Multitool.org Forum
Tool Talk => Cheap and Cheerful (or otherwise!) => Topic started by: Biru on March 23, 2012, 05:46:22 PM
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The "Go to China" thread started my thinking about my cheapo multitools:
"The Grip": Easily the worst-designed tool I own. The handles have hex cutouts for nut/bolt heads. When you close the tool the square ends of the pliers bind on them and you have to fumble to get the tool closed. Someone tell me WHAT those blasted plier recesses are supposed to be? The handle steel is so thin you can't put any pressure on them without an "ouch!". No integral Phillips, just a bit socket. On the plus, the awl is maybe the best I've got. It's deadly sharp.
(http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x276/Multitool/TheGrip.jpg)
Here's a surprisingly good $5 Walmart Bear Jaws copy. They showed up around the time Victorinox purchased Bear. Then they disappeared after about 3 weeks... At $5 per tool, I suppose the shop steward used an AK47 to encourage production:
(http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x276/Multitool/FauxBear-1.jpg)
Then there's this thing I call the Whazzit. I guess if you've got nothing else, this will do:
(http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x276/Multitool/Whazzit.jpg)
So any interesting cheapos?
Bill
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I have a number of cheap multitools: The Husky 14-in-1, the Husky Medium, a small Coast, the Sheffield 1200E, the Sheffield 12010 (a keychain size tool, about the best $3 I ever spent), and a Tool Choice mini that's basically a duplicate of the Sheffield 12010.
If you can find a Sheffield 12010 at $5 or so, it's worth it. I'd even say the Tool Choice version is also worth $5. They're very stiff in tool deployment, but otherwise very handy.
I just reviewed the two Huskies I have in this thread...
http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,36420.0.html (http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,36420.0.html)
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Lots more cheapo tools here (http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,33297.msg542352.html#msg542352) that 'Grip' tool has one fancy plier head, I guess its some sort of crimper and at least the bit driver takes standard bits, great pics :tu:
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Here's one of my many cheapos:
(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Sheffield/103_4032.JPG?m=1329869477)
(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Sheffield/103_4029.JPG?m=1329869752)
(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Sheffield/103_4031.JPG?m=1329869715)
(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Sheffield/103_4030.JPG?m=1329869678)
QC is so good with this company that they can't even get the 80's reject puffy stickers on the side straight. Still, it's better than the current Schrade offerings, as I can squeeze the handles on this without the tool bending. ::)
I'll get some more photos of some more cheapos soon. Some actually are kind of neat- or at least have neat concepts in them that would be nice to see on better quality tools.
Def
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Grant: That Sheffield looks much like the Whazzit. I don't even know where I got mine. Funny thing is that if weight meant well-built, that Whazzit would be able to destroy a Supertool.
Lynn: If that keychain Sheffield you mentioned looks like a small Supertool, I totally agree! Mine has done excellent duty. Somewhere I have a Sheffield that's a Supertool clone. It's got fairly uncomfortable handles, but it seems a fairly good tool. I've never seen a Hefty or Tool Choice...
Badwolf: The pliers on that Grip are totally deranged! I can't figure for the life of me what the designer meant them for. I tried crimping with them, but they won't really crimp. Then the designer put that weird protrusion on the bottom of each handle just where they jab into your palm.
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Here's a link to my posted pic of my little Sheffield and the (virtually identical) Tool Choice keychain mini multitool.
http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,33297.msg585368.html#msg585368 (http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,33297.msg585368.html#msg585368)
The picture in the post directly above it is the same kind of thing, with the same tools on it.
Husky is the sort of 'store brand' you get at Home Depot. I haven't seen them anywhere else.
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Picked this up via ebay UK, for £2.99, will add better pics when it arrives, it looks a bit like your Walmart Bear Jaws copy but with a bit set :tu:
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Wow I had that whole collection of sheffield multis you showed there! Someone gave it to me years ago. Worked on a farm at the time. All gone now except for the adjustable wrench one. :climber:
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Sometimes cheap can be good! Take this fellow, for instance. If you like spending large amounts of time in the garden, this chap might just be your dream tool. The shears work reasonably well enough for small, fragile cinnamon vines, but cut a rose stem or (forget it!) grape vine and the shears will bind and the handles will close up! You'll be fumbling for what seems like an eternity unclogging your tool for the next cut. The root fork might do a petunia or a violet in a pot, but don't try to use it in anything firmer than sand. The knife does cut (for a while, at least) and the saw doesn't bend too much... On the good side, the rust from the tool might be nutritious for your plants.
(http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x276/Multitool/GardMT.jpg)
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My wife absconded with my Leatherman Hybrid for work in the garden. I sort of wish I had gotten a cheap copy, especially since they are now discontinued! :P
Wow I had that whole collection of sheffield multis you showed there! Someone gave it to me years ago. Worked on a farm at the time. All gone now except for the adjustable wrench one. :climber:
My mother in law got me the seven (I think) piece set for Christmas a few years ago. They were put in the drawer almost immediately and yet still show signs of wear- despite never actually being used. ::)
Def
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My wife absconded with my Leatherman Hybrid for work in the garden. I sort of wish I had gotten a cheap copy, especially since they are now discontinued! :P
My mother in law got me the seven (I think) piece set for Christmas a few years ago. They were put in the drawer almost immediately and yet still show signs of wear- despite never actually being used. ::)
Def
:rofl:
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I wish I was making that up.... ::)
Def
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They didn't stand up long to farm life. Guess they also couldn't stand up to life in a wooden box either :rofl:
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badwolf, must ask:
Your tool does indeed look like my BJ copy. If it is, I think you'll find it a very good tool. What I'm wondering is where do the bits fit? My tool has no bit receptacle so I just wondered.
I've got to find my Sheffield. All I remember about mine was that the handles didn't close perfectly parallel (but then I have a $50 US Bear Jaws that doesn't either...).
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you should add your pics to my cheapo MT picture thread :tu:
http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,33297.0.html (http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,33297.0.html)
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I must have used the incorrect search terms originally because I missed that thread somehow. I'm not sure how best to do that, but feel free to move them if you'd like.
Regards, Bill.
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I must have used the incorrect search terms originally because I missed that thread somehow. I'm not sure how best to do that, but feel free to move them if you'd like.
Regards, Bill.
mine was more of a picture post to see what cheapo MT's folks have, i actualy like a few of my cheaper MT's , your whazzit is like my trail and my smaller talon, my trail has a file on the saw has the whazzit ? i guess these all must come from the same chinese factory, i like the solid pliers on these, :tu:
(http://i1235.photobucket.com/albums/ff428/zed1970/P1010050-6.jpg)
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Some cheapies are quite good- you just have to wade through a lot of junk to find them, and I don't like to point people looking for a good tool to cheapies because finding a good one can be difficult.
Def
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Some cheapies are quite good- you just have to wade through a lot of junk to find them, and I don't like to point people looking for a good tool to cheapies because finding a good one can be difficult.
Def
I agree Def plus its good to have some good ones to compare the cheapos to, the 2 pictured above i like as very well and well worth the money, although drivers are fiddly as not inline, i also removed the springs on both these as dont like spring loaded pliers, for me this is a good tool box tool for use of the hefty pliers and the other tools as backups, the smaller model is a handly pocket carry if you need pliers as these open pretty wide for a smaller tool, and only need drivers now and then, for me as well i like the look of these type of tools and cant afford the sog or Al-mars alternatives,
pros
solid tool with hefty pliers,
good serrated saw
cons
fiddly to use drivers,
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Here's another couple of cheapos I had kicking around. The first is a neat looking one I got at Canadian Tire for about $10 with a knife. It's pretty crappy. The hinges actually rotate easier than the plier pivot, so when you try to open the head of the pliers to grab something the handles try to rotate shut. ::)
(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/No-Names-and-Cheapos/103_4215.JPG?m=1332786634)
(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/No-Names-and-Cheapos/103_4216.JPG?m=1332786657)
(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/No-Names-and-Cheapos/103_4217.JPG?m=1332786666)
I will say this much for it- it has the absolute best Phillips I have ever seen on a cheapo, and it's better than a lot of big brand phillips screwdrivers too.
(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/No-Names-and-Cheapos/103_4219.JPG?m=1332786644)
This next one came in a set that my brother got me a number of years ago. It came in a giant sheath that also had a lighter and something else in it, although I can't rightly remember what that something else was off the top of my head.
(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/No-Names-and-Cheapos/103_4222.JPG?m=1332786688)
It's marked Mountain Gear, although I have seen a number of very similar type tools with a variety of names, and many more that were just blank.
(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/No-Names-and-Cheapos/103_4223.JPG?m=1332786710)
There are a few interesting points on this tool- for example, the rubber handle covering is actually really nice. Since it's held on with a metal plate screwed into the frame I wouldn't guess it is good for insulating it, but it is quite comfortable in the hand.
(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/No-Names-and-Cheapos/103_4224.JPG?m=1332786710)
It also has a good array of features, and like the blue one above it has all outside opening implements. Oh yeah, and the whole thing is screwed together, so it's almost as moddable as a SOG!
(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/No-Names-and-Cheapos/103_4225.JPG?m=1332786726)
And yes, you aren't seeing things- it does indeed have two can openers. It came that way. I don't know why- it could have been a screw up at the factory, or it could have just been made that way assuming no one cares.
(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/No-Names-and-Cheapos/103_4226.JPG?m=1332786733)
This is the other feature of this one that I like- the wrench is a handy thing to have. I know most companies assume that pliers are good enough, but they aren't, and sometimes you want a wrench. While the big names are busy making fancy cutouts to make a tool look nicer, it would be nice if they actually put some thought in and made nice wrench cutouts like this. :pok:
Def
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Do you have a rough price estimate on that second one?
I've shown some pictures of another Sheffield I own (model 12010). This is the larger version, model 1200E. I'm assuming it's a knockoff of the Leatherman PST, but don't have one for comparison. I got it at a pawn shop for $5 and in all fairness, think it's worth that. Weight is about 5 oz. Every tool I've used on it has performed adequately. It doesn't have the over-rounded pieces common to cheap multitools. Tool retention is fairly good on one side (the side with the blade), and weak on the other. Most everything is okay on this tool, but earning exceptional merit is the can opener. I just put it head-to-head with my cheapo Husky 14-in-1 tool, a SOG Powerlock, and Leatherman Wingman, and it straight up blew them all away. Weird.
(http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m208/lynnlefey/shef1200e1.jpg)
(http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m208/lynnlefey/shef1200e2.jpg)
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I would imagine that if you could find that second one (and I've seen similar but not the same) it would probably be in the $10-15 range. I didn't buy this one so I can't say for sure, but I think Dan (Chako) has some similar ones, and he may remember what he paid.
It's got some neat design ideas, but it also suffers from someone not thinking things through- like the two can openers. The scissors also constantly try to jump out of the handle.
Def
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badwolf, must ask:
Your tool does indeed look like my BJ copy. If it is, I think you'll find it a very good tool. What I'm wondering is where do the bits fit? My tool has no bit receptacle so I just wondered.
I've got to find my Sheffield. All I remember about mine was that the handles didn't close perfectly parallel (but then I have a $50 US Bear Jaws that doesn't either...).
Well, its here, not as nice as your BJ copy, has a fold out standard size bit holder, will add pics asap :tu:
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From the pic it looks nearly identical. I wouldn't doubt the same manufacturer produced both.
Funny thing about cheapos, when I first got into MTs, my friends who did lighting and truss work all adored the Gerber Multiplier because of its easily-deployed plier. No matter how I try, I just can't get into Gerber (my Legend included). But I did find a $10 Chinese copy which bears the Gerber patent numbers on its side- suggesting that it was not merely a ripoff, but licensed. Later, after Gerber went to Chinese manufacture, I started to wonder whether my Sino multitool might have been a Gerber essay, and that perhaps they were trying this manufacturer to see how they did. One really great thing about that plier- no matter how wimpy the Phillips screw, the faux-Gerber's screwdriver will round off! It will also pinch the H#*@ out of your hand. :D
One peculiar quirk I've noticed about these tools is the ubiquitous fish scaler/hook remover they seem to like to put on the tools. It's somewhat like the faux saw on the back of USAF survival knives- it looks like a saw, but that's not exactly its purpose. I've got a LIGHTWEIGHT (read flimsy) "Executive" MT with one of those in it. I suppose even executives go fishing...
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In order of usefulness in tools on an MT, I think Fish Scaler is dead last, just below corkscrew. I know some folks use corkscrews, and having them on an MT for some folks is actually useful. I have never in my life needed a corkscrew... but I will admit the possibility of needing one somewhere, somehow. I'm dead certain I will never need a fish scaler.
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Even if you don't use the corkscrew for opening wine it can still be handy for picking apart knots or carrying a small screwdriver. Victorinox makes on that you can get for almost nothing and it fits in the corkscrews of a variety of different worms from different manufacturers.
Def
Sent from my MB860 using Tapatalk
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Here are a few..
Apart from the SAK lookalike the rest are quite useable. The Bahco and Ganzos are not that cheap...
The two bigger ones, Ganzo, have been reviewed by me; see the review section for more.
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Apart from the SAK lookalike the rest are quite useable.
I've yet to find a SAK-alike that's actually any good.
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Apart from the SAK lookalike the rest are quite useable.
I've yet to find a SAK-alike that's actually any good.
I've found a couple older, mainly Solingen-made pieces, though I didn't get them, they did appear to be rather well-made.
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My German and British utility knives have been perfectly usable, as was my Case Camper with pliers that I had a while back They don't feel like a Vic or Wenger, but they do exactly what they were meant to - cut things, turn screws, poke holes .... and I'm happy using them.
They're not SAKalikes anyway, we started doing them before them :whistle:
:P
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Schrade century SAK clones are decent!
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The British army knives and Case knives aren't what I meant by SAK-alikes!
I'd not seen the Schrade century before, good to know if I spot it somewhere :D
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I'd not seen the Schrade century before, good to know if I spot it somewhere :D
Nobody ever looks at the reviews I do :ahhh
:pok: have a look I think they are in the Swiss subforum :climber:
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The British army knives and Case knives aren't what I meant by SAK-alikes!
I'd not seen the Schrade century before, good to know if I spot it somewhere :D
I was on about the Solingen and Sheffield made knives which most people would refer to as SAKalikes, not BAK's - celidor scales, can opener, bottle opener, corkscrew blah blah blah.. The case is in a similar vein, but a Scout pattern knife with pliers - quite nice actually but a little on the heavy side
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Here is a set of Sheffields. I think some one gave this set to me some time ago. Note some of the decals have pealed off. I carry them in my travel trailer as you can see there is a tool for every need. ;)
(http://i461.photobucket.com/albums/qq340/THE_LONGBOW/P1070046.jpg)
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I'd not seen the Schrade century before, good to know if I spot it somewhere :D
Nobody ever looks at the reviews I do :ahhh
:pok: have a look I think they are in the Swiss subforum :climber:
:D I'm just not on here as often as I used to be - got a lot of catching up to do ;)
I nearly picked up one of those sheffield tools (the one that looks a bit Al-Mar-ish) a few weeks back in a local junk shop. Might have another look at it.
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Seeing that set brings back memories :salute:... mostly of broken tools and foul language :facepalm:
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I'd not seen the Schrade century before, good to know if I spot it somewhere :D
Nobody ever looks at the reviews I do :ahhh
:pok: have a look I think they are in the Swiss subforum :climber:
:D I'm just not on here as often as I used to be - got a lot of catching up to do ;)
I nearly picked up one of those sheffield tools (the one that looks a bit Al-Mar-ish) a few weeks back in a local junk shop. Might have another look at it.
I can pick up the larger Al-marish one localy new for £4 if you ever fancy one or this option is cheaper :salute:
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(http://i461.photobucket.com/albums/qq340/THE_LONGBOW/P1070046.jpg)
I assume the Sheffield swiss-army type knife above is a copy of a vic or Wenger. Can anyone tell me what model it's copying? I have one of those Sheffield knives, and another no-name knock off that's almost identical, and would like to know what they're copying.
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The closest model to that Sheffield would be a Huntsman or a Fieldmaster depending on whether you want to fixate on the Phillips or the corkscrew.
Def
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Excellent. Thank you.
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To give Sheffield its props, I have a keychain Sheffield similar to the one at the lower left bottom of Longbow's pic. It's been a GREAT tool. It isn't curvy like the one in the pic, but is like a miniature Supertool with scissors. It really impressed a bunch of guys in a Radio Shack when I used it to help a little girl build her science project on the counter! :D
Maybe it doesn't have a pedigree, but I wouldn't trade it for anything.
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If it works, use it. The name on the side doesn't do anything. :D
Def
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Here is a set of Sheffields. I think some one gave this set to me some time ago. Note some of the decals have pealed off. I carry them in my travel trailer as you can see there is a tool for every need. ;)
(http://i461.photobucket.com/albums/qq340/THE_LONGBOW/P1070046.jpg)
the one on the outside is like my one but mine is by trail, these must come from the same factory as all these i see look the same, although i have noticed some have a flat head on the saw and some dont, i think also some dont have a file as well, the smaller one in my pic ( by talon) has just a saw so im not sure if there is different versions of this one :think:
(http://i1235.photobucket.com/albums/ff428/zed1970/P1010050-6.jpg)
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To give Sheffield its props, I have a keychain Sheffield similar to the one at the lower left bottom of Longbow's pic. It's been a GREAT tool. It isn't curvy like the one in the pic, but is like a miniature Supertool with scissors.
Are you talking about the 12010?
http://sheffieldhardware.com/products/show/12010 (http://sheffieldhardware.com/products/show/12010)
If you are, I have one as well, and it is AWESOME. I bought mine in a pawn shop for $3, and bought a no-name knock-off of it for a friend recently for $5 new.
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That looks like it. It's been a real performer.
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I totally agree. Best $3 I ever spent. :D
I've actually been looking for them elsewhere for sale new, and can't find them anywhere but on the net. New, they're about $7 and up (with shipping more like $14). There's a virtually identical tool available at K-Mart listed on their website as the 'Great Neck 12-in-1 Mini Multi Tool'. I bought a copy of it for a friend for $5. The tool is definitely worth $5 IMO, maybe worth $7... NOT worth $14.
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Yet another one, sold at tescos uk for £2 with a rather crap torch , MT is actualy good, micra sized but with pliers,
(http://i1235.photobucket.com/albums/ff428/zed1970/P1010159.jpg)
(http://i1235.photobucket.com/albums/ff428/zed1970/P1010158.jpg)
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I just picked up a Berkley mini fishing tool the other day. What can I say? It was $5, and I was curious.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Berkley-Mini-Fishing-Tool/16637412 (http://www.walmart.com/ip/Berkley-Mini-Fishing-Tool/16637412)
Here's a mini review...
Tools and how they functioned:
Ruler: Stamped on outside of frame. English/Metric. Gives about 4 1/5 inches or 12cm measure.
Blade: dull out of package. A little work brought it up to paper-cutting sharpness.
Flathead: drove a heavy screw about 1/2 an inch into pine.
File: fairly aggressive, but doesn't appear to have heat treatment, so I'm guessing not good for metal.
Awl: Punched through a 15oz can with some difficulty, and made great pilot hole in pine for screw.
Phillips head: successfully removed small screws from back of calculator.
Bottle opener: Worked on the first try.
Tiny flathead: Untested, I could probably convert it to fit eyeglass screws with a file in 5 minutes.
Scissors: Not bad. As per my earlier scissors test thread... Failed corrugated cardboard and heavy plastic, barely adequate for khakis and paracord, passed everything else. Score +3
Reference this thread for other scissor results...
http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,36798.0.html (http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,36798.0.html)
Wirecutters: barely...BARELY cut 12-gauge wire. Cut paperclip without a problem.
Pliers: precise tip, able to pick a needle off a countertop. Flexed frighteningly laterally under the strain of trying to bend 12-gauge copper wire into a loop.
Saw: hahahaaaa... HOLY CRAP IT WORKED! Notched pine and oak nicely... if a little slowly. It's SO tiny, as to almost be a joke, but it actually works if you've got nothing better to do with your time.
Ergonomics: This thing is a little bundle of dangerous pain. Applying pressure with the pliers hurts. turning screws with the screwdriver hurts. The tool retention is almost non-existent, and all the drivers and awl fold if you sneeze at them.
Flex in the handles becomes pronounced after only a very little use, and I fear it's due to screws pulling through the sheet metal where the plier head connects. There is a review on you-tube which also shows one of the tabs that act as a stop for the plier head popping over the plier stop, and screwing up the handles.
It's unfortunate that this thing has some okay tools, but put together in a terrible frame which screws the whole pile up. If you can get past the not-great pliers and poor tool retention, this thing is better than no tool at all.
Recommendation: For the same money, go get one of the types listed in the previous several posts, such as this one:
http://www.kmart.com/shc/s/p_10151_10104_010W012825630001P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1 (http://www.kmart.com/shc/s/p_10151_10104_010W012825630001P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1)
(http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m208/lynnlefey/IMGP1284.jpg)
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Here is the Cheap Chinese tool I own. I post the review here a while ago.
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/_F5MWVZfyd1Y/TNMybqjKbBI/AAAAAAAADBM/YSpZLsgsbYU/s720/P1190406.JPG)
More pics inside this post:http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,23970.0.html (http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,23970.0.html)
It's no Leatherman but I actually like it a lot. It has built-in dual LED flashlight too.
I am keeping this as a backup to my Leatherman Surge.
For $20 bucks, it's a real steal.
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Does anyone know if those KM Crunch knock offs are available somewhere - I'd like to have one to test it? :think:
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Does anyone know if those KM Crunch knock offs are available somewhere - I'd like to have one to test it? :think:
I would be interested as well, i did see them on ebay a while back ,
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I remember seeing some Crunch copies for sale in a UK site... maybe amazon or something
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before i trash my old MT (bought from LIDL supermarket (http://www.lidl.de) for 2.99€ or ~4US$) now --right now after this post!!-- for our/my records and documentation purposes lemme post a few pics of it. if you feel disgusted by such nasty photos or find them repulsive please cover your face quickly with your palm thanks :facepalm:
otherwise click to enlarge hehe ;)
(http://img39.imageshack.us/img39/803/snap539medium.jpg) (http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/7581/snap539.jpg)
the Philips driver was made out of plastic (or different material than the rest), and the bottle opener didnt work a bit, for which i hated this MT, and i am sure that the can opener didnt work either.
(http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/2607/snap540medium.jpg) (http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/7466/snap540.jpg)
the scissors were a joke (and i lost the spring) and the bit driver was crooked at the tip and when i tried to unscrew a screw with one of the bits, the bit lost 2 indentations (Philips bit).
(http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/5020/snap545.png)
i did some work with the pliers but they got all loose in the joint with much play, and it was too hurtful in the hands to exert pressure on the handles. in the end the pliers were good for nothing. didnt cut wires or anything. the blade was 100% unusable because it didnt lock in neither direction (angle movement maybe 210°, i.e. over the standard snapping/locking 180°!)
What i did like about the product:
+ the fact that i owned a MT for the sake of owning one (haha. how silly. i know.)
+ the nylon pouch, 14grams only, wasnt too shabby. i am gifting it to a friend with a brand-new Ganzo-made MT inside
+ it came with a set of bits. i can use the bits with my Spirit Plus, they fit!!
+ i am thankful for the introduction to MT's. the purpose of buying this 4$ cheapo years ago was to test MT's and test myself .. if i really need or like or enjoy MT's, and if they make sense in my modest life. above all i did use the pliers often.. all the other tools, as mentioned, didnt do their job. i really need pliers on my tool (for EDC or at home or ..etc..) therefore a standard SAK wouldnt help me much as replacement for a MT. After spending those 4$ and playing with the MT for a long time i've come to the conclusion that i need and want a real MT (medium duty), and no SAK, ..
.. so today i received my brand-new Spirit Plus (with butter blade, bulky brown leather sheath, and the bit kit w/ wrench).
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I'm going to go out on a limb here, and predict that you'll find that Spirit Plus an upgrade. :rofl:
it's actually probably a better idea to go modest in price on your first MT, as you pointed out, to see if you even like that kind of tool.
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kreisler:
That tool must have been made by the same fellows who made my GRIP (or at least they were influenced by them). The handles have those hex cutouts and the weird bulbs at the handle bases. I'd love to know why the GRIP guys put those oddball recesses in the pliers.
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here's two of my faves. i'm not sure though if i can still consider them 'cheap' since the mini pliers alone costed me almost $10 (i think).
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I believe all of us have or had a Cheap MT, some of them made the work (ligth work of couse) but some of them definitely very bad.
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I love cheap tools- many of them have a character all their own. Somewhere I have a keychain sized hammer multitool that is just so funny, because who would ever use a hammer that weighs about the same as a nail and has an inch and a half long handle? :D
And the removable axe head tool Bob has is priceless.... as long as you aren't standing behind the guy using it!
Def
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The great thing about moving house is that you come across all kind of stuff you'd forgotten about :D
The bad thing about moving house is you come across all kinds of stuff you'd forgotten about :P
The good thing about spraining your back and not being able to hump boxes about, is you get to drink beer and take lots of piccies for threads like this :D
(I'll apologise in advance if there's any duplication of tools already shown - I didn't trawl back through the thread to check :salute: )
Standard unit of measurement for comparison is this MP400 for no other reason than it was in my pocket :D First up is this Bahco ...
(http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/50ft-trad/P1010551.jpg)
(http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/50ft-trad/P1010590.jpg)
(http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/50ft-trad/P1010589.jpg)
(http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/50ft-trad/P1010588.jpg)
Both myself and dks have commented about these before. They're basically a Bear clone (right down to the gargantuan lanyard hole and the diabolical nail nick on the awl) with a spring loaded plier head and a corkscrew. For the price they are actually very good tools, and I have carried this one quite a few times, especially when I needed a decent sized tools but was wary about local knife restrictions due to where I was going. It's an excellent cheap UK legal tool. I also have another which is Silverstone branded (as in the racetrack) which was a gift from my brother. I stripped that down for a little TLC but haven't put it back together yet. Basically same thing with different branding and an unsprung plier head.
(http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/50ft-trad/P1010553.jpg)
Lynn will recognise this next one ...
(http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/50ft-trad/P1010564.jpg)
Sprung plier head again, but in a much smaller frame. This offering is from Sheffield (the brand NOT the city). Despite the pretty dreadful fit and finish on this little thing, it's actually quite useful. The snobs amongst us will all sneer down our noses at it in comparison with a Squirt or Dime, but this ugly little bugger will get you out of a tangle if that's all you have on you. I think it's fair to describe this one as surprisingly useful. There's a nice little touch too with a little hook and eye that keeps the tool shut till you need it. The downside is that the lever for the hook is also the lanyard attachment point, so on a keyring don't hold your breath about it stopping shut
(http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/50ft-trad/P1010565.jpg)
(http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/50ft-trad/P1010568.jpg)
(http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/50ft-trad/P1010567.jpg)
In much the same vein is this little oddity from true utility
(http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/50ft-trad/P1010554.jpg)
I believe this is modelled on some discontinued Gerber that I can't remember the name of, but again it sits well in the "better than nothing" category. Putting a saw in amongst the tool set was ... ambitious ... but otherwise there's a heck of a lot of versatility nestled in that small space. Not a hard use item, but if I needed to snip a loose thread, open a box or even fix my glasses I'd be happy to have this on me.
(http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/50ft-trad/P1010557.jpg)
(http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/50ft-trad/P1010558.jpg)
Again the lanyard attachment point is a bit of an anomaly on this, as if you have got a split ring fastened to it, there's a good chance it might get in your way as you try to use the other implements.
(http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/50ft-trad/P1010559.jpg)
Next up ... FRED
(http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/50ft-trad/P1010570.jpg)
Nuff said :salute: :salute: :salute:
These two have never made pocket carry, but they're just cute enough to hang on to.
(http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/50ft-trad/P1010572.jpg)
It's plain enough to see what the knife based tool is paying homage to, but the tiny little toolclip clone is cuter than a cute thing on national cute day.
(http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/50ft-trad/P1010573.jpg)
On to Swisstech, and something else I do not know the name of (roughly translates as can't be arsed to look). Another bit of an odd bod, but again some nice little features. In the first pi you can see a screwdriver/pry tool on the left, a bottle opener on the top and over to the right a teeny weeny eyeglass driver.
(http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/50ft-trad/P1010560.jpg)
Flip it over and open it up for the wrench (never had call to try it out in all fairness), a small Phillips, and the aperture on the far right is the attachment point. This aperture is closed my the Phillips as shown in the first pic ... but I wouldn't trust the tool not opening and coming away to be honest.
(http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/50ft-trad/P1010562.jpg)
(http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/50ft-trad/P1010563.jpg)
Flip it back over and there's a little slippie blade tucked away, which is very reminiscent of the blade on it's sibling ... the Utilikey
(http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/50ft-trad/P1010585.jpg)
I donj't care what anybody else thinks ... the Utilikey is BRILLIANT. No other company has come close to producing so much versatility and function in such a small package. OK the ergos aren't ground breaking, but this is a get you out of the briown and smelly stuff tool, not a primary working tool. Top bit of kit!
Unfortunately it goes a bit downhill from here, as I found this pouch tucked away in the bottom of a box I shifted over recently
(http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/50ft-trad/P1010574.jpg)
The contents kind of look cheap but respectable
(http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/50ft-trad/P1010575.jpg)
Basically your standard SAKalike and generic cheapo pliers based tool. I figured I'd fan the tools to show you guys what it comes equipped with, and when I got to the scissors ... they fell off in my hand :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: Just sheared clean away under less force than you'd use to get a pair of Vic's scissors out
(http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/50ft-trad/P1010576.jpg)
Good start :tu: >:D The rest of the tools managed to stay attached for a photo opportunity, but I'm not altogether sure they'd stay that way if I actually tried putting the tool to use :D :D
(http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/50ft-trad/P1010577.jpg)
(http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/50ft-trad/P1010578.jpg)
It must also be said that the torch (flashlight) was pretty naff too. Generic incan set up that got us by for a few decades though before things picked up, so not diabolical ... just obsolete.
But that ain't the worst. Yeah, that's right I got one that's even worse than permanantly detachable scissors. Brace your chuckle muscles, this is a corker!!!
(http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/50ft-trad/P1010580.jpg)
How awful is THAT!!! I just had to buy it :D :D :D
It's certainly not ashamed of it's heritage ...
(http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/50ft-trad/P1010581.jpg)
now lets see what elights this has in store for us ... feast your weary little peep holes on this
(http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/50ft-trad/P1010582.jpg)
FANTASTIC isn't it :D :D
Notice the comparison of the corkscrew to that on the MP400 :D
(http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/50ft-trad/P1010583.jpg)
That's the worst over with, but I can't close this post without showing something from my home town. Here's a little advertising knife, nothing special
(http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/50ft-trad/P1010592.jpg)
For many years that was pretty much the only knife I carried and it was primary beer accessing tool through my formative years :D
This one is a bit different, a Millenium Edition knife which I think is quite cool. It's a slippy blade, but the screwdriver/opener is a backlock :tu:
(http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/50ft-trad/P1010593.jpg)
(http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/50ft-trad/P1010595.jpg)
and finally the knife I've had in my pocket today, a camper knife by Joseph Rodgers. Notice the reduced section on the can opener for piercing, and the hollow ground blade. QUIRKY!!
(http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/50ft-trad/P1010587.jpg)
OK, I've taken up enough bandwidth now I reckon - I'll shut up for a bit. There may be one or two other cheapies kicking around somewhere, but this is the bulk of it :)
(http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/50ft-trad/P1010596.jpg)
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very nice Al, i like that TorQ on the right, it looks like mine but looks like it has a lanyard loop instead of the saw :tu: my little mini pliers ive had on my keychain like your blue one is doing really well, i grinded the small flat head a little flatter as was a little round, cool little tool :tu:
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Cheers Paul. Didn't realise just how pic heavy that post was till just now :oops: :D
The little TorQ pliers aren't particularly usable or useful really ... just cute :D The Sheffield branded tool could do with a little tweak on the drivers maybe, but it's still better than nothing and the tweaks wouldn't improve the tools abilities that much as it's still just light use.
Forgot to mention before about the "hobo" kit or whatever it should be called. The implements aren't even steel :D :D :D Just some form of monkey metal that can just about retain molecular stability for the purpose of sitting in a drawer, but NONE of them would survive actually being put to use I reckon :P
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Just some form of monkey metal that can just about retain molecular stability for the purpose of sitting in a drawer
:rofl:
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Lynn will recognise this next one ...
... I think it's fair to describe this one as surprisingly useful. There's a nice little touch too with a little hook and eye that keeps the tool shut till you need it.
Yup, love mine. And yes, I would describe it as 'surprisingly useful'. Fit and finish suck, but for the price, I can certainly overlook that. :tu:
As for the hobo-tool thing... wow. That bad, huh? You know with an endorsement of such vehement hatred, folks are gonna rush out to buy it just to see if it lives up to the craptacular levels you ascribe it.
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Well, it's certainly not a tool ... the only tool is the guy that buys it thinking it'll work :D I bought it BECAUSE it was awful and unusable :D :D :D (It cost me the same as that little Sheffield branded jobbie cost you)
To be honest the clippers that are strapped to the outside are on a par with any other supermarket quality nail clippers you'll come across, but the rest of it is just a complete joke
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Well i picked this one up at the weekend for £2 ,tools dont lock or snap just tension from the pins, i chucked it in our kitchen draw :D i have to say though with its plastic scales its very comfy handle wise :tu:
(http://i1235.photobucket.com/albums/ff428/zed1970/P1010183-5.jpg)
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I just picked up a Berkley mini fishing tool the other day. What can I say? It was $5, and I was curious.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Berkley-Mini-Fishing-Tool/16637412 (http://www.walmart.com/ip/Berkley-Mini-Fishing-Tool/16637412)
Here's a mini review...
Tools and how they functioned:
Ruler: Stamped on outside of frame. English/Metric. Gives about 4 1/5 inches or 12cm measure.
Blade: dull out of package. A little work brought it up to paper-cutting sharpness.
Flathead: drove a heavy screw about 1/2 an inch into pine.
File: fairly aggressive, but doesn't appear to have heat treatment, so I'm guessing not good for metal.
Awl: Punched through a 15oz can with some difficulty, and made great pilot hole in pine for screw.
Phillips head: successfully removed small screws from back of calculator.
Bottle opener: Worked on the first try.
Tiny flathead: Untested, I could probably convert it to fit eyeglass screws with a file in 5 minutes.
Scissors: Not bad. As per my earlier scissors test thread... Failed corrugated cardboard and heavy plastic, barely adequate for khakis and paracord, passed everything else. Score +3
Reference this thread for other scissor results...
http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,36798.0.html (http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,36798.0.html)
Wirecutters: barely...BARELY cut 12-gauge wire. Cut paperclip without a problem.
Pliers: precise tip, able to pick a needle off a countertop. Flexed frighteningly laterally under the strain of trying to bend 12-gauge copper wire into a loop.
Saw: hahahaaaa... HOLY CRAP IT WORKED! Notched pine and oak nicely... if a little slowly. It's SO tiny, as to almost be a joke, but it actually works if you've got nothing better to do with your time.
Ergonomics: This thing is a little bundle of dangerous pain. Applying pressure with the pliers hurts. turning screws with the screwdriver hurts. The tool retention is almost non-existent, and all the drivers and awl fold if you sneeze at them.
Flex in the handles becomes pronounced after only a very little use, and I fear it's due to screws pulling through the sheet metal where the plier head connects. There is a review on you-tube which also shows one of the tabs that act as a stop for the plier head popping over the plier stop, and screwing up the handles.
It's unfortunate that this thing has some okay tools, but put together in a terrible frame which screws the whole pile up. If you can get past the not-great pliers and poor tool retention, this thing is better than no tool at all.
Recommendation: For the same money, go get one of the types listed in the previous several posts, such as this one:
http://www.kmart.com/shc/s/p_10151_10104_010W012825630001P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1 (http://www.kmart.com/shc/s/p_10151_10104_010W012825630001P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1)
(http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m208/lynnlefey/IMGP1284.jpg)
Hey Lynn I've had the exact same tool in my tackle box for years. I think I've only ever used it once to pinch a sinker shut and that's it. There things are pretty bad. Still for some reason I keep it in there...
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Has anyone had/ heard of sarge multi tools? I met some reps at the gun show last year here in our town. They are based in our state, sc. They had some good deals at the show but I walked away empty handed. Kind of regret not getting something to test out and play with. I didn't see mt's on their site the other day but they are on ebay.
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