Best multi-tool for robot/field use

[ctt956]

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.

[Paul3161]

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

[TogetherSword8]

Originally Posted by Kevin Sevcik

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.

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.

[scaryone]

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

[Bryan Herbst]

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.

[Foster]

Originally Posted by Tanis

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

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.

[Lil' Lavery]

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.

[MrRoboSteve]

Originally Posted by Tanis

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

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.

[Arkive]

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

[InFlight]

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.

[Foster]

Originally Posted by InFlight

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.

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.

[Munchskull]

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.

[mman1506]

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.

[frcguy]

Originally Posted by Tanis

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

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.

[Lil' Lavery]

Originally Posted by Tanis

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.

Literally my only complaint with the Wave, as well.