Multi-tools:
As a plumber i never use my multitool(Leatherman- Charge TTI) on the job, its not worth fumbling around with screw driver bits and its akward shape. I have a whole tool box of dedicated tools better suited for the job and lets face it, you look stupid walking around a multitool strapped to your belt.
now on the other hand a good quality multitool like "leatherman" is great for UEing, camping, hiking, out and about or just keep it in the car. I highly recommend the "Leatherman Charge TTI" it cost about $120.00 but its totally worth it.

Never used mine outside of exploring. Same reasons as you, tough to actually work with.

i actually use my multitool often outside of ueing...but mostly for my art

I love mine but it almost never leaves my toolbox at work. I am a press(wo)man so most of the tools I need are hung at various places around the press and are brass. I use one at home a lot. I hate walking all the way to the shop for something in a pinch and it sure beats a rock and a butter knife which I have been known to use.

I use mine more that I'll use a shop pair of pliers.



The tips are almost as tight as an expensive pair of tweezers, and stronger than other needle nose pliers.

The knives I keep extremely sharp, thanks to a friend of mine, and the scissors are always in use when people are looking for some.

I actually love having my Gerber multi-tool while at work.

In my profession though I cant cart around a whole box full of tools while 100' up in a dead tree and running a chainsaw. So if I need to make a chain adjustment, or make a cut for something, or unstick the locking pawl on a rigging block, it comes in very handy.

I suppose it depends on what you're doing with one. If I'm on the GROUND and have access to my tools, I'd much prefer to use them instead for most things. But when I'm on a job, I'm rarely on the ground; and having to stop everytime I need a tool to have a ground crew tie one on and send it up would be a total hassle if I can just use my multitool instead.

While I have dedicated tools in my vehicle, I can't take them into a crowded set, so a good multi-tool is worth more than its weight in gold. While doing more general contractor work or shop work they're worth about the same as their weight on paper.

I find multi-tools to be a useful get out of a jam tool, but i rarely use mine if it can be avoided. There always tends to be some sort of malfunction or improper fit whenever i take that darn thing out.

I *have* used a swiss army knife to fix a classic Beetle in an emergency before... but I'm not proud of it. I've never had any luck with a multi-tool in the trade though.

Posted by bandi I *have* used a swiss army knife to fix a classic Beetle in an emergency before... but I'm not proud of it. I've never had any luck with a multi-tool in the trade though.

If you were working on people's cars with a multitool I'd be a little worried about your work ethic and your tool selection. haha.

I use my pocket knife far more often.
I carried a PST for 20 years and work just gave me a new super tool 300EOD.
Prob need something on the go daily and it's just easier to have it in my go-bag versus getting out a toolbox. Camping, hiking, exploring, or helping a friend move ... they are priceless.

I can see why it would have little utility to a tradesman on the job ... you always have professional-grade tools on hand.

Posted by Therrin If you were working on people's cars with a multitool I'd be a little worried about your work ethic and your tool selection. haha.

Either that or be REALLY impresssed.

Grr hate multi tools, only used them if I'm fixing something for a friend and thats all they have with them - usually ends with a lot of swearing and it getting fixed but me getting annoyed to the point i throw it multiple times.

I think a crowbar and a cutting torch are better than any multi-tool out there...

>.>

Posted by Therrin I think a crowbar and a cutting torch are better than any multi-tool out there... >.>

Oxy acetylene torch will cut almost anything you could need to cut.
And it makes an amazing sound.