OK, here's a goofy little psuedo-experiment:

Picked up a pair of Coast pocket pliers for $9.95 the other day, largerly to compare them to my original LM and my LM Kick. (I carry one of those two where/when I need light weight ... my multi-tool of choice when i wear jeans is the old-style LM Wave.)

I could be wrong, but the Coast doesn't seem to compare too badly to the lighter LMs with comfortable handles. Coast's construction seems pretty similar to the Kick, though the Kick has its more comfortable nylon scales tucked on the inside of the handle and protruding out, while the Coast wraps its synthetic scales (i think they're Zytel) around the metal or steel handles. The kick does have the newer, bigger pliers with the elliptical pivot and larger wire cutters.

Main reason i don't dismiss the Coast 'out of hand' is that it seems decently constructed, and it's light.

Re original LM, darn, those handles can hurt if you gotta lay some pressure on 'em.

So, I guess what I'm asking is: Anyone got experience with the Coast Pocket Piers? Any thoughts? Any thoughts on Coast Cutlery in general?

My only experience with Coast has been the folding fillet knife in my pheasant bag, and it's been OK. One of my brother's ... who camps, hunts and fishes quite a bit ... has been carrying a Coast Pocket Pliers for a couple years, and he likes it.

Any thoughts? .(And if i've committed heresy by menioning Coast and LM in the same sentence, go easy on me .. I'm a newbie.) <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I was given a little one. The steel is junk.

Was wondering about that. Thanks. I think my lineup will remain:
> Wave on the dresser for whenever I can wear jeans and carry it.
> Supertool 200 in the 72-hour bag
> Kick in the briefcase.
> Original in the desk drawer at work.
> Original in the door slot of truck. (My second one. Picked it up on sale for $19.95 ... couldn't walk away from that price.)

i used to own a coast mini toolbox (or soemthing like that), the tools actually works, which many very cheap brand doesn't even have.(saws that are great to scratch you back with and so on). But the overal construction is bad. The tools weren't allined very well. The "locking" lever didn't even work on it, not smooth construction and the steel finish on some sides butt ugly. But i haven't bought a coast for years now, so i can't say anyhting about the current quality.

I might have a little different view than others on this forum. I say that no matter what you have in your pocket...it's better than the empty pockets the guy next to you has. I hike with fella was all too happy to make fun of my paracord because it wasn't military speak...but oh my how he was sure willing to borrow it when his bootlace broke and needed some. I rank tool snobs right up there with those guys who put stickers of Calvin peeing on car logos. I can tell you this, if I needed some pliers and didn't have any, your Coast's could save the day. Someday one of those guys driving a Ford with that sticker is gonna breakdown or get stuck or need a jump start from my Chevy...then what.

I realize that vast majority in this forum are not not tool snobs and are really just offering their opinion. But I really feel that the whole purpose of the "EDC movement" is to keep adding people to our ranks. Those who are self-reliant and won't be victims...but survivors! Making someone feel inferior because they don't have $80.00 to drop on a flashlight or special tool is not the most productive way to do that IMHO.
I say keep the Coast, use it..get your money's worth. It may not be a LM or a Gerber(there's a whole other thread). Does it have things you think you might need, do those things work..at all. I do agree that some of the saws are glorified back scratchers, but it sure would work better than nothing. If it's valuable to you and you feel it can help you get out of or stay comfortable in a situation..then I say go with it. I only hope that it's me sitting next to you when I need it and have forgotten mine...which happens all to often.

Forgive my soapboxing. Hope everyone has a safe and happy 4th celebration!

Yup. The difference between one brand and another isn't nearly as big as the difference between having a tool and not having anything. People shouldn't worry about not being able to carry whatever the latest ETS forum favorite is. Just follow Doug's example and carry whatever you can find or afford. Upgrade as you're able.

awesome, dudes, thanks for the input.

most days i wear dress slacks and a polo, so most of my gear rides in the briefcase (where light weight ain't bad either).

for the most part, though, i feel dandy just havin' my keychain (micra, little acme whistle, photon light, paracord fob), a decent pocket knife and a pair of shades on me. cell phone rides in the briefcase, but i grab it and take it with if i head out.

ultimately, i think a cool & imaginative noggin' is our best tool.

> I say that no matter what you have in your pocket...it's better than the empty pockets the guy next to you has.

I agree. Also, I carry a rather poor mini-multitool which I use for very undemanding jobs. Often all I really need is a pair of tongs, eg for picking up items which are too hot to touch.

However, the original poster had 3 other multitools already, include two small enough for every day carry. I gather it's not a question of weak tool versus nothing, but weak tool versus not so weak tool. In that case I'd probably carry the better tool and keep the weaker one in a BoB/car as a spare