Recommend a multi-tool

[Tim K]

I somehow lost my 25 year old leatherman last weekend. It was getting tired, so I'm not too broken up about it, but I need a new multi-tool.

What do you guys have that you really like?

I don't necessarily want a gun-specific tool. Mostly, I use the screwdrivers, the bottle opener, and the file. Blades are irrelevant since I also carry a knife.

[CS1983]

Personally, I'm a fan of the Gerber multitool, where the plier slide out.

Example:
https://www.amazon.com/Gerber-Diesel-Multi-Plier-Black-22-01545N/dp/B000EDVU2K/ref=sr_1_9?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1503586384&sr=1-9&keywords=gerber+multitool

You can find bladed examples like the above in the surplus stores, as they get issued to the guys at Carson. Usually cheaper than new, and usually unused.

Since you don't care about a blade, this is an interesting option with a replaceable RemGrit saw:

https://www.amazon.com/Gerber-Multi-Plier-Needle-Bladeless-30-000952/dp/B00KYO627M/ref=sr_1_8?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1503586384&sr=1-8&keywords=gerber+multitool

The reason I prefer the slide out version as opposed to the butterfly method of the Leatherman is one can use the Gerber to pry things open as well as crimp.

[.455_Hunter]

+1 on the Gerber. Had one on my BDU belt for my entire period of Active Duty, still carry the same today. Make sure to get the US made models.

[kwando]

I carry a leatherman wave daily for years. Broke the belt clip, otherwise it has held up awesome (I use it daily). I use the blade on it more than my folding knife.

[Wulf202]

Gerber 600 for a long time. They do not close all the way hbar. There's about 1/4" gap. The Gerber advantage here is you can aply much more force to the pliers instead of fighting the V the Leatherman handles make. The Leatherman wave solves the original Leatherman issue of the open part of the handle cutting into your palm

The Leatherman has one advantage over the Gerber in that you can straighten the handles to make a screwdriver handle. The Gerber will always be bulky and offset.

I choose Gerber even though I have both.

[Delfuego]

I got you covered. All you should need Swiss-Army Knife. Knife/Bottle-Opener/Comb

https://img0.etsystatic.com/169/0/12362546/il_570xN.1164064856_pw0x.jpg

[BladesNBarrels]

Personally, I'm a fan of the Gerber multitool, where the plier slide out.

Example:

Since you don't care about a blade, this is an interesting option with a replaceable RemGrit saw:

https://www.amazon.com/Gerber-Multi-Plier-Needle-Bladeless-30-000952/dp/B00KYO627M/ref=sr_1_8?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1503586384&sr=1-8&keywords=gerber+multitool

The reason I prefer the slide out version as opposed to the butterfly method of the Leatherman is one can use the Gerber to pry things open as well as crimp.

Usually ships within 1 to 2 months.

[Marine24]

Another good option is the SOG multi. Carried this in the Marine Corps for about 10 years.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/SOG-POWERACCESS/2554613.uts?productVariantId=5254133&WT.tsrc=PPC&WT.mc_id=GoogleProductAds&WT.z_mc_id1=04842920&rid=20&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIz5Gn9rbw1QIVQ7XACh13aARBEAQYASAB EgLd-PD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

71763

[CS1983]

Usually ships within 1 to 2 months.

Or not, if one doesn't get it from Amazon... merely provide quick links. I could care less where someone orders from.

Edit:

Example: http://www.bladehq.com/item--Gerber-MP600-Bladeless-Multi-Plier--26871

Also version on ebay, but cannot access from work.

Stainless w. tool kit: https://www.amazon.com/Gerber-Multi-Plier-Needle-Stainless-07564/dp/B00004WA4L/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1503598621&sr=8-7&keywords=gerber+mp600

[UncleDave]

+1 for the SOG multitool. I have carried one for almost 2 decades, no problems. I like the compounding force on the pliers, and very good steel.

[Bailey Guns]

I have a SOG. Probably 12 years old...used daily in the propane biz for the last 6 years. No issues at all. Nice leather sheath was included.

[StagLefty]

Another fan for the Gerber. I've carried one for years and it has stops to prevent the pinching on mine at least.I also favor the blunt pliers as opposed to the needle nose.

[TFOGGER]

I'm now a dealer for Gerber through one of my distributors, if you're interested, Tim!

[spongejosh]

I have a Gerber and a Leatherman Wave. I prefer the Wave. It feels better in my hand and the blades are as easy to get to as a pocket knife. If I'm carrying the Wave I don't carry a separate knife. You really need to check them out and see what works for you.

I've wanted a SPYDERCO SPYDERENCH (https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=286) for years but never found one at a reasonable price.

[meatman]

I have several of the SOG multitools but my EDC is the Leatherman Skeletool. The SOG's are great pliers and good accessories.

The Leatherman Skeletool with the changeable screwdriver bit is the most usable screwdriver I've ever used on a pocket tool. I use often. It doesn't have the file the OP was looking for, but I might look at another Leatherman option that also has the changeable screwdriver bits.

[SideShow Bob]

Leatherman surge or wave, I have both. When I break one, I send it in for warranty repair, and carry the other. It has only cost me shipping back to Leatherman, and I have always received a new multi tool in return.
I also keep a micro or juice (can't recall which it is) in my pocket while at work, and get the same warranty repairs on it.

[hurley842002]

I had a Gerber for many years, I liked it reasonably well, although it seemed to be loose and sloppy relatively quick. I now have a Leatherman wave that I like quite a bit better, especially with the blades, saw, and file being accessible without opening up the whole tool.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

[ben4372]

Another Gerber vote. Make sure you buy a US made one. Picked up a Christmas sale one, no county indicated. It was junky. Looked the same, but was floppy and more loose than normal. I bought a mil surplus black finish on ebay. Was gonna send in one for warranty. Look for an old on on ebay or used place. On the mil ones the thumb slot is cut in a spot that is covered when closed, had to add my own groove. The new ones also have a proprietary carbide insert that breaks like crazy, and is considered a consumable. I cracked 3 sets before giving up. On the upside the mil surplus one are easy to find cheap.

[hurley842002]

Make sure you buy a US made one. Picked up a Christmas sale one, no county indicated. It was junky. Looked the same, but was floppy and more loose than normal.

Perhaps I had a non US made one, it fit the loose floppy description.

[waffles]

I've tried a bunch and keep coming back to leatherman. The titanium Charge is wonderful, though my skeletool practically lives in my pocket now.

[Tim K]

Thanks for the input, gents. I'll order something this weekend.

[ChadAmberg]

Of course, what thread on multitools would be complete without...

Leatherman is a private company, owned by Tim Leatherman, an extreme left winger who supports eco organizations such as earth first, and is anti-gun. It's one thing to say he's a democrat supporter in his private life, but he'll gladly take your $$ and use it to support gun grabbing politicians.

It's a shame, his stuff is good, thankfully there are options. I've had a Gerber for years, and thinking about getting the Center Drive tool when I have a little spare $$...

[hurley842002]

Of course, what thread on multitools would be complete without...

Leatherman is a private company, owned by Tim Leatherman, an extreme left winger who supports eco organizations such as earth first, and is anti-gun. It's one thing to say he's a democrat supporter in his private life, but he'll gladly take your $$ and use it to support gun grabbing politicians.

It's a shame, his stuff is good, thankfully there are options. I've had a Gerber for years, and thinking about getting the Center Drive tool when I have a little spare $$...
Good to know, I'm not really in the camp of boycotting everyone or every place that doesn't see eye to eye with me politically, but it sounds like Mr. Leatherman takes it to the next level.

Fortunately my Leatherman wave was included with a motorcycle I bought years ago, so I don't feel too bad.


ETA: I've attempted to dig up some sources on Tim Leatherman, but have failed to come up with anything other than him supporting Kerry in 04 due to his environmental stance. Doesn't seem unreasonable or extreme to me, although I certainly didn't vote for Kerry.

[lex137]

Leatherman wingman, inexpensive, has scissors that I really like, and blade locks. A lot of people I know like the skeletool.

[Zundfolge]

Here's the "money no object" option.

A Leatherman Tread (http://www.leatherman.com/tread?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIiMXertT11QIViGB-Ch3eeg_iEAAYASAAEgKF7PD_BwE) with a watch adapter (http://chronolinks.com/treadlinks/)and a Suunto Traverse (http://www.suunto.com/en-US/Sports-Watch-Collections/Suunto-Traverse-Collection/).

[Duman]

Here's the "money no object" option.

A Leatherman Tread (http://www.leatherman.com/tread?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIiMXertT11QIViGB-Ch3eeg_iEAAYASAAEgKF7PD_BwE) with a watch adapter (http://chronolinks.com/treadlinks/)and a Suunto Traverse (http://www.suunto.com/en-US/Sports-Watch-Collections/Suunto-Traverse-Collection/).

That tool band looks uncomfortable.

[scratchy]

I have 5 or 6 multitools, gerber, leatherman, etc. For the most part, I don't use them. They sit ready in gloveboxes and range bags. I will agree that they are handy for days at the range.

[Duman]

I have 5 or 6 multitools, gerber, leatherman, etc. For the most part, I don't use them. They sit ready in gloveboxes and range bags. I will agree that they are handy for days at the range.

I'm in this camp, they are (have been) a life saver when needed.

[Gman]

I have 5 or 6 multitools, gerber, leatherman, etc. For the most part, I don't use them. They sit ready in gloveboxes and range bags. I will agree that they are handy for days at the range.
That's the same boat that I'm in. I have a Leatherman Juice that sits in the car. The bottle opener has been the most used component. I have a Leatherman Pulse (discontinued) that is engraved with some antiquated Windows OS name that was a freebie at some Microsoft event years ago. A very comfortable tool, particularly when using the pliers. I was never a Boy Scout, but the multitools travel with me just in case.

I figure carrying whatever tool I may need for the situation is a talisman to ever having to use it.