Multi Tools

What brand and model multi tool do you find handiest for canoe repair on a trip where weight is a big consideration?

I had a leather man lightweight until it went for a swim. I replaced it with one that’s too heavy, not as useful.

I have a Leatherman Sidekick that I left home so I could try the Sog Powerpint. It is smaller and lighter and handled the necessary jobs when cooking (grabbing pots and lids,etc) but beyond that it wasn’t needed. I like the Sog and it will be with me often. Not totally thrilled with some of the tools that are included but they all are a compromise, that is why there are so many different kinds.
Jim

Canoeing I don't worry too much about an extra five pounds or so, backpacking, yes indeed I do, so I've got a range of multitools.
I stick to Leatherman; the smallest effective pair of pliers is my real criteria, and generally a Juice (4oz) or Squirt (<2oz) gives me a useable (if not comfortable) pair of pliers. Most of the multitool components are redundant. I've always got an SAK with scissors, I've generally got a saw/hatchet and camp knife; the only reason I'm carrying the m/t for is the pliers. For bad or arthritic hands, a full-size Charge is 8oz.

The Vic swisstools are better-engineered, better looking, with better individual tools, but no one-hand operation plus an outer surface that gets very slick when dirty or sweaty rules them out for me. IIRC they're also roughly 8oz.

The Leatherman Charge I carry every day has one indispensable tool that I've never seen on another multitool - an eyeglass screwdriver.

For belt-carry, Skinth makes the best aftermarket sheaths I've ever seen.

edit - some swisstools come with a ratchet - if you're carrying a ratchet anyway, that may be significant way to save weight.

I've carried the same Leatherman Charge in my pocket every day of my life for the last 23 years. And it's seen very heavy use as a mechanic for a lot of that time. My warranty will be up in two years and I'll finally replace it.

When I do, I'll buy another Charge or maybe the new Arc. The Skeletool is great if you just need a knife and a screwdriver. I got my girlfriend one and she uses it all the time.

For me, it's Leatherman or nothing.

My favorite tool is the LEATHERMAN Wave plus. It's handy and not too heavy - and you can work really well with it!

I can repair anything with this thing - like MacGyver - provided you know what you're doing.

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regards
Michael

I used to have the Wave model but it was stolen from my car along with some other tools. I would have bought another but I ended up with the Sidekick because I found it in the parking lot. There are so many different models from different companies it is hard to chose.
Jim

I have a Leatherman Wave+. I’ve seen a few newer multi tools come out that are lighter, have nicer steel quality, or more options, but the Wave+ just seems to work for me. I carry it with me at work and it has come in handy for chainsaw repair, wiring work, rope cutting etc

Some days it would be nice to have a smaller tool

How often do you actually use your multi-tool? If weight is a consideration, the lightest one on the trail is the one that's still at home.

I have my pocket knife, a pair of needle nosed pliers w/ the fishing stuff and a roll of duct tape. Honestly, I'm not sure what would need field repairs that would require more than this but I'm also willing to do without a piece of gear that I can't fix in the field.

I have a leather man, not sure what model. I’ve taken it on every trip and never used it. The only thing I’ve ever used for repairs, etc. is duct tape.

But that doesn’t mean I should leave it at home. I don’t use 90% of my first aid kit on a trip, but I still bring it along.

I have a multi tool around somewhere of indeterminate age and origin, I took it once and never again...
I daily carry for decades was the Victorinox Mechanic knife until My wife gave me the deluxe Tinker model, I've done everything from slice salami and rope (it's most common use) to repair stoves, lanterns, and even tightened a hood spoiler on a Kenworth truck. It's a pocket knife first and a tool set second but amazingly versatile at both. One thing it has that I've never seen on a multi-tool is a sewing awl that will even stitch leather (the funny thing everyone thinks is a drill)

Gamma1214 said:

How often do you actually use your multi-tool? If weight is a consideration, the lightest one on the trail is the one that's still at home.

I have my pocket knife, a pair of needle nosed pliers w/ the fishing stuff and a roll of duct tape. Honestly, I'm not sure what would need field repairs that would require more than this but I'm also willing to do without a piece of gear that I can't fix in the field.

Click to expand...

It’s one of those things that is needed in dire situations, like repair of gear or the canoe.