Best multi tool for any/all situations ?
- Thread starter theboyscout
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mcb
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I have two, the pocket tool SOG Reactor and a medium size SOG Power Access.
They do not feel as robust and well put together as a Leatherman, they lack some of the refinement of similar configuration Leatherman but they are decent. I like them better than Gerber multi-tools for the most part. The compound pliers are one of there biggest pluses IMO, that is a huge stand out feature that very few other multi-tools offer. I don't particular like the way its implemented but many SOG multi-tools can use regular 1/4" screw driver bits rather than the propitiatory flat bits Leathermans use.
All in all if it has the features you want I would not be afraid to buy and use them. They will serve you well.
I purchased one, it was expensive but well made. Never purchased another because the compound leverage requires a hand with long fingers. The system provides excellent gripping power to the needle nosed pliers, but the gear mechanism requires the handles to open to a much greater arc than my stubby fingers can accommodate.
1976B.L.Johns.
Member
Been carrying the Leatherman Wave for several years. Like it very much! well made tool IMO. Probably use it every day. Like the files, especially the diamond one. Great for fingernail hygiene. Do not use the blades as I have one or two others on me at all times. Save the Leatherman blades as emergency backup, (Heaven forbid!)
I've been carrying a SOG Paratool for a couple of decades and haven't found anything I like better. It's pretty thin/compact for a multitool which makes it small enough that you can even carry it in a pocket if you want-although admittedly it's noticeably larger and heavier than even a fairly large pocket knife. Still, I carried one like that for years. Seems to be well made, I've broken one by repeatedly using it for a hammer, but I've never had a problem with one when it's used as intended.
I do carefully file off the rivet holding the little opening "loop" to make the tool more compact. Without the loop, it opens by slapping it against the hand which flips the plier head out.
Klint Beastwood
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Probably the Leatherman MUT. As far as EVERYTHING is concerned. Pliers, crimpers for blasting cap, punch...everything
bikerdoc
Moderator In Memoriam
I have 3 - 2 no name and a husky.
One no-name resides in my tackle box. It is ok but not great.
The Husky is fancy rosewood and brass and works great, but the knive blade stinks.
The other no-name was only 10 bucks and is fantastic. Comfortable rubber insert handle, good blades, and strong tools.
Lives in the console of the truck and has been used quite often.
One no-name resides in my tackle box. It is ok but not great.
The Husky is fancy rosewood and brass and works great, but the knive blade stinks.
The other no-name was only 10 bucks and is fantastic. Comfortable rubber insert handle, good blades, and strong tools.
Lives in the console of the truck and has been used quite often.
Armored farmer
Member
Leatherman Supertool 300 for the belt.
Leatherman Wave for the pocket.
Leatherman Wave for the pocket.
WestKentucky
Member
I have a gerber that was supposedly army issue at some point, I'm not so sure of that, but I like it. I think it's a 600st
shiftyer1
Member
I've carried a small sog for the last 15?ish years. I also have the large powerlock but it's too heavy for belt carry for me. I've used leathermans and sometimes gerbers but for some reason not nearly as much as the small sog
Blkhrt13
Member
I wish the new release of the classic Leatherman wasn’t way over priced.
TimboKhan
Member
I like the Leatherman Wingman. It does everything I typically need from a multi tool. I also have a Leatherman Wave, and while it is fine, I have just come to realize that the Wingman does more and is less of a hassle to carry. I rarely carry on my person, but I always have it in my truck or in my bag.
Armored farmer
Member
I liked the original, and other earlier leatherman models, but the outside knife blades are a real improvement for me.
Really great fishing tools, too.
Really great fishing tools, too.
The Evangelist Cowboy
Member
Gerber Multi Tool I got in the service.
mdauben
Member
My favorite multi-tool is an old Gerber model. I've heard some complaints about the quality of newer Gerber MTs but this one is one of the first they made and its been with me for decades. For me, the best feature is the plyer jaws, which are not needle nose. I find them much more useful for a variety of needs than the common needle nose style on almost every other multi-tool.
harrygunner
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Here's one that can be in your pocket almost all the time: https://www.leatherman.com/original-juice-xe6-17.html Folded, its length is 3". I've carried one for more than a decade. Has been very helpful on many occasions.
Has Needlenose Pliers, Regular Pliers, Wire Cutters, Hard-wire Cutters, 420HC Knife, 420HC Serrated Knife, Scissors, Saw, Extra-small Screwdriver, Small Screwdriver, Medium/Large Screwdriver, Phillips Screwdriver, Diamond-coated File, Wood/Metal File, Bottle Opener, Can Opener, Corkscrew with Assist, Awl.
It's like a tiny toolbox in your pocket.
Has Needlenose Pliers, Regular Pliers, Wire Cutters, Hard-wire Cutters, 420HC Knife, 420HC Serrated Knife, Scissors, Saw, Extra-small Screwdriver, Small Screwdriver, Medium/Large Screwdriver, Phillips Screwdriver, Diamond-coated File, Wood/Metal File, Bottle Opener, Can Opener, Corkscrew with Assist, Awl.
It's like a tiny toolbox in your pocket.
Corpral_Agarn
Member
Leatherman Super Tool for me.
I carry a folder as well, but technically the Leatherman would do it all.
I carry a folder as well, but technically the Leatherman would do it all.
armoredman
Member
I just have a plain old original Leatherman that has been riding with me for years, just doing everything I ask of it and more.
Grabbed the Leatherman Rev to check on why the pump wasn't working down at Dad's. Handy, but so is the Wingman, SOG Power Pliers, etc.
There's no ONE multiplier for all uses since we'd need to add a lot of tools to handle all needs driving size and weight up and the convenience down for EDC.
There's no ONE multiplier for all uses since we'd need to add a lot of tools to handle all needs driving size and weight up and the convenience down for EDC.
Forgot two of the reasons I like the SOG Paratool.
1. The pliers don't open in the same axis that the tool unfolds. This means that even if the tool hinges get loose, the tool is less likely to try to fold up on you while you're using the pliers.
2. The handles, when open, present the closed side to the user's hands. On a number of multi-tool designs, when using the pliers, the user's hands are pressing on the handles on the side where the tools fold out. This is not an ideal surface to apply significant pressure.
The Gerber tool, by the way, shares these two features albeit via a different design. I chose the SOG over the Gerber because it is a smaller and more "friendly" package when folded. Also, I vaguely recall, the Gerber pinching me really badly a couple of times while I was using the pliers before I finally gave it away. The big advantage of the Gerber is that it's very easy to deploy the pliers one-handed.
1. The pliers don't open in the same axis that the tool unfolds. This means that even if the tool hinges get loose, the tool is less likely to try to fold up on you while you're using the pliers.
2. The handles, when open, present the closed side to the user's hands. On a number of multi-tool designs, when using the pliers, the user's hands are pressing on the handles on the side where the tools fold out. This is not an ideal surface to apply significant pressure.
The Gerber tool, by the way, shares these two features albeit via a different design. I chose the SOG over the Gerber because it is a smaller and more "friendly" package when folded. Also, I vaguely recall, the Gerber pinching me really badly a couple of times while I was using the pliers before I finally gave it away. The big advantage of the Gerber is that it's very easy to deploy the pliers one-handed.
the Black Spot
Member
Sog powerlock (n64) and sog pocket plier (s44)
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