Multitool: redone

[Karibou]

Originally Posted by GCentola

Not only did this thread get me thinking on buying my own, I'm also down to the fuse or blast. I think I might go with the blast, because it isn't much more expensive, at least on Amazon. The fuse is 33 and the blast is 36, and both are eligible for free shipping

For the extra 3 dollars, you basically get the file (which I've only used a few times: the handle makes it awkward unless you're desperate), the tiny screwdriver (SO USEFUL), and the saw (never used). I'm slightly biased, but 3 tools for 3 dollars seems like a good deal

[GCentola]

Originally Posted by Karibou

I'm slightly biased, but 3 tools for 3 dollars seems like a good deal

Those were my thoughts exactly! I'm not sure about the saw or file, but its the tiny screwdriver that is winning me over. There are so many times that that would be useful.

[JamesCH95]

Get this Swiss Tool. Probably can be found for cheaper elsewhere. I know its more expensive, but its worth every penny.

Reasons:

-All tools are accessible from the outside. Seems trivial, but makes life WAY easier and way faster in the pit when 30s matters.
-100% stainless steel, won't ever rust, corrode, or bind up.
-Has two wire-stripping elements and work very well. I've done up to 4awg with it.
-The back of the pliers is notched to crimp wires, and it also works very well. Be sure to make the pirate noise when crimping because no multi-tool can beat a real wire crimper.
-Has a wood saw, that works well, I've built a bed frame with mine.
-It has a metal saw that works well as well as a fine and coarse file. Great for filing down those sharp edges and zip-tie tails and cutting off long bolts at inspection.
-A somewhat real Phillips screw driver tip that works perfectly for Victors and Jags.
-Incredibly solid locking mechanism makes it very safe to use, and is the easiest safety to release that I've ever used.

I have had mine for over 10 years, including the original leather case. It has built 6 robots (4 as a student and 2 as a coach) and 3 FSAE cars when I was in college. It has been a loyal pit tool for all of these machines. Before I had it, it was my Dad's. He used it on arctic and antarctic field expeditions. It has been frozen, doused in salt water, dropped, repeatedly hit with a hammer (yes, I've used the chisel tool, more that once), been used as a hammer, covered in sand, dirt, metal shavings, heated up (rubber band around handle = instant soldering stand or welding jig), thoroughly used and completely abused. Other students and coaches on my team love using it. The knife blades are still sharp. All of the joints are still snug, they haven't gotten loose and sloppy like so many Leathermans have.

Put simply: I've owned 4 leathermans, a SOG, and a number of other multi-tools and this is the one that I still have.

[J.Warsoff]

Originally Posted by JamesCH95

Get this Swiss Tool. Probably can be found for cheaper elsewhere. I know its more expensive, but its worth every penny.

Reasons:

-All tools are accessible from the outside. Seems trivial, but makes life WAY easier and way faster in the pit when 30s matters.
-100% stainless steel, won't ever rust, corrode, or bind up.
-Has two wire-stripping elements and work very well. I've done up to 4awg with it.
-The back of the pliers is notched to crimp wires, and it also works very well. Be sure to make the pirate noise when crimping because no multi-tool can beat a real wire crimper.
-Has a wood saw, that works well, I've built a bed frame with mine.
-It has a metal saw that works well as well as a fine and coarse file. Great for filing down those sharp edges and zip-tie tails and cutting off long bolts at inspection.
-A somewhat real Phillips screw driver tip that works perfectly for Victors and Jags.
-Incredibly solid locking mechanism makes it very safe to use, and is the easiest safety to release that I've ever used.

I have had mine for over 10 years, including the original leather case. It has built 6 robots (4 as a student and 2 as a coach) and 3 FSAE cars when I was in college. It has been a loyal pit tool for all of these machines. Before I had it, it was my Dad's. He used it on arctic and antarctic field expeditions. It has been frozen, doused in salt water, dropped, repeatedly hit with a hammer (yes, I've used the chisel tool, more that once), been used as a hammer, covered in sand, dirt, metal shavings, heated up (rubber band around handle = instant soldering stand or welding jig), thoroughly used and completely abused. Other students and coaches on my team love using it. The knife blades are still sharp. All of the joints are still snug, they haven't gotten loose and sloppy like so many Leathermans have.

Put simply: I've owned 4 leathermans, a SOG, and a number of other multi-tools and this is the one that I still have.

That is really nice, and I will definitely keep it in mind. The only problem is, it's over my strict 50 dollar price range. I can try to convince my folks though.

[JamesCH95]

Originally Posted by Aerosound

That is really nice, and I will definitely keep it in mind. The only problem is, it's over my strict 50 dollar price range. I can try to convince my folks though.

This is one of those tools where you'll really hate getting a cheaper one, i.e. penny wise, pound foolish. It will be with you for 20+ years. Good luck with the parents

[Joe Ross]

Originally Posted by JamesCH95

This is one of those tools where you'll really hate getting a cheaper one, i.e. penny wise, pound foolish. It will be with you for 20+ years. Good luck with the parents

Another apropos saying would be "Don't look a gift horse in the mouth". I don't think there's a problem with a high school student getting a slightly cheaper, but still good quality tool at this point in his life, especially considering its a gift. In a few years, he'll have several years experience with a multitool and will be better able to decide what he really needs, and can make the best decision then. Hopefully, he'll also have a well paying job.

[J.Warsoff]

Originally Posted by Joe Ross

Hopefully, he'll also have a well paying job.

Yes, hopefully...

[GCentola]

Originally Posted by Aerosound

Yes, hopefully...

I hear there is this amazing program called FIRST that prepares people for jobs in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, some of which are high paying.

[DonRotolo]

Originally Posted by Aerosound

basically filled with knives and dangerous tools.

Yeah, like our teammates

Originally Posted by GCentola

I hear there is this amazing program called FIRST that prepares people for jobs in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, some of which are high paying.

Wow, possibly a HPJIE*? How cool would that be?


*High Paying Job In Electronics.

[Andy Baker]

Originally Posted by JamesCH95

Get this Swiss Tool. Probably can be found for cheaper elsewhere. I know its more expensive, but its worth every penny.

That's the same one I have, and I agree with all of the points James mentions. I paid about $90 for it, at a knife shop last summer in Santa Fe, NM.

Andy B.

[Bob Steele]

Originally Posted by JamesCH95

Get this Swiss Tool. Probably can be found for cheaper elsewhere. I know its more expensive, but its worth every penny.

Reasons:

-All tools are accessible from the outside. Seems trivial, but makes life WAY easier and way faster in the pit when 30s matters.
-100% stainless steel, won't ever rust, corrode, or bind up.
-Has two wire-stripping elements and work very well. I've done up to 4awg with it.
-The back of the pliers is notched to crimp wires, and it also works very well. Be sure to make the pirate noise when crimping because no multi-tool can beat a real wire crimper.
-Has a wood saw, that works well, I've built a bed frame with mine.
-It has a metal saw that works well as well as a fine and coarse file. Great for filing down those sharp edges and zip-tie tails and cutting off long bolts at inspection.
-A somewhat real Phillips screw driver tip that works perfectly for Victors and Jags.
-Incredibly solid locking mechanism makes it very safe to use, and is the easiest safety to release that I've ever used.

I have had mine for over 10 years, including the original leather case. It has built 6 robots (4 as a student and 2 as a coach) and 3 FSAE cars when I was in college. It has been a loyal pit tool for all of these machines. Before I had it, it was my Dad's. He used it on arctic and antarctic field expeditions. It has been frozen, doused in salt water, dropped, repeatedly hit with a hammer (yes, I've used the chisel tool, more that once), been used as a hammer, covered in sand, dirt, metal shavings, heated up (rubber band around handle = instant soldering stand or welding jig), thoroughly used and completely abused. Other students and coaches on my team love using it. The knife blades are still sharp. All of the joints are still snug, they haven't gotten loose and sloppy like so many Leathermans have.

Put simply: I've owned 4 leathermans, a SOG, and a number of other multi-tools and this is the one that I still have.

Are you sure you mean the SWISS TOOL? that you linked to?
That one does not have tools that open from the outside...
I have one of these:

http://www.amazon.com/Victorinox-Swi...ef=pd_sim_sg_5

the Swiss tool spirit... which is very nice. I have it in a kit that includes a small ratchet and a bunch of bits.
It is a beautiful tool... and works well... my only complaint on it is the blade ("the butterknife blade")

pretty expensive though

I would check on ebay... many times you can get great deals on multitools that are slightly used or have been confiscated at airports..

I have used a Leatherman Charge TI for 7 years... and almost lost it after the Vegas Regional in 2007 at the airport... because we went straight to the airport from the arena...luckily I could mail it to myself... still have it and it has been on my belt for every competition for the last 7 years.

Check out ebay... good deals...
I bought leatherman waves for my mentors 3 years ago... all at good prices...

[Trent B]

If you look at the amazon picture of the one he linked to fold it up mentally to get rid of the pliers but leave all the tools out they are accessible from the outside. They are the inside when it is open.

[JamesCH95]

Originally Posted by Bob Steele

Are you sure you mean the SWISS TOOL? that you linked to?
That one does not have tools that open from the outside...

Yes I am, considering I own it. Think about what the picture looks like, how everything folds up on the pliers, and where the tools would be then.

Edit: what Trent said