Cheapest vs. Most Expensive Drum Multi-Tool

As a drum and tool lover, its only fitting that I checked out some drum tools and see who makes the best drum multi-tool. None are perfect but of course some are better than others. Where some lack in number/type of tools, they make up for it in other departments. I still don't think that any of these are the end all be all multi-tool, though...
GrooveTech GTDMT1 Drum Multi-tool:
imp.i114863.ne...
Pearl PTT13 Drummer's TechTool:
imp.i114863.ne...
Tama TMT9 Drummer's Multi Tool:
imp.i114863.ne...
Meinl Cymbals SB503 Drum Tech Multi-Tool:
imp.i114863.ne...
Gibraltar SC-GPMT Drum Tech Pocket Multi Tool:
imp.i114863.ne...
PDP PDAXDMT Drummer Multi Tool:
imp.i114863.ne...
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[@rdavidr]

Whats one tool you ALWAYS bring to a gig? (other than a drum key lol)

[@aphexon.]

tools for rest of the band, because they always forget.

[@porcelainthunder2213]

TAPE. Different kinds in different colors.

[@theolanau]

an adjustable wrench, for I need it to set up a vintage Ludwig tom mount

[@Koshosu6163]

I bring a toolbox

[@Justamedic77]

Our bass player

[@kevinherrington7370]

I just want an rdavidr signature drum multi tool that you design

[@philipramsey5577]

Leatherman w/ a drum key

[@drumrnva]

Moongel Scrapers is a helluva band name. Just sayin'....😃

[@Wesk4z]

Hey David! Check out Sounds like a drum's Episode 36, Cody demonstrates a method where you can actually use a ruler to tune snare reso heads according to hoop height. That would be a use for the Groovetech ruler Great vid as always, cheers

[@rdavidr]

Guess you’ll need to buy 2. One for the ruler and one for the key 😝

[@RyanAlexanderBloom]

Now you should just take all the tools you like off the frames and try to Frankenstein the perfect set together.

[@porchestra]

What I’ve been doing for years is simply placing whatever required tools I need in a used pencil case. I also keep and a small roll of electrical tape for set lists and emergency dampening. There’s also a sharpie, a few extra drum keys, an extra hi-hat clutch as well as nylon cymbal sleeves and felts. Everything fits easily in either my cymbal bag or snare drum case.

[@jezusmylord]

i must respect they put a beer opener in the multitools, they know their customers quite well.

[@chipsnegativeharmonyrips7187]

Should've included a pipe as well

[@davidloganguest9662]

I was going to mention the bottle opener as well!

[@rhythmcaster2018]

Could you do a video about essential actual tools to be carried when gigging.

[@alexhill_79]

like this? kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJStlKyLoLqXbq8

[@billscheid3675]

I have the "Pearl" version, but it is branded "CruzTools"... it has saved me many times. But, i'm sold on the Tama one now. The wing nut tool is what we've needed all along for shared kits at rehearsal studios and gigs.

[@TylerOath]

The ruler could be used to measure tension rods?? In case you need a specific length?

[@NATAGUILARMUSIC]

Was thinking the same thing, or the ruler can also measure the width of a tom arm or L arm case it needs to be replaced

[@BeastOfSoda]

The two dislikes are from Gibraltar and PDP.

[@kundelbury5577]

I have the Meinl one. Neat thing to carry around. I've used it many times on my bike instead of the drums actually. It has been really helpful and reliable so far. The bottle opener sees the most use :v

[@Shrihan708]

Always a Good Day when Dave Posts :)

[@gtdrums82]

I know that on Sounds Like A Drum, they’ve talked about using the ruler method to tune resonant snare heads. Maybe thats Groove Techs way of helping with making sure heads are level on a drum.

[@jakeklossing4352]

"As a user of drums and tools" No, David... You aren't a user. You are a *master* 😳💥

[@burtonjc]

I carry a leatherman wave with a bit kit in my stick bag.

[@GuitarGodgt]

I wish leatherman would make a drum multi-tool. Basically I just want a wave with a drum key fold out haha.

[@TriggerThat]

Hey, that was a twist cap, you don't even need a multi-tool! ;)

[@rdavidr]

🤫

[@crystalfunky]

Can you make a video about all the stuff you are using when you grease, oil and basically taking care of your drums? Thanks!

[@corvus5782]

I've got a tool that looks identical to the Pearl (Cruztool) but has an extra hex instead of a #0 phillips. I think they're made by a Chinese supplier that'll just brand it to whatever a company wants.

[@nicholaskoroneos4516]

Ruler - ‘Sounds like a Drum’ did an episode tuning/replacing heads on the snare drum and I remember a ruler being used on the snare side when initially seating that head.

[@DarthAnubis1138]

My grandad was a working musician for over 40 years, and when I started taking music seriously at 14, he gave me my very own Leatherman multi tool. He used one himself, and always maintained that every musician should have one. I still have the same one he gave me 20 years later, and it lives in my stickbag. I wouldn’t go anywhere without one

[@webstercat]

Drum manufacturers & marketing …..

[@makrostheblack4791]

1 shot for every time David says "Tool" 2 shots for every time he says "Tools" 8 shots if you see Maynard in the video anywhere.

[@someguyontheinternet2544]

I can’t wait until you release your tutorial on how to play 10 Hours of Silence on the drums

[@gracehafilm]

I have the grove tech multitool and it’s the best! Helps me adjust anything I need on my electric kit and acoustic kit!

[@Pure_KodiakWILD_Power]

I didn't even remember drum multitools were a thing 🤣

[@zachwatson2349]

I love the @projectfarm approach to this video!

[@provy011]

I use the Gibraltar since I figured $10 wasn't really a waste if it was garbage but for my needs of 15-20 shows a year it works. I definitely would want to upgrade if I relied on it more.

[@M4RCM0NT31R0]

I'm proud to own the Pearl Multi Tool!

[@gregbrown3588]

I got the Pearl as a gift and I actually use nearly every tool on it each week. I do a ton of “field repair” on my HS front ensemble and battery each week… it’s nice to have one thing that has it all.

[@carlupthegrove262]

The Groovetech comes up on Amazon as Cruz Tools same?

[@tuskedbeast]

Excellent review! Comparative reviews of engineered items are definitely a strength of yours.

[@mikebarker9187]

Immodium AD

[@zthealligator]

I got the Tama multitool for Christmas once and it's been a staple in my bags ever since. Bailed myself and the school I taught at out of some sticky situations more than once. The wingnut tightener is really a godsend IMO

[@nullswarm]

Take a shot every time he says "tools".

[@Goliemaskguy]

As someone who uses pearl marching drums on a weekly basis I love the pearl multi tool. The sizes for all of the hex keys are perfect for stands and harnesses. The various sizes of Phillipsheads match all the weird ones on my tenors and in general I don't have to worry if I have the tool to fix it. I definitely do agree with you that the tool is a bit of a pain to open up and gets a bit loose in some spot tho

[@AtTheSourceStudios]

I always get multi tools thinking they're so cool and rad but then when I have it I'm like... Tf is this... I just need a damn PHILLIPS!!!! *Chucked in the drawer to be forgotten

[@alex0589]

Funny how that kinda reflects what i think of each companies. Tama being bulky and expensive but pro-feeling, Gibraltar being affordable garbage, Pearl having non-grippy metal... If DW made one, it would have half the tools, cost 89$ and weigh 40 pounds but could survive hell.

[@RWQMUZK]

If you have a tama kit, YOU HAVE TO GET THE TAMA TOOL. My kit is older so some of the wing nuts and screws need extra love or tightening. The wing nut slot on it is a lifesaver!!!

[@DrMurdercock]

HEaring Slotted Drive instead of Flat Tip makes my Indiana brain hurt

[@vandavis911]

I'm happy with my drill and craftsman 200 piece socket and hex kit. but I'd buy the pearl since the one big hey will adjust my pearl hardware.

[@nathunder1]

Thanks for the video. I was wondering what to buy my son for Christmas. This will be on the list.

[@yonickyg9719]

maybe a ruler will help for drum head tension, (measuring the depth from head to rim??) also to line up exact size adjustment for double pedals etc...? dunno...

[@chipsnegativeharmonyrips7187]

I think you mixed something up; half of the time you were talking about the PDP multitool you were showing a DPD tool

[@OddoRocket]

I have a Multitool by a company called Cruz Tools. Thing is great. similar in design to the pearl. besides a drum key, it has afew different screw drivers and allin keys. great for what i need. Definitely want to try it out on guitars at some point. I always thought i didn't needed a multi tool because i always keep a drum key on my carabiner with my house keys. Boy was i wrong

[@DouglasStevens0521]

I have bought at least 3 drum multi tools and none of the keys worked on them and I never found a screw any of the allen wrenches worked on. Maybe I'm just unlucky but I have abandoned trying to use one of these

[@AcoAegis]

I have that Pearl tool. I don't remember when or why I bought it, but I was just waiting for you to ream it for how hard it is to use lmao. Totally true in my experience too. I think I ended up lubing mine, which helped.

[@theblackknight870]

I have the pearl tool, it just does just about everything. Every time I need to do something on the large assortment of drums at my school its had the tool for the job. It has a ton of hex keys and I've needed quite a few of them for a couple different bass drum pedals. But the meinl having an interchangeable socket is awesome, and tama looks like the most comfortable grip, and it also has the wingnut slot. I've come across plenty of over tightened wingnuts and that would save that annoying ache in your hand after forcing one loose.

[@nickferrence8593]

Thanks for such a great video. If I ever need a multi tool ....now I will know exactly which one to buy. Cheers. Btw love your channel

[@Medievalfan94]

the little ruler on the Gibraltar tool could come in handy for determining your spring setting before maintainance to get it back together the way it was. Okay I am manufacturing reasons right now... xD

[@sheldondyer871]

Video idea! You should buy a pearl roadshow or Gretch energy or some cheap kit, and make it sound awesome with like new heads and cymbals. Would actually like to honestly hear some remo vintage heads but you do you my dude:)

[@matteorebulla]

Nice and funny video, thanks 😁😁👍🏻👍🏻✌🏻✌🏻

[@famitory]

the ruler is for getting the bottom and top mics exactly the same distance from the snare heads, for maximum phase alignment.

[@SpotsDrumHub]

Some people use the ruler to check the height of the the rim. Another way to check everything with the tension. Sounds like a drum guy use a ruler

[@rainrainwebdesign]

talented to make such an interesting video out of such a banal subject - very entertaining and helpful

[@DrRusty5]

Measure the beat 🤣😂

[@rdavidr]

"I gotta make sure I play 1.25" in the pocket for this song"

[@CaptainBabarDrums]

Thanks, amigo! You dropped this video just in right time! I was looking for good multi tool, and now I know what do I want. Thanks again!

[@gavobrown]

I have the Tama and it’s definitely designed for their pedals. If you play Tama pedals it’s worth the investment.

[@grodanblogg]

I'm just trying to figure out a joke that incorporates Beavis & Butthead...

[@harrytelfer7298]

Currently own the Groovetech, love it (it's also useful for occasional guitar maintenance) but I may have to look I to the Tama for on the go, while the Groovetech stays at home

[@smallboy3115]

This could he a really good series bro, just reviewing tools from different companies.

[@fisherreese9770]

The pearl’s smaller drivers have come in handy for fixing eyeglasses and small pocketknife screws

[@JTown66]

I use the Pearl. It's fine. I have found myself needing something in a pinch and it had it. Plus, beer.

[@nicoladamicodrummer]

Hi! Thank you for the video! many use the ruler to check that there is always the same distance between the skin and the edge of the drum and therefore it is pulled evenly. usually it is done only for the resonant of the snare drum

[@davidrahmey1594]

@rdavidr I figured out what that strange bar on the Pearl multi tool is used for... unscrewing tight wingnuts

[@kanjh0]

i can imagine, just buying a bike multitool and putting on a bit with 4 side things would work fine and also be a bit cheaper, but u have to have the right tools and also have the knowledge to modify it so u can use it the best way

[@michaelruffo86]

I think some drummers are actually still using the ruler method for tuning or evenly seating the heads. The small ruler may be for that?

[@michaelruffo86]

I think a rdavidr brand multi tool would be a great standard for drummers. That would make so much sense

[@Jtdubbzz]

The ruler on the groovetech is clutch for helping with finding the exact size drum screw or tensioner I need on the fly when in doubt

[@langadubazana]

For overly tight wingnuts I always carry a pair of pliers haha.

[@thedrummerdude777]

Love my Pearl multi tool. Keep it in the gig bag just in case and it has saved my ass so many times, even my guitar player's ass too.

[@martinmees878]

I find my Pearl tool incredibly useful. Im also often lending it to other band members and our sound engineer!

[@loganlamons5373]

the ruler on the groovetech is for measuring the distence between your drum head and the hight of the rim. Lots of drum techs use this to make sure the drum head is evenly seated around the drum. I see this mostly in studios where the tech or engineer is just trying to be as precise as possible.

[@EvanFMusic]

I like my pearl toll but I like all the points made. Nicely done as always

[@wjombat]

The groovetech looks like the one i have for guitar. The ruler makes sense for that. I need to look if that socket wrench on it is actually a drum key.

[@orti1283]

Groovetech's metal looks cheap, like it will dent as soon as it encounters a stiff screw

[@bradboyle9929]

Wing bolt slot on the Tama? Great for those of us playing backline kits

[@drumsouth8565]

We dont have like this in yemen all about so bad life and war and i have fun with my drum if i out from my country i will tell you what other tols i use it best regards

[@ralphbenites1819]

Ludwig should make one of these tools.groov tech looks very sturdy to me

[@GredelsRage]

The Danes make a drum multi- tool. Its called Lars Ulrich

[@rhysdbeast5]

I have the Pearl .. it’s difficult to navigate but it’s helped out a lot in a pinch

[@DrumMenace]

Great review! I use the Pearl one and have zero complaints with it.

[@germauxvisuals]

The ruler is usefull to measure, the distance from head to rims, this is a usefull tool for hard to tune drums with bad lugs that arent smooth etc…

[@heberluviano1584]

I think the ruler can be for some sort of tuning method I’ve seen on sounds like a drum where they use one to make sure the hoop is sitting evenly

[@jezusmylord]

drums and tools, sub company of food and stuff opening near you soon™

[@JulianFernandez]

the rules is for tuning purposes. many techs uses rules to tune drums when the environment is noisy.

[@itsn0g00d]

I have one of the old Ludwig Sta-Set tools (wingbolt turner/hex wrench/drum key/flat-tip screwdriver) that I got when I was a kid, STILL HAVE IT thirty-someodd years later. I have several multi-tools and other things in my stick bag and emergency tacklebox, but that old Sta-Set is still worth its weight in... well, whatever they're made of. (I think it's chromed pot metal, honestly.)

[@timm1139]

I recently bought a leather stick bag @ a second hand shop & one of those tools was in the side pouch. They are listed on Reverb for $50, so I made off like a bandit on that deal!

[@jh867]

I'd probably prefer the Tama, because I appear to have superhuman strength when tightening wing nuts. Only when tightening though...

[@Telepuzique]

exactly! too many times did I have to use the notorious two sticks method because I would tighten the wing nuts until dead.

[@webstercat]

Most of these as you can see are remarked of normal hex tools…

[@Spankedchicken]

Love my Tama. That wing nut loosener has come in handy more than once

[@ryankartheiser855]

The ruler is probably for e drums for drum triggers.

[@makrostheblack4791]

Tiny little ruler for getting the perfect hi hat spacing!

[@JulianFernandez]

bottle was already opened. come on, david.

[@Pac1man11]

you can tune your drums using a ruller. I do cary one in my snare bag ;)

[@magrildz]

I own the Tama multitool. Saved my ass a few times

[@mightyV444]

So *no* bottle opener on the most expensive one, the Tama? 😳

[@hytgggg]

What size hex would you have on the PDP tool if you put one of the bits in backwards?

[@rdavidr]

1/4" I just checked and theyre too long to fit in when you flip them. I guess you also would have a 1/4" nut driver if you dont use any tool in it.

[@PSModernKitchens]

The ruler could be helpful to line up snare wires

[@mk_rexx]

How can regular multi tools not marketed for drums fare with these branded ones?

[@rdavidr]

Def wont have a drum key and probably not many, or any, hex keys.

[@dejulesb974]

The ruler is used for the snare side, on the snare drum.