampunk designs, and frankenstein devices butchered together from whatever we have available.

I think there will be a need for survival gadgets like rechargeable power sources and water purification methods.

So, a solar powered SAK with GPS and a purification straw in it?!

If things have gone that pear shaped I think I'd stick with a compass than GPS

Neil