Multitool.org Forum

Tool Talk => Keychain and One Piece Tools => Topic started by: powernoodle on February 11, 2012, 08:37:25 PM

Title: The P-38 "multitool".
Post by: powernoodle on February 11, 2012, 08:37:25 PM

I was fiddling with a P-38 can opener today, trying to figure out how to keep it from opening up in my pocket.  I dawned on me that a safety pin would do the trick.  I'm probably not the first person to do this, but it sure works.  And the safety pin has its own utility.  Other folks have used a paper clip, shrink wrap or a rubberband, but I like this one the best.

If you don't know about the beloved P-38, check out them out here: http://www.georgia-outfitters.com/page52.shtml (http://www.georgia-outfitters.com/page52.shtml)

The safety pin trick:

(http://i1144.photobucket.com/albums/o487/BirchHardwood/p-38.jpg)

(http://i1144.photobucket.com/albums/o487/BirchHardwood/ring.jpg)

Title: Re: The P-38 "multitool".
Post by: enki_ck on February 12, 2012, 12:45:59 AM

Interesting idea,  :tu: I just use one of the E01s spare o-rings.

Title: Re: The P-38 "multitool".
Post by: nuphoria on February 12, 2012, 01:04:47 AM

The simple ideas are the best :)

Title: Re: The P-38 "multitool".
Post by: AimlessWanderer on February 12, 2012, 01:31:35 AM

I used a piece of bicycle inner tube (pics attached) but found I never used it, so stopped carrying it  :-\

Title: Re: The P-38 "multitool".
Post by: Mike on February 12, 2012, 08:28:37 PM

I like mine quite a bit. It fits flat head screws and phillips can be tightened using the corner.
Mike

Title: Re: The P-38 "multitool".
Post by: jerseydevil on February 13, 2012, 02:49:22 AM

That's a great idea, I'm going to have to find a small safety pin. My P-38 has stabbed me more times than I can count  >:( . For such a tiny thing, it's actually useful as hell as a scraper, small prying instrument, impromptu screwdriver, hell it even opens cans! ::)  I've carried a P-38 longer than any other tool.

Title: Re: The P-38 "multitool".
Post by: David on February 13, 2012, 03:06:12 AM

That`s a swell idea PN!    :tu:    :)

Title: Re: The P-38 "multitool".
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on February 13, 2012, 03:12:48 AM

I love my P-38.  I've yet to use it though, which might be why I still like it!   >:D

Def

Title: Re: The P-38 "multitool".
Post by: Chain Gang on February 13, 2012, 04:49:09 AM

I'm very familiar with the P 38.That's all we had to open C-Rations in Viet Nam.I wish I had known about SAKs back in those days.Believe me the MRE are much better than C-Rations.Eating cold unknown greasy meat out of a can was not very appetizing.

Title: Re: The P-38 "multitool".
Post by: Teofilo on February 13, 2012, 02:47:05 PM

Quote from: Chain Gang on February 13, 2012, 04:49:09 AM

I'm very familiar with the P 38.That's all we had to open C-Rations in Viet Nam.I wish I had known about SAKs back in those days.Believe me the MRE are much better than C-Rations.Eating cold unknown greasy meat out of a can was not very appetizing.

So youre a 'Nam Veteran, CG! The P 38 you used was similar to this one:

(http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn243/teofiloeugeniopanganiban/DSC00619.jpg)
(http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn243/teofiloeugeniopanganiban/DSC00618.jpg)

Title: Re: The P-38 "multitool".
Post by: Chain Gang on February 13, 2012, 03:30:48 PM

Yep,I was stationed at Tuy Hoa AF Base,Viet Nam in 1970.I brought back a hand full of P-38s but misplaced every one of them over the years.

Title: Re: The P-38 "multitool".
Post by: scattergun13 on February 18, 2012, 09:45:37 AM

Quote from: Grant Lamontagne on February 13, 2012, 03:12:48 AM

I love my P-38.  I've yet to use it though, which might be why I still like it!   >:D

Def

I love my P-38 as well. So much so that I just bought a new P-51, on the way. Anybody have any experience with the P-51 and how it compares to the old venerable P-38.
Thanks in advance,
Stew...

Title: Re: The P-38 "multitool".
Post by: MultiMat on February 18, 2012, 11:51:16 AM

Did someone say FRED(Field Ration Eating Devise)   :think: :think: :D :D :D :D.

(http://gallery.multitool.org/pbmirror/Misc%20Tools/FRED/Front.jpg)
The Aussie army's version ; a cap lifter , spoon & can opener, now that is a multi  :D :D

Title: Re: The P-38 "multitool".
Post by: Magumba on March 04, 2012, 02:02:12 AM

I too have a P-38 I got in Vietnam, it's been my constant companion since 1968.    Showing some wear but still opens cans quickly.    I like your idea for keeping the cutter stowed.
I like the idea of the FRED a lot it would have been a big help in Vietnam as the plastic C-Ration spoons were easily broken.

Title: Re: The P-38 "multitool".
Post by: MultiMat on March 04, 2012, 04:12:06 AM

Quote from: Magumba on March 04, 2012, 02:02:12 AM

I too have a P-38 I got in Vietnam, it's been my constant companion since 1968.    Showing some wear but still opens cans quickly.    I like your idea for keeping the cutter stowed.
I like the idea of the FRED a lot it would have been a big help in Vietnam as the plastic C-Ration spoons were easily broken.

A lot of Aussie Diggers/soldiers have been known to call their FREDs ; F#cking Ridiculous Eating Devices  :D :D :D. That said there was a huge outcry a few years ago when there was talk of ceasing production of FREDs , I am not sure if they went ahead with the phase out or not yet  :think: :think:

Title: Re: The P-38 "multitool".
Post by: scattergun13 on March 04, 2012, 07:00:51 AM

Quote from: MultiMat on February 18, 2012, 11:51:16 AM

Did someone say FRED(Field Ration Eating Devise)   :think: :think: :D :D :D :D.

(http://gallery.multitool.org/pbmirror/Misc%20Tools/FRED/Front.jpg)
The Aussie army's version ; a cap lifter , spoon & can opener, now that is a multi  :D :D

Thanks for posting that "Multi", can anyone tell me where I can get one of these. I have to have one. Thanks in advance,
Stew...

Title: Re: The P-38 "multitool".
Post by: JimShockz on May 20, 2012, 05:41:42 PM

Quote from: scattergun13 on March 04, 2012, 07:00:51 AM

Quote from: MultiMat on February 18, 2012, 11:51:16 AM

Did someone say FRED(Field Ration Eating Devise)   :think: :think: :D :D :D :D.

(http://gallery.multitool.org/pbmirror/Misc%20Tools/FRED/Front.jpg)
The Aussie army's version ; a cap lifter , spoon & can opener, now that is a multi  :D :D

Thanks for posting that "Multi", can anyone tell me where I can get one of these. I have to have one. Thanks in advance,
Stew...

Very simple yet so effective. :multi:

-JS

Title: Re: The P-38 "multitool".
Post by: sergemaster on May 21, 2012, 04:12:12 AM

Amici,
Oh yes the infamous "P38" included in every MRE meal issued and usually found on a grunts dog tag chain as well. To this day, I still have my original one on the split ring which hold my minimalist keys with the only difference being that I have applied a small amount of black electrical tape to keep the "beak" from swinging out freely and into a part of me!

Cheers,
Serge

Title: Re: The P-38 "multitool".
Post by: Sparky415 on May 21, 2012, 02:49:35 PM

Quote from: scattergun13 on March 04, 2012, 07:00:51 AM

Thanks for posting that "Multi", can anyone tell me where I can get one of these. I have to have one. Thanks in advance,
Stew...

Stew  :tu:

In the USA

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Stansport-3-1-Can-Opener-Spoon-Bottle-Opener-2-Pack-/150642388807?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2312fc6f47 (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Stansport-3-1-Can-Opener-Spoon-Bottle-Opener-2-Pack-/150642388807?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2312fc6f47)

Down under

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/5-X-Australian-Army-Can-Opener-Camping-Survival-Hiking-Scouts-Fishing-Hunting-/160804861014?pt=AU_Sport_Camping_Hiking_Tools&hash=item2570b77456 (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/5-X-Australian-Army-Can-Opener-Camping-Survival-Hiking-Scouts-Fishing-Hunting-/160804861014?pt=AU_Sport_Camping_Hiking_Tools&hash=item2570b77456)


http://www.ozsurplus.com.au/our-products/camping/cooking/fred-field-ration-eating-device/ (http://www.ozsurplus.com.au/our-products/camping/cooking/fred-field-ration-eating-device/)

Title: Re: The P-38 "multitool".
Post by: n4vgm on November 06, 2012, 04:44:44 PM

Quote from: MultiMat on February 18, 2012, 11:51:16 AM

Did someone say FRED(Field Ration Eating Devise)   :think: :think: :D :D :D :D.

(http://gallery.multitool.org/pbmirror/Misc%20Tools/FRED/Front.jpg)
The Aussie army's version ; a cap lifter , spoon & can opener, now that is a multi  :D :D

That spoon section looks good for modding. What could it be turned into with a bit of cutting and grinding? Thin material but at least a grooved string/strap cutter I bet.

Darn, I grew up with a small machine shop out back, wish I had that now.

Title: Re: The P-38 "multitool".
Post by: n4vgm on November 06, 2012, 05:58:45 PM

I just ordered some "FRED"'s on ebay. Maybe I can mod one with the simple tools I have. The more I look at them the more I think the spoon could be flattened out and made into 1/2 tools and maybe one I'll just cut off the spoon to make it more compact.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/5-X-Australian-Army-Can-Opener-Camping-Survival-Hiking-Scouts-Fishing-Hunting-/150836534075?pt=AU_Sport_Camping_Hiking_Tools&hash=item231e8edb3b (http://www.ebay.com/itm/5-X-Australian-Army-Can-Opener-Camping-Survival-Hiking-Scouts-Fishing-Hunting-/150836534075?pt=AU_Sport_Camping_Hiking_Tools&hash=item231e8edb3b)

Title: Re: The P-38 "multitool".
Post by: BIG-TARGET on November 08, 2012, 09:35:11 PM

Scuttlebutt in some "circles" consider the P-38/51 and FRED as the "first multitool :whistle:

If rumor is true, then MT's have come a long way! :D
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P-38_can_opener (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P-38_can_opener)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Field_Ration_Eating_Device (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Field_Ration_Eating_Device)
http://olive-drab.com/od_rations_p38.php (http://olive-drab.com/od_rations_p38.php)

Title: Re: The P-38 "multitool".
Post by: stealth007s on November 08, 2012, 11:50:45 PM

I'm thinking that I 'NEED' that FRED. Looks like a real good conversation piece.

(http://www.sherv.net/cm/emoticons/bad/gangster-with-gun-smiley-emoticon.gif)

Title: Re: The P-38 "multitool".
Post by: Sazabi on November 09, 2012, 02:23:54 AM

Quote from: BIG-TARGET on November 08, 2012, 09:35:11 PM

Scuttlebutt in some "circles" consider the P-38/51 and FRED as the "first multitool :whistle:

If rumor is true, then MT's have come a long way! :D
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P-38_can_opener (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P-38_can_opener)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Field_Ration_Eating_Device (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Field_Ration_Eating_Device)
http://olive-drab.com/od_rations_p38.php (http://olive-drab.com/od_rations_p38.php)

Eh, folding scissors-with-knives multitools have been around since the late 1800s or earlier; there was a prototype folding pliers tool around then, too, IIRC.

Title: Re: The P-38 "multitool".
Post by: Nikos on November 09, 2012, 03:06:18 AM

Probably even before that... ::) :D

Quote from: CI Museum

(http://www.cimuseums.org.uk/geisha/inc/img/geisha/assets/images/pre-hist3-229.jpg/229/1/fill.jpg)
Used for chopping, cutting, scraping and pounding it was the multi-tool of the day and essential for survival for our Neanderthal (and earlier) ancestors.
(clicky (http://www.cimuseums.org.uk/collections/archaeology-ipswich/other-archaeology.html))

Title: Re: The P-38 "multitool".
Post by: Steinar on November 09, 2012, 09:38:00 PM

Man has made knives for about 2.2-2.5 million years, folding knives with multiple tools were produced at least as early as by the Romans: http://www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk/opac/search/cataloguedetail.html?_function_=xslt&_limit_=10&priref=70534 (http://www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk/opac/search/cataloguedetail.html?_function_=xslt&_limit_=10&priref=70534)

At lot of things under the sun are new, multitools aren't. Our ancestors were just as smart as ourelves, why shouldn't they make cool stuff?

OK, that's a handful of pet peeves off my chest. :D

Title: Re: The P-38 "multitool".
Post by: Cyclone82 on November 13, 2012, 12:45:51 PM

I got a bunch of those surplus FRED's dated 2007 along with some containers of military matches from an ebay seller. Kinda been a little worried about using the FRED though as thats some sort of zinc plating that surely cant be good for your health? We get motorcycle parts plated in that stuff at work.

Title: Re: Re: The P-38 "multitool".
Post by: enki_ck on November 13, 2012, 01:50:41 PM

Quote from: Sazabi on November 09, 2012, 02:23:54 AM

Quote from: BIG-TARGET on November 08, 2012, 09:35:11 PM

Scuttlebutt in some "circles" consider the P-38/51 and FRED as the "first multitool :whistle:

If rumor is true, then MT's have come a long way! :D
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P-38_can_opener (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P-38_can_opener)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Field_Ration_Eating_Device (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Field_Ration_Eating_Device)
http://olive-drab.com/od_rations_p38.php (http://olive-drab.com/od_rations_p38.php)

Eh, folding scissors-with-knives multitools have been around since the late 1800s or earlier; there was a prototype folding pliers tool around then, too, IIRC.

Bob had a couple of threads on these on BF before. I'll try. To dig up some links.

Title: Re: The P-38 "multitool".
Post by: enki_ck on November 13, 2012, 05:30:10 PM

Quote from: enki_ck on November 13, 2012, 01:50:41 PM

Quote from: Sazabi on November 09, 2012, 02:23:54 AM

Quote from: BIG-TARGET on November 08, 2012, 09:35:11 PM

Scuttlebutt in some "circles" consider the P-38/51 and FRED as the "first multitool :whistle:

If rumor is true, then MT's have come a long way! :D
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P-38_can_opener (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P-38_can_opener)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Field_Ration_Eating_Device (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Field_Ration_Eating_Device)
http://olive-drab.com/od_rations_p38.php (http://olive-drab.com/od_rations_p38.php)

Eh, folding scissors-with-knives multitools have been around since the late 1800s or earlier; there was a prototype folding pliers tool around then, too, IIRC.

Bob had a couple of threads on these on BF before. I'll try. To dig up some links.

Here it is: Before there was Leatherman……. chapters 1-10

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/379737-Chapter-1 (http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/379737-Chapter-1))

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/380463-Chapter-2 (http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/380463-Chapter-2))

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/381465-Chapter-3 (http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/381465-Chapter-3))

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/383175-Chapter-4 (http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/383175-Chapter-4))

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/384469-Chapter-5 (http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/384469-Chapter-5))

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/385623-Chapter-6 (http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/385623-Chapter-6))

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/387095-Chapter-7 (http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/387095-Chapter-7))

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/388470-Chapter-8 (http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/388470-Chapter-8))

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/389858-Chapter-9 (http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/389858-Chapter-9))

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/391182-Chapter-10 (http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/391182-Chapter-10))

Title: Re: The P-38 "multitool".
Post by: stealth007s on November 13, 2012, 06:38:00 PM

Quote from: enki_ck on November 13, 2012, 05:30:10 PM

Here it is: Before there was Leatherman……. chapters 1-10

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/379737-Chapter-1 (http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/379737-Chapter-1))

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/380463-Chapter-2 (http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/380463-Chapter-2))

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/381465-Chapter-3 (http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/381465-Chapter-3))

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/383175-Chapter-4 (http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/383175-Chapter-4))

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/384469-Chapter-5 (http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/384469-Chapter-5))

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/385623-Chapter-6 (http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/385623-Chapter-6))

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/387095-Chapter-7 (http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/387095-Chapter-7))

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/388470-Chapter-8 (http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/388470-Chapter-8))

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/389858-Chapter-9 (http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/389858-Chapter-9))

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/391182-Chapter-10 (http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/391182-Chapter-10))

Very interesting Enki

(http://www.sherv.net/cm/emoticons/bad/gangster-with-gun-smiley-emoticon.gif)

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