Leatherman idea

[wbyrulz]

I would really like to see Leatherman sell a "master kit" of some sort. A package that includes the pliers main body along with all of the option tools. Then the buyer can put it together with the tools that they want. I'm a truck mechanic and use the original one. Because every tool that has been made keeps coming with things they don't need or no longer have the ones they used to have. Mechanics don't need wood saws, scissors, bottle openers, more than one flat screwdriver, more than one knife blade but still use the file, small-tipped awl, needle-nose, one good knife blade, all while still being small enough to get into tight areas. I like the idea of the vise grip but would still like to fold it. There are other mechanics that need different tools, so they could make their own.

[Etherealicer]

It is an interesting concept, but I seriously doubt that LM will ever go that route I highly recommend to do your own mod.

Most variation of the pliers head is of course available for the Gerber MP-600 frame.
It is also a tough and sturdy tool, that is easily modded.

However, if you are a truck mechanic, shouldn't your MT have everything you rarely (never) need, because what you need a lot you probably have dedicated tools?

[Padre]

I think LM would step on SOGs toes with innovation like that.

[Poncho65]

It is a good concept  but I don't think they would do it because of the warranty

I like having tools like I might not regularly need on my MT as I have regular tools with me and it is just to help me out of a bind sometimes

[Poncho65]

Also welcome to

[tosh]

This scenario is exactly why I keep harping on that the MT needs to evolve in to more task specific tools.

It's ridiculous that they all sell their own version of the same tool layout.
The market out there must be huge.
As I say most people I know and those I work with would undoubtably buy an all-in-one-tool that was both designed and built for the job in hand.

A cycling MT with its pozi/flat drivers, numerous hex keys is probably more useful to a mechanic or engineer than any of the MTs out there.

As I've said before it's a crying shame that the likes of CRKT didn't get Wenger! That would have shaken things up!

[Etherealicer]

This scenario is exactly why I keep harping on that the MT needs to evolve in to more task specific tools.

It's ridiculous that they all sell their own version of the same tool layout.
The market out there must be huge.
As I say most people I know and those I work with would undoubtably buy an all-in-one-tool that was both designed and built for the job in hand.

A cycling MT with its pozi/flat drivers, numerous hex keys is probably more useful to a mechanic or engineer than any of the MTs out there.

As I've said before it's a crying shame that the likes of CRKT didn't get Wenger! That would have shaken things up!

If you need lots of screwdrivers, a bit-kit is probably the way to go.

I love the idea of trade-specific tools but they face some serious challenges:
Smaller target group == higher R&D cost per item AND higher production cost == Higher price
If you really want a specialized tool, it will also end up being country specific, which reduces target group even more.

On the other hand, individual tools have so many benefits:
- You can use your screwdriver and pliers at the same time
- The individual tools are cheap and easily replaced
- They work better (no MT can match a screwdriver)

[tosh]

This scenario is exactly why I keep harping on that the MT needs to evolve in to more task specific tools.

It's ridiculous that they all sell their own version of the same tool layout.
The market out there must be huge.
As I say most people I know and those I work with would undoubtably buy an all-in-one-tool that was both designed and built for the job in hand.

A cycling MT with its pozi/flat drivers, numerous hex keys is probably more useful to a mechanic or engineer than any of the MTs out there.

As I've said before it's a crying shame that the likes of CRKT didn't get Wenger! That would have shaken things up!

If you need lots of screwdrivers, a bit-kit is probably the way to go.

I love the idea of trade-specific tools but they face some serious challenges:
Smaller target group == higher R&D cost per item AND higher production cost == Higher price
If you really want a specialized tool, it will also end up being country specific, which reduces target group even more.

On the other hand, individual tools have so many benefits:
- You can use your screwdriver and pliers at the same time
- The individual tools are cheap and easily replaced
- They work better (no MT can match a screwdriver)

I beg to differ...
I actually think production would far exceed current production.
The biggest problem I see with MTs is that they are trying to be the Swiss Army Knife of plier based tools. But I bet 80% of trades out there don't bother with MTs, I cannot remember the last time I saw a tradesmen using an MT, they are almost universally regarded as nothing more than expensive gadgets or mere toys to phaff with.
Why...? Because frankly they are to all intent and purposes useless in trades.
I used to be a joiner, yet I honestly struggle to see any worthwhile reason to carry..say a Wave.
Needle nose pliers, no real need
Can opener, no need
Pointed blade, no real need
Diamond file, yes
Saw, yes
Serrated Sheepsfoot blade, yes
4 Flat screwdrivers...erm no

I'd like
Blunt nose pliers
Fold out standard box cutter
Round Rasp
Magnetic 1/4" Hex adapter at the bottom of the handle
Emergency Chisel

Now that would be one hell of a useful tool to a,builder, cabinet maker, furniture maker, shuttering joiner, maintenance guy,... Etc etc it suddenly becomes a tool that you cannot afford to be without.

Then there are sparkys, machinist, fitters, plumbers, welders, gardeners, drivers, divers,..... The list is endless.

Leatherman already have the brand name, already have the shelf space, already have the marketing team, already have the network distribution.

All that's left is to create it.

And the minute one manufacturer starts all the others will quickly follow suit.

As it is, none of them are bothered. They just change a colour, change the style, change the name, in fact anything to create something to sell without too much hassle.

Like I said previously in another post, I've carried my Gerber Balance every working day for the past 2-3yrs the only thing it ever gets used for is tweezers and eyeglass screwdriver. The rest of the tools are simply not worth bothering with.