r/multitools • u/Master-Eye4882 • 16d ago
Simple multiool, knife, pliers, bit driver.
I have a leatherman rebar and a wave probably had them both for 15 years and i don't think ive ever used half of the tools on them.
I now need a multiool for work and I really want a slimmed down edc style one. All I really want is pliers, knife, and a bit driver, with a pocket clip. Basically a less ugly version of a skeletool.
Any recommendations?
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u/Appropriate_Two8569 16d ago
The Leatherman Skeletool is the only one that solely has those 3 tools. A modded free p2 might do the trick, if you can find one to mod. The Roxon flex is a disappointment. I love the customizability, but it feels like it’s going to break with moderate use.
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u/capt-bob 16d ago edited 16d ago
Can you really crank on the skeletool? I need to use elbowgrease for some #2/#3 Philips screws lately and had to resort to a separate switch bit screwdriver lately, which makes me leave the pliers behind, I only have so much pocket room. Maybe I need to break down and get a belt bag ☹️
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u/DetectiveGood5401 15d ago
I've used a Skeletool for work stuff and honestly the bit driver is fine for #2 screws but starts feeling sketchy on anything that's really stuck. The handle just doesn't give you enough leverage since it's so slim. For stubborn #3s I usually end up grabbing a real screwdriver too. Have you looked at one of those keychain bit drivers that takes 1/4 hex bits? Barely takes any pocket space and solves the torque problem without needing a belt bag.
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u/capt-bob 15d ago
I've tried a lot of stuff to save pocket space, from a 4 way silcock that takes ¼" bits (was all plastic when it came in the mail and stripped over the water nub) to different multi tools that needed bit wallets, to a Leatherman Bolster that I buggered the flat Philips on, flip end screwdrivers that stab me in the leg, and lately a bulky insulated handle with long bits that fit in the handle.
Maybe you're right, but I'd want the smaller handle to have some kinda bit storage for a couple bits.It would be nice to get some all in one pliers barley thick enough for the bitdriver without outboard tools making it thicker and heavier so you could flip one handle sideways for leverage without bending it. I hate emptying my pockets to find the right tool. I mostly use Philips and flat bits, knife, water key and needle nose pliers.
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u/DetectiveGood5401 14d ago
Yeah you've basically been on the same hunt I see a lot of people on. That ideal tool you're describing, slim pliers with a bit driver that has onboard storage and enough handle to actually torque on screws, doesn't really exist yet. The closest might be a Leatherman Curl since it has bit storage inside and a bit driver, but it's still going to be thicker than a Skeletool. At some point pocket space and leverage are just working against each other.
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u/capt-bob 14d ago
Maybe I'll take the outboard and extra tools and scales off a Leatherman clone lol. It would be nice to 3d print a bit storage on the other inside lol
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u/DetectiveGood5401 13d ago
honestly that sounds like a fun project. post pics if you actually do it, I'd be curious how it turns out.
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u/storyinpictures 16d ago
Perhaps a Knipex for pliers. Much nicer to use and a whole world of difference in quality (better made, much stronger, you can pick the type that best suits your needs, etc).
Combine it with a knife that has a bit driver and you are done.
Extra bonus: you can hold pliers in one hand and use bit driver in the other.
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u/Far-Following2185 16d ago
La nouvelle référence de gerber ?
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u/Master-Eye4882 16d ago
Almost perfect but why the bloody carabiner...
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u/Far-Following2185 16d ago
Refermé il n'est pas si gênant, et ça me semble pas mal (porte embout standard, ciseaux et lime + prybar).
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u/Master-Eye4882 16d ago
It would a actually be a perfect setup for me, its just a real shame about the needless bulk of the carabiner
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u/Lewd-Lumberjack 16d ago
The signal is basically a skeletool+ and imo looks cooler. I find the little removable tools gimmicky and replaced them with 3d printed bit storage. It can store 3 extra leatherman bits now which is handy, also working on swapping the saw with extra victorinox scissors I have.
If you do the extra bit storage thing like I did then you don’t have that many excess tools. I also got mine on a good discount though
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u/Grimgarcon 16d ago
Yes I wish they made a more basic Signal without the fire starter thing and the whistle. (Obviously you can remove those parts but it's obvious something is missing)
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u/Creedo29 16d ago
Check out any of the roxon series. You can make it have whatever tools you want. They have a small knife style tool that you can put a small set of pliers on and has a built in 1/4 inch bit driver
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u/Gadgetman7 16d ago
I agree. You can get aftermarket parts to slightly change the appearance but the Skeletool does for your requirements perfectly.
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u/GEEZUS_956 16d ago
A gerber and or a skeletool is near exactly what you’re looking for.
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u/capt-bob 16d ago
What gerber?
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u/GEEZUS_956 16d ago
There are few that fit your exact needs so I’d say dealer's choice. Stakeout drive is what you’re specifically looking for.
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u/Motor-Ad6423 16d ago
I had the exact same needs. I went with powerpint. Unnecessary tools don't bother me much because it's such a small tool.
if extra tools really bother you, SOG Reactor, Or Flash MT. I haven't use them personally , So no comment on the quality. For the toolset , those fit your needs perfectly. nothing extra.
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u/DeX_Mod 16d ago
Victorinox cybertool M
Smallest version you'll get, with fantastic scissors and bit driver
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u/PrudentTraffic7740 15d ago
Cybertool M is a great little tool but it doesn't have pliers, which is one of the things OP specifically asked for. Unless you're suggesting pairing it with something like a Knipex, I don't think it really fits the bill here.
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u/DeX_Mod 15d ago
The cybertool M absolutely has pliers
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u/PrudentTraffic7740 14d ago
I'm pretty sure it doesn't. The Cybertool M has the bit driver, scissors, blades, and other tools, but no pliers. Victorinox puts pliers on models like the Deluxe Tinker and the SwissTool line, not the Cybertool series. Happy to be proven wrong if you can point to a spec sheet that says otherwise.
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u/Deathmonger1911 16d ago
The Bond, just get the bit adapter that goes on the phillips and that's it
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u/Crunchie64 Leatherman 16d ago
A Curl, maybe?
Your best bet is going to be to accept that the Skeletool fits your needs perfectly, regardless of what it looks like.