Multitool: redone

[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...