Multitool.org Forum
Tool Talk => General Tool Discussion => Topic started by: Chako on January 01, 2015, 10:12:23 PM
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A while back, I stumbled upon 2 interesting multi-tools online. I ended up buying the Turkey Tool, and the Gun Tool. I was curious as I had never heard of the company before....and that company is Real Avid. Well, when I got them both in, I was generally impressed with the quality and forethought that went into each product.
Time passed and I found another variation of the Gun Tool at the local gun shop...this one being red instead of the original silver, and geared towards Ruger firearms. I bought that one thinking it was neat that Real Avid was expanding into other firearm specializations.
Two weeks ago, I then decided to take a look and see what else Real Avid as produced. I was amazed at how much larger their product line has become. This caused me to hunt down a few exampled for my collection...and thus this thread.
Their website is:
http://www.realavid.com/
Looking on the website, I can't seem to see the Turkey Tool anymore, but they have expanded their product line into gun cleaning kits. I also see I am missing a pair of AR specific tools. Guess those will be on my hit list of tools to get in the future.
Lets look a little closer at the Gun Tool and its variants that I currently know about.
Here are 3 versions of the Gun Tool. The lowest is the original and probably an early edition of the Avid Design Gun Tool. The middle red is the Ruger edition, and the top is the Duck Dynasty edition. The Ruger edition has a few Ruger specialized tools. The Duck Dynasty edition is the same as the original, but in a better looking colour scheme.
(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/Chako_photo002/IMG_7155small_zpsd3cbaac3.jpg) (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/Chako_photo/media/Chako_photo002/IMG_7155small_zpsd3cbaac3.jpg.html)
Note the original tool at the bottom has a different screwdriver lid logo from the newer produced models.
(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/Chako_photo002/IMG_7156small_zpsfcfe9855.jpg) (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/Chako_photo/media/Chako_photo002/IMG_7156small_zpsfcfe9855.jpg.html)
Here you can see some of the tool differences between the top and bottom and the Ruger edition in the middle.
(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/Chako_photo002/IMG_7157small_zps2ae5030c.jpg) (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/Chako_photo/media/Chako_photo002/IMG_7157small_zps2ae5030c.jpg.html)
And the tools shown.
(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/Chako_photo002/IMG_7158small_zps63eb6ce7.jpg) (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/Chako_photo/media/Chako_photo002/IMG_7158small_zps63eb6ce7.jpg.html)
There is also a pair of higher models called the Gun Tool Pro, and Gun Tool Pro X. The only difference between them, the higher Gun Tool Pro X replaces the magnetic compartment for a magnetic LED light, and the Pro X comes with a sheath. The version I have here is the Gun Tool Pro.
Here we see the larger Pro version versus the regular Gun Tool.
(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/Chako_photo002/IMG_7159small_zps74ac329a.jpg) (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/Chako_photo/media/Chako_photo002/IMG_7159small_zps74ac329a.jpg.html)
There are plenty of good things that make the Pro version more desirable than the regular Gun Tool. For instance, the Pro comes with 4 longer double ended bits. The firearm dis-assembly pin is now removable. You also get a small magnetized removable small container to store small screws and parts. The container is not that large, but it would be a perfect place to save set screws and other equally small items. There is even a side 1/4" driver placement which the original lacked. I believe you can buy the LED part to turn your Pro into the Pro X version...minus the sheath however.
(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/Chako_photo002/IMG_7163small_zpsb89c4048.jpg) (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/Chako_photo/media/Chako_photo002/IMG_7163small_zpsb89c4048.jpg.html)
Next up is a Real Avid Multi=Cutter.
(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/Chako_photo002/IMG_7164small_zpsa92e2ad8.jpg) (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/Chako_photo/media/Chako_photo002/IMG_7164small_zpsa92e2ad8.jpg.html)
This looks similar to many other bird hunter type shears. This is a nice tool overall. There is a real good swing lock mechanism on the shears...one of the best I have seen in the industry.
(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/Chako_photo002/IMG_7166small_zps2b3531a4.jpg) (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/Chako_photo/media/Chako_photo002/IMG_7166small_zps2b3531a4.jpg.html)
And of course the Real Avid Turnkey Tool which I can't seem to find on their website.
(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/Chako_photo002/IMG_7167small_zps623685b1.jpg) (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/Chako_photo/media/Chako_photo002/IMG_7167small_zps623685b1.jpg.html)
The Turkey Tool was a bit unique in that the sheath came apart and became a bird carrier. The Turkey Tool also came with a hard folding ruler, a rarity in the Multi-tool world. It is well thought out and designed.
(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/Chako_photo002/IMG_7169small_zps0f53b83b.jpg) (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/Chako_photo/media/Chako_photo002/IMG_7169small_zps0f53b83b.jpg.html)
As you can tell, I am a fan of Real Avid and their range of hunter/weapon centric multi-tools. I hope they keep innovating their products. :tu:
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Interestingly enough, Real Avid appears to be selling the Bowsmith. Now, I first saw these branded as the Apple Archery Bowsmith. Not sure if Real Avid Designs licenced it from Apple, or they are the OEM. I somehow think they aren't, but I have been wrong before.
Here is the older thread on the Apple Bowsmith.
http://forum.multitool.org/index.php?topic=28672.0
I had bought 2, one for use with my archery gear. It works like a charm, and is probably the best archery tool I have found to date.
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Fantastic finds as usual!!! I particularly like the one with the shears, and if quality is as good as you say it may be Worth giving a try at some point. Thanks for sharing sir!!!
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Interesting looking item. Ordered out the Duck Dynasty Gun Tool to throw in the range bag.
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I like the Real Avid tools as well.The archery tool is a duplicate of the Apple tool,at least from what I remember as I lost mine several years ago.
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Here is another archery tool.One of the few tools offered by Real Avid that doesn't come with a pouch.It does have a belt clip on the back.
The Toolio.
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Never seen that brand, awesome :tu:
The ruler is a darn good invention
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I took a closer look at the Apple Archery Bowsmith...and it does state Real Avid on the backside of the pliers. Well well...so Real Avid is the originator of this tool. Dang, I have owned a pair since 2011 and didn't even know that.
I just purchased off of eBay the Gun Tool Pro AR 15 edition.
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Chako,
How would you rate the pruners compared to the Leatherman Hybrid?
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Nice find Chako. I'll be ordering myself and the firearm collectors of my family tools for holidays throughout the year.
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Yadda, they are two different things. The Leatherman Hybrid is more of a pruner for vegetation. The Real Avid is more of a hunting shear for bird hunters etc, with that bone notch. You can use both for either job, but their design means they will excel in different things.
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Time for a few photos of my favorite archery tool. I liked it so much that I bought two. At the time, I thought it was a tool designed by Apple Archery. This was before I knew of Real Avid as being a different company. Although the handles and sheath feature Apple Archery's logo, both still have Real Avid on them in a more subtle fashion.
One thing I will have to say, Real Avid sure knows how to design a quality sheath.
(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/Chako_photo002/IMG_7206small_zps81a7f5cb.jpg) (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/Chako_photo/media/Chako_photo002/IMG_7206small_zps81a7f5cb.jpg.html)
Everything an archer could want out in the field, in one easy to use, and well designed package.
(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/Chako_photo002/IMG_7207small_zps8fd1327c.jpg) (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/Chako_photo/media/Chako_photo002/IMG_7207small_zps8fd1327c.jpg.html)
Yes, one of the better designed archery multi-tools out there. This one is a real keeper.
(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/Chako_photo002/IMG_7208small_zpsf279080f.jpg) (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/Chako_photo/media/Chako_photo002/IMG_7208small_zpsf279080f.jpg.html)
Can you tell I really like this product? one is my constant archery companion. If it is not on my belt, it hangs off my quiver. I especially like the inclusion of tools designed to build and maintain arrows. Sure beats my old American Camper for archery duties.
(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/Chako_photo002/IMG_7209small_zpseceb7a87.jpg) (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/Chako_photo/media/Chako_photo002/IMG_7209small_zpseceb7a87.jpg.html)
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Next up, a new arrival. Now, for someone who doesn't own firearms...yet, I sure do have plenty of weapon focused multi-tools. I have a couple of Gerbers, a few Leathermans, several Multitaskers. I even have the NcStar brick model to name a few. This one in my mind, is right up there for functionality and quality. Meet the Real Avid Gun Tool Pro AR 15 edition.
Like all Real AVid tools that come with a sheath, this is one quality piece.
(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/Chako_photo002/IMG_7210small_zps9c6b0a57.jpg) (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/Chako_photo/media/Chako_photo002/IMG_7210small_zps9c6b0a57.jpg.html)
The sheath features a little side pocket for the sight adjustment tool. You get both a 4 and 5 prong end. Seeing that I don't own an AR 15, I haven't tested this out on any of my AR 15 multi-tools. However, what I can say is this is a different style, as it is a tool on its own. It does feature a nice textured grip, and I think it might be handier than one attached to a big multi-tool...but seeing that I haven't been able to field test that, this is just open conjecture on my part. Maybe someone with real field experience with this type of weapon might have a better real world opinion on which is a better implementation.
(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/Chako_photo002/IMG_7211small_zps42d6cc2b.jpg) (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/Chako_photo/media/Chako_photo002/IMG_7211small_zps42d6cc2b.jpg.html)
The AR 15 version of the Gun Tool Pro comes with plenty of functionality. Here is a list taken from Real Avid's web site.
(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/Chako_photo002/IMG_7212small_zpsa9bbc77e.jpg) (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/Chako_photo/media/Chako_photo002/IMG_7212small_zpsa9bbc77e.jpg.html)
SPECS
» Carrier scraper
» 9 function bolt/firing pin/cam pin scraper
» Cotter pin puller
» Bolt override tool
» A1 & A2 front site adjuster
» Pin punch » 8-32 female threaded post
» 2.5'' raptor claw point knife blade
» 1/4'' bit driver
» 1/4'' bit wrench for extra torque
» 11 firearm-specific Torx®, Allen®, Phillips® and flat driver bits
» Tap hammer
» Metal file
» Removable, magnetic storage compartment
» Lanyard loop
» Durable black oxide coating
» MOLLE compatible ballistic nylon sheath
Here is a comparison between the regular Gun Tool Pro, and the AR 15 version.
(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/Chako_photo002/IMG_7213small_zps2dfb3e41.jpg) (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/Chako_photo/media/Chako_photo002/IMG_7213small_zps2dfb3e41.jpg.html)
(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/Chako_photo002/IMG_7214small_zpsfc0b60b7.jpg) (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/Chako_photo/media/Chako_photo002/IMG_7214small_zpsfc0b60b7.jpg.html)
(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/Chako_photo002/IMG_7215small_zps7e51c840.jpg) (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/Chako_photo/media/Chako_photo002/IMG_7215small_zps7e51c840.jpg.html)
Now, I am a big fan of these tools. I liked the original Gun Tool, but the Pro is far better in the ergonomics department. It feels like a very solid quality piece of kit. The 4 outer tools have liner locks. Even the non locking tools are designed to have 90 degree stops, allowing you to use them both at 90 and 180 degrees...a very nice touch. The included driver bits are double sided and well thought out. Even the spring loaded hatch that stores the driver bits smack of quality. Yes, I am a big fan of the Real Avid Gun Tool, and the Pro version. For the money, the Pro is a better designed tool in my opinion. I just might have to buy a user when I do get into firearms.
If you are looking for something with pliers, I can easily recommend the Multitasker. Come to think of it, Multitasker also makes a few tools that are plierless. Those are worth a look as well if you are in the market for such a multi-tool.
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:tu: Those Avid sheaths look better than some of the Leatherman, SOG, and Gerber sheaths foisted on us.
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Just purchased the Real Avid AR 15 Tool. Haven't put it through any real rigors yet, but I'll post an update in a few months of field testing at my drills.
Here are the specs from Real Avid:
SPECS
» Combination needle-nose pliers
» Carbide cutter
» G10 grip plates
» Carbide glass-breaker
» Carrier scraper
» 10 function bolt/firing pin/cam pin scraper
» Cotter pin puller
» Bolt override tool
» A1 & A2 front site adjuster
» Interchangeable pin punch
» Interchangeable hooked pick
» 8-32 male and female thread receivers
» 3.25'' 440c serrated Tanto knife
» 12 high quality bits with bit driver
» Tap hammer
» Metal file
» Durable black oxide coating
» MOLLE compatible ballistic nylon sheath
Here's everything that come in the package:
(http://imageshack.com/a/img661/8461/tdiNjh.jpg) (http://imageshack.com/f/idtdiNjhj)
Close ups
Replaceable carbide cutter. NOTE: Only one side is replaceable!!!
(http://imageshack.com/a/img631/3679/DnsvlN.jpg) (http://imageshack.com/f/hjDnsvlNj)
Blade:
(http://imageshack.com/a/img661/8154/ThkttF.jpg) (http://imageshack.com/f/idThkttFj)
Bit driver: I really like that it's fully 3 dimensional!
(http://imageshack.com/a/img538/9469/QQ5I9Z.jpg) (http://imageshack.com/f/eyQQ5I9Zj)
Case with bits and front sight adjuster tool:
(http://imageshack.com/a/img912/6446/4zOk7K.jpg) (http://imageshack.com/f/eyQQ5I9Zj)
Punch and dental pick unscrewed (punch side is female, dental pick is male):
(http://imageshack.com/a/img908/4739/ylHYHJ.jpg) (http://imageshack.com/f/p8ylHYHJj)
Front and back of case:
(http://imageshack.com/a/img673/9759/JhFY5v.jpg) (http://imageshack.com/f/ipJhFY5vj) (http://imageshack.com/a/img661/246/lXFBqO.jpg) (http://imageshack.com/f/idlXFBqOj)
Here's how my issued cleaning rods fit:
(http://imageshack.com/a/img540/9803/6ay4F4.jpg) (http://imageshack.com/f/f06ay4F4j)
Male end wasn't long enough :-\
(http://imageshack.com/a/img537/6585/hMgUTO.jpg) (http://imageshack.com/f/exhMgUTOj)
Dental pick on my cleaning rods:
(http://imageshack.com/a/img538/6379/fbKyjr.jpg) (http://imageshack.com/f/eyfbKyjrj)
Be warned, this is BIG. Here's a size comparison next to my Leatherman Wingman:
(http://imageshack.com/a/img673/5647/vZ8v53.jpg) (http://imageshack.com/f/ipvZ8v53j)
(http://imageshack.com/a/img673/8175/A3j1Rj.jpg) (http://imageshack.com/f/ipA3j1Rjj)
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Time to revive this necro thread...seeing that I just acquired 2 new models locally.
Real Avid The Pistol Tool.
(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/Chako_photo004/IMG_2940small_zpsoivaf1k8.jpg) (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/Chako_photo/media/Chako_photo004/IMG_2940small_zpsoivaf1k8.jpg.html)
Taken right from the web site:
SPECS
» Titanium Coated Stainless Steel Components
» 1911 Government and Officer Bushing Wrench
» 4 Bondhus Protanium® Hex Keys for Laser Sights
» Non-Hardened Stainless Steel Pick/Scraper
» 2.5” Long Bit Driver
» 3/32” Pin Punch with 8-32 Threads
» 3” Tanto Knife
» 6 Hex Bits with Ball Detents
» Fine Tooth Metal File
» Tap Hammer Surface
» Sturdy, compact frame fits conveniently into a standard pistol mag pouch
(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/Chako_photo004/IMG_2941small_zpsa6vlutfk.jpg) (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/Chako_photo/media/Chako_photo004/IMG_2941small_zpsa6vlutfk.jpg.html)
(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/Chako_photo004/IMG_2944small_zps4y2knmaw.jpg) (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/Chako_photo/media/Chako_photo004/IMG_2944small_zps4y2knmaw.jpg.html)
I am almost tempted to go and get another one for my IPSC bag. The Pistol Tool has a lot going for it if you are using 1911s or pretty much most pistols and revolvers.
Real Avid Gun Tool Max.
(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/Chako_photo004/IMG_2947small_zpsls7bopfc.jpg) (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/Chako_photo/media/Chako_photo004/IMG_2947small_zpsls7bopfc.jpg.html)
Taken from the web site:
SPECS
Combination Needle-Nose Pliers
Removable Carbide Cutter
G10 Grip Plates
Universal Choke Wrench for .410 to 10 Ga.
Wrenches: 4MM, 5MM, 1/4", 3/8"
Scope Windage/Elevation Adjuster
Flat Carbon Scraper
Round Carbon Scraper
Bottle Opener
Detachable Pin Punch
Detachable Hooked Pick
8-32 Threaded Post and Receiver
3 Position Locking Bit Driver: T10 Torx, T15 Torx, T20 Torx, #00 Phillips, #1 Phillips, #2 Phillips, 3/32" Flat, 3/16" Flat, 5/32" Allen, 9/64" Allen, 1/8" Allen, 3/32" Allen
3.25" 440 Stainless Steel Drop Point Blade
Oversized Flat Blade Wrench
Tap Hammer
Ballistic Nylon Sheath
The sheath holds 5 double sided driver bits.
(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/Chako_photo004/IMG_2948small_zpsmmdzo95a.jpg) (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/Chako_photo/media/Chako_photo004/IMG_2948small_zpsmmdzo95a.jpg.html)
The Gun Tool Max is a bit sexy with the red liners.
(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/Chako_photo004/IMG_2950small_zpsdykbq6hv.jpg) (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/Chako_photo/media/Chako_photo004/IMG_2950small_zpsdykbq6hv.jpg.html)
The 3 position driver bit is a bit odd in that it pulls away from the handle as opposed to just swinging outwards in line with the handle. There is also an odd over sized flat driver that polls away 90 degrees to the body.
(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/Chako_photo004/IMG_2953small_zpslmyk5qo7.jpg) (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/Chako_photo/media/Chako_photo004/IMG_2953small_zpslmyk5qo7.jpg.html)
There is also a built in tap hammer.
(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/Chako_photo004/IMG_2954small_zpspetjsuf8.jpg) (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/Chako_photo/media/Chako_photo004/IMG_2954small_zpspetjsuf8.jpg.html)
A side view.
(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/Chako_photo004/IMG_2956small_zpsm9xvgirl.jpg) (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/Chako_photo/media/Chako_photo004/IMG_2956small_zpsm9xvgirl.jpg.html)
The Gun Tool Max is a very nice addition to any field bag. This one has plenty of features, and the ergonomics is just delightful.
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Wow, I follow Real Avid pretty closely, and somehow I've never heard of the Gun Tool Max. I've seen the AR15 version of it, though. They look really sweet.
I bought their Premium AR15 cleaning kit back around Christmas, and it is wonderful. Especially for $30.
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Great reviews Dan, Thanks for sharing mate as I've never heard of real avid before, looks like they have plenty of cool ideas :salute:
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I remember reading this many months ago.
Great pics, and write-up, Chako.
I wish you had all your threads listed somewhere, like the LM threads in your signature.
I'd do it for you, but there is no way to find the threads started by a member. :think:
Maybe there should be? :whistle:
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ReamerPunch, you are too kind to mention it. :salute:
Zed, these are intelligently designed tools for the gunning folks out there. :D
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Thay make badass looking tools!! :like: :gimme:
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Really like the Multi-Cutter. It's a shame it's discontinued; apparently when it was still being made; Walmart had it for just $20. But, the only ones I'm seeing are double that. What did these retail for?
How does it use the bits though, according to Amazon, it's got several, and I don't see a bit driver on the tool. Amazon mistake? If it does have them--even more reason to like it. I think it's one of the most well-thought out shear-based tools around.
Allen wrenches: 3/32" & 5/32", #1 & #2 Philiips Bits
Torx wrenches: T20; T15; T10, 1/8" & 3/16" Flat-Blade Bits,
Scope windage/elevation bit