Multitools

[Chris Cramer]

I've completed my model on fusion for my first multitool I want to attempt to assemble. I studied one of my old multitools for a good idea on how the device works to hold and lock all the different tools into the frame. It's not too complicated, mostly just a series of springs that are part of the frame which is usually bent into shape. I tried shaping some 16 gauge SS that I cut with my plasma table by bending every joint but I don't think that would look very straight without the correct rolling machines. Instead I re designed it to come together as separate cut parts that I could tig weld together instead of keeping the whole frame in one piece.
The tool's inside I would just fabricate like I do most of my knife blades.

 

[Bandit]

One of the problems I have found with some multitools, is when using the pliers, the handles have the open channels towards your hand. This very much reduces the amount of pressure you can use when using the plier. PAIN.
On one set, there are locks for blades etc. the pivot pins for the locks are very small, and break, resulting in a near useless tool. Appear to be made of a cast, brittle metal.
One set had a file, with a slot screw driver tip on the end, not anymore, that broke. The file has to be hard to be usable,the end breaks off easy. Files and screw drivers are not the same!!!. The file is little better then a nail file anyway, as is to short and has a dumb measuring rule on it that basically can't be used for anything.
Am I to hard on these tools, most likely. But some of the designs are good with some parts very poor, but they are called a multi tool, hard to do all things well.

 

[Chris Cramer]

Yeah, I wouldn't consider combining very many tools to the same component, and the outer lock that locks the smaller tools placed next to each other might be tricky to add with such a small pivot pin. However the linier locks are more simple and robust as they are part of the frame. For a screw driver I intend just to weld a spare hex shaft onto a shaft that sits a channel. To make it all more robust, with tools made of the proper metal and hear treated properly, I probably won't add as many as a leatherman has.

 

[CWret]

That is an impressive project. Way over my pay grade or ability. Good on you! Go for it!!

IMO - pick a few main features or functions that you think are important. KISS
My multi is over 20 years old. It has served me well but had features i didn’t use. It’s a Gerber from when they were still made in USA.
Its sheath was permanently attached (via machinists wire, see sheath holes in pic). to the frame of my dirt bike.
The way the pliers slide in & out is terrific, simple and effective.

The knife blade was most often used but i broke it (abused) so it was welded back together.

 

[SomeGuy]

That's one heck of a project, good luck let me know when the kickstarter comes out lol

I rock the typical leatherman wave+ and have had the usual gerber and swiss army style ones in the past or lost to car center consoles at this point lol that and I do love my Benchmade knives and Spyderco dailys.

 

[trevj]

Am pretty partial to my classic Leatherman, will replace it with another same, if and when this one falls into the void. I have a Wave too, but don't carry that as much, although I do like a few features it has, like the diamond grit on the back side of the file, and the folded over edges of the handle, which adds materially to the comfort in use.

The Military issued out Gerbers, and aside from seeing (and experiencing) a lot of broken blades, esp the serrated ones, which seemed to be more brittle than average, we had perpetual problems with the studs that limit the travel of the pliers jaws, blowing off the tool if they were used as pretty much everyone did, with a flick of the wrist to extend. Loose pieces of tool being missing, was cause for a LOT of issues around the aircraft, with tool control as well as issues with FOD, aka: anything that was not parts where they were supposed to be, potentially jamming up flight controls or other systems.

At any given time while I was working, I usually had two, sometimes three different multi-tools on me, each had things that worked better, as well as each having things that didn't.

 

[Susquatch]

Am pretty partial to my classic Leatherman, will replace it with another same, if and when this one falls into the void.

Me too. Most of my wear and tear has been the sheath.

Fact is that the plastic bit holder that sits behind the knife in the sheath disintegrated on me a while back. I ordered a new one a month ago. It just arrived and looks like it's made of a more durable material.

 

[trevj]

Me too. Most of my wear and tear has been the sheath.

Fact is that the plastic bit holder that sits behind the knife in the sheath disintegrated on me a while back. I ordered a new one a month ago. It just arrived and looks like it's made of a more durable material.

I had a custom leather sheath made by a very talented local (ish) supplier. Didn't think much of the factory sheath, though it lasted Okay well.

I can wholeheartedly recommend Skookum Horse, out of Clinton BC, http://www.skookumhorse.com/ , as a source for really solid sheaths for the likes of these tools! An internet search, should oblige! The lady has great hands and no few skills as a Leather Worker!

 

[Susquatch]

I can wholeheartedly recommend Skookum Horse, out of Clinton BC,

Nice. Here is one of their multitool cases. $100 plus options and shipping. Hard to believe. Does yours include a slot for the spare bit slide under the knife?

 

[Dan Dubeau]

I'm interested in seeing how this comes out. I had a similar idea a few weeks ago, but I was going to make my own "blades" for an existing multitool. Though breifly about making the entire thing from scratch, but quickly walked myself back from that idea. Mainly I just want a good quality file.

 

[Susquatch]

Here is my Leatherman. The case looks rough, but it's still totally useable.

My old tool strip is on the right, and the new one to the left of that. I'm thinking the new material will holdup and last much longer. I've bookmarked the custom sheath for the day mine dies.

 

[trevj]

Nice. Here is one of their multitool cases. $100 plus options and shipping. Hard to believe. Does yours include a slot for the spare bit slide under the knife?

View attachment 54975

My two cases are just plain ol' pouches for the multi-tool only. Both mine have cut corners, rather than the current formed pouch that these ones shown have.

Not sure what I paid exactly, I had ordered a VERY heavy leather belt, plus the two cases a few years back.