...one youtube mentioned that you can spot the before / after models by a small "hole" on the pliers. I will see if I can find the video in question, and post it here.
Skeletool (w/fly), Juice Kf4, PST:(Image removed from quote.)You can see below that the Skeletool plier head is slightly more substantial than the Juice around the pivot. I find that that the design of the Skeletool handles allow more leverage than the Juice.(Image removed from quote.)
Is there really no one who has anything to add / contribute with regarding the pliers?
I carry a Skeletool in urban and outdoor environments frequently. It's a great lightweight tool to pair with more full-featured SAKs, offering a bit more utility than a dedicated OHO knife. I consider the pliers a larger, more convenient substitute for a SAK plier.The pliers are light duty, much the same as Juice pliers, and are sufficiently sturdy for the light-duty tasks they were designed for. In other words, don't use it for heavy-duty tasks unless in emergency situations, and it will hold up just fine.Juice, Skeletool, SAK: light dutyPST, Mini, Pulse, Wave, Rebar, Swisstool Spirit: medium dutyST, Surge, Swisstool: heavy duty
I carry my Skeletool CX around the house and at times on my off days. I find the pliers suitable for most chores I run into. A quick tighten of a bike nut, turning most Phillips and flat screws. The blade is as nice as most liner lock knives. Is it a heavy use tool? Heres my take, if you are trying to get by then I'll use whatever tool I have. If I am around the home and a larger tool is needed then I'll go get one. If you decided to take it hiking or camping and adjustments will be made to camp stoves, lanterns, or other equipment then why not. If this is your tool for unexpected situations then, maybe not. I like to have a plier based tool when hiking and camping. I've brought my OG Supertool, Wave, Swisstool, and Spirit with me. I like having a few options and each covers quite a lot.We hear all the time about certain tools busting. I don't worry too much about those experiences tho I do keep them in mind.
The Skeletool... *shudders*... is one of the worst tools I have encountered from a major manufacturer in terms of ergonomics. Some people love them though. Get your friend to try handling one in all modes before buying it.
I agree, using it as a screwdriver especially.
Also, many of us find the screwdriver less awkward to use if the pliers are folded into the 'front' half of the Skele - creates more of a straight line to rotate around (Kampfer has a good pic somewhere).(Image removed from quote.)
Despite the identical look, pliers on juice are much stronger. I have juice c2 and cs4 and never was able to brake them with adequate use. I broke the Skeletool pliers on second day, being too cocky after juices. And it’s normal. The general thought is that pliers on Skeletool are massively over hardened. Who knows for what reason.
Are you following Kampfer's Rule? (see top half of image below)
OHO tools are great, but you should never be carrying a MT in the woods for their blade. If you are depending on a MT for a cutting edge in the woods or outdoors in general you need your head examined. A MT should probably be the 3rd blade you carry.