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Multi-tools are versatile devices that serve as a replacement for the bulkier traditional set of tools we have lying around and taking up space. The problem with regular tools is that sometimes they can be massive, which makes them difficult to store and carry around. So, multi-tools come as a direct solution to that.
source: gethandtool.com
But still, don’t be quick to throw out your grandfather’s toolbox. It is important to remember that some of these handy devices only serve as smaller, more compact alternatives that most of the time cannot fully replace regular tools. Nevertheless, many brands nowadays create multi-tools that can manage to fill in the role of most traditional tools most of the time. But before they got to where they are today, multi-tools underwent a long history of changes in their design.
Multi-Tools Throughout the Years
Multi-tools have been around since Ancient Roman times. The oldest multitool was discovered in the Mediterranean region and dates back to 200-300 CE. It featured a knife, spoon, pick, spatula and fork. While there have been many similar rudimentary designs of multitools throughout history, it wasn’t until the 1800s that a breakthrough came.
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In the mid-1800s Karl Elsener created a special tool to be used by the Swiss Army. It contained several tools that aided the soldiers in and out of combat. Today, the Swiss Army knife is still a popular multi tool and continues to be manufactured by a company called Victorinox that is based in Switzerland.
What to Look for in a Multi-Tool?
In addition to the Swill Army knife, there are all kinds of multi tools for sale, so choosing a device that meets your needs can be complicated. Whether you’re considering a Leatherman buy or are more interested in what SOG has to offer, here are the most basic components to look for in a practical multi-tool. Once you’ve made sure the multi-tool has all the basics, you can consider additional features that offer even more functionality.
source: knifecenter.com
Knives
No multi-tool should come without a knife – or even several of them. Knives can help you with everyday things like opening packages, but they also come in handy when you’re hiking and need to clear up a path through thick bush to move through. Knives are also good for cutting up all kinds of wires, and can easily maneuver in narrow spaces too.
Scissors
A good multi-tool should also incorporate scissors as one of its components. No matter what you work on, it’s likely that you’ll need a pair of scissors to cut up some fabric, paper, wires and other thin materials.
Pliers
Look for a multitool that includes needlenose pliers as one of its components. This can help you hold the items that you’re working on more conveniently. Pliers can also come in handy when you need a tool to use in spaces that are narrower and tighter.
Wire-Cutters
It may be a good idea to get a multi-tool that has a wire-cutting component. With this tool, you can easily cut all types of electrical wires easily. If you work with different types of wiring, make sure to look for hard-wire cutters instead of the regular ones, because they do a better job at cutting electrical hard wires.
What Are the Most Popular Multi-Tool Models Currently?
Leatherman Super Tool 300
Leatherman quickly became a household name in the world of multi-tools since it was founded in the early ’80s. They are one of the few still standing brands on the market that are constantly reinventing themselves and put fresh ideas up on the market.
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The Super Tool 300 is one of their recent innovations. This stainless-steel folding multi-tool is perfect for the busy working man. Do you have a garage in your house where you are constantly working on something but have no space to fit an entire set of tools? This could be exactly what you need.
The Leatherman Super Tool 300 contains nineteen different tools such as a knife, a wire stripper, a Phillips screwdriver, 22-centimetre ruler and needlenose pliers – just to name a few. The company made sure to make the tool ergonomic enough to the point where it is still comfortable to hold even when you’re working with gloves.
And not only do you get a whopping nineteen tools, but the product also comes with a twenty-five-year warranty as well. That being said, this Leatherman buy is definitely a good candidate if you don’t want to bother buying tools in the near future.
Leatherman Wingman
source: leatherman.com.au
But sometimes, more tools are not better, and you might prefer a device that is more lightweight, compact and easier to handle. In this case, the Leatherman Wingman is a great option. It’s a budget-friendly device that allows you to purchase fourteen different tools in a practical setup. The Wingman includes a bottle and can opener that could come in handy in the kitchen or if you’re going camping, a wire stripper, some spring action wire cutters, scissors, as well as regular piles and a small screwdriver. If you’re new to buying tools and are looking for a more compact solution that’s going to take up zero space, this product is definitely for you.
SOG Powerplay
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SOG is a Vietnamese company that specialises mainly in knives, but they also dabble in the world of multi-tools as well. Their multi-tools are a fierce competition to Leatherman, especially the Powerplay. This stainless-steel multi-tool is modelled after the needs of an electrician, but it can help you with almost anything you need. It contains components like a screwdriver, a large blade, can and bottle opener, and even a ruler.
How to Keep Your Multi-Tool in Top Shape?
Multi-tools can be an expensive purchase, which is why you want to keep yours in good condition for years to come. Luckily, there is not a lot of maintenance that you’re going to have to worry about. First of all, it’s important to make sure you remove any debris that might get picked up by your tool because it will cause an issue with the mechanisms and you will have trouble opening and closing the components.
This is very easy to do though. Just use some compressed air in a can and spray all the nooks and crannies of the multi-tool. It should do the trick. If you like to take it the extra mile, wash the entire tool with some lukewarm water and soap, to remove and potential greasy areas that might make it uncomfortable to hold. Once your multi-tool dries off completely, you can oil it up using some mineral oil so that the opening and closing of the components goes smoothly.
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