Everyday Carry: When you think of a good multi-tool, you probably picture something like a Leatherman Wave or a Swiss Army Knife. Both have tried-and-true form factors that get the job done quite well, but all their moving parts tend to add complexity and bulk.
8 comments:
I love multi tools. Honestly, who doesn’t? Even if you never end of using one, it’s always fun to pull open and see what kind of tools are hidden in all the nooks and crannies that the designers fit into one great tool. These multi tools may be even cooler; it’s fascinating to see how the designers are able to use every edge of the tool. I’m interested to see how they narrowed down what tools are most important for each of the single tools. Are there themes that help to govern what tools will be combined? For instance, do they make and electrician themed tool that has a phillips head, a pin splitter and a hex wrench? I’d love to be able to sit in on one of those meetings, to see the inner working of the desingers’ heads. I think I’m going to get one of these for myself, now I just have to decide which one is most useful to me.
To be honest I have had my fair share of single multi-tools and they all either end up getting lost of taken by the TSA. At first, they would seem like a great thing to carry around but they never actually work for the job I need it for. For example, most models are equipped when various different nut sizes and the one time I actually need to use it, it was one size off. So my best answer is, it depends on the customer. If you are someone needs odd tools all the time carrying one of these might be useful but if you are in an industry like theater I would just suggest getting a real multi-tool and leaving the one piece at home. If I was to pick one of the ones in this article I would probably have to go with the lever gear tool card simply because of the amount that it can do.
I agree with Chris in that i have lost a number of single multi-tools to TSA, and as infuriating as that can be, id have to say i don't regret carrying one around all the time. Sure i may not get an abundant use out of them, however they have saved me time in a tight spot. I remember my first single multi-tool was part of a "Spy Kit" my dad got me in DC on a family vacation years ago, and i used it up until i lost it my senior year in high school. the point is, i like to be prepared for whatever comes up, and having something this handy allows me to be prepared generally. I have however noticed that as i spend more time in school of drama, it has become more convenient for me to just carry a heavier duty Leatherman as the situations i'm in require a little extra. still, i always love seeing articles like this because they make me feel like a kid in a candy shop.
While I'm not normally a fan of the idea of a everyday Cary multitool favoring a standard locking blade knife instead, the concept of one piece multitools as always been fascinating to me most because they tend to solve my major qualms with multitools first they generally attach to something that you will already be carrying such as a keychain or wallet, and second is that the are lower profile and less bulky than standard multitools. It is this last part that will generally get me to buy a new tool more so that any other fact. And two of the tools that really stick out to me on the list are that of the Ferber shard because it's smaller simplistic and hardy desig that I could see myself using multiple times most days. But, even more so than the shard there is the Lever Gear Toolcard 40 tools that fits into a credit card size profile that's awesome. Even if I didn't use all of its functions most days it slim design makes that fact not really seem to matter. All in all a pretty interesting list of tools.
While I love multitools, I can't imagine that all of these would be overly useful. I don't use my multitool much as a wrench when I carry it around, and from what I see on the multitools reviewed here, most of them have a primary use as a wrench. I generally use the knife and screwdriver tools on my Leatherman, and rarely use them as any sort of wrench. To me, a tool like this would hardly be useful, and I'd rather carry a multitool around that can do everything, instead of something that I would hardly use. That said, the LeverGear Toolcard seems like a useful tool--the ruler and its small form factor that could fit in a wallet seems like something I would be able to use, and it's only 22 dollars. While most of these tools are inexpensive and might be useful sometimes, overall most of them just seem like a waste of money and space to at least my needs.
I don't know what I or anyone who's in this industry would do without multi tools. I would recommend anyone who does this kind of work to buy one, hell I'd recommend any ordinary person to consider one too, but I would NOT recommend these. I understand these tools if you need something in a pinch to fix your phone, remote control, or watch but I wouldn't recommend these for a technician or carpenter. If you are missing a tool that these offer a helping hand with by hanging off your key chain, then you probably aren't prepared for your job. Besides, I don't find micro screwdrivers or wrenches practical at all unless the screw on your doorknob is loose and your screwdriver is in the basement. They just don't offer the same amount of torque or leverage that you'd get with an ordinary version of the tool because of their small size. I can see the appeal of it and leatherman has even gone as far as making a fashion statement with the bits by making a bracelet but I couldn't realistically see anyone using this without getting laughed at.
Favorites? That’s easy. The MyKee Titanium Multi-tool is really, really cool because of its shape and the fact that it is a key. It would fit in with my other keys and I wouldn’t think of it as a hassle to carry; however, I think I would forget about it completely and if I did need it I wouldn’t remember it. The article makes a good point about the Schrade Keychain Pry Tool in that if one has one of these small multi-tools then they don’t always think about having it with them; therefore, having a blade — while exceptionally useful — might be restricted and cause issues if that is not considered. The Schrade Keychain Pry Tool has the solution to this with a strap cutter. It does anything one might need to do with a small knife while not being a blade one needs to think about carrying with them into — lets say — museums.
I've actually been looking for a new multi-tool since mine has recently grown legs and walked off (much like the shop tape-measures so often do). These tools are absolutely vital when working in a shop (or just in daily life) and you don't realize how vital they are until you lose yours. Most of these "One-piece" tools are fantastic alternatives that usually attach to a key chain (things attached to your keys tend to stay with you/don't often grow legs) and there is even one that looks like a key (perfect camouflage). Although the few tools with sharp edges concern me. I would rather have a folding knife instead that keeps the cutting edge safe and away from my skin or clothing. There is nothing worse than a surprise hole in your pocket. I have always heard fantastic things about the Gerber Shard in terms of its usefulness versus cost. I am, like many, conflicted over the new leatherman bracelet/their multi-tools in general. I know many people trust leatherman and tend to be loyal to that brand, but I don't see the value of paying more for a leatherman brand tool when there are other brands that are just as good and cost less.
Post a Comment