How to choose a multitool: a quick step-by-step guide

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

The multitool is an indispensable tool that can help you out in the most unexpected situations. Here are some simple tips to help you choose the right one for you.

Lifehacker's readers are already familiar with the multitool. Let us remind you that a multitool is an indispensable tool that can help you out in the most unexpected situations. The choice of a multitool must be approached carefully and deliberately - having acquired a "not your" supertool, you may never taste all the charm of its use. Here are some simple tips to help you choose the right multitool for you.

Step 1. Getting to know compact multitools

Imagine: you are walking along the beach, enjoying life and the sun, and at the most beautiful moment a screw suddenly falls out of your sunglasses. Don't worry, your multitool is well placed to deal with this misunderstanding. Stop, wait a minute though. What multitool? You should have left it at home, just imagine: it weighs two pounds, and besides, there are no pockets in your bathing suit.

Moral: A multitool will only serve you well if you are willing to carry it with you at all times. Of course, it's cool when you have 27 instruments "in one bottle", but if this instrument is not with you all the time, it is of little use. The first step towards acquiring a multitool is to find out which supertool you can always take with you without experiencing any inconvenience. Fortunately, there are several options in this case.

Step 2. Finding out why we need a multitool

Do you want to have your bike repaired? Fix the glasses? Adjust the mechanism in the watch? Make a list of the "repairs" that you plan to do, and write down emergencies that your multitool can help. Do not deviate from the plan when you come to the store: you only need the super tool that can best satisfy your aforementioned requests.

Step 3. Compare the multitool and regular tools

Here it is important to determine for yourself whether you need a multitool as a means of self-defense, as a fashionable and beautiful attribute, or as an indispensable multifunctional tool in everyday life. In the first and second cases, the choice is obvious - the multitool is beyond competition. He no doubt looks less terrifying than a saw in his right hand, a hunting knife in his left, and a beer opener in his teeth. It is an excellent means of self-defense in emergency situations.

The multi-tool is also indispensable for motorcyclists and cyclists, on a hike, fishing, in the country. The list goes on and on.

But if you are engaged in large-scale technical work, then in this case the multitool is inferior to the "grandfather's" suitcase with tools. Remember that multitools are a kind of "emergency" and help in emergency situations, in the field, but are not tools for everyday laborious work in the workshop.

Step 4. Avoid low-quality products

Unfortunately, not all manufacturers with a clear conscience approach multitool bundling. Some of the auxiliary tools in the multitool are of such poor quality that they are practically useless. A striking example is a flashlight: many users note its extremely low power. And they are convinced of this, as a rule, somewhere at night on a back road, and in addition with a broken car.

There are two ways out of this situation. The first is to ditch the false economy and buy a properly functioning flashlight that makes the perfect "free" addition to your multitool. Option two: buy branded multi-tools, the manufacturers of which value the quality and reputation of their products.

Step 5. We study the multitool market and choose the one that suits us

There are a huge variety of multi-tools, I will give a few examples.

Leatherman Kick is perfect for hikers and cyclists: the safety ring allows you to securely fix the tool, for example, on the strap of a backpack.