A good multitool can be a reliable companion for decades (until you lose it!).
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
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ZDNET Highlights
- Stick with Leatherman or Gerber for reliable multitools.
- Warranty and repairability matter more than cheap prices.
- Replaceable cutters extend the life of your multitool.
I like to have a good multitool with me at all times. Although they can’t replace a proper toolkit, I don’t like to carry a full toolkit with me when I’m out. Many of my readers are like me, often finding themselves doing random and unplanned DIY tasks throughout the day, so it’s essential to have a portable toolkit that can handle the basics.
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Not a week goes by without someone asking me for multitool recommendations. My advice is always the same: what to watch leather man Or gerber Have to make the offer, and ignore the rest.
Why do I recommend these brands?
Two reasons: warranty and repairability.
take my confidant leatherman free p4I chose it for three reasons: it has all the tools I need, the wire cutters are user replaceable so I don’t have to warranty the tools to fix them, and it comes with a long 25-year warranty,
And these are genuine warranties. I know because I’ve had to use them several times over the years. I use and abuse my tools – after all, any tool can be a substitute for a hammer if you’re creative enough! As a result, I’ve managed to break some blades and even pliers. But every time, the matter was dealt with promptly and to my complete satisfaction.
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Assuming you don’t lose your multitool – don’t be like the guy writing this, who managed to lose two multitools in as many years – you’ll have a reliable companion for decades.
The next thing to consider is repairability.
The wire cutters on every multitool I have are completely destroyed by a hammer. I use them not only for cutting wire, but also for cutting small bolts, nibbling metal, and gnawing screws. They experience a very difficult life. Therefore, these parts need to be user replaceable. Otherwise, I will replace or guarantee the tool every time the cutter fails.
Luckily, you can get replacement cutters for leather man And gerber Multitools. The cutters are easy to replace, allowing you to get your tool back to like-new condition in no time.
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I replaced the cutters on my Leatherman in about five minutes for about $12.
ZDNET’s shopping advice
Personally, I don’t recommend wasting money on cheap multitools. This is a false economy and a classic case of ‘buy cheap, buy twice’. I’ve been sent dozens to test, and they’ve all been poor quality, disappointing, or even dangerous. That’s why I don’t recommend them and I chose this Leatherman Multitool instead.
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Some people have told me that they would buy a cheap car for use in an emergency or for home. However, the last thing you want to rely on in an emergency is a cheap device!
