To understand what a multitool is, you need to find out its main purpose and design features. In fact, the device in question is a multifunctional tool aimed at solving various kinds of problems. It should be noted that such a device differs slightly from a standard folding knife, equipped with an additional option hidden in the handle.
What is a multitool?
There are several types of this tool on the market, which differ from each other in size, configuration and a set of additional equipment. The classic full-size versions have become the most popular.
Purpose of the device:
- Repairing fishing gear when several different tools are required at the same time.
- On the hunt, this device will allow you to have on hand wire cutters, an opener, a file and a small saw.
- On camping trips, a folding knife with pliers will serve to open canned food, repair equipment, prepare brushwood and provide first aid(for example, when making a stretcher for a wounded comrade).
- As a survival tool, especially for people who prefer extreme and exotic activities.
Features
Such a multifunctional tool, due to its compactness and versatility, will be a wonderful gift for any man, regardless of his professional skills and hobbies. Any element of the multitool becomes available in seconds. To do this, you just need to remove the required element from the seat of the handle.
For example, pliers are prepared for work by pushing them forward or by unfolding parts of the handle. Depending on the configuration, the design of the fixture involves the fixation of each secondary tool or some of its parts. A folding knife with tools is a pair of handles with pliers, inside of which additional tools are hidden. They can be on the outside or inside.
Other device benefits:
- compact, making it easy to carry the multitool in your pocket;
- lightening the weight of luggage on hiking trips due to its low weight and versatility;
- operational safety;
- wide scope.
Material of manufacture and dimensions
What is a multitool in terms of production components, we will consider further. As a rule, several types of steel are used in the manufacture, including stainless steel,used to create certain elements. For example, for a combined blade, steel of the 420-NS type is taken, for a knife - 154 CM, while a screwdriver is made from tool materials. Often the structure contains high-strength steel compositions of S-30V, VG-10 configuration.
The reliability of a multifunctional tool depends on the material of the handles, the thoughtfulness of the connecting components, and the availability of additional equipment in the form of anti-slip coatings. Particularly valued in this category are specimens made of titanium alloy, which have high strength characteristics and low weight. The mating parts are interconnected by means of rivets or "hexagons" of the screw type. Standard full-size samples weigh about 350-450 grams and include up to ten tools. At the same time, their length is up to 16 centimeters. The smallest options do not exceed 80 millimeters in length, with a weight of about 100 grams.
Equipment
The set of multifunctional multi-tool tools most often includes the following items:
- Two-handed and one-handed pliers. Usually combined with side cutters and pliers, they are intended for processing small diameter nuts, wire cutting, holding parts.
- One or more knives, including versions with special blades for cutting fibrous elements.
- Corkscrew and opener.
- Phillips and flathead screwdrivers placed in the handle.
- Hexagons.
- Saw dedicated to cutting smallbranches.
- Spoon, fork.
- A ruler printed on one of the pens.
- Flashlight.
- Can opener.
- Special adapter.
List of other components
Folding pliers are included in the design of any multitool. And the tools listed below can be found much less frequently. This includes:
- adjustable wrench, fixed rigidly on the handle, and can also be equipped with pliers on the reverse side;
- an ax with holes cut in the body for hex nuts of various diameters;
- cullet, which is a pointed back blank or a joint design with the back of the pliers;
- whistle and steel (useful options for tourist modifications);
- small hammer;
- glass cutter and many other useful extras.
Varieties
What is a multitool by configuration? There are several versions on the market with different shapes. The most popular and functional ones:
- Classic. Full-fledged and compact models are offered, the main working part of which are pliers. The price of the issue is from 500 rubles.
- Folding one-handed version. The basis is a knife, additions are hidden in the niches of the handles.
- "Swiss card". This modification is a set equal in size to a plastic card. All tools are placed in special niches.
- "Business card". An analogue whose design is similar to the previous element.
- "Bracelet". The original version, worn on the hand, equipped with holes for hex mounting of various diameters.
- Key chains, belt buckles, travel versions.
- Army model, focused on replacing full-fledged military tools.
- Yacht multifunction instrument.
- Electrician version equipped with dielectric coated handles.
- Among the original copies, the electric version, a small shovel, bicycle varieties are noted.
Selection criteria
Before choosing the instrument in question, several important points should be considered:
- decide on the purpose of its exploitation;
- to work with electrical wiring and parts, it is imperative to choose models with dielectric handles and a set of appropriate nozzles;
- pay attention to the dimensions and weight of the device, taking into account its rare use or everyday wear;
- match the presence of options such as a flashlight, which rarely has enough power;
- choose trusted manufacturers who value their reputation;
- study reviews of experts and users.
Multitool Leatherman
This is one of the leading brands in offering quality multi-tools. The brand line includes the following modifications:
- Mut is the most convenient version for those who are fond of small arms. The impressive equipment makes the device indispensable invarious situations.
- Micra is a multifunctional compact tool. Among the design features are the presence of tweezers and a manicure file.
- Skeletool is a sporty version featuring an attractive design, light weight and high build quality.
- Multitool "Leatherman" (Leatherman Kick) - a modification focused on tourists and cyclists, equipped with a safety ring that allows you to securely fix the product on a backpack strap or belt.
Other manufacturers
So far, it is difficult to find purely Russian models in the domestic market in this category. Among the proven and reliable manufacturers, the following brands are noted:
- Gerber.
- Ego Tools.
- Wenger.
- Multitool folding Ganzo ("Ganzo").
- Victorinox.
- Swiss Tech.
Finally
Not all manufacturers are responsible for the release of the products in question. For example, cheap Chinese multi-tool sets break down quickly, have poor build quality, and have a minimum warranty. Purchasing this product is a waste of money. Well-known manufacturers, such as Leatherman and Ganzo, give their models a multi-year warranty (up to 25 years). For the brand, as you know, you have to overpay. As experts and owners of the multifunctional tool indicate in their reviews,don't skimp on the purchase.
Firstly, this device can often help out in difficult conditions. Secondly, cheap fakes do not even perform the main function, not to mention additional features. Many note that for one-time or rare use, you can choose a modification that optimally combines price and quality indicators. However, for frequent professional use, it is better to pay attention to the corresponding category of special tools.
