Multi Tool

[GloryDaze]

I'm in the market for a new multi tool and realized there are about 100 different options out there. I'd be curious to hear which brand and model you have found to be most useful- particularly when the majority of the time it will be used on:

Outdoor activities:

Overnight float trips

Fishing

Camping

Hiking

Biking

[fishinwrench]

As far as "brand" I'd lean toward Leatherman. I had a Gerber that was a POS, and I have a Buck that has gotten pretty loose/pretty quick. My original Leatherman (bought back in the early 90's) has lived a hard life and is still tight and basically good as new.

[eric1978]

Leatherman is probably cream of the crop, but I've had a better experience than Wrench with my Gerber. Of course I think I paid 80 beans for the one I have. I wouldn't have one without scissors on it...seems I use that tool more than any of the others. And get one with a nice grip...some of those Leathermans are so squared off it's like squeezing a handful of drywall screws.

[Gavin]

Why a multi tool? I have one in my camp box, but its just a big heavy chunk of metal with lots of tools that dont work very well. Cheers.

[Wayne SW/MO]

I'm with Eric, I've had a Gerber for probably close to 20 years and used it outdoors and in some emergencies when working as an electrician. It is still going. I also have a Leatherman, somewhere, which was my first multi-tool, but it was always a pain to open and wasn't that friendly to my hands when I put a lot of pressure on it.

I can open my Gerber to get to the pliers with one hand and the scissors will cut braid. They all have knives, screwdriver blades and much needed awl.

[Tim Smith]

Why a multi tool? I have one in my camp box, but its just a big heavy chunk of metal with lots of tools that dont work very well. Cheers.

Multi-tools are great when you keep them in your pocket for spur of the moment repairs. It's wasted in your camp box.

Tool quality is an issue though. I've had good luck with both Gerber and Leatherman when they were big enough. I bought an 'ergonomic' Gerber last year that did avoid squishing my fingers when I used the pliers, but was just too small with too small of a blade to do any real work.

[fishinwrench]

What's the hairyest task anyone has completed using only their multi-tool ?

I installed a screen door with mine once.

R&R and Overhauled a garbage disposal.

Swapped out a set of trailer lights (harness and all).

Lots of ABU Garcia Ambassador 5000 and 4600C overhauls... I can field strip a 4600C quicker than a jackrabbit on a date with my leatherman

The can opener on that leatherman Rocks !

[Gatorjet]

I have had good experience with both the Gerber, and the Leatherman. The important thing is to pick one with the blades/tools you really need without having a lot of extra weight for things you don't need.

[fishinwrench]

I have had good experience with both the Gerber, and the Leatherman. The important thing is to pick one with the blades/tools you really need without having a lot of extra weight for things you don't need.

How do you know what you need.... before you need it ?

[rps]

CRKT Zilla and Zilla Jr. are NOT good. The parts (driving bits, etc.) rust easily. Leatherman will rust if left damp and unattended, but not easily or right away. However the blade is a slip joint and a bit wobbly (even when well cared for). Does anyone make a lockback besides CRKT?