So has anyone else seen their very practical possession of several multitools morph into a collection?

Recent family portrait:

Hmm... nice start.

Come to multitool.org. We understand you there....

You have me beat - but aren't they just the handiest things....

Pfft, you call that an addiction? You have a ways to go. I can name all the items pictured, and I have given away at least half the amount pictured when they became surplus to my fleet (and for the betterment of humankind.)

-Doug, not guilty of enabling

Now I feel like a rookie. I only have 5.

You need a Leatherman ES-4 . .

It's not an addiction...it's a hobby.

Yup, like Doug I can also name every tool in that picture and probably have the same one in my collection. You know it's an obsession when you can't even remember how many you have, but I would guess 25+, not counting the no-name knockoffs. It all started out as a practical collection to find the perfect multi-tool, and just evolved into a pile of non-contenders. I still don't actively collect them, but if I see something that's unique I like to get it. So which one out of that collection do you currently use?

The Charge TTi is my EDC, although it is going back to Oregon for some TLC. So I got a new Wave to stand in while it is on vacation.

With the possible exception of the Pulse, all of those pictured were either on sale (75% off for some) or gifts from people who know me too well. I certainly plan to get more, but don't tell my wife.

I haven't even brought the knives into the picture yet.

I thought I was bad, and I've given away most of mine, just keeping the ones I use the most plus a couple more with sentimental value.

I've got one in my car (Gerber, freebie, ty Uncle Sam), one in DWs (leatherman, from like 85), one in each of our gobags, one each our gotta run now vests, one each in our small kits, one each on our keychains - so that's 10 right there. And I have one for everyday wear. And one out in garage too, in tool kit.

Hmm, it's not an addiction, I swear it's not. But if there is a sale and I can get 2 for under $30...

I have two....sigh....

Hey Paul810, thanks for the photos. Now my wife will no longer give me grief for the few I have.

I've had better than a half dozen and am looking to buy one more soon but no I don't collect them.

I have to tell you ... I got a little turned off on using a multitool for hard work when I tried to loosen a screw with my old Bucktool (Buck's first attempt - maybe their only attempt (?) at a multitool) and the flat driver's blade deformed (twisted).

Now I fear putting my Leatherman through that kind of force for fear I'll damage it.

When I need a tool ... I go to the toolbox and get one.

Still, I find plenty of light duty use for the LM's pliers while camping - mostly associated with handling hot cookware.

Ken

I dunno what leatherman you own but i can tell you i put mine threw hell and it constantly snaps back. Even twisting the pliers side to side and twisting the handles when closed while unscrewing things.

I'll often go fetch "real" tools when I'm at home because they'll reach better, or fit better, or give more leverage. But when it comes to a tool that will always be on my hip, these things are pretty durable.

I'm mostly a Leathrman guy and have always had one around for over 15 years now. I'm sending one back for the first time because I wore the diamond coating off the file when using it to hacksaw a security cable and liberate my trapped spare tire.

That's just it. A lot of people seem to think of multi-tools as tool replacements, and they just aren't. If you're doing real work, you're still going to want real tools. Where a multi-tool shines is simply the packaging. They're compact enough that you can keep them places where you can't easily keep the equivalent set of full size tools. This makes them great for those times when you just don't have access to real tools, or when you just need to do some small task that doesn't warrant opening up the toolbox.

If you're cranking on a multi-tool to the point where you really feel you are going to break it, it's probably time to go find some real tools.

Of course, the exception to that is if it's some sort of emergency where you need to do something right then and now, at which point you probably won't care if you twist the h*ll out of your multi-tool, as long as it gets the job done. Those are the instances where your worry of breaking your expensive multitool gets outweighed by the relief you got from having that multi-tool available to you when no other tools were around.

Try the Vic. Swiss Tool or Spirit. I've got regular pliers that aren't as well built as the Swiss Tool.

I own at least 6 of 'em. I also own Leatherman's Supertool 300 and Surge models, which have the beefiest pliers I've ever seen on a multi-tool. While multi-tool pliers have gotten better, they still just don't compare to a real set of pliers from a quality manufacturer. I mean, multi-tool pliers are uninsulated, they have multiple hinges, they're typically made from stampings and castings rather than being 100% forged, ect, ect. You don't see contractors trading in their Kleins for Leathermans and there are plenty of good reasons for it.

I know what you mean; the needlenose pliers on my Leatherman are better than any of the non-multitool needlenose I own. But there are also times I need real big honkin' pliers to grab and twist something, and will only use the Leatherman if nothing else is available.

I used to think I wasn't an addict. I love my SAK's. Then eventually when I got here, I bought a SOG multiplier and left it in the car. I also had a tiny leatherman plier model (P4?) that was on my keychain.

Then one day my wife bought me a 2-fer, the Kick and multitool/scissor model.

Then over Xmas this year, my sister in law bought me a LM... uh, the basic model with a plier and knife.

Then the Navy saw fit to give me a Gerber multitool when I deployed.

Now that I'm over here, I still keep my kick on my side, and my gerber in my backpack. I've heard too many bad stories of Gerbers failing. Plus, apparently I have to give the Gerber back at the end of the tour... wierd, huh?

Notice, I haven't BOUGHT any multitools other than the SOG!

x2. It's like Paul810 is reading my mind. Even though I love them, they are not a substitute for real tools. I will rarely use a multi-tool at home for when I have access to regular tools, except for something very minor where it's not worth the trip to the garage. If I expect I'll need tools for something outside the house, I usually bring a small toolbag instead. Where the multitool really finds a niche is for unexpected repairs, which happen often enough that the multitool is perfect, but it's not something I rely on as my primary tool.



True, some people seem almost proud when they break a multi-tool, like it's a badge of honor. In an emergency it's understandable, but if you're breaking them often it's a sign that maybe the multi-tool isn't the right tool for the job. Similarly, I've never been a fan of the jumbo size nearly 1 lb. multi-tools with all the add on accessory bits that require a huge belt pouch. By the time you're carrying that much weight and bulk, you're almost better off just carrying a few regular tools which will make any type of repair work a whole lot faster and easier, with less chance of damage. I think with all the competition to have the most features, companies have strayed from the original design intent.

I think I've got one of them somewhere.....

[Whistles innocently and uses foot to push duffel bags full of assorted cutting tools back into the closet]

Um, who's addicted? Not me :P

Excalibur was kept nearby with the Stone of Destiny (Scone), which the last time I saw it many years ago was kept at the old St Columba's Parish Church (long since demolished and now a nursing home) in Dundee. The stone they dug up at Arbroath Abbey after it was repatriated was a fake at was apparently returned to Westminster Cathedral before being put on display at Edinburgh Castle.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stone_of_Scone

SAKs and multitools are great for casual repairs, saving time and steps in hunting down a tool. I have carried one regularly for years and it has paid off handsomely. But if you know you will be splicing wire or driving screws, you want the specialized tool. Almost any dedicated screwdriver is better that any multitools for placing screws.