Only two multitool brands are worth your money – here’s which one I carry

I like having a good multitool close at hand. While they can’t replace a proper toolkit, I don’t fancy carrying a full toolkit with me when I’m out and about. Many of my readers are like me, often finding themselves doing random and unplanned DIY tasks throughout the day, so having a portable toolkit that can handle the basics is essential.

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Not a week goes by without someone asking for my multitool recommendations. My advice is always the same: check out what Leatherman<!–> or Gerber–> has to offer and ignore the rest.Gerber<!–>

Why? Two reasons: warranty and repairability.

Take my trusty Leatherman Free P4–>. I chose this one for three reasons: it has all the tools I need, the wire cutters are user-replaceable so I don’t need to warranty the tool to get them fixed, and it comes with a long 25-year warranty.

And these are real warranties. I know because I’ve had to use them a few times over the years. I use and misuse my tools — after all, any tool can be a substitute for a hammer if you’re creative enough! As a result, I’ve managed to break a few blades and even the pliers. But each time, the issue was dealt with promptly and to my complete satisfaction.

AAlso: 10 tiny tools and gadgets I keep on my keychain (and why they’re so useful)

Assuming you don’t lose your multitool — don’t be like the guy writing this, who managed to lose two multitools in as many years — you’ll have a reliable companion for decades.

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The next thing to consider is repairability. The wire cutters on every multitool I’ve owned get absolutely hammered. I use them not only to cut wire but also to chomp through small bolts, nibble through metal, and gnaw through screws. They experience a very hard life. Therefore, these parts need to be user-replaceable, otherwise, I’d be replacing or warrantying the tool each time the cutters get mangled.

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Fortunately, you can get replacement cutters for Leatherman<!–> and Gerber–> multitools. The cutters are easy to replace, allowing you to get your tool back to an as-new state in no time. 

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I replaced the cutters on my Leatherman in about five minutes and for about $12.

ZDNET’s buying advice

Personally, I don’t recommend wasting money on cheap multitools. It’s a false economy and a classic case of ‘buy cheap, buy twice.’ I’ve been sent dozens for testing, and they’ve all been poor quality, disappointing, or even dangerous. That’s why I don’t recommend them.

Also: This game-changing tool gives you another pair of hands

Some people have told me they’d buy a cheap one for the car or home to use in an emergency. However, the last thing you want to rely on in an emergency is a cheap tool!

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Source: Robotics - zdnet.com