Multi Tools are They Worth Carrying?

multi tool

For many years I have carried a multi tool. Years ago I started by carrying the first Leatherman that came out.  I found it useful and carried it for many years.  Later I encounter the Leatherman Wave and found that I liked it and have been carrying it ever since.

It is a great tool, each of the tools are functional and sturdy.  The Wave has the most commonly used tools on the outside and readily accessible.  This also means that the handiest blades and the saw are larger than those on other tools.   Because the blades are on the outside you can open them with one hand.  Two things that I particularly like are the saw and the needle nose pliers.

The wave multi tool has the following tools

multi tool
My old Gerber multi tool
  • Needle nose pliers
  • Regular pliers
  • Wire cutters
  • Hard-wire cutters
  • 420HC knife
  • 420HC serrated knife
  • Saw
  • Scissors
  • Wood/metal file
  • Diamond-coated file
  • Large bit driver
  • Small bit driver
  • Medium screwdriver
  • 8-inch (19-cm) ruler
  • Bottle opener
  • Can opener
  • Wire stripper
multi tool
The two tools, I find the differences in the pliers to be very useful.

Now after carrying one multi tool for many years I noticed that I often needed something to hold the other end of the bolt when loosening a nut.  I had an older Gerber Multi tool with different shaped pliers.  So I though what about if I carried both.  So for the last couple of years I have carried both and have found that they complement each other very well.  The Gerber multi tool is well manufactured and has held up well.

I have found that having the two different shaped pliers is a big advantage.  It seems like one always works better than the other.  Having both multi tools, I am able to loosen things that I would be unable to do with just one.  It seems like I use one or both tools everyday.  They save me many steps and are always with me.  I will always carry both from now on.

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Howard

 

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7 thoughts on “Multi Tools are They Worth Carrying?”

  1. Veteran Who Is Preparing

    I have been carrying a subdued Gerber multi-tool since the 90s. I’ve had 2 or 3 stolen and wore 1 out so much that the company replaced it for free. They have held up and I have only broken the tools when using them for something I shouldn’t have and they weren’t designed for. Otherwise they work great for the jobs intended. I feel naked when I don’t wear it on my belt. I’ve even bought them for family members for special occasions for them to have in glove boxes, tackle boxes, or wherever.

  2. Agree that two multi-tools are better than one, and I also find having a Leatherman plus the Gerber with extra drive bits is a useful combo. I use the Leatherman and Mil-K-818 utility knife as EDC and keep the Gerber tool as backup in my small (1kg) PSK, which is kept in my car bag. This has worked well for me.

  3. I have broken gerber brand tools (used in jobs for which they were designed) when I needed them, and seen sog brand tools break as well.

    My Leatherman tools have never broken, and I find them more user friendly.

  4. I have the same reservations about multitools but what real options do I have for belt carry gear?

    I have a couple gerbers, like them for light work but they ae like everything else used for everything, they are a solution to nothing except convenience

    Just my opinion

  5. I have carried a leatherman of one sort or another for over 20 years. I burned the end off a surge working on a hot (not supposed to be, right) electrical outlet. Ground the ends off about a quarter inch and used it for years. I lost it while cutting brush with the tractor and the dog found it 2 years later. It still works great. I have carried a Charge TTI for many years and just broke the straight slot screwdriver. I sent it to Leatherman and they sent me a new tool at no cost. Leathermans forever!!! I also have a gerber that was a gift and carry it in the truck for backup or spare pliers.

  6. I’ve been a hardcore Gerber fan since I got my first Gerber multi-tool, will take a hard look at the Wave and check it out. Wouldn’t hurt to have both from reading this.

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