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Downbucket
Navigator

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USA
188 Posts

Initially Posted - 09/21/2009 : 09:53:34

Hi:

Unfortunately, Wingapo is now on the hard. Hauled her last Monday. An exceptionally short season here in Maine because of the wet weather in June and July.

While preparing Wingapo for her winter cover, I used my Leatherman multitool and realized I don't like it. I don't remember which model it is but I was attracted to it by the "fork" and "sandwich knife," both of which I never use. Two things that I especially deplore are the lack of a spring for the pliers and the uncomfortable grip. I have seen some multitools with rubber coating making it nicer to hold.

O.K. Here are the questions: If you have a multitool, which one is it? What do you like about it? What don't you like about it? Would you buy the same one again? If not, which one would you buy?

Thanks.

Will

Edited by - on

Prospector
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
3159 Posts

Response Posted - 09/21/2009 : 09:56:24

Mine was a CCKO (Cheap, Chinese Knock-off) like most boat tools. I was very happy with it - right until it went to neptune. Haven't replaced it yet. Waiting for the right deal to come along.

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 09/21/2009 : 11:44:53

I have a Leatherman Micra in my pocket at all times. The name pretty much says it--too small for pliers--but the scissors, knife, and screwdrivers have been invaluable over the years, and they're always there.

Edited by - on

piseas
Former Treasurer

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USA
2017 Posts

Response Posted - 09/21/2009 : 12:23:04

Check out [url="http://www.costco.com/Common/Search.aspx?whse=BC&topnav=&search=leatherman&N=0&Ntt=leatherman&cm_re=1_en-_-Top_Left_Nav-_-Top_search&lang=en-US"]Costco[/url]. They have 4 or 5 sets. The one Dave B has is there for $25 up to $100 for 25th Anniversary set.
Steve A

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 09/21/2009 : 13:38:11

Even though I don't have one, I'd take a look at multi-function tools by Victorinox (Swiss Army). If their tool quality is anything like their Swiss Army knives, I'd buy it. The Swiss Army Knife I have was given to me by my Dad as a souvenir when he was in Switzerland and I can't count the number of times it's come in handy. My daughter absolutely loves the scissors on the knife and I've cut through two by fours like butter with the saw.

Edited by - on

JimB517
Past Commodore

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USA
3285 Posts

Response Posted - 09/21/2009 : 15:08:57

I have a cheap leatherman knock off I always wear on my belt when sailing. I feel it is important to have a knife, awl, and even more important to have a pair of pliers handy. Also usually have a flashlight in my pocket.

The set I have was given me as a gift. Around here Frys (electronics shop) is a great place to buy cheap tools, as is Harbor Freight.

I don't believe it pays to have expensive tools like a Leatherman on the boat.

Edited by - on

delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 09/21/2009 : 15:25:41

I have several multi-tools, a couple of Gerbers one of which is military issue (supposedly), and black anodized, the other doesn't have the black color, but they're functionally identical. I like both. I also have a Leatherman that my mom bought for me years ago. It's better made than the Gerbers, but equally functional. However, the one I carry with me constantly is on my keychain. It looks like a key (I've flown with it at least a dozen times since 9/11), but opens up into a knife, can opener, Phillips screw driver, small standard screw driver (small enough to get fix your glasses), etc. It's made by Swiss Tech (I think?), and they sell for about $10. Costco usually has them.

Edited by - on

Renzo
Admiral

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USA
621 Posts

Response Posted - 09/21/2009 : 17:33:53

I have a cheap (under $10) leatherman knock-off from Bass-Pro Shop that I keep in my pocket and cliped to my belt with a long laynard when I'm sailing. It has the usual pliers w/wire cutter, blades, pliers, screw drivers,and bottle opener. But best of all it has a bright LED flash light. I even bought a smaller,key chain version to carry when I'm not on the boat. If I was designing the "perfect" multi-tool it would also have some form of fire starter because, since I quit smokeing, I don't carry a lighter or matches and it would be comforting to know I could easily start a fire if I needed to.

Edited by - on

Mark Maxwell
Captain

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USA
329 Posts

Response Posted - 09/22/2009 : 22:18:47

I found most multi tools to have pros and cons depending on their design strengths. I like the Leatherman 'Wave' as an excellent knife that also has a so-so plier. It has 2 knife edges easily accessed without flipping open the handles. I keep it in my pocket while sailing. It can handle most small jobs easily. At work I carry a SOG Power Plier. Its an excellent plier with a wide needle nose type jaw. It is gear driven and can easily grip 3/4 inch hex nuts, but as a knife it's so-so. It must be opened to use the knife/drivers etc. It feels much more solid than the leatherman, and I feel is a better tool. I've seen a Gerber that had a locking vise grip but did not fold up as compact. If I need much more than that I just get out the real tool box.

Edited by - on

Peregrine
Admiral

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830 Posts

Response Posted - 09/22/2009 : 23:09:06

$25 - $100 for a group of tools, none of which are as good as the real thing.
A decent pair of pliers =$10, the 6-7 screw drivers I have in my tool box are all better than the one one on a multi-tool.
I'm sorry I just don't get the multi-tool thing on a boat where you can have a well appointed tool box.
I have a decent multi-tool that was a freebee with a magazine subscription. It will be going with me to work in a TV studio where I can't have a tool box with me, meanwhile my tool box meets most of my needs and is just a short trip to the cabin away.
I do have a marlin spike/knife combo that I love

and I just bought the Gerber Paraframe knife.

A great knife for $20.

AND, I also have the original multi-tool both at work and on the boat...

the Swiss Army knife.

Edited by - Peregrine on 09/22/2009 23:33:26

pfduffy
Captain

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USA
317 Posts

Response Posted - 09/23/2009 : 05:05:40

I have the leatherman wave and like it a lot. My chief complaint is that the bottle opener is difficult to extend. I agree with the sentiment that the real tool does not work as well as anything in a multi-tool.

Edited by - on

Sloop Smitten
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1181 Posts

Response Posted - 09/23/2009 : 06:15:46

I don't think the multi-tool was ever intended to replace a well stocked tool box. It's usefulness is centered around its easy accessibility. I guess I could strap a tool box on my belt but that sounds cumbersome.

I have a Leatherman I was given as a gift over 20 years ago and keep it on my belt when sailing, camping, off-roading, etc. Saved my tail many a time and, though it sometimes is difficult to open, I chalk that up to being manufactured to close tolerances. Twenty years later it still looks like new.

Edited by - on

Stu Jackson C34
Admiral

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844 Posts

Response Posted - 09/23/2009 : 11:10:06

The Dept of HS managed to "obtain" my Leatherman, given to me as a gift from my brother-in-law. I found I hardly used it due to its limitations as mentioned by others. One tool to do the work of many is too big a compromise for me. I carry a rigging knife. If I need a screwdriver, I use a screwdriver. If I need a pair of pliers, I use pliers. The nav station on our boat is my tool box, and is very handy. A friend cobbled together a handy canvas tool holder for his companionway. The trick is to have handy tools, not hidden in some hard to reach tool kit or tool box, which is in many cases why people bought or kept Leatherman-type tools to begin with.

Edited by - on

piseas
Former Treasurer

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USA
2017 Posts

Response Posted - 09/23/2009 : 11:36:02

Joe, I gotta agree with you. I have a complete tool box on board, behind the stairs, ready to go. I am sure I have one of those "all in one tools" in that box. But I rarely use it. That box and the tools inside, have saved me one than once.
Steve A

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Peregrine
Admiral

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830 Posts

Response Posted - 09/23/2009 : 14:24:29

This is a handy item.

Just take the tools you need to the job so you don't have to go back and forth or drag the entire tool box.

Edited by - on

piseas
Former Treasurer

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USA
2017 Posts

Response Posted - 09/23/2009 : 14:40:39

John, My toolbox has a smaller top case with a carrying handle. This has about 90% of the tools I need. This keeps tools in one place so I dont have to carry several tools in my hand and drop overboard. Is is something like [url="http://i.walmartimages.com/i/mp/MP/10/00/02/46/MP10000246795_P255045_500X500.jpg"]this[/url], except I got it at Sears.
Steve A

Edited by - piseas on 09/23/2009 14:41:14

Unsinkable2
Captain

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USA
273 Posts

Response Posted - 09/24/2009 : 06:52:00

I picked up a Leatherman Wave and always keep it on me when sailing. What i like most about it is that I can open both main blades without opening the knife - and can do it with one hand. So even when I'm hanging on to the boat with one hand, I can still pull out the knife, open the blade, and do what needs doing. The main blades have locks on them too. When I'm done, the blades can be closed with one hand, which is very convenient.
I'm also able to open and close the pliers with one hand. The steel is very high quality, and holds its edge for a very long time before needing re-sharpening. The pliers are also high quality and are a very useful combination of needle nose plier, plier, and wire cutter.
Only down side is that some of the smaller blades in the handle are a little difficult to open sometimes. But when I lose this wave, I'll definitely be buying another. Great knife.

Edited by - on

Renzo
Admiral

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USA
621 Posts

Response Posted - 09/24/2009 : 10:04:56

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">...So even when I'm hanging on to the boat with one hand, I can still pull out the knife, open the blade, and do what needs doing<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Great description of the purpose of a multi-tool. To be at hand for emergency repairs when it is inconvenient to carry a box load of tools. Like when hiking, camping, or hanging on to the forestay in a blow when something needs tightining,loosening or adjusting right now.

Edited by - on

SailCO26
Captain

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USA
457 Posts

Response Posted - 09/24/2009 : 10:30:35

While John's right in that you always should have a good set of tools around (I keep mine in a couple of small plastic totes below in the boat), and the comments that these are not replacements for the "real thing" are true - when I'm on the helm/rail and in quick need of a tool, it's real handy to have it right there on the belt rather than take the time to amble below for a pair of pliers or a knife.

I originally started out with the Gerber knock-off of the Leatherman when that first came out. The reason I went with that one was becuase I could open the pliers one-handed (flick-type). Gerber has since released an updated version (http://www.gerber-tools.com/Gerber-Flik-22-01054.htm) that has narrower plier jaws and the blades/drivers are now accessible w/out opening the pliers - a big improvement over my old one (relegated to the truck) and I'm thinking of getting another as backup. ALWAYS have this with me on the boat, 4-wheeling, or camping.

The only thing I dislike about this one is that the pliers tend to creep out and extend slightly in the carry case. Never enough to be an issue of any kind, just not "right" in my CDO world (like OCD, but in alpha-order like it should be).

btw, in addition to the Gerber multi-tool on the belt I also always carry a Gerber Rivermate knife when sailing (http://www.rei.com/product/769751). On occasion that line's gotta go NOW, and even getting a multi-tool open could be too much. Nice thing about this one - the blunt tip for when things are really hairy out. Been fortunate enough to have only needed a knife fast ONCE sailing, and even then we never actually let the line run, but you never know...
(kayaking I'd never be w/o it - no way, no how).

Jim

Edited by - on

piseas
Former Treasurer

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USA
2017 Posts

Response Posted - 09/24/2009 : 14:00:23

As much as I hate putting anything in my pockets while sailing, I am going to take out my Swiss Army Knife and a few others from my toolbox and put them in the cockpit cubby.
One tool I believe I don't have is a tool to cut standing rigging cables. What tool to you all have for this? Jim, will the ones you mention do that job?
Steve A

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 09/24/2009 : 15:36:19

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by piseas
 ...One tool I believe I don't have is a tool to cut standing rigging cables. What tool to you all have for this?...<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">I think a small bolt cutter is what you need. I didn't have one aboard, but I've helped a guy when his rig came down, and it would've made things a lot easier.

Edited by - on

delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 09/24/2009 : 16:56:48

I have a cable cutter and a hacksaw in my toolbox for rigging. The toolbox sits underneath the stairs like others have mentioned and it's a Black & Decker (I think?) that fits perfectly so it doesn't slide around. The first aid kit sits right next to it, and the ditch bag sits on the aft berth kind of behind the toolbox (so you can crawl past it easily).

Rita has a rigging knife I gave her that's on a lanyard, and I don't think I've not had a knife in my pocket other than flying for 45+ years. On the occasions when I fly with just a carry on bag, I'll frequently pick up a cheapo knife wherever I am, simply because I feel kind of naked without one in my pocket.

Edited by - on

Stu Jackson C34
Admiral

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844 Posts

Response Posted - 09/24/2009 : 17:30:15

Bolt cutters:

I highly recommend that you utilize my favorite boating marine store: ACE Hardware!!!

The marine bolt cutters are well over $100. I bought a pair for $15.14 two years ago at ACE. I do not think the cutters recognize whether the material they are cutting is on a C25 or in someone's backyard.

Edited by - on

SailCO26
Captain

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USA
457 Posts

Response Posted - 09/25/2009 : 06:18:01

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by piseas
 One tool I believe I don't have is a tool to cut standing rigging cables. What tool to you all have for this? Jim, will the ones you mention do that job?<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">Steve: These multi-tools likely wouldnt cut the standing rigging on a dinghy! I would recommend a decent set of bolt/cable cutters for that, and as Stu says - they dont need to be "marine" grade.

By the time the feces impacts the impeller to the point where you need to cut the stays/shrouds, you're well past the tool-on-your-belt point!

Jim

Edited by - on

glen
Captain

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359 Posts

Response Posted - 09/25/2009 : 06:50:13

I have a decent pair of bolt cutters on board. One day just to see how well they work I tried them on some old rigging that I had back home. They failed to cut through the wire rope. I am not trying to say that the ones some of you have won’t work, but you should find some old wire rope and see if they do. I still carry them on board, but I also have a hack saw

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 09/25/2009 : 07:08:01

Bolt cutters can chew through cable but make poor cable cutters.

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