Best multi-tool for robot/field use
 

I've been carrying my Leatherman Super Tool on my belt at competitions. At REI on Sunday I got to thinking that there might be something more adapted to robotics and field use*. Not that there's anything wrong with the Super Tool -- it's in great shape after 20 years.

I'm giving serious consideration to the Crunch.

The Gerber Cable Dawg and Groundbreaker seem too specialized. Other Gerber tools don't seem differentiated enough from the Super Tool to make it worth switching.

Other ideas?

* REI and Costco have this effect on me.

Re: Best multi-tool for robot/field use
 

I've been carrying a Leatherman Skeletool CX for the last eight years, and haven't even considered anything else. The only time I use a multitool over the correct tool for the job is when something needs to be done NOW, and the Skeletool is the only one that is fast enough to the hand to work well for me. Only having the tools I need, and being super light weight for daily carry makes it perfect IMHO.

Best multi-tool for robot/field use
 

At SVR I brought both my Leatherman Crunch and Wingman. I found myself carrying the Crunch over the Wingman 100% of the time. The Crunch is a fantastic tool, the locking pliers are simply great. In addition to the pliers, the Crunch also has a nice set of other tools. I would definitely go for the Crunch over any other tool for FRC use. That being said, the Super Tool is still a very nice multi tool, so don't feel compelled to replace it if you don't want to.

Re: Best multi-tool for robot/field use
 

I carry my Leatherman Micra in my pocket because it's small and will do minor stuff. I gave up the full size Leatherman it was always in the way and I'd snag stuff when it was in the belt holster.

For events I wear one of those runners belts / waist / fanny packs. I have a different use case since I need special tools.

Mine has in it:
3/32 & 5/64 hex wrenches
11/32 nut wrench and nut driver
Needle nose pliers
Auto - Manual control switch
Wire ties
Small set of nuts and bolts
Bearing block
Axle collars
Band-aids :(

-- They are small and light and I've found that having the right tool is better than tool that's not quite right. You could match yours up to your robot (torx drives, fuses, etc.) and have the right stuff. Plus I can take it off so it's not snagging seatbelts and other stuff. YMMV

I also have what roboteers call my "Mary Poppins Bag", it's along the same line as items listed above, except there are 2 of each item, a full sized pair of scissors and one of those small hacksaw blade things. It's good for working with a team so more than one person can do things at a time.)

Re: Best multi-tool for robot/field use
 

I personally use a wave as a daily driver through everything I do. The locking pliers of the crunch look very nice for FRC use though.

Re: Best multi-tool for robot/field use
 

Hmmmm...


http://www.outdoorlife.com/node/1005002800

Re: Best multi-tool for robot/field use
 

I use a Gerber Flik because I find pliers to be the most useful tool to have easily accessible. It has a good pair of scissors and a solid knife, hasn't broken on me in two years of pretty hard use, and is always fun to open :cool:

Re: Best multi-tool for robot/field use
 

I have carried about everything by leatherman and also swiss army multitools.
Presently I carry a Crunch and an Squirt ES4 (labeled "bomb defusor"). I also have in my pocket a small set of allen keys and a double end wrench in 3/8 and 7/16.

The Squirt has mini wire strippers and is perfect for emergency electrical work.

Re: Best multi-tool for robot/field use
 

I recommend the Leatherman wave, but more generally any Leatherman that accepts the Leatherman bit type, Then you can buy the bit set, and have any type of bit you will generally ever need for robotics in you pocket or on your belt, most people on my robotics team have this knife and we all love it, it has most any tool you will ever need, from screw drivers to wire cutter/strippers, and pliers. Great tool, never had any problems with it

Re: Best multi-tool for robot/field use
 

I feel like I've seen this tread before :yikes:

I have carried a Leatherman Juice Cs4 for the past four years, and it's my baby. I've thought about replacing it but it's been through so much that I would have a hard time doing so. It's small, fits perfectly in the lighter pocket of my pants, and always gets the job done. I find myself mostly using the pliers/cutters and the knife most often, but the scissors come in handy for small stuff and there are also some screw driver bits that I tend to avoid using if possible.

I also carry a 5/32" allen key and a 7/16" driver bit, as those are the most common sized allens/bolt heads on our robot, as well as a dual tipped sharpie and a pen and pencil. And you won't catch me without my clipboard for notes (my short term memory is terrible) and a pit map.

Re: Best multi-tool for robot/field use
 

Foster- Your sizes seem like they are for very small fasteners
Hex Key 5/64" is for a #2 Cap head
Hex Key 3/32" is for a #4 Cap head
11/32 Nut Driver is for a #8 Nut

If your team has standardized on one or two fastener sizes it makes it easier to carry less items, but the correct specialized tools for the job rather than a multi-tool.

Klein 68236 Fully Ratcheting and offset 3/8 & 7/16 Box wrench - Exact fit for Size 10 & 1/4 fasteners locking nuts that we have standardized on.

Klein or other Hex Key Folding Set - Make sure it has 7/64, 9/64, 5/32 and 3/16 to cover all standard cap heads #6-1/4 in size.

Re: Best multi-tool for robot/field use
 

I used to carry a Paladin PT-540 until they stopped selling it and I foolishly snapped the pliers in half trying to twist something with them. It's a modified SOG multi-tool, so it's customizable. Mine was customized with a leatherman bit holder, V-cutter, and extra wire strippers. I think the most useful thing on it was a 7/16 and 3/8 nut-driver on the outside of the handles. Man I wish I hadn't broken it. Or that paladin hadn't stopped selling it.

Currently I'm packing a leatherman Surge, but the Crunch does look awfully tempting.

Re: Best multi-tool for robot/field use
 

I've generally used a Leatherman Wave without much thought about it. With the exception of electrical work, it generally has anything I need. I do wish the scissors were a bit stronger, but otherwise no complaints.

For electrical work, that Cable Dawg looks tempting. In particular for some of my non-FRC applications.

Re: Best multi-tool for robot/field use
 

+1 for the leatherman wave. I pretty much have it on me whenever im in the shop and commonly find it works better than the tools we keep in our toolboxes.

Re: Best multi-tool for robot/field use
 

I carry a Leatherman Charge TTi with the bit kit. Just having pliers and a knife is incredibly helpful. The tool is a reasonable size and weight to carry everyday. The addition of the bit kit makes it usable for a quick bolt check if there aren't proper hex keys around. It is nice that the newer leatherman models have tools early accessible without opening the whole thing up.

~DK

Re: Best multi-tool for robot/field use
 

Yep, I split my time beween VEX and VEXIQ. All the fasteners in VEX are either 6/32 or 8/32 cap or socket heads screws and #8 nuts. So my world is lots simpler. Sadly they don't make multi-tools with that in mind. (Looking to do a Kickstarter? Over 10,000 VEX teams to sell to!)

When I was doing FRC full time we tossed all the screws that were not cap head ( multiple sizes of Phillips head, torx, -, Robeson, etc). OEM stuff that came with other than cap heads got reassembled with caps. It really cut down on the number of different tools needed.

Standardization of fasteners is an amazing thing. But I think that's another thread too.

Re: Best multi-tool for robot/field use
 

My Leatherman Wingman has been a life saver. Came in handy every competition. That said I am buying the OHT at the facore store right before CMP because, 1) fast draw pliars 2) I camp a lot and I need the saw and 3) it has everything in want and nothing I don't.

After using the Wingman I can not imaging ever using a Leatherman without spring loaded pliars.

Re: Best multi-tool for robot/field use
 

While just barely a multi-tool I really like my Gerber Curve mainly because the knife is small enough that it doesn't look weird carrying it in a school environment. It's also cheap enough that I don't mind abusing the blade. The flat head screwdrivers are also perfect for pushing down Weidmuller connectors and ground sharply for prying.

Re: Best multi-tool for robot/field use
 

Except for the part that my pliers aren't snapped in half, I am in agreement with this multitool. As an electrical person, I find myself using this when the proper tools can't be found (happens too much on our team, I don't know where 3 pairs of wire strippers can go to when only 3 people know how to properly use them), and for any last minute queue repairs.
The problem is that Paladin got bought by someone else (I forget who) and they are no longer manufactured, and you now would have to spend a good amount of money on eBay.

Re: Best multi-tool for robot/field use
 

Gerber Diesel. Bull nose version, replaceable with needle nose. Swap out jaws.

Re: Best multi-tool for robot/field use
 

I wish leatherman made a multitool with a good side cutters on it for zip tie removal.

I have a wave that I typically carry with me, but I'm also looking for an update. The Leatherman MUT looks interesting as well.

Best multi-tool for robot/field use
 

If you are looking for a Leathermam with scissors/cutters, take a look at the Micra. It is a small tool, but still has a nice feature set. The main tool on it is a fairly good set of spring loaded scissors. It looks like that might be what you need.

Re: Best multi-tool for robot/field use
 

Literally my only complaint with the Wave, as well.

Re: Best multi-tool for robot/field use
 

Thats why I carry and use the Micra. Our teams all use the smaller ties, the Micra cuts them with ease. The next size up it will cut, but takes some effort.

The TSA collects these things on flights and they get resold. I picked up the last 5 for $7 each. I do that because roboteers sometimes walk away with them or forget to give them back. Clean them and they are good to go.

Once you carry the Micra you will be surprised at how much you use the scissors.

Re: Best multi-tool for robot/field use
 

My issue with the Micra is that I don't want to sacrifice my pliers or other tools (namely knives and real files) in order to gain the cutters.

Re: Best multi-tool for robot/field use
 

After switching to the SOG Pocket PowerPlier, there is no way I could go back to a standard leatherman. This is just because the pliers have a gear like system in them giving them 2x the gripping strength "compound leverage", I was skeptical at first, but it really does work, it also has a good knife and philips.

http://www.amazon.com/SOG-Specialty-.../dp/B00004U9IX

Re: Best multi-tool for robot/field use
 

The Micra is small enough where I can carry it the little elastic pocket in the back of this sheath. That allows me to carry a full sized Leatherman of choice (typically my Wave or Wingman) and a small tool (my Micra or Squirt ES4).

Re: Best multi-tool for robot/field use
 

Agreed. The Micra that others suggested would only work for the light cable dressing ties. You'd struggle with the common medium and medium-heavy ties.

Foster, you might have my Micra, based on your source :(

scaryone, not sure what the Diesel gets me over my Super Tool.

Re: Best multi-tool for robot/field use
 

Anyone know about the OHT from Leatherman? It looks like the spring action pliers would be really helpful when you have a part in one hard and have to quickly use a tool in another.

http://www.leatherman.com/oht-49.htm...sz=37&start=16

Re: Best multi-tool for robot/field use
 

This thread is going to make me spend my entire tax return on multitools.

Re: Best multi-tool for robot/field use
 

Surely at some point you're limited by space on your belt. Or the load carrying capacity of said belt.

Re: Best multi-tool for robot/field use
 

I have handled one and I liked it so much that I am going to pick one up before Champs.

Re: Best multi-tool for robot/field use
 

I never cared much for multitools beyond a modest Swiss Army knife. That said, I usually have in my pockets (including at work, which is mostly in an office setting):

• Swiss Army Knife (camper model, which includes saw and corkscrew).
• Slip 'N' Snip folding scissors
• Combination #2 phillips & 3/16" straight blade screwdriver about 5" long
• Tape measure (most commonly 10' x 1/4")
• Flashlight (usually 3 AAA cell, 9 LEDs)
• Magnifying Glass (folding, about 2 1/4" diameter)
• Pill container with a microfiber cloth to clean glasses and magnifier
• comb
• car keys
• House/office/church/workshop keyring, which also has a 5/32" allen key from a muliti-tool which I use to secure crash bars at church and school (and occasionally tweak robots)
• wallet

That's my primary morning checklist - cell phone is optional. I have added other things from time to time, but keep coming back to this basic list. The slip 'n' snips were the latest addition that stuck, about 3 years ago now.

I have pliers, multimeters, and other tools stashed in my briefcase, car, desk, and of course the garage at home.

Re: Best multi-tool for robot/field use
 

I've always got my trust ball peen and rubber mallet, best on only tools you need ::ouch::

Re: Best multi-tool for robot/field use
 

I'm seriously considering a multitool of some sort for FIRST and just general use. But there are so many different options here, so I'm wondering this: what tools are the best to have/most often needed for this purpose? I'm thinking it would be used for robot work and maybe field setup and teardown.

I think I want something that can cut zip ties; I know a knife can do it, but there's a high risk of damaging what the zip ties are near as well as injury. Do the Leatherman scissors work for this? Not sure if I need a saw, but for some reason I'm thinking I do, but most multitools only have wood saws. They would probably cut plastic/PVC, though. The Leatherman Super Tool 300 EOD has a metal saw, but cutting metal(or anything) sizable with a hand saw seems to take a while, though wood isn't too bad. But at the same time, I'm thinking I may not need it, as a hand or power saw can't be too far away at a FIRST event. I can see how a file would be useful, and needs for a screwdriver seem to arise often.

Re: Best multi-tool for robot/field use
 

I have a Leatherman Surge and it's worked great for me for robotics. The tools I use most often are the unserrated knife, the pliers, the scissors, the file, and the screwdrivers. The tools all work well as intended, and the flat-head drivers also make great prying tools (and with an awesome 25 year warranty, it's just fine to use them as such!).

Zip ties are a breeze with the spring-return scissors. As for sawing, I wouldn't recommend doing much with any multitool; unless you're cutting a wooden dowel or something else small its best to just grab a dedicated tool.

The Surge is the heaviest-duty of all the Leatherman tools, so it's larger and heavier than alternatives like the Charge TTI and the Wave, but I carry it all the time without complaint. I would highly recommend a multitool like the three I've mentioned that has an external knife for easy one-handed opening without having to unfold the entire tool.

Re: Best multi-tool for robot/field use
 

I have had all of the leatherman tools at one time or another. I have carried a Wave a lot at work. At robotics I usually like the Skeletool CX clipped to my belt loop, its light and easy to handle, and I'm usually close enough to real tools if anything big comes up that it can't handle.
Just got an OHT which looks like it might be a new favorite. haven't used it much yet.

Re: Best multi-tool for robot/field use
 

The best multitool is obviously the one that is cheap enough for you to not mind losing it, or loaning it. ;)

Re: Best multi-tool for robot/field use
 

Never use the scissors for cable ties. I recommend the either the leatherman OHT or the sidekick. Both have spring pliers both handle abuse like a camp. I personal love the OHT because of the steel inserts on the wire cutters. Never used the saw but I bet it is good.

Re: Best multi-tool for robot/field use
 

The tool I used was the leatherman wingman. The reason I liked it was because it had the things I needed and nothing more. It saved me time by not needing to flip through all the other useless tools that I did not need. The spring action needle nose pliers where extremely useful and made it even easier to fix our bot before the next match. Sad thing is I forgot it at the Mongolian grill after Waterloo :'( . Looking into getting a new one asap.

http://www.leatherman.com/wingman-11.html#start=2

Re: Best multi-tool for robot/field use
 

Care to explain? That's a rather broad statement. While it may be true of some multi tools, the scissors on my Leatherman Surge are sturdy, comfortable, and can cut zip-ties all day.

Re: Best multi-tool for robot/field use
 

My Micra scissors snicks through the 4", 8" and 11" ties with no problem. The 36" ones that are an inch wide are a problem :rolleyes: so also wondering why you said that.

Re: Best multi-tool for robot/field use
 

I haven't limited my search to just Leatherman, but they seem to have the best selection of tools for robot/electronic/mechanical use. I think the Surge might be best, as it has the most tools. I've seen others recommend the Crunch and the Skeletool; while the Crunch does look useful, I'm not sure it's worth sacrificing other tools for locking pliers, though at the same time, I'm thinking "less is more". I'm also considering the Leatherman Piranha 2 or the Gerber Shard for my keychain. I like that the Piranha has wrenches, but its reviews are mixed. Anyone used a Swisscard or a Wallet Ninja? The Swisscard seems good, but it's plastic and I worry about it breaking in my wallet...the original Ninja seems unavailable, though with its wrenches I may not need the Piranha.

Re: Best multi-tool for robot/field use
 

You and your multitools.

Boxcutter, small sidecutters, and a jewler's screwdriver, and sometimes I'd run with a pair of robogrips and allen set. Separate items which work better than multi-tool equivalents, and don't break down. "Where do you hold all that?" Carpenter jeans, doi

Can't get a leatherman in tight spaces like a jewler's screwdriver, can't cut as well as a boxcutter, and you can't snip zipties worth a $@#$@#$@#$@# with a leatherman. Leathermans also don't tend to work very well for holding onto hex heads... or any bolt heads... and don't have allen heads...