Leathermans Are Not Toys! Why Every Tradesman Needs A Multi-Tool!

[@maxlvledc]

Ok, you and I need go have an interview...I think we have a great topic on our hands..."why a Multitool " in the trades.

[@hvacbudget8600]

Sounds good!

[@simonh6371]

@@hvacbudget8600 Yes! Please guys do a maxlvledc and hvacbudget collab vid!

[@blade9292]

Considering I'm in this situation in France. I just wish manufacturers orient their multitools concepts towards the trades. That doesn't mean the other models aren't relevant. But we need easy to carry tools and multitools are the solution.

[@dcnx5417]

You two and Texas Tool crib would be perfect

[@maxlvledc]

@dcnx5417 ben and I want too, but he is crazy buzy

[@misa19961]

My edc is always the leatherman wave+ with the Milwaukee fastback with screw driver. Couldn’t really live without them, I do general remodeling that’s why they both go together perfectly for several uses.

[@johnkraemer5505]

Great topic and discussion! I hope multitool and tool companies watch your video!

[@hvacbudget8600]

Thanks!

[@billybunter3753]

Don't forget with the Surge, you can add the extension bar to the bit driver, enabling you to use standard 1/4 inch bits.

[@neoaliphant]

i use my surge as a network engineer tool all the time, i need a seperate ry45 crimper tool, and i use the crimp to strip outer cable, but surge for every other task, i made my own 1/4 driver by grinding down a cheap set. the bit that came with surge s really soft.

[@billybunter3753]

@@neoaliphant Yes the leatherman bits are really only for light use. You can buy aftermarket extender bars pretty cheap, they don't need to be leatherman branded. In fact some of them seem better in that they have a magnet in them. Handy for quality bits. 👍

[@neoaliphant]

@@billybunter3753 my bit holder has magnet, very usefull, if i ever lost/broke surge id probably get the dicamping as the bit driver does look better, i hardly ever use the leatehrman actual bit...

[@billybunter3753]

@@neoaliphant Yes, call me weird but I prefer to keep the leatherman bits in good condition. No hard use for them due to the softness. I have a separate bit set that I usually use. And yes the magnetic bit extender you have would be very handy!

[@francoiscoetzer9920]

I own several LMs, the Surge is my favorite go to tool. It fits nicely in the hand and it is so versatile.

[@mattyvlietstra5017]

Love seeing your collection. Good tools there

[@hvacbudget8600]

Thanks!

[@trymstrenhauge1512]

I am a diesel mechanic for cummins mostly marine and industrial equipment. And I have been carying my centerdrive and powerpint for a coupe weeks now and and i am not going back. Man has it saved me a lot of trips to the work van for general diagnostics work i hardly even bother bringing tools anymore. I do wish there was a multitool with a pair of proper sidecuters. As the centerdrive and powerpint strugle a bit with zipties.

[@hvacbudget8600]

Great point. Side cutters would be cool! Good to hear the tools have been a timesaver!

[@BeginnersLuckXJ]

Ive used the dual force for about 2 years now. That thing takes a beating and is great for everything i need.

[@hvacbudget8600]

Very cool!

[@mattyvlietstra5017]

I've wondered how it goes compared to normal needle nose pliers. I have the centre drive but haven't got the dual force yet. I have a few gerber mt's and I find them pretty good. On the whole

[@lantern214]

A good multi-tool is essential for home inspectors. I already have a utility belt that has some heft, but a good multi has reduced that quite a bit. I use a modified leatherman signal, with the saw replaced with a wave + diamond file, and removed the can opener for a vic scissor. Closes and functions as normal, but checks all the boxes when opening panels, etc.

[@hvacbudget8600]

Totally agree!

[@larryvincent1083]

The Dual Force is my most favorite multitool for DIY on our 3 acre place and RV. Love it. And when building decks, etc, I wouldn’t be without it.

[@hvacbudget8600]

It is pretty special!!

[@mikecooperator291]

Mechanic and I use my wave almost by the hour from opening parts, to spreading electric pins (precision screwdriver) its by far the most useful bit of kit I have on me

[@hvacbudget8600]

Nice!

[@farmking5088]

The Swiss Tool MX Clip and a pair of 5" vise grips can't be beat for me, use both every day for farm use!

[@hvacbudget8600]

Cool!

[@unfi6798]

Great presentation mate. Guess that's why most of us mod our tools to requirement. Cheers from Australia.

[@d2cuadrados510]

Only popular multitool where I live seems to be the Fastback. There was a time when my local Home Depot couldn't keep em in stock. Lowe's carried Leatherman for years and never saw one being sold. Now they carry Gerber and it's the same thing. Maybe tradesmen just prefer cheap, light and replaceable multitools. I personally love my dual force, but I ain't putting that brick in my tool belt. That thing lives in my truck.

[@mattyvlietstra5017]

I have the klein. I think it's cool for the price. If you want a beafy knife and pliers. It's the biggest out there. As for the surge. I'm inclined to go for a cone with everything you mentioned but with a 1/4" bit driver.

[@edgaraquino2324]

I have always said that the LTG has moved away from the base that put them where they are now...a large group in that base are tradesmen...imho, their marketing team is driving their move towards being a luxury retailer...Victorinox seems to also be moving in that direction....LTG also is making it hard for folks to pick an entry-level tool as their prices are high...yet their competition is catching up & their quality is improving comesurately...but they don't see it...Dominic has been consistent in his discussion of this matter as have you...maybe you 2 & TTC can schedule a meet to discuss these & other matters...Good video, thanks!😊

[@richardhenry1969]

Ive used Klein when i was a ironworker. The problem ive seen with multi-tool is the don't work very well on stuff that's not maintained. The bits on leatherman were junk. In my experience a few purpose driven tools will always out do a jack of all. Unless leatherman really picked up the quality. Really a bit driver, a plyer, and a knife can accommodate most anything. An really can be carried just as easily. Leatherman was and still is very useful in a outdoor environment. I put leatherman ahead of the swiss army knife but mostly because swiss army knives use a soft stainless. Id love to see a multi-tool made of tool steel. Tools only rust when not used. In my field no good tools are made of stainless.

[@hvacbudget8600]

Great response!!

[@clydedoris5002]

Multitools are just supposed to be used for fast applications not to do better than them

[@richardhenry1969]

@@clydedoris5002 what does that even mean?

[@the_old_crimge74]

I'm a cable field technician, and use my arc more than nearly any tool I carry. Why would I carry around pliers, cutters, screwdrivers, prybars, little hammer, and a weight when it all fits in one package?

[@hvacbudget8600]

That's cool! Have you seen the Gerber Cabledawg? I forgot about that tool in this video.

[@the_old_crimge74]

@hvacbudget8600 I had not, I'll have to try and find one, but I don't think it will be very useful at my level. I do a lot with RG11 and RG6 cable, but I don't remember the last time I had to make my own ethernet cable.

[@chrisfyfe9212]

I kinda forgot about the ARC hammer function ! In my own defence ; here in Canada they are rare , I have yet to see one in the flesh !

[@chrisfyfe9212]

Another one I rather like is the Victorinox Spirit X , my “ off Duty carry “ , while working ; the Surge !

[@chrisfyfe9212]

With respect to the Surge ; the larger scissors , and the “ T” shank/ SDS blade capability are a big plus ! The thang is a beast ! Pliers heads are also good for de burring , both PVC and metal ! Using the “ on board “ bit holder gives ya a plam length “ Stubby “ function , the bit extender turns it into an Uber Driver ! I load my extender with Whia double ended bits , good quality , lots of bang for the buck !

[@11_EVERYTHING_OEFx2]

I can’t leave home without my CenterDrive. It was the MP400 and Vice, Splice, and a few others I had when I was in the service and I’ve been hooked since. I do code compliance so I’m constantly popping lids and meters open etc, the CenterDrive just nails it for me. I use a Clip&Carry Kydex sheath with the BitKit sidecar and it’s AWESOME! Every single day, I use it, and whoever is on that particular job site always asks about it before complimenting its versatility. I don’t have to run back and forth or carry a ton of tools when the CenterDrive does it for me. A little customization as far as aftermarket bits but that’s all.

[@hvacbudget8600]

Very cool!!

[@paulstevens1493]

Love your perspective on this!

[@hvacbudget8600]

Thanks!

[@franciscoromano377]

In addition to others, there are 4 'tools' that are always in my EDC, SAK climber , swiss-tech multitool 16 in one, knipex cobra 180mm and the knipex pliers wrench 180mm

[@hvacbudget8600]

Nice!

[@toolswithtim]

The fact that a Trade focused brand like Milwaukee still hasn't released a Multitool for thr masses shows the state of things. The attempts by Dewalt are kind of a joke, will still carry a Leatherman no matter what task Im doing

[@nilmarklohpontes1735]

My modded DL30 is 90% perfect for my work needs, I'm now working on making an compact accessory kit for it

[@hvacbudget8600]

That is really neat! How did you mod it?

[@nilmarklohpontes1735]

@hvacbudget8600 Placed a magnet on the Bit Driver to use regular bits and can still use the double sided bits, Made thumbstuds for the blades, swapped the small flat head for a smaller longer flathead I have from my SOG Q3 baton multitool. Used your Advice for the NiteIze hipclip and got myself a pocket clip, attached paracord to the pocket clip with the victorinox swisscard quad micro driver.

[@hvacbudget8600]

@@nilmarklohpontes1735 Very cool!

[@NoAlvarez]

great job with your analysis. I agree with a lot of what you are saying. I bought a multi-tool with a hammering edge (Bibury). I would have loved if that tool had a bit driver also. If these companies every make something better suited for a 'tradesman', I'd most likely jump on it. Again, like you said, if well made. And yes, I know these multi-tools won't replace the real tools but I was just looking for something I could carry with me and use as an emergency.

[@hvacbudget8600]

I agree!

[@samin8ter]

Ace has the Milwaukee fastback with bit driver on sale for $12.99 if you are a member.

[@hvacbudget8600]

Wow!!

[@MrJoshwright92]

would love to see a pliers multi-tool with an outside accessible utility knife and a shifter spanner built in

[@hvacbudget8600]

That would be great!

[@jpinoniemi]

The Roxon Phantom has interchangeable blades and utility knife is available. Unfortunately, no shifter spanner

[@blade9292]

The closest thing is nextool W2 and add a Roxon KS2 with utility knife. With these 2 you have something close to your liking. However the W2 tool have light duty other tools and I don't know how resistant the wrench is.

[@blade9292]

To be honest For me I would like a three multitool set. Tool #1 Water pump pliers base. This tool will have plumbing and mechanic related tools. Tool #2 pliers wrench base This tool will have Cutting tools and Drivers. Tool #3 VDE electrician tool. This one will have electrician blades and insulated divers. Accessory kit will comme with twin sided bits, sockets and extensions. I know This will be heavy but you can tackle most things with those and you can still just carry 2 of them regarding your tasks. As for a crunch like MT I'm all for it, but I think there is a few things to improve on the tool and this isn't just the knife, but the crunch is the best of its kind and isn't available anymore... Gerber can improve their grappler too. It's not like they tried everything.

[@hvacbudget8600]

That sounds amazing!

[@w00ey21]

great video mate! its an interesting topic, wonder if Wera, Knipex etc will have a crack at the market?

[@hvacbudget8600]

I hope so!!

[@chrisfyfe9212]

Big fan of both the Victorinox Spirit , and the Surge ( the “ T” Shank/ SDS blade holder takes the place of Drywall saws , and folding Jab/ drywall saws [ those little shits , in the wrong hands can cause a lot of damage to walls and client’s furniture ! I being one of the poor Pricks all too often sent to repair such damage ! Blade up/ handle down Carrys being the main cause of that kind of damage !

[@ramsessilent]

I have worked in construction, electrician, pumming, custom kitchens and bath and carried my eod black leathermen charge everyday i bought a duel force and keep it in my truck. love it! always wanted a crutch but they where always out if stock, and always wanted a good wire striper head with repacable cutters becase its allways what wears out first. that being said and watching this video someone needs to make a wire striping needle nose vicegrips with replacabe hard wire cutter head and at least 1/4 in diver with hardened bit kit. it would cover basically all the trades maybe a knife and a combo tool to fill out the tool set!

[@hvacbudget8600]

I agree!!

[@clydedoris5002]

Modern day multitools aren't meant to be better than the real counterparts rather it's something that you have on hand that's good enough for jobs and doesn't require digging for tools

[@TylerSnyder305]

Why would they fucus on the trades when companies like Klein already have that stuff covered ? The tool companies are already adding even more functions into their tools than ever before, so many technicians...etc already have so many rudundancies in their tool bag that they may not see the need to add another costly suplimental redundant option. The multitool companies have the focus they do because they're targeting people who probably don't already have all these tools on them and could use a compact supplimentary compiling of light duty options. The problem with this whole multitool thing in my mind is the fact that people have forgotten the purpose of a multitool. Things can change, but the plier based multitool from the beginning was never intended to replace a toolbox and should not be viewed this way. You just can't make a multitool that can actually replace everything very well, and and it makes no sence to ignore this fact.

[@D2G10]

The main problem is the value for the money and NOT value per square inch of the tool. No multi-tool does the job better or equally as good as the dedicated version of the tool so the multi-tool is by definition an inferior item which will require more effort to achieve the same result and at the same time it usually costs premium. Also If you lose it you loose all of the tools.

[@clydedoris5002]

But you can carry a multitool without carrying a toolbar but if you're working on corroded parts forget it

[@AMERICANPRIDE1100]

Screwdrivers on multi tools are just not useful for us techs only if you had nothing which you shouldn’t

[@neoaliphant]

the pliers and knife i use more...the driver is more when im up a ladder and didnt bring driver up with me....

[@chrisfyfe9212]

Let’s not forget ; not politically correct , but a closed Surge makes a pretty good impact device ( I put the harder ( white ) Stilletto hammer face cover on mine in a pinch ! The cover will fit on either end , and protects the Multitool !