The classic debate: multitool or toolkit? We’re breaking down the essentials to help you figure out which one deserves a spot in your gear. Here’s a summary of the key points from our recent comparison in the video below.
Blades
- **Leatherman Wave**: This multitool comes with a straight blade and a serrated blade. The serrated one is great for cutting through tougher materials, while the straight blade handles general tasks.
VS.
- **Utility Knife**: Enter the Rapid Warrior! This utility knife has a replaceable blade system and an ergonomic handle that makes it a champ for utility tasks.
- **Food Prep**: For food-related tasks, you can’t beat a Victorinox paring knife. With its sharp, over four-inch blade, it’s perfect for slicing and dicing—plus, it’ll get that last bit of peanut butter out of the jar like a pro!
Pliers
- **Leatherman Wave**: The multitool’s pliers are pretty handy, featuring needle-nose, standard, and wire-cutting capabilities.
VS.
- **Klein Needle-Nose Pliers**: These give you a longer reach and better wire-cutting capabilities, making them ideal for electrical work.
- **Locking Vice Grips**: These bad boys can tackle tougher jobs and even extract stripped screws, something the multitool just can’t do.
Saws
- **Leatherman Wave**: The saw blade here is small and mainly for notching wood, so it’s not the most versatile option.
VS.
- **Dedicated Saws**: The Rapid Warrior comes with multiple saw blades, including a hard steel cutting blade and a pruning-style saw. Talk about cutting capability!
Files
- **Leatherman Wave**: The wave has one of the better multitool files with both Diamond and crosscut surfaces, but it can’t work in every space due to its size. Not long enough for heavy work and not precise enough for small spaces
VS.
- **Dedicated File Set**: A good set of files offers various shapes for precision work on both soft and hardened steel. Way more effective for repairs!
Scissors
- **Leatherman Wave**: The built-in scissors? Not the best. They struggle with thicker materials.
VS.
- **Dedicated Scissors**: Fiskars scissors are the way to go. They have a longer cutting edge and handle precision cuts like a champ.
Screwdrivers
- **Leatherman Wave**: This multitool includes a few screwdrivers, but they’re pretty basic.
VS.
- **Klein Precision Driver**: Now we’re talking! This tool has 27 functions in one compact design, including security torque bits. It’s way more versatile than the multitool options.
Conclusion: Why Choose a Multitool?
- **Portability**: Multitools are compact and easy to carry, making them perfect for quick fixes on the go. You can stash them in your pocket or clip them to your belt.
- **Time-Saving**: When you have a multitool handy, you save time and boost efficiency, especially if you’re in a trade or need to make quick adjustments. The time you save will make you $$$.
Final Takeaway
So, what’s the verdict? Both multitools and toolkits have their strengths. If you’re all about convenience and portability, a multitool is your best friend. But for those specialized tasks that require specific tools, a toolkit is essential. Neither one can replace the other.
Cheers,
Dominic
