Contents
- Top 10 rating according to KP
- Editor’s Choice
- What multitools are worth paying attention to
- 4. Tesla MT-05 (average price 1200 rubles)
- 5. Metabo 657001000 (average price 600 rubles)
- 6. Gerber Suspension 22-41471 (average price 4000 rubles)
- 7. LEATHERMAN Tread (average price 14 thousand rubles)
- 8. ECOS SR (average price 290 rubles)
- 9. SOG PowerAccess (average price 5200 rubles)
- 10. HuoHou Nexttool HUO040 (average price 2600 rubles)
- How to choose a multitool
The idea of a universal tool has always made people dizzy. Even the Roman legionnaires combined a saw, a knife and a cork opener in one tool. At the end of the 80th century, the Swiss army knife appeared, which has gone through many upgrades and is still popular all over the world due to its versatility. Finally, in the XNUMXs, a completely new class of compact universal tool appears in the USA. Initially, it was called the Pocket Survival Tool, and only then received the name of the multitool. That’s it about this multi-tool and how to choose it, we’ll tell you.
Top 10 rating according to KP
Editor’s Choice
1. LEATHERMAN Wave plus (average price 11 thousand rubles)
It would be strange if the rating of the best multi-tools did not open a tool from the parent company of this class. The Wave plus is a slightly enhanced version of the Wave that has been in production since the mid 16s. The main difference is the removable cutters made of tool steel. Such a decision makes an almost professional solution out of serious pliers, because the hardness is greater, and it can be replaced if something happens. In addition to wire cutters, there are 25 more functions – from a knife to a diamond-coated file. Unlike other models of this manufacturer, the file is non-removable, so they will not be able to sharpen, for example, a knife. You can, of course, complain about the lack of a corkscrew, but this is not for everyone. The ergonomics here are ideal for this class of instruments. And yet, there is an unconditional guarantee of XNUMX years – if you break the saw, the manufacturer will repair the multitool for free.
Advantages and disadvantages
2. VICTORINOX SwissTool X 3.0327.L (average price 13,3 thousand rubles)
Another multitool from a well-known manufacturer. This time – VICTORINOX, the legendary Swiss knife brand. And it has a lot that is familiar to fans of army knives from a small European country. For example, handy scissors. There are as many as 27 functions here – from an inch ruler to a tool for flattening cartridge cases. Although, SwissTool X looks too dapper for a utilitarian multi-tool – the gloss of the chrome finish and the leather case set it in a “shelf” way. The absence of a bit holder can also be attributed there. Although there are many standard sizes of screwdrivers, but firstly, they are still not enough for the economic user. And secondly, roll up the metal notch and that’s it, there is no bit here. But on all tools there is a liner lock that fixes them during operation and will not allow, say, a knife to fall on your fingers. Safe, yes.
Advantages and disadvantages
3. GANZO G302B (average price 4700 rubles)
In the knife community, the Ganzo brand is quite well known as a Chinese manufacturer of good folding knives. Often, the masters of this company are inspired by the successful models of other companies. But the multi-tools of the “Hanseatic” are very original, sometimes even too much. The G302B is the flagship of the line and has become an upgrade of the 301st model. As in the case of the Leatherman Wave Plus, the difference here is essentially the same – replaceable nippers. True, here they are not as comfortable as those of the American counterpart. Although, this can be said about almost each of the 26 functions of this multi-tool – there is not enough thoughtfulness and comfort in use. For example, scissors in a rather large multi-tool came out tiny and poorly cutting. Or a serrated knife, which is not very suitable for cutting ropes. But there is a fixation of each tool, which is good. But in general, the multitool leaves the impression of a well-knit and versatile tool. And most importantly, it is inexpensive – with delivery from China it is even cheaper than if you buy it locally in Our Country.
Advantages and disadvantages
What multitools are worth paying attention to
4. Tesla MT-05 (average price 1200 rubles)
A budget multi-tool from an office called Tesla (of course, it has nothing to do with Tesla or Musk). The tool has 12 functions, including pliers. However, you should not rely on them and wire cutters – the tool is made of fairly soft stainless steel, which strives to get jammed from any more or less hard material. By the way, the large knife here has a liner lock. But it is not on the saw, screwdrivers and a small knife – keep this in mind when performing power work. There is no bit holder here – you have to rely on integrated screwdrivers, and, as already mentioned, they are made of soft metal and will not last long with intensive work.
Advantages and disadvantages
5. Metabo 657001000 (average price 600 rubles)
A very cheap multitool under a well-known power tool brand. Spartan feature set – 10 tools in total. Pliers and wire cutters are made of ordinary stainless steel, so it is better not to count on working with hard materials. But, there is a return spring – a trifle, but sometimes it is needed in work. As a design flaw, you can write down the lack of fixation of the tool – take care of your fingers during power work, or better not do it at all with this multitool. On some specimens, it is quite difficult to pick up a knife or opener from the handle, then you will either have to put up with it or loosen the axle bolts.
Advantages and disadvantages
6. Gerber Suspension 22-41471 (average price 4000 rubles)
A multi-tool from a once American, now Finnish knife manufacturer. Suspension 22-41471 has a relatively small weight – 255 g. Last but not least, this is achieved by “skeletal” handles. The number of functions here is only 12, but the set looks thoughtful – from pliers to a bottle opener. Although ordinary stainless steel is used here, its quality is quite high – the knives in the multitool keep sharpening well. By the way, the whole tool here is with a latch – the liner-lock lock securely keeps them in the “combat” mode. You can complain about the lack of a bit holder. And one more thing – the multitool has risen in price quite a lot over the past two years, but this is no longer a question for the tool.
Advantages and disadvantages
7. LEATHERMAN Tread (average price 14 thousand rubles)
One of the most unusual multi-tools not only from Leatherman, but in general on the market. It is made in the form of a wrist bracelet and to a person “not in the know” it may seem like a brutal decoration. However, this is a real work of art of engineering genius – 29 functions, including screwdrivers, hooks and bottle openers. True, most of the declared functions are ring wrenches for certain hexagons. Given that the bracelet is positioned as a survival tool, this looks strange. In the taiga, you know, pine trees with hex nuts are not often found. Since the bracelet is still worn on the arm, which means it is exposed not only to water, but also to sweat, the manufacturer used 17-4 steel with an anti-corrosion coating that does not scratch or wear off.
Advantages and disadvantages
8. ECOS SR (average price 290 rubles)
Very small and very cheap multitool. With a weight of 90 g, it can no doubt be called a pocket solution, and if you want, then a key solution. Of course, such a thing is not suitable for more or less serious work, but as a backup screwdriver, knife or small pliers – why not? There are nine functions, among which there is even a saw. The kit comes with a case and a keyring. There are problems with metal casting and assembly. But what do you want for that kind of money?
Advantages and disadvantages
9. SOG PowerAccess (average price 5200 rubles)
SOG is an American manufacturer of military knives. And the PowerAccess multitool diligently shows this bias. What is the rough textured metal, giving the color of zinc. Or angular shapes that seem to say – guy, forget about fashionable ergonomics. But this is only the first impression, in fact, PowerAccess is a thoughtful thing and convenient to use. The pliers, like the entire multitool, are made of 5Cr15MoV steel with a hardness of 57 units. This means that the nippers from the first oncoming nail will not be hushed up. There are 18 functions here and, which is good, there is a magnetic quarter-inch bit holder. And yet – despite the formidable appearance, the multi-tool weighs only 167 g without a case.
Advantages and disadvantages
10. HuoHou Nexttool HUO040 (average price 2600 rubles)
Multitool, released under the auspices of a very famous Chinese electronics brand. It cannot be said that the instrument turned out to be successful, but it deserves attention. Here is a rather interesting frame design – it turned out to be “skeletal”. Knives with a saw are generally on the other side, and not like on classic multi-tools on an axis with another tool hiding in the handle. The decision is controversial, but has the right to life. But the terrible sharpening and descents of the blade are already a serious jamb that will have to be finalized on their own. The scissors here are also not simple – with a huge handle of their own, but a standard working length. In general, there are 15 functions, a good half of which are varieties of wire cutters and pliers. But there is a cullet, a useful thing happens in an emergency.
Advantages and disadvantages
How to choose a multitool
In a universal tool, you always have to pay for convenience with a compromise. Somewhere more, and somewhere less. Therefore, if you are thinking about buying your first or replacing an old multitool, then it would be nice to stick to certain rules. We will talk with a knife collector about how to choose the best multitool in 2022 Pavel Vesnin.
Length
On sale you can find spinning rods in length from one and a half to four meters. A rod is selected based on several inputs: its height and the place of fishing – the shore or the boat. The longer the tool, the further you can cast. But it also affects its strength. Also, with a long stick, you can more confidently cope with large predators. If you want to combine shore and boat fishing. then take a fishing rod in the region of two meters.
Choosing a size
The classic multitool is a medium-sized pliers, in the handles of which all sorts of tools are hidden. The unspoken standard is that when folded, the instrument should fit in the average male palm. And then there are different differences. Now there are tiny multi-tools for sale. I don’t see any benefit from them, so, pampering. Therefore, if you need a really working tool, look towards full-size multi-tools. Their weight ranges from 170 to 400 g, depending on the steel used and construction. I personally prefer heavier ones – there is no superfluous reserve during power work.
There are multi-tools without pliers and they resemble an enlarged Swiss knife. Here we get a gain in weight, but the lack of wire cutters is a big minus.
Finally, there are very highly specialized tools, such as a Leatherman bracelet or special tools for a bicycle. But that’s another story.
How many tools do you need to be happy
It would seem that the more functions in the multitool, the better. But this is not always the case – many manufacturers thoughtlessly add them to the instrument in order to attract the layman. But in fact, they work poorly and overwork the multitool. Therefore, I urge, when choosing, to be guided by the list of the required minimum:
- pliers with wire cutters;
- knife;
- saw;
- scissors;
- awl
- can opener;
- screwdrivers, or better – a bit holder.
Everything else – it’s already necessary to look at your needs and how the function is implemented in a particular multitool. For example, files in Leatherman are really a working tool, while competitors have a meaningless strip of metal. It’s the same story with the serrated knife, which is rarely useful.
Metal
We are dealing with a tool, which means that the basis of its long work is the metal from which it is made. If you have a budget, then look towards hard steel grades – a knife made of it will keep sharpening for a long time, the saw will not become dull after the first branch, and the wire cutters will not get a critical pothole. The last one has an interesting history. In recent years, it has become fashionable for manufacturers to endow the best multitools with sponges made of steel with increased hardness. This is good, but don’t lose your head – the multitool is still not suitable for industrial work. And one more thing, do not forget that whatever steel your tool has, it requires care: wipe it dry after getting wet, avoid salt water and chemicals, lubricate moving parts with oil.
Fixing tools
Any decent multitool always has a lock that will not allow the saw or knife to fold over your fingers. My advice is simple – do not buy multi-tools without a retainer if you are going to do serious work. Don’t skimp on your health.