A multi-tool (or multitool) is any one of a range of portable, versatile hand tools that combines several individual functions in a single unit. The smallest are credit-card or key sized units designed for carrying in a wallet or on a keyring, but others are designed to be carried in a trouser pocket or belt-mounted pouch.
Historical
The idea of incorporating several tools in one small portable unit is very old, dating back at least as far as Middle Roman times. Many of these were based around eating.
Pocket knives
Among the earliest contemporary examples is the Swiss Army knife as supplied by makers Victorinox and Wenger. The actual version supplied to the Swiss army includes a knife blade, a reamer, a bottle-openerâ€"screwdriverâ€"wire stripper, and a can-openerâ€"screwdriver. Besides Victorinox and Wenger, many other manufacturers now make similar knives.
Other versions may include items like a nail file, tweezers, folding scissors, a tooth pick, a magnifying glass, screwdriver bits and others. There are also versions that have special tools for specific sports or outdoor activities like golf, horseback riding, hunting or fishing. Versions intended for cyclists may have a selection of allen (hex) keys, a selection of wrenches, screwdrivers, a spoke key, and a chain-breaker.
Models like the Wenger SwissGrip, Wenger Pocketgrip, Al Mar 4x4, SOG ToolClip, Snap-on and CRKT Zilla-Tool are similar in style.
Folding multi-tools
In 1983 Tim Leatherman sold his first "Pocket Survival Tool", larger and more robust than a pocket-knife-based tool, and incorporating a set of needle-nosed pliers in a balisong-style mechanism. Too large for most pockets, it came with a belt pouch. Today, Leatherman Tool Group manufactures and markets a variety of multi-tool models.
"Leatherman" is now often treated as a genericized trademark for the similar multi-tools now available from makers such as Coleman, Gerber, Kershaw Knives, Schrade, SOGÂ Knife, Victorinox, Craftsman - along with many unbranded types produced in low-cost production regions, and smaller mini and micro units are often small enough for pockets or even key rings.
Other multi-tools
In recent years, a number of urban and outdoor multi-tools have sprouted offering non-traditional tools one would not expect to find in a single unit.
Substituting a toolbox, these multi-tools functions include a hammer, spirit level, camera tripod, LED light, lighter, tape measure and an assortment of screwdriver bits.
Multifunction tools may be specialized for use in certain activities. Cyclists may carry a folding tool with multiple screwdriver bits or wrenches to allow adjustment of bicycle fasteners during a ride, or for repairing a broken chain. For sport fishermen, a specialized multitool may combine common functions such as cutting fishing line, crimping weights, removing hooks or opening split rings. A specialized multitool may be used for adjustment, cleaning or minor repair of a firearm in field use. The advantage of a mutlitool is saving weight and space over a set of individual tools to perform the same functions.
See also
- Leatherman
- Gerber Legendary Blades
- Swiss Army knife
- Ballpoint pen knife
- SOG Specialty Knives
References
