Which tool will rule them all?

Mr. Whippy · **on:** May 18, 2009, 02:09:50 AM

AxelF raised an excellent point in another thread and I thought I'd expand on it. Maybe LM and Vic make better tools, but if one figures in price, who delivers the most quality/dollar (euro, GBP, CHF, etc)

So with that in mind, using MSRP (the only reliable start point), which MT delivers the most quality/cost. That's not the same as the mostest toolz/dollar (at least in my mind) ie 20 smurfty tools isn't more quality than 4 high quality tools.

BIG-TARGET · **Reply #1 on:** May 18, 2009, 02:14:58 AM

Looks like Leatherman covers all those bases

Spoonrobot · **Reply #2 on:** May 18, 2009, 02:15:55 AM

Quote from: Mr. Whippy on May 18, 2009, 02:09:50 AM

AxelF raised an excellent point in another thread and I thought I'd expand on it. Maybe LM and Vic make better tools, but if one figures in price, who delivers the most quality/dollar (euro, GBP, CHF, etc)

So with that in mind, using MSRP (the only reliable start point), which MT delivers the most quality/cost. That's not the same as the mostest toolz/dollar (at least in my mind) ie 20 Colorful Enunciationty tools isn't more quality than 4 high quality tools.

If you're going to use MSRP as a starting point then you're also going to need a finish line.

How are you objectively quantifying quality?

Mr. Whippy · **Reply #3 on:** May 18, 2009, 02:24:45 AM

I would say tools that function well, deploy quickly and well, and close easily and well.

For me, drivers that are too short or can't be used on difficult fasteners lose function points
Likewise, if I have to stop what I'm doing, take off my gloves to open a tool or close it again, the tool loses points in my eyes.

For others, these may not be the same criteria, but for me, these are the things that make me value a tool.

For example:

I think the Guppie is way up there. MSRP is around $36 (I think). The knife is easy to deploy and very useful. I open bags of concrete, cut off produce from the garden, etc with it because it is an easy one hand open, one hand close functionality (of course, it doesn't lock, but that's somewhat less important to me.). The wrench is excellent. I have reefed like all get out on nuts and it's as good as any small adjustable wrench I've ever used (NB, I haven't used a Snap On or MAC adjustable wrench yet). The bit driver works very well and takes standard 1/4 bits.

For the price, it gives excellent quality tools.

american lockpicker · **Reply #4 on:** May 18, 2009, 02:35:26 AM

Vic classic for aprox $10 it has the tools I use the most scissors and screwdriver.

NeitherExtreme · **Reply #5 on:** May 18, 2009, 02:46:45 AM

I think this all depends on how much "quality" is "needed", right? I mean, the Kobalt tool at Lowes (~$15 I think?) would probably get more jobs done for less money than all of our other favorite tools. But of course we like fit, finish, durability, design, reliability, etc... so we gladly pay more for them.

rockyman500 · **Reply #6 on:** May 18, 2009, 03:02:45 AM

BEAR!

its pure functionality.

american lockpicker · **Reply #7 on:** May 18, 2009, 03:04:02 AM

True its pure function like the core.

Mr. Whippy · **Reply #8 on:** May 18, 2009, 03:12:03 AM

Quote from: NeitherExtreme on May 18, 2009, 02:46:45 AM

I think this all depends on how much "quality" is "needed", right? I mean, the Kobalt tool at Lowes (~$15 I think?) would probably get more jobs done for less money than all of our other favorite tools. But of course we like fit, finish, durability, design, reliability, etc... so we gladly pay more for them.

I think Kobalt tools probably would rate pretty high. If the tools work well, then yea, it'd be a winner at $15. However, if I had to drill out stripped screws, or had to go get another pliers to finish pulling staples, nails, or get a wire cutters and stripper because the Kobalt tool was just a hassle, then $15 dollars for a pretty good, but not great tool would be a complete letdown.

I haven't tried the Kobalt tool (I looked for one at the local Lowes last time I was there, but couldn't locate it in the Tool section), so I can't judge it, but at $15, I'd give it a try.

Leatherman123 · **Reply #9 on:** May 18, 2009, 03:19:51 AM

The LM Kick IMO. It's cheap, lightweight, and has excellent implements.

american lockpicker · **Reply #10 on:** May 18, 2009, 03:20:33 AM

Quote from: Leatherman123 on May 18, 2009, 03:19:51 AM

The LM Kick IMO. It's cheap, lightweight, and has excellent implements.

and UK legal!

Mr. Whippy · **Reply #11 on:** May 18, 2009, 03:28:54 AM

Hadn't looked at a Kick really. At $40 MSRP, that's a lot of tool. Looks like the replacement for the PST. Good choice

american lockpicker · **Reply #12 on:** May 18, 2009, 03:30:21 AM

Quote from: Mr. Whippy on May 18, 2009, 03:28:54 AM

Hadn't looked at a Kick really. At $40 MSRP, that's a lot of tool. Looks like the replacement for the PST. Good choice

I've never seen it that high anywhere.

Wetdog · **Reply #13 on:** May 18, 2009, 11:51:08 AM

There is someone selling new Spirits (regular model) on eBay for $48 US so I would have to pick that!

But an honorable mention goes to the Blast which can easily be found for under $40 US and has all the tools of the big boys.

Wetdog · **Reply #14 on:** May 18, 2009, 12:05:42 PM

Just did an eBay search on the Blast and it can be had for about $30 US from several sellers. The Blast is my "garage beater" so it gets used a lot more than the other tools that are locked up and it gives up nothing. For $30 I'd definitely say Blast!

Now if only I cold find one of those camo ones....

Woz · **Reply #15 on:** May 18, 2009, 01:37:18 PM

Victorinox and CRKT
Leatherman prices are obscene, we pay 2-3 times as much as US guys, so VIC are the bang for the buck.

ringzero · **Reply #16 on:** May 18, 2009, 04:29:05 PM

Quote from: NeitherExtreme on May 18, 2009, 02:46:45 AM

I think this all depends on how much "quality" is "needed", right? I mean, the Kobalt tool at Lowes (~$15 I think?) would probably get more jobs done for less money than all of our other favorite tools. But of course we like fit, finish, durability, design, reliability, etc... so we gladly pay more for them.

IMHO the Lowes Kobalt multi delivers far and away the most 'bang for the buck' in the full size multi category.

Feels sort of bulky and heavy in the hand, but it's very well built with strong, durable implements. Nothing fancy about it, but everything on it works as intended.

Several times each year Lowes has these Kobalt multis on sale for $10 and occasionally for $7.50!

They come with lifetime warranty through Lowes - if it breaks just take it back to Lowes and they'll swap it for a new one.

Considering the low price and high functionality, buying Kobalt multis to keep in your vehicles makes good sense.

I'd prefer to have a Kobalt multi stolen out of the car than my SOG Powerlock.

.

AHB · **Reply #17 on:** May 18, 2009, 04:39:30 PM

Quote from: Leatherman123 on May 18, 2009, 03:19:51 AM

The LM Kick IMO. It's cheap, lightweight, and has excellent implements.

+1

My EDC..

AndyTiedye · **Reply #18 on:** May 18, 2009, 09:00:34 PM

Most bang for the buck? Probably those red Vic Farmers that Amazon was blowing out for $11 a while back.

Most bang for the pocket space? LM Squirt.

MSRP is an unfair measure for Swiss Army knives, which are heavily discounted compared to other mutlitools.

Some would interpret "Most bang for the buck" as favoring the cheap Asian clones
but the "bang" that the tools make when they break in two isn't what we had in mind.

Craig · **Reply #19 on:** May 18, 2009, 10:03:42 PM

I think the Swisschamp is incredible value for money

We pay a lot more for Leathermans in the UK than in the US. At the prices you chaps get they are really good value.

nelly1974 · **Reply #20 on:** May 18, 2009, 10:51:48 PM

in my humble opinion, the blast has all the basic essentials in a small and strong package that fits comfortably in your back pocket and for about 30 bucks. not pretty but very useful.

Anthony · **Reply #21 on:** May 19, 2009, 03:59:38 AM

If we're talking standard rates people can pay for a tool on the secondary market, then I'll say the SOG Powerlock. I regularly see them on ebay for under $40. Find one with the super high quality leather sheath, and you're already ahead of a $40 Blast.

Styerman · **Reply #22 on:** May 20, 2009, 01:57:39 AM

Bear would have a good shot at goal , if they were able to market their stuff properly . Hell of a bang for the buck , but at least in Canuckastan , very tuff to find .

Chris

Gadget Guy · **Reply #23 on:** May 20, 2009, 02:07:41 AM

Quote from: AndyTiedye on May 18, 2009, 09:00:34 PM

Most bang for the buck? Probably those red Vic Farmers that Amazon was blowing out for $11 a while back.

Most bang for the pocket space? LM Squirt.

MSRP is an unfair measure for Swiss Army knives, which are heavily discounted compared to other mutlitools.

Some would interpret "Most bang for the buck" as favoring the cheap Asian clones
but the "bang" that the tools make when they break in two isn't what we had in mind.

+1

cliosguy · **Reply #24 on:** May 20, 2009, 02:11:25 AM

vics come easy on my mind, but i vote for the sog ppp, 25-30 bucks(on ebay and such) and offers a lot of functionality!

ducktapehero · **Reply #25 on:** May 20, 2009, 05:20:43 PM

A roll of duck tape. A couple of bucks to buy, millions of uses.

nuphoria · **Reply #26 on:** May 20, 2009, 05:33:38 PM

Quote from: ducktapehero on May 20, 2009, 05:20:43 PM

A roll of duck tape. A couple of bucks to buy, millions of uses.

It is fabulous stuff

Mr. Whippy · **Reply #27 on:** May 21, 2009, 03:24:49 AM

Quote from: ducktapehero on May 20, 2009, 05:20:43 PM

A roll of duck tape. A couple of bucks to buy, millions of uses.

Not exactly what I had in mind, but good point. I think we need a thread listing ACTUAL things people have used duct tape for.

In fact, I'm going to do that right now.

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Which tool will rule them all?

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