Suggestions on a multitool?

[logicnerd411]

I decided my cheap $1 multitool isn't going to cut it (pun intended)so I'mm looking at other tools. I'm looking for a small Leatherman Micra style tool at about that size. I narrowed it down to three tools:

1. Leatherman Micra
2. Leatherman Squirt S4
3. Leatherman Squirt P4

Of those three, what do you recommend for EDC? Or give me a suggestion of another multitool of that size. TIA,

Dan

 

[Marty Weiner]

Dan

I have all of them and use them a lot. It boils down to whether or not you have to scissor cut or use a plier. Personally, I keep a Micra on my keychain and a larger tool like a Wave in my car when I need a plier.

Since you like that size tool, you might want to add a SOG Crosscut to the list. The scissor cutting surface is larger than a Micra and overall, it's about the same size and weight.

Either way, all of the Leathermans that you listed are excellent and guaranteed for 25 years.

Marty

 

[tiktok 22]

Hi Dan,

Any one of those tools are a good choice, it just depends on your needs. The P4 has pliers, metal file and awl, where as the S4 has scissors fingernail file and tweezers. The S4 and micra are essentially the same tool other than the fact that all the tools on the S4 can open without opening the tool. The S4 also has aluminum handles and the micra is stainless steel. The S4 is slightly smaller than the micra. I have all three and couldn't be happier. If I might, I would also like to suggest a Victorinox Rambler. I own two of these and always have one at my side. the quality is impecable and all the tools are very useful.
But if I had to choose only one....the P4.

 

[logicnerd411]

I'm leaning toward the S4 because Costco is selling it for $22. You say the Micra is stainless steel? I saw it with some type of colored sheath around it, what is that?

Dan

 

[tiktok 22]

Don't know about a sheath? They do come with anodized handles though. Marty might have some in the B/S/T. I've seen the micra for sale at Wally World for $16.99. Yes, the micra is 100% stainless.

http://www.leatherman.com/products/tools/micra/default.asp
http://www.leatherman.com/products/tools/s4/default.asp

 

[gyverpete]

I'd tend to say buy BOTH (or all three), but I won't. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I have all three of these. I EDC the micra and P4. I use the micra alot, much more than the P4. They're all nice IMO. All have stainless tools and lanyard ring.

It depends on whether you prefer scissors or pliers. The P4 (pliers) and S4 (scissors) have the same knife and screwdrivers(2 flat, 1 phillips). In addition the S4 has nail cleaner/file and removeable tweezers(SAK type). In place of these the P4 has awl and metal file. They're both well made, but the anodized handles will get scratched up. The tools don't lock but they snap into place well. They're also the same size and both are spring loaded.

The micra is basically the same as the S4, but the implements, including the scissors are larger/longer than the S4. It also has a bottle opener. Tweezers are OK and unremoveable. The tools neither lock nor snap into place. It has a semi-useable inch/mm ruler on the handles.

Leatherman tools tend to rust a little bit in humid environments. It hasn't affected operation. Higher carbon content stainless I guess.

The other mini multi tool I EDC is the Swiss-Tech Microtechnician plus. It has pliers, wire cutter, shear, large and small phillips, large and small flat drivers. It's all hardened steel, black oxide finish. Not stainless so it rusts a little, but it hasn't affected operation. The pliers fold and lock onto a keyring very well. It's a tough little tool. Smaller than the other three.

 

[gyverpete]

Wow! Four posts while I was composing mine! I got to get a move on, or keep my posts to less than a hundred words! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif

The colored sheath you saw is plastic, which apparently is applied over the stainless handles. It's probably a slight bit thicker as a result, and more money, and less widely available. The other colored micras have anodized aluminum handles of the type used on the Squirts.

 

[zorba]

Id say get one with lockable tools. There is nothing more painful than your skin getting caught between the screwdriver and the tool body when you try to undone a stubborn screw

 

[RazorMaxx]

My vote would have to go to the P-4. I have the Micra and the quality is near perfect however I just don't find that scissors are very useful, to me anyway. Rarely do I come across something that would "require" scissors. Most can be cut using a blade however I constantly use the pliers on my Wave. I am thinking seriously about getting a P-4 for those times I don't/can't carry my Wave. Personally I would like to see a Micra version with pliers. I would own one in a heartbeat. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinser2.gif

 

[logicnerd411]

I think I will settle on the P4, now to find it for a good price... I'd like to find it in a real B&M store, not online. What's the cheapest you guys can find?

Dan

 

[tiktok 22]

My super Wal-mart has them in house for $24.97. Might check them out. They also carry the S4 so you can look and compare. Funny though, they are not with the other knives and multi-tools, they are hanging in an isle in the sporting goods section. If you don't see any, you might want to as a clerk to point you in the right direction.

 

[Marcio]

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hahaha.gif My small Leatherman Micra is my EDC... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink2.gif

 

[JohnJ80]

I carry (for office environments) a Juice XE6. I have also carried the orange one (can't remember the number) but it didn't have the file and the awl.

That all aside, for serious work I carry by Swiss Tool RS by Victorinox. It, and the other Swiss Tool models, are far and away the best, most sturdy, well designed multitools out there. Nothing else really comes close. I installed trim tabs on my boat with nothing else besides the Swiss Tool and a drill. The ONLY failing the Swiss tool has is that the knife blades are not open hand opening. When (not if, I am sure they will) this will be the best multitool by a long way.

If I am more interested in using a knife quickly on any given day or in a small carry - then I use my Leatherman Wave. The one handed opening is great for the knives, but the quality, fit, finish and construction is several clicks below the Swiss Tool.

j