Tradesman here. I lug around 100 to 200 lb of tools and supplies regularly. A couple of ounces of that is my Leatherman Style - a keychain sized multi-tool. The number of times it has saved me a trip down and back up a ladder alone makes it worth carrying.
I carry a Wave to work on street lights and traffic signals even though I have every tool I could ever want in my truck. The part about saving time is spot on because I'm frequently a block away from the truck or forty feet over it and the MT saves the day.
Water utility operator. Leatherman Bond in my pocket every day (put a proper clip on something bigger and I'll think about upgrading). Use it all the time - and guys around me ask to borrow it constantly too lol. Multitool and 10in channellocks will get you out of a lot of jams in this job.
As an electrician that does strictly remodels this is an absolute essential tool. ru-vid.comUgkx0vyBwjtx9GGOuiqUVT2sRoYqmDoNT_RI Being able to precision cut any material with a light weight tool is priceless.I upgraded to this Dewalt 20v from a competitor's 12v. The Dewalt 20v is just as light as the competitor's 12v. I am extremely pleased with the overall performance and battery life of this tool. As far as oscillators go, they just aren't very ergonomic tools. The dewalt oscillators have an offset handle that do make them somewhat more ergonomic than the competitors' oscillators.
I'm a tool rookie, considering a Multi-Tool. Your video answered the bulk of my questions, and those that weren't were answered in the comments. No brainer, I'm ordering a Multi-Tool. Thank you!!!
I really like how you concluded this video so succinctly. Bespoke/dedicated tools can always outperform a multitool, but they aren't convenient to pocket carry. I keep full size tools in my garage, a smaller tool kit in my car, and multitool and flashlight on my person. That seems to work well for me.
I would never walk around with a bag or box of tools but the day I walked out my house got into a friend's car to go fishing and the vehicle broke down in the middle of nowhere I was glad to have my Leatherman wave with me too save the day and get home. It was a first generation so no bit kit but we got home. I would of never grabbed a bag of tools like you were showing. That was the day I realized not everyone keeps a tool box in the car like I did. The Leatherman saved our butts
Coming from someone who has carried a multi tool for many years, it’s all about the use of a tool in a pinch. If I’m working with tools at work I don’t reach for my multi tool. I’ve had friends ask to use that tool because they know it’s always on my waist. You are correct, it’s all about convenience and size.
Serrated blade for cutting bread is also nice :3 I like multi tools because I'm lazy as shit. If I need to go and get my tools from the basement I'll just think "meh I'll fix it later"
My life doesn't call for a bag of tools. Not everybody is in a working environment. I am a housewife. And edc a para3, a multitool, a pen and a flashlight. Always. And it comes in handy every day, due to medical problems. Just wanted to put out that multitools are not only useful in working environments.
This is a subject I often think about often. I am a maintenance mechanic for a living and use tools every day. I also carry a multi tool . In my opinion there is no comparison tools win every time but multi tools great when you can't get your hands on full sized tool. I don't think a multi tool was made to replace full sized tools. It made so you can have tool in you pocket.
When I'm up 200 feet in the air working on a radio tower, I typically know what tools are needed beforehand and bring them all with me. Still wouldn't be caught dead up there without 1) my multitool and 2) my 10" adjustable wrench/hammer. Can't tell you the number of times I've used them for the unexpected or stubborn.
I'm a half-breed that grew up on the rez and when I was young we had to get a 3 bladed stockman's knife as it is the original multi-tool since my father, grandfather & uncles all carried a pocket knife mostly the stockman's knife. My first multi-tool was the Gerber multi-tool, I also have a Leatherman 300 Super Tool which I carry everyday now, no it ain't perfect but is always on me. Keep on doing what you're doing because it is always interesting and useful. Have a Merry Christmas.
Hello love your vids. I used to be the head of maintenance at a motel 6. I quickly started carrying a leatherman wave and a decent quality full sized screwdriver with easy a quick changeable bits. It was absolutely invaluable. It meant fixing almost 80% of typical motel problems without extraneous trips back and forth to the maintenance office.
Best video so far and it is the only one I've seen that touches the subject I obsess over. The one thing it misses is that almost all tools a tradesman uses are "multi tools" Even a hammer is both a nail driver, basher and nail puller. A drill has as many functions as it has bits. There's even a tool called a "multi tool" that every tradesman has and somehow miss this point. The questions one must ask is what is the purpose a multi tool in this kit? Which multi tool is right to fill that need? For a framing carpenter a leather man probably has fewer uses than it does for a handyman or remodeler because the work is so much more specific. He can plan for exactly which tool he needs at every point and the list is small. But he probably still needs a screw driver occasionally for adjusting a guard on a saw or opening another tool. He probably needs pliers sometimes to remove a jammed sawzaal blade. The knife cuts his lunch The saw notches something without getting off a ladder. Etc etc etc. The answer to why carry A multi tool is never "dont" it's always "which one?"
I’m an electrician and I like to have a pocket knife with a decent Phillips and flathead screwdriver, just in case I need to take a cover off something when I don’t have my tool pouch on. Extra credit if it’s got decent scissors for cutting labels down.
Like you said, there is a place for both. If I am going on a short trip away from home, I carry a multitool in my overalls side pocket, on slightly longer trips, I have a waxed canvas shoulder bag with individual tools. I like the shoulder bag because I can carry a lot of stuff in it such as a first aid kit and things like pens, glue, small flashlight and a lot of other things that will fit in plastic cases with dividers. You gave a great breakdown on the differences, thanks for letting people know the alternatives.
What I like about your vids is that you learn along with us as you teach, and are willing to listen to the experience of others. You show that we can do all things through Leatherman...
My favourite pair of scissors are made by engineer the PH-55 I use them almost every day worth looking at if your after a pair you can carry safely in your pocket
I have spent a lot of time watching your content this weekend and have gotten lots of great ideas for building out the toolkit that works for me. This video does a great job of showing dedicated tools vs a Multi-Tool without declaring a winner for all people or all situations. Keep up the great content!
Multitools are often *extremely* handy, but I do recognize that a dedicated toolbox is going to outperform the jack-of-all-trades. The thing is that multitools offer so much in such a small package. If I'm going to assemble a desk or dresser that's already been explicitly designed to easily be constructed then there's no need for me to use the "big guns", and instead the tool that have in reach more often than not is of course going to be my go-to. If it's a particularly hard or demanding job then sure I'll go for my dedicated toolbox, but 90% my Leatherman can do it just fine with no frustration at all. I do kinda wanna make a fun little portable toolbox kit though, with dedicated tools for everything just as small and light as possible. Those tiny Knipex pliers going around are extremely tempting to get even though it feels like I have more pliers around than forks 😅
Dude do it. Really rewarding just finding all sorts of neat tiny tools. I have a tool pouch that has everything I would carry in a toolbox but the size of a small iPad. It’s really fun finding more unique tools. There’s even portable power drills with the shape of a pen.
There are some tools on the Wave/Surge that have almost completely replaced their stand alone versions for me that I don't even bother bringing them for projects anymore. -The knives are as good as any folding knife -The bit driver/bit kit/ratchet have all the bits and reach I ususally need -I never need stand alone needle nose pliers anymore -I never even had an Awl before buying my Surge so it's the only one I use
I used dedicated tools in 3 different jobs I had. I use dedicated toolsets around the house. I use dedicated tools when bushcraft camping. But assembling go-bag I got multitool for it. Weight counts A LOT and having all those tools constantly on me really extends my skills
I think a fairer comparison is based on overall size (space usage) and weight. For example I want to be able to carry xyz functions in my pocket with s total weight not exceeding X g or Y Oz. Regarding base tools I think most Victorinox SAKs beat any Leatherman. Then is the question of bit drivers and pliers. For me I love the minimalistic Victorinox Ratchet (30g plus bit holder / extension = 50g) plus a bit mag with 10bits equals about 100g. Finally pliers, as I am a cyclist, I need them mostly for old school bikes and the Knipex Cobra 125 weigh under 100g. I can fit a 91mm Vic Ranger or Handyman plus ratchet and pliers in a small pouch. Together all 3 weigh less than a Leatherman Wave or Vic Spirit plus ratchet plus bits. Cheaper, lighter and as a combo more flexible, versatile and effective.
Same here, leatherman squirt (good mini pliers and decent small file on keys), Victorinox Recruit or Tourist for knives and screwdrivers (with can opener mod ), i also have the swiss tool bit wrench and bits , but don't carry them much . Along with the Knipex 125mm cobra. Level 1: leatherman squirt on keys Level 2: SAK Recruit, Tourist or sometimes Angler . And Knipex 125 cobra I consider this a mini toolkit , better/ more flexible than a single full on multitool .
I almost always have a multi tool on me. When you sit in a chair, and feel a nut is loose holding the back on - having pliers on you to get it slightly more than finger tight is awesome! Loose thread on clothing? Got it covered. Chipped a nail and need to trim it? The scissors on a Leatherman Wave are excellent for that. In my work truck I have fancier things. At home I have fancier things. I still reach for the multi tool, because it's on me, ready to go. I don't have to take 5 seconds to 5 minutes to go get "the right tool" - I have something that will get the job done, and that makes it the right tool. For EDC, carrying a full tool kit makes no sense, and people would think you're up to no good.
If you want to be prepared for anything then a full toolkit is the way to go. Mine was so heavy I used to truck it around on a Clax collapsible cart so that I would always have everything where I needed it, right at knee height so I didn't have to kneel or bend way over to get out a tool. Years earlier I tried doing everything from a belt rig, but I would always find myself wishing I had a more applicable tool. Once I figured out they way I wanted to be able to make repairs of equipment, I made sure every tool that would get the job done my way was in the toolkit, and that made it big and heavy, but I never was left longing for something I did not have because it was right there with me. When you have the right kit, you feel satisfied about doing the job correctly, rather than doing it half-assed and crossing your fingers. The reason to cary a multitool is for times where something simple can be done and you have the time to do it with a tool that does the job just okay, and you weren't planning to have to need a tool to begin with, but you brought it just in case. I would never want to have to rely on a multitool for most of my repairs.
Great perspective. I'm a plumber and didn't see the use of a multi tool when I carry around my bag of every tool I need. About a year ago I started carrying a Leatherman Signal for the pliers, saw and driver and it has come in handy numerous times in the service/repair side of work, when I just need to tighten something or grab something with the pliers and don't have my tool bag nearby.
GREAT VIDEO! I NEVER LEAVE HOME WITHOUT MY WAVE +. WITH THAT AND MY 5 INCH KNIPEX PLIERS I WAS ABLE TO FIX THE LEAKING SINK AT MY MOMS HOUSE. PEOPLE AT WORK AS ME TO USE MY WAVE. IT HAS SAVED ME SO MANY TIMES. IT EVEN SAVED MY MOM AND I ON A HIKING TRIP WHEN WE GOT LOST FROM THE GROUP . WE COULD NOT FIND OUR WAY BACK. IT WAS NIGHT TIME AND DARK. WE GOT TO A THIN CHICKEN TYPE FENCING AND I WAS ABLE TO CUT A HOLE IN IT TO GET US OUT OF THE AREA AND BACK TO THE RESIDENTIAL STREETS TO FIND OUR WAY BACK TO THE CAR. I LOVE THIS TOOL AND I WILL NOT BE WITHOUT IT. :)
honestly, a Crunch+Surge combo may work a wee better or equals the box. the surge has that T shank, way better scissors, much longer blades. the crunch being vice grips and own set of tools works wonders. yes, it becomes MUCH more expensive, but in terms of space and pocketability, its still better
You missed the Electrical crimper, the wire stripper, and the ruler parts of the Leatherman Wave. You need to add a few more things to your full kit, which will raise the cost, and size, and weight.
Have had leathermans since the PST was forst introduced and have Knipex, Wiha, Gedore and all sorts of tools in my box However when you are on a ladder you either forgot the wonderwaffen tool or dropped (yes you dropped it don't lie) it and it is far more efficient to use a Leatherman Surge or wave. Am an installer of sound systems and the older non replaceable wire cutters are great for stripping all audio wires. Nobody can tell me they never or occasionally had forgotten a tool when on a ladder.
I have a Multiforce and I have saved myself 2 times with it on my motorcycle, and a few times I helped others stranded on the side of the road. I am getting a Leatherman from one of the people I helped and they got it from one of your shorts. It's the Charge+ orange G10. All I did was take there battery out, with my Multiforce and I took it to Autozone to change it out. I put the new one in and I am getting a Leatherman now. To me, I can't carry a bag of tools around, but I can make my multitool work to get me through a problem on the road. For that reason, a multitool is priceless to me. I was shocked to hear that they watch your Chanel as well. Thank you for introducing me to the Multiforce, and because of your video on the Charge+ G10 sale, I am getting a Leatherman. Your awesome. 😀
Being in the trades, the real tool is always going to win if it's nearby. But boy is it nice to not have to go back out to the van if it can be done quickly with a multitool
Great video! Had to do some quick pruning on my place yesterday and couldn't find my saw so just pulled my Leatherman Signal. It did the job surprisingly well! Ok, instead of 30 min it took me 45 min but saved me from going out to buy a new saw (both time and money... found the saw later...). so yes, having something that can help you out in any situation it's a multitools job (that's why I really like my Signal specially when hiking: not the best firestarter, not the best whistle... but they are there, if needed! And all in a very light package! The file, I might replace with something else as I don't think I'll need it in a pinch - If I'm stuck for so long that I need to sharpen my knife, I'll have way bigger problems...)
Nice walkthrough of all the options of both camps. It's to the point! I am a tradesman for over 20year. Started with SAK just before high school. Vent with Wave later on in a job, than through Surge, and both with bits. While using the regular tools on the job and the pocket cary in a pinch and when tools are far from me. Just recently experimenting with SAK, Knipex 87 01 125 and Wera Zyklop Pocket 3/8 (driver set in the handle and can extend to most used wrench sockets)
Hi, may I ask how do you find sak+knipex+Wera zyklop tool set vs multitool? I have exactly the same thoughts. I have multitool, but meantime I find adding bits extender is nice, but then ratchet would be even more wonderful, if I have to buy all those mini thing for multitool i can actually make a little sheath with knipex insid+icon ratchet set and SAK in my pocket and I think I will end up with better tools for less money with equal size in a sheath and weight. Sak is always in my pocket. And I am torn now, as ratchet would be nice addon I have found same one as icon, bits I have at home 3 sets, knipex will be a lot better pliers than multitool. And as my multitool is a Daicamping DL30 which is a surge clone it's too bug for pocket, also I cannot wear it in pocket because I live in Germany, I need to have it in my bag so I can also have a small pouch or sheath with all those tools. Do you mind sharing your thoughts. Thank you. P.s. I was thinking to go with eventually SOG PowerPint in my pocket as a mini multitool as I can wear it cause it's 2h multitool kind of sak tools mechanism.
@@TheInchii Hi, yes IMO you are on the right track. I found that, wera zyclop pocket set (there are 1, 2, 3) a bit to much for occasional use. Is might fine tool for sure, but for daily carry and using it just a couple of times its not for that. It's for sure daily use tool. If carry for just in case scenario, there are options from eastern market's much cheaper and you won't loose the mind if lost.
I was a scale technician for 14 years I carried that in the old Leatherman holster - with Preon P1 and Fisher Space Pen. Those tools with a 4" Craftsman adjustable wrench allowed me to do many a repair without needing to grab a toolbox.
No matter where I am, I always have my leatherman on me (restricted places excluded). The best tool for the job is the one with you. My leatherman is a supplement, but I can do more with it than a lot of contractors can with a truck load of tools.
I have a nice Leatherman multitool that is kept in my truck console. What is ALWAYS on my person is my Victorinox/Swiss Army knife, and a folder knife that’s clipped into my pants pocket. They both are used constantly through the day (especially the toothpick!). I have tons of dedicated tools for doing a job properly, but these two edc’s do the job NOW. I could put the Leatherman on my belt in a pouch, but it would be in the way of another edc tool that is also always on my person 😉.
Yesterday my wife asked for my Leatmerman Wave to use its micro driver for tightening her glasses' screws. Since I had given my beloved multitool away to my brother in law in early Autumn (I have a Rebar for my more outdoorsy needs, so why keep the Wave in the drawer?), I handed her my Victorinox corkscrew micro driver instead. She struggled with it a little while and then asked "Don't you have a bigger/longer reaching micro driver?" so I had to chance to explain the essence of this video to her. A timely release!🤗
One of my favorite videos. Your explanation of why is so true. I keep a multi on me almost every day. Both when I'm working or out and about. I use it everyday. Both when work and out and about. Because the fast deployment of a plier right there when you need to just grab something or give a touch more pressure. Save you 2mins to sometime 15mins to run back to the box or truck. I offroad alot and these come in handy for alot of things. Tighten battery cables. Or cutting a clean edge on a hose. Very practical. Is it better than a razor blade or a wrench no but it is helpful in a situation where you don't want to dig your tools out. For me I'd carry one even when I have all my tools. Typically I like pocket clips. The hardest part for me is deciding which one to carry. A modified mp600 with the eod punch is my normal go to when I'm out in trails or working in the garage because if the pliers. But when I'm with my family and friends it's a bolster or wingman. And if I'm camping it's more a wave.
I don't work in trades, but I still carry a multitool almost every day. Doesn't replace a full tool kit but is more accessible and convenient when needed, like you said. I was helping my sister renovate her house a while back, and a couple of times, the required tool was forgotten downstairs. So I just handed my Leatherman and it did the job.
You should check out the video from Ben Vallack on his "EDC convergence or divergence" I think it was called. He was comparing the Leatherman Knifeless Rebar to dedicated tools that he could pocket carry with the restriction of it needing to be UK Legal. Inspired by own pocket carry tool kit, which is UK Legal and more or less covers everything I can do with a Wave, apart from wire cutting and crimping.
Just an idea, not even sure if it could be done, but what if you made a kit that was similar and able to be carried in a hip pouch? Most people that carry their multitool carry it in some sort of sheath, a hip pouch wouldn't take up that much more space. It would be a reasonable alternative to the size and weight of a multitool.
One reason you didn’t cover: sometimes the small version of a tool is actually exactly what you need to do the job. Say you need to cut a little piece of drywall in a tight space. You may not own a keyhole saw for this purpose, but your Leatherman saw will probably work. Say you need to trim some nose or eyebrow hairs, are you going to pull out a full size pair of scissors for that? No, they’re way too big, but how many people even own tiny little sewing scissors that work instead? Probably not many. On Swiss Army Knives, the pliers are very small, more like giant tweezers, but if you’re reaching into a small hole to grab a screw that fell, this is exactly what you need, and full sized pliers just won’t fit. Also on 91mm SAKs, the screwdrivers have 90-degree stops, so they only need a few inches of clearance to work, whereas the full-sized Klein screwdriver won’t help you in such a tight spot. Another advantage: organization. Aside from space savings, multitool tools are always together, in the same place, easily accessible, not buried under dozens of other tools in a bag.
@@maxlvledc Could you please tell me more of your thoughts on this? I’ve somehow never owned a multitool with a bit holder, so I’d like to know more about that experience!
What about a video for those between the two extremes? Individual implements that are lighter/cheaper/better than the multitool in their specific use, while still being easy to carry. The best example I can think of is the screwdriver. How portable vs useable is that Kline vs the Leatherman vs the steelman bitbar vs the icon bit ratchet vs something else, and how much of a price and weight difference is there between them for that portability/usability?
@@maxlvledc I am very much looking forward to that future vid :-). A small SAK plus a Knipex XS and a mini ratchet still fit in a pocket but are much more capable for prolonged work than a Leatherman and cover all the functionality in this vid except wire cutters. Slower to deploy but much more comfortable to use. I carry the Leatherman t-shank file and saw (which are tiny and great) but the only handle I've found that fits in a pocket is a DIY job with a Bosch lifting rod part.
@@whiteingeI started to get this point of view since few days when I am planning to make small EDC tools pouch/sheath. If this would be better to just get knipex 125 or 150, icon (in EU toptul 1/4 mini ratchet with extender and bits) + sak in my pocket. This would give me probably a lot more horse power in tools and I would be probably still be able to put all of this to a sheath without problems. I am really confused now.
The thing is. A multitool isn't there to replace the tools. It's just a piece of kit that will fit in your pocket, that will do most (light/medium) tasks just fine. But it will never be a replacement for the actual tool.
The problem that I have with most multitool and EDC video is that I differ a lot because I don't want to carry a knife and I want to use my multitool or my EDC in "emergency" situation so I don't really care how good they work as much as they get the job done. Also I need some stuff for electronics and this stuff is not as covered as other uses.
And I‘m absolutely with you on the economic view. Economics of price, of time, of weight & space... very true. Many Multitool enthusiasts talk about capabilities w/o any regards of that (me formerly included, and you too in the past😁).
@@maxlvledc Hey thanks for replying. if you dont already have a next lvl edc velcro patch, id love for you to make one. id preorder. I want an EDC forum one but cant figure out how to get one.
A multi-tool is designed to save you time not as a replacement for a toolbox if I have to remove one screw I have no problem using my multi-tool for it but if I have to remove 10 or 20 I'm going to either get my drill or my screwdriver whichever I can get to faster I've carried multi-tools for years I collect them I've got probably a couple dozen but having the proper tools on hand for when they are needed is always necessary I have been on job sites where two out of three people carry a multi-tool but always have a bucket full of tools next to them because you never know when something's going to be too heavy duty for your multi-tool
ive found that multitools are great, if you dont plan on using them to any extent beyond a quick job. most of the tools are considerably worst than even the cheapest standalone tool of that specific tool and i only ever use a few things: pliers, drivers, awl, and file. my main kit i carry with me at work as a general maint worker is knipex cobras, tsunoda needle nose pliers, nail setter and sk pocket 2 in 1 driver which has work way better than my supertool 300 or other leathermans. i will say the smaller nextool mini MT is super useful and has come in handy way more times than any of my leathermans have the past decade when i carried them and its a great addition in my edc tool bag to take the place of small pliers and scissors
having all the tools nearby to accomplish a small task lets say on a vehicle or a small house project takes up a lot of workspace also finding the right tool at the right moment one-handed can be very challenging, that's where a multitool comes real handy. obviously it isn't as efficient as a full size tool but definitely can be very convenient and save some time
The wave can be equal to an affordable bag of tools but it is not equal to higher end tools. I rather use Microtech or Benchmade folding knife, Knipex pliers, Vampliers, Hazet or Facom locking pliers, Estwing hammer, Wera screwdriver kit, Fiskars scissor.
Ease of carry and unconditional love for these toys are the only reason to carry these. 😅 also I detest utility knives. There are some cases when I dont want to damage my knife but most of the time I still carry a budget knife because I hate the utility blades because of their flexibility.
To explain, I carry a 12lb portable toolbox to and from work every day. I have multiple dedicated knives, pliers, cutters, etc. In this box that make my Leatherman surge frankly pointless. Why carry a big chunky multi tool I almost never touch? And for me that almost is the decider. If I can grab my surge to turn a few screws without having to stop what I'm doing and go get my big multi bit screwdriver sets out, I'm gonna use my Leatherman. If I can grab that Leatherman to bend something back to shape quickly over my vice grips I will. But its not a perfect fix. Its for light duty, and you can tell when its outmatched. If it can't do something I stop and swap but the amount of times it keeps a ten minute job from becoming a 20 just in tool hunting is invaluable
I like Leatherman and had Skeletool CX and bits in case and sold it and both Victorinox Spirit MX clip and ok blade is smaller but its razor sharp , also for 50grams more I have much more tools and its like night and day coality control, Victorinox Spirit mx is on others level. Also newe sheets are moly compatible . I'm newer going back and rusting with Letherman its crazy and it's yust bad coality of steal . And I pay my Victorinox Spirit Mx for 110€ its beter price then clasic Skeletool and you can compare those two multi tool.
What you carry, is really dependent on what you use. In my line of work, I have no need of a knife, or other tools. However, I carry way more pens & highlighters compared to the average user. Why? I keep track of information, so other people don't have too. [ I do carry a folding utility blade, so I don't need to learn how to sharpen a blade.] I can see how having a Leatherman tool on hand can get you out of a quick bind, if you don't have a designated tool with you. But, it's hard to plan for the "back up tools" you might need, especially when you don't really work with your hands.
Tradesman here with $20k of tools in my truck but sometimes you walk in to quote a job, work out you can do it right now with your multitool, and leave 5 minutes later with a happy customer and cash in your pocket.
Im a window cleaner. In my work belt is a gen 2 Wave that lives there, also another on me. A replaceable blade knife also. The Knipex 100xs and paint can opener in the fone pouch. With these tools much of the tasks or problems with my cleaning tools are fixed. A tool kit in the work truck also.
Two other comments at least suggested a video about a tool pouch with stand-alone tools, I third the motion. I use "Case Logic 3203461" designed to hold a digital camera for this. The entire top unzips, granting immediate visibility and access to all tools inside standing up on their ends. It's heavy--I only wear it when I'm in the factory-- a bit much for EDC. Not much space for full-size tools but I keep things like tailor's tape, mini wrenches, tweezers, baby Sharpie, 3mm hex driver, magnifying lens, Leatherman bit kit, etc. Complements a Leatherman Charge well when you work throughout a large complex. I'd love to see a video highlighting this technique. Big fan, either way :)
Multitools that have it all often weight a LOT, which makes carrying them cumbersome. Always carry the correct tools and spare the hassle of carrying a multitool, jack of all trades but master of none.
Sometimes I carry a multitool. Sometimes I carry a small Viperade pouch with Kai 4" 7100 scissors (99% as good as Klein 2100 electrician snips at 29% of the weight), a 711L Lollipop (best pocket screwdriver invented), Steinwhale bits, Knipex Cobra pliers, LeverGear Edge XT pry bar with exacto blade, a 3 Swords Germany sapphire file and Uncle Bill's Silver Gripper tweezers. Oh, and a one handed folder with a locking blade clipped to my pocket. Better in nearly every way than my Cybertool or Wave, and only slightly heavier.
Yeah, primary tool versus secondary tool. Primary tools are the dedicated ones you showed. The Leatherman [or Victorinox equivalent -- which I think are better] are to keep the work going until primary tools show up.
I work in an auto workshop, but definitely not good enough to be a mechanic. I do however do lots of little jobs - headlight globes, batteries, auto elec jobs etc. For that type of work, my Surge / SOG Power Access Deluxe is often all I need (perhaps with a 10mm and 12mm open ender). Given that I'm not a proper tradesperson, it doesn't make sense for me to have a proper toolkit. But I get a lot done with my multitools.
I do like the idea of the video, but since I also thought about this question: Multitool vs dedicated tools, l came to a different conclusion. I consider the big fat mts to be a step into the wrong direction. They‘re too heavy and unwieldy. Their ergonomics suck. But there are some useful tools/implements best with a mt. So I like the LM Crunch and also things like the Victorinox Electrician, and then I boost them up with other, more specialized things. So in the end one does have neither much more weight nor space, money-wise a bit more expensive since the crunch costs so much, but way better in capability and also in ergonomics.
Ahhh, I also mentioned that current tools are trying to encroach on primary tools and it's a mistake. I think when they get too big..they defeat the purpose.
I also consider it a challenge to make do with what I have on me. It’s a mental exercise. It’s also a lifestyle choice to be the volunteer who can potentially save the day or even the life of another to take the hit and carry a thing in situations where other people are not remotely considering that a need for a tool might arise. You carrying that tool basically allows them to enjoy life without considering how an emergency might handled by someone else. Emergency in the sense of a problem being resolved without the need to summon someone else who has specific tools. There’s times when a situation occurs and an electrician is needed and even if you don’t know anything about how to fix something, someone else might happen to be there, but has no tools, and you supplying that tool to someone else is a combination that keeps a situation from going from tolerable to miserable.
The easy answer is try to put the white bag in your jeans pocket there you have it, the amount of things you can half ass do with a thing that fits in you pocket or do it the right way with a toolbag/box/cart or whatever the thing is that sometimes there is just no place for your nice tools.
I keep looking for a better combination of tools than the Leatherman Wave, for the tasks that I encounter. I expect I'll still be searching after retirement. Of course as you point out, it only works as well as it does if you have it to hand.
TBH if I'm paying a contractor, I'd rather he went and got the proper tool for the job than use a multitool because the right tool was too far away. Mechanics should always use a closed wrench to hold nuts and electricians should use a proper wire stripper/screwdriver. Hate messed up nuts and stripped screws.
Good video pal. Just watched your video too on the GOAT multi tool with the swap out options, definitely think this is the future for multi tools. That being said, at the time of writing this, with one option & one only, if you had to choose one multi tool, in particular one Leatherman, what are you choosing? The Wave? The Surge?
Sometimes a an entire toolkit isn't as option. I carry a basic mechanics tool kit when I'm out riding in the woods. I still find myself using my Leatherman Rev for most things be it replacing the chain or opening up the carburetor.
To be honest I like both MTs and tool kits, however what is actually hard IMHO it's getting the actual middle ground of getting multitools and items from a tool kit working well together without much overlapping roles. Or to tell the actual thing it's about probably having multitools with very few fonctions and do a sort of "perfect" kit being somewhat light, compact and very capable. And for me that's the hard part because there is no perfect tool and for hvac. I think insulated tools are required, also pen meter, stuff that no multitools have actually...
I know im late to the party, but theres something I wanna add. Its about multitools being not as good as a dedicated tool. If you need to cut some paracord, basically any sharp knife will do the job. The difference between a dedicated knife and a multitool doesnt really matter. A dedicated knife is more ergonomic and might be sharper, or have a better shape, but if youre using it for a task that is hard enough for just your 2 hands to accomplish, but simple enough that any tool that could do the job would be fine, then the multitool doesnt really loose against a dedicated tool. Other examples would be thin wire cutting, bending thin wires, scribing or marking something, simple shaping with either a knife, saw or file to fit something into another, etc.
im disabled. i used a wheelchair, i have two chairs a Manuel and a powerchair. i carry a multi tool so i can fix my chair when out and about. or make adjustments i travel by public transport, if my chair broke and i did not have the tool to fix it it would be a very expensive taxi home my Manuel chair i have a pump extra inner tube patches tier levers multi tool and a spanner that fits the nut on my small caster wheels powerchair has solid tiers so dont need a puncture kit. has leatherman surge , bit kit. spanner. locking pliers, tape i live in london, this summer i went up to york for a day trip its about 200 miles away my chair developed a an electrical fault. i was unable to ajust any of the actuators, my chair has powered lift, tilt, recline. my multi tool came in handy as me and my friend was able to take chair apart, run a wire to direct drive the parts to change the siting position to be comfortable. had to change it couple of times. its not possible to carry a full tool kit on my chair, for me the multi tools are to get me mobile so i can get home or somewhere that ha the tools needed gives me more freedom less stress that i will end up stranded somewhere.
Wow, this is amazing..and I'm super excited to let you know that the GOAT tool will offer a way for you to create a custom tool for keeping your chair in good condition..thanks for the effort you put into this post.
Cannot count the number of times Ive pinched the palm of my hand or busted my knuckles using a multitool. If you injure yourself using a crappy multitool, How much time have you saved?
I have to wonder if a Leatherman was the best multitool to compare to due to price. I have a snap-on that came out of a gift kit with other tools. That kit probably cost less than most Leathermans. Not to mention anything you can find at Lowe's/Harbor Freight. Another thing to compare with would be the tiny multitools. That same kit had a big and small version of the multitool. I started carrying the small finger length one in my pocket because the big one's case broke... Haven't bothered to figure out a replacement case since! Of course it should be noted that I'm not in the trades, however when talking EDC I don't think the tiny guys should be overlooked 🤷🏻♂️
My Leatherman Surge is far for being the main tool in my tool set. I'm a locksmith, and I can't abuse the Surge the way I use my Wiha or Wera tools, even the knife, I carry a native 5... So the surge is more like a emergency tool. Pliers?... Vampliers
