Opinions on multitools

[boac]

yeah sorry, not very well explained. I'll try again.

 

1. no need to take anything out.

2. open up your leatherman as if you were going to use as pliers.

3. there is now a space where the head of the pliers was tucked away in the handle, ie where all the screw driver bits etc are also stored.

3. slot the handle of your leatherman over the wing bolt so the wings sit (reasonably) snugly in the space vacated by the pliers.

4. rotate with the extra leverage afforded you by your trusty leatherman. :unsure:

 

You can actually use either side of the handles to do this, I just find it sits better where the cross head is (less bits in there basically). It's not perfect, but it is better than trying to grab the wings with pliers, or worse an AJ, and snapping the bloody things off. And no good for wing nuts as I said, for that you'll want the specifically designed tool.

 

Hope this is clearer!

[Tim_C]

I'd definitely say go with the Leatherman Wave if you can. I've used mine to do all sorts of things, including pry the stand base off a JBL cab when one of the screws holding it it place had had the head stripped off it. Actually, pry is the wrong word, I wedged the Wave (with pliers open) underneath and stood on it until the screw snapped off...damage to leatherman - none :unsure: . Also, the knife on the Wave is so much easier to get to when you're up a ladder and only have one hand free, compared to a Supertool.

[Guest lightnix]

I'd definitely say go with the Leatherman Wave if you can.

Seconded. I've had my Wave for almost five years, although the blades are a tad blunt it's still going strong and I use it for something or other nearly every day.

 

Bear in mind though (and I know we've had this discussion before), that because it has a locking blade of over 3" in length, it counts as an offensive weapon in the eyes of the law. I've never had any legal trouble with it, though ("...and I'd like another 1,800 similar offences to be taken into consideration, Your Honour" :unsure: )

[TomLyall]

lightnix has a good point, which is why as a 15 year old I shouldnt have been able to order, pay for, and then accept delivery of mine... oops :unsure:

[boac]

because it has a locking blade of over 3" in length, it counts as an offensive weapon in the eyes of the law

 

Just measured the blade on my wave and its only 2 3/4", but yeah, still not the sort of thing people should be walking around with on their belts. Having said that, I once went to meet some friends for a pint after work and the pub they were in had a guy on the door searching people. I duly held up my arms and he patted me down but somehow failed to notice the Leatherman I was still wearing on my belt... :)

[Pete McCrea]

I was working at a gig this weekend with 2 high profile Hip Hop characters, and the security was stupendous. We were frisked once trying to get into the backsatge compound, then again and bags searched and metal detected again once inside the compound to get on stage. One guy nearly had a fit when he found the Leatherman on my waist. "Whats that for!?" Well, I'm on the tech crew, and I have times when I need a tool there and then....As for my Tool case and rigging/PPE bag.......If we'd really have been bothered we'd have smuggled a 9mm in a flight case that was dumped behind the drape line on saturday when there were no security to be seen. Or hired a hit man to do the job properly.

 

As for MultiTools? Leatherman Wave for me. Broke the needle nose on one, got it replaced within the week (By post too...). Good versitile pieces of durable kit.

[Ike]

Bear in mind though (and I know we've had this discussion before), that because it has a locking blade of over 3" in length, it counts as an offensive weapon in the eyes of the law.

The only time I have found this to be a problem has been when I have been working on the technical side of things pre-show then changed over to security and left it in my pocket/on my belt, apparently most production companies don't like there pit crews to carry offensive weapons.

 

My vote has got to be for the wave.

[Tim_C]

Strangely enough, this has never been a problem for me, even at Holyrood Palace. I actually asked one of the Met guys who was up there during a Royal visit if the blade on my Wave was legal or not. He held it against a marker on the back of his notebook and told me that it was just a legal blade as far as carrying it in ordinary life is concerned.

 

Tim

[tomchennells]

I had a vicorinox multitool cost about a hundred quid - I left in in a field I was doing an outdoor rig in after id had it about a year - never again ! get a cheap one

 

or if u splash out + get a leverman u can get thoose belts that hold all your other gear too at the same time - which hopefully :D should keep it safe - although I wouldnt prommise anything

 

however my victorinox was totall indestructable the knives were razor sharp and the pliers just the right size for most boltsets :o

[Ike]

He held it against a marker on the back of his notebook and told me that it was just a legal blade as far as carrying it in ordinary life is concerned.

You still need a reason. If you intend to do others harm with it or don't have a reason for carrying it then it is an offensive weapon however I'm sure that if you got stoped and searched, as long as you didn't try and hide the fact you had it and explained you were a technician you would be fine.

[sam.henderson]

u can get thoose belts that hold all your other gear too

 

Where can you get them??

 

Sam

[tomchennells]

I think leverman actully make belts that are designed to hold the wave and an assortment of other bits and bobs!

 

My local military supplier stocks black belts with compartments that also do the job very well - perfect to carry a hugely heavy 6 cell mag-lite around with you too :D

 

if all else fails I often wear a normall black leather belt and thread it through the back of all the pouches - allthough often not as secure

[techinleeds]

Well I've had my Leatherman Wave for 4 years now and its took a lot of abuse, Its now getting a little blunt but thats it. If you getting a Leatherman get a Wave as it has most tools (not a cork screw) which most can be accessed on handed with little practice. Have not tried other multi tools so can't comment on them.

[andy_s]

Anyone suffering from Blunt Blade Syndrome (which afflicts knives of all clans - McGerber, Macleatherman, McSwissarmyknife etc) might consider investing in a sharpening stone and some light machine oil, available in any good toolshop (which is also where you will find toolbelts of all descriptions). or even try using the sharpening steel that goes with the carving set in the kitchen knife drawer.

 

Talk to any chef, and they will tell you that a blunt knife is a dangerous tool. This applies in the theatre too. Keep your blades sharp and your powder dry.

 

Oh and for the record, mine's a Supertool 200 with tool adapter. I also have a tiny gerber which has a handy LED torch in the handle.

[Tomo]

Talk to any chef, and they will tell you that a blunt knife is a dangerous tool. This applies in the theatre too.

Keep your blades sharp and your powder dry.

I'll second that!

The only injuries I've ever had from blades was because they were blunt.

The worst was from a cheese slicer - took the tip of my thumb off!

(Surprisingly painless actually)

 

If the knife is blunt, you need more force to do the work and you are far more likely to slip.

 

An oilstone is the best sharpening tool you can possibly get, especially for short blades.