THE RIGHT TOOL

October 10, 2017

THE RIGHT TOOL

A multi-tool is by no means a replacement for a set of traditional tools. They simply are not designed with the intention of being used for the same kinds of work and you should not expect them to be. Wrenches and screwdrivers exist in their bulky formats because sometimes excessive torque/pressure/leverage are necessary. And you should know this going into your search for an addition to your EDC. Multi-tools are wonderful as on-the-spot and ever-ready solutions to stuff you may run into through the course of your travels. But, if you’re looking to put together an erector set rollercoaster, a ground-up vehicle refit, or a dozen pieces of Ikea furniture, grab your traditional tools. That’s why they exist.

ALWAYS PREPARED

LEATHERMAN SQUIRT PS4

Arguably the biggest name in multi-tools, Leatherman has solidified their place amongst the EDC greats. Known for innovation, quality, and reliability, they continue to produce excellent folding tools and have since 1983. The Squirt PS4 does not deviate from that reputation, offering much of the same functionality as a full-sized foldable multi-tool in a diminutive package - needle nose pliers, regular pliers, wire cutters, a 420HC stainless steel knife, scissors, flat and philips drivers, bottle opener, and wood/metal file. This 2oz, 2.25” mini-tool is constructed of 6061-T6 hard-anodized aluminum and comes with a keychain attachment for east carry.

TT POCKET TOOLS TT-CHOPPER

Sometimes, astoundingly useful and durable tools come in incredibly small packages. Or at least that’s the case with the TT-Chopper Pocket Tool. This American-made tiny tool is only 2.25” in length, weighs just 0.4oz, and still boasts a shocking 12+ functions - including a bottle opener, 1/4” bit driver, flathead driver/pry bar with nail slot, box cutter, and 6-stepped box wrenches. And it is constructed of super strong titanium and features a stonewashed finish.

EDC CARD

If you’re the kind of person who doesn’t enjoy a crowded keychain or random items floating around in your pockets, but you still want a functional multi-tool, then the Cha-O-Ha EDC Card is more than a worthy option to check out. This American made, credit card sized, military grade blade steel tool has more than 30 built-in functions - including three sets of stepped hex drivers, a 1/4” hex driver slot, metric and imperial rulers, philips and flathead drivers, a mini-hammer claw, and a bottle opener. And it only weighs 2oz and is fully TSA compliant.

GRIFFIN POCKET TOOL XL TITANIUM

The fabled griffin is a chimera of some of the best parts of two of the world’s greatest predators: a lion and an eagle. The Griffin Pocket Tool XL Titanium, similarly, is an amalgam of some of the best parts of your average toolbox. Except, it is a fraction of the size - 4.3” in length, less than an inch in width, and only 0.2” in depth - and far lighter. Its solid titanium construction ensures that you’ll be able to use any of its 15+ functions for years to come, whether you favor the 5-stepped hex drivers, the pry bar/screwdriver with nail slot, the metric and imperial rulers, the 1/4” bit driver, the wrench, the scoring tool, or the bottle opener. And it comes in either imperial or metric wrench/driver sizes.

SOG POWERASSIST

Though they are more well-known for their knives over everything else, SOG is no slouch in the world of multi-tools. And they’ve proven that in the excellent design of their updated PowerAssist. This full-sized multi-tool might be a little bulky for the average EDC gear set, but its vast array of features, durability, and overall usefulness certainly deserve a second glance. It comes equipped with a 3-sided file, blasting cap crimper, bolt grip channel, bottle opener, can opener, full serrated blade, hard wire cutter, large/medium/small flat drivers, needle nose pliers, philips driver, ruler, straight edge blade, v-cutter, and wire crimper. With an overall length of 7” (4.6” when closed) and weighing 9.6oz, this 420 stainless steel multi-tool is a veritable tool chest that will last for years to come.