Internally accessible tools

Damsel · **on:** June 22, 2024, 06:36:49 PM

What are your guys thoughts on plier based multitools where the tools can only be accessed from inside? The more I use my multitool the more I dislike it, I find it so inconvenient having to open up the pliers, flip out whichever tool I want, close the pliers, oops no I need a different size, open the pliers again...

I appreciate it looks much nicer when everything is inside but I just find it inconvenient.

Danielle

David Bowen · **Reply #1 on:** June 22, 2024, 06:42:11 PM

I don't a preference on internal or outside tools. I grew up with internal tools and it's somewhat the norm in the multitool world. Outside tools like the Vic's, Flex, FREE, etc are nice and convenient.

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powernoodle · **Reply #2 on:** June 22, 2024, 07:12:08 PM

I completely agree with you Danielle. There is really no excuse for designing an MT with inside-opening tools. I don't buy into the notion that it protects the tools from dirt. But each to his or her own on that one. I carry and hoard all of them, but definitely prefer outside-opening. There is a Swisstool Spirit in my pocket today.

And don't forget that outside-opening gives you a smooth grip when the plier is deployed.

powernoodle · **Reply #3 on:** June 22, 2024, 07:13:09 PM

IMR4198 · **Reply #4 on:** June 22, 2024, 07:39:12 PM

Hi Danielle,
I carry a knife based multi every day. All outside tool access of course. I have a few plier based multis, but don't like the kinds of pliers on them much. When I use pliers I generally reach for Vise-Grip locking pliers or slip joint types. I always have slip joint pliers handy. Bigger Channel Locks are available in my tool boxes.
I actually just as soon carry internal tool plier type multis. Something not too heavy. If I was forced to buy another plier based multi, I would buy a Leatherman Bond. Old school internal tools. Not too bulky.
Good to see you back. Are you going to do some movie reviews again? Best wishes. Gary

Farmer X · **Reply #5 on:** June 23, 2024, 12:23:08 AM

Like David, I don't have a preference. Most of the PB multis I owned before and during my enlistment were of the inside-opening variety. The Squirt E4, which is one of my favorite Leatherman tools, is an inside opener. But I must admit that it's pretty convenient to open the blade on a Wave or a Signal one-handed, with no unfolding.

Being that Danielle is in the UK, it may be worth noting that all the outside openers I can think of right off the top of my head have locking blades. That could be something else to keep in mind.

Damsel · **Reply #6 on:** June 23, 2024, 10:29:10 AM

Quote from: IMR4198 on June 22, 2024, 07:39:12 PM

Hi Danielle,
I carry a knife based multi every day. All outside tool access of course. I have a few plier based multis, but don't like the kinds of pliers on them much. When I use pliers I generally reach for Vise-Grip locking pliers or slip joint types. I always have slip joint pliers handy. Bigger Channel Locks are available in my tool boxes.
I actually just as soon carry internal tool plier type multis. Something not too heavy. If I was forced to buy another plier based multi, I would buy a Leatherman Bond. Old school internal tools. Not too bulky.
Good to see you back. Are you going to do some movie reviews again? Best wishes. Gary

I now have a toolbox full of tools (I feel so...adult, and responsible saying that!) which I will go to if I need to fix anything properly at home or in the car but just for real quick fixes I still go to my multitool, I've never carried pliers around with me!

It is good to be back! I am sorry for being so unreliable and vanishing all the time

I will very likely do a movie review soon.

Danielle

Damsel · **Reply #7 on:** June 23, 2024, 10:32:16 AM

Quote from: Farmer X on June 23, 2024, 12:23:08 AM

Like David, I don't have a preference. Most of the PB multis I owned before and during my enlistment were of the inside-opening variety. The Squirt E4, which is one of my favorite Leatherman tools, is an inside opener. But I must admit that it's pretty convenient to open the blade on a Wave or a Signal one-handed, with no unfolding.

Being that Danielle is in the UK, it may be worth noting that all the outside openers I can think of right off the top of my head have locking blades. That could be something else to keep in mind.

The multitool I am complaining about (I forgot to mention it in the OP like a klutz) has all locking tools so unfortunately I am not allowed to carry it with me much. It's a Parkside something or other I bought from Lidl for £4.99! Absolute bargain and great quality in my opinion. What I really dislike is having to awkwardly hold one handle in my hand while pressing the lock, and pulling out a tool with another. It is okay for the smaller tools like the screwdrivers but my hand gets in the way for the longer ones. Having half the tool hanging off the side doesn't help things either. If I shift my hand further back I either cannot reach the lock with my thumb, or the pliers get in the way.

I have a tiny version of my cheap chinese tool I've had for years, possibly the size of a Leatherman Squirt, PS4 which doesn't lock but has inside accessible tools. It bugs me so much.

Danielle

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Crunchie64 · **Reply #8 on:** June 23, 2024, 11:59:36 AM

I wish we had a broader choice of tools designed to comply with UK laws from companies in general, and Leatherman in particular.

Some people argue that the way the handles of the PST or Bond stop the blades closing count as a locking mechanism, and while I don’t really see it, I’d love a really solid one hand opening, non locking blade combined with locking tools.

The two hand opening Wave+ available in Europe meets laws in Germany and others, where you can have a OHO or locking blade, but not both.

Even a Bond II with scissors would be nice for now.

ReamerPunch · **Reply #9 on:** June 23, 2024, 12:24:44 PM

My favorite Leatherman is the Rebar, so I guess I prefer inside-opening implements. But I edc a Deluxe Tinker and other Swiss Army Knives, and my Spirit.
I also enjoy the one-handed tools of the Charge, Surge, etc.
I really do not mind the extra steps of opening inside-tools. I like the fidget factor. I enjoy opening my Rebar, to unfold the can opener. I find the Rebar very comfortable in the hand, both for pliers, and other things like the blades.

Farmer X · **Reply #10 on:** June 23, 2024, 08:26:57 PM

Quote from: Damsel on June 23, 2024, 10:32:16 AM

I have a tiny version of my cheap chinese tool I've had for years, possibly the size of a Leatherman Squirt, PS4 which doesn't lock but has inside accessible tools.

Maybe try a Gerber Dime? It's about the same size as a Squirt, with outside-opening tools that don't lock. Quality control and finish on mine definitely left a little to be desired, so hopefully they've gotten better since 2016.

Damsel · **Reply #11 on:** June 23, 2024, 08:38:55 PM

Quote from: Farmer X on June 23, 2024, 08:26:57 PM

Maybe try a Gerber Dime? It's about the same size as a Squirt, with outside-opening tools that don't lock. Quality control and finish on mine definitely left a little to be desired, so hopefully they've gotten better since 2016.

From what I can determine from a quick look on Amazon, the pliers are still made from metal with the breaking strength of a KitKat. I did think about the Dime but I absolutely despise the bottle opener sticking out. I could modify the tool I guess.

Danielle.

Farmer X · **Reply #12 on:** June 23, 2024, 08:42:40 PM

The pliers are one of those aspects of the Dime that needed a little improvement. Guess they didn't get to it after all. I should have spent the extra money and bought a Squirt. Live and learn, I guess.

G-Dizzle · **Reply #13 on:** July 01, 2024, 04:58:45 AM

I have gravitated more toward the Rebar lately because of it’s simplicity and smoothness in the pocket. Everything is contained and protected as well. Less grit and grime get in everything it seems. I actually used it to hold a spare fish hook a couple of days ago because I didn’t want to take a tacklebox with me. Didn’t want a loose hook bouncing around in my pocket, and had no where else to put it! If the rebar had scissors it would be the ideal multitool I think.

I am rarely without a good OHO dedicated folder, so if a box or piece of line or whatever needs cutting quickly I can use that instead.

Chippyjosh · **Reply #14 on:** July 12, 2024, 07:05:25 PM

Been carrying the rebar recently, however that’s mainly at work. I carry a dedicated multibit screwdriver and folding knife. So the main tool I use is the pliers which is have to open anyway. However, before I started carrying a separate pocket knife, or if I forget it I definitely miss the one handed opening of my wave plus.