Looking for the cheapest multitool with locking tools

[rahim123]

Hello everyone,

This is my first post here. I'm looking for a very cheap multitool that I can use and abuse and lose without throwing away too much money. But I do want it to have locking tools- I hate it when the screwdriver folds onto my fingers when I throw my weight onto the tool. Any suggestions for the absolute cheapest multitool with a locking mechanism? I found one already at DealExtreme.com, sku 41840 , which according to http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,18527.0.html is a fake clone of the Gerber MP600, and it does have a locking mechanism. I don't mind fakes, because as I said, I'd prefer to pay less for something of lower quality. But are there any other options out there?

Thanks for your help!

[sawman]

What kind of price range did you have in mind?

[cerbera147]

Hi and welcome aboard 

I can understand wanting to pay as little as you can but I've found you really do get what you pay for in this market 

Even if all you care about is locking tools then sure enough the locks will go at some point. Generally the fake tools look the same and that's about it  They don't have the many hours of testing and research behind them and certainly do not have the warranty back up either 

To be honest I feel you may receive similiar replies to your query. Perhaps if you're happy with a used tool you can pick up a bargain on the Antarctic ebay or even though here 

'I'd prefer to pay less for something of lower quality', you just don't hear that every day 

[Andreas]

Cheapest brand name tool with locking is the Gerber Curve...

[rahim123]

Hi guys, thanks for the fast replies and the warm welcome!

The Gerber knockoff I found costs $12.00.  Actually it appears it might be a ripoff of the Gerber 7400.  Of course I'm not expecting a superb high-quality tool for $12, but the authentic Gerber costs like $90.00.  So I wouldn't complain if I received a decent knockoff.  I'll just lose it before too long anyway; where I live (not Antarctica   ) there is rampant theft everywhere, so it just doesn't pay to spend too much for extremely high quality tools. So I was looking for something in the $10 - $20 price range.

I guess in other words, I know that you get what you pay for, but in my case I don't need to "get" anything too extravagant, so therefore I don't want to "pay" very much for it, and I don't mind knockoff fakes.  Yeah, I suppose you probably won't run into too many people like me, fortunately!

Thanks for your suggestions!

[Benner]

To be quite blunt, at that kinda price you are going to get one thing - crap.  There is a reason they are sooooo cheap - because they are nasty and won't last you long at all (generally).

My advice?  Save up just a few extra dollars and keep an eye out for a decent used tool - something which is maybe well used yet has plenty of life left.  That way it may serve to be useful for more than just one occasion.

Also, PLEASE think before you support fakes.  You may know it's a fake and buying it is at your risk (I wouldn't trust any lock on something like that) yet these fakes are being bought by unaware people who can either put themselves in a dangerous position with them or can be put off a brand of tool or even MT's altogether because of the shoddy workmanship of some of there counterfeit examples.

Don't put your fingers at risk.  Save the extra and get yourself a safe - and a more reliable tool. 

[specgrade]

 Just curious, but, are there stores in Antarctica? 

 I got my Blast for $25.

[Andreas]

Get a LM Squirt PS4 or Gerber Vise from eBay. Not that much more expensive and while smaller, much better

[82brutus]

Have you checked out the review section?  There are some reviews like this one that might help you make a decision...

http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,7749.0.html

[Vladimir]

LM Fuse-all locking blades for $25.95
http://www.trailexplorers.com/leatherman-fuse-multi-tool-p-295.html?zenid=9f268f3388ba297273b0327e432fb4c7

[rahim123]

Good suggestions guys, thanks for the tips!

[scrappy]

sheffield makes locking multis for 10 dollars often. you can find them on ebay or by doing a google search.

[Jmora]

I agree with the others here who advise against fakes. If you want something you can abuse in good conscience, and something that is cheap, let's say concretely, under 30 US dollars, then the best thing would be to look for second hand name brand MTs on ebay or EDCS or other auction sites. Your main brands are Leatherman, Victorinox, SOG and Gerber, that's a start. If you know what to look for (read reviews here for example), and you have a bit of patience, you should be able to find a good condition second hand MT that will last you for years. Its really the good tools that can stand the abuse, not the cheap ones.

[Styerman]

knock offs suck , very poor functionality , and an affront to the concept of intellectual property .

Chris

[stack]

I have the same thoughts as everyone else about knockoffs. You cant rely on them. If you are carrying a compact tool so you have it ready if and when you need it, It has to be a tool you can count on. Stick to name brand , used tools. There are plenty out there.

[Grant Lamontagne]

There are some inexpensive, yet decent quality tools available.  While there's not much in the $12 range, remember that whether those implements lock or not, they may not be all that useful anyway.  The screwdrivers are usually very badly formed, saws are brittle, blades don't take or hold an edge and the pliers crack.  I would say you'd probably be better off ordering something like the CRKT Zilla or Buck X-Tract both which can often be had for under $40.

These are good tools without high price tags.  They are a bit limited, with no saws or files, but as there's not much in the way of trees where you are they might be functional enough.

Perhaps you could let us know what (if any) particular functions you feel you need?

Def

[rahim123]

Thanks for all the replies!

Above all, I need decent needlenose pliers with a wire cutter, phillips and flat screwdrivers, and a knife and a saw.

[VicX]

Above all, I need decent needlenose pliers with a wire cutter, phillips and flat screwdrivers, and a knife and a saw.

If you search the web you'll find plenty of used Leatherman MT's for $40 or even less. A used Blast or a (very) used Wave, for instance. They may not be in tip top shape, but you'll have all the tools you need in a more reliable MT.

A $12 knockoff is not an inexpensive multitool but an expensive piece of junk.

[Grant Lamontagne]

Thanks for all the replies!

Above all, I need decent needlenose pliers with a wire cutter, phillips and flat screwdrivers, and a knife and a saw.

With the exception of the saw, the CRKT ZillaTool is just about perfect then.  You should look through our For Sale section here as well, since there are often some great deals to be had.  I would also recommend looking on www.EDCSource.com as there's some great stuff there too.

Def

[turbov21]

What about Sheffield multis?  I've got a couple of those, they feel pretty sturdy, and while I've never EDC'd them as much as my Leatherman and SAK's, my Crocodile (found in a computer lab) has never given me troubles.

That said, I'm not sure if Sheffield tools lock like the OP wanted.