The Last Pocket Multi-Tool You’ll Ever Need
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I’ve always loved my Leatherman multi-tools which combine a knife, wire cutters, and a pair of needle nose pliers into a small convenient, portable, and pocketable package but they were heavy. So heavy that they could easily pull down your pants if you’re not wearing a belt.
Because of their heft I ended up stowing my old Leatherman in my notebook bag and since I don’t always have my notebook with me I would then sometimes not have a pocketknife on me when I needed one. That won’t happen to me anymore!
A few months ago, when Leatherman released two new models that are much lighter, but don’t sacrifice their strength or durability, I didn’t hesitate ordering one. I liked it so much I even ordered the second version so I could keep one in my camera bag.
The Leatherman Skeletool CX is made of aluminum, carbon-fiber, and stainless steel which is coated with tungsten. A less expensive stainless steel and aluminum version called the Leatherman Skeletool is also available. Both weigh only 5 ounces and easily fit in your pants pocket.
Both versions of the Skeletools each come with an outside accessible blade which can be opened with one hand quickly, needlenose pliers which also have regular pliers, wirecutters, carabiner/bottle oper and a universal bit driver. A #1 and #2 phillips and a 3/16-inch and 1/4-inch flat head screwdriver bit is included.
I highly recommend the Leatherman Skeletool and the 42 Bit Assortment so you can screw/unscrew all sizes of hex, Torx, Phillips, Robertson, Pozi, and slotted screwdriver varieties.
The CX version is nice looking but since it doesn’t reduce the weight, in hindsight, I can’t say it’s was worth the added cost.
If weight isn’t a concern for you, and you’d like scissors, 2 knives, a saw and more, the Leatherman New Wave Multitool is the perfect tool for your needs. You might also want to check out the top of the line Leatherman Charge TTi.
It’s also worth noting that all Leatherman products are covered by a 25-year limited warranty and Leatherman’s customer service has been fantastic in my experience. I broke an older pair a few years ago and it was replaced without any question or delay.
Update: ayls in the comments points to this cool looking multi-tool for techies: PT-540 Multi-tool
4 Comments
John Cow
June 24th, 2008
at 12:20pm
Ah the good ol Leatherman, able to have a camp totally wired with just that pocket knife.
You are right thou, it was very heavy.
We’ll have to take a look at the new model’s.
DurbanDon
June 26th, 2008
at 9:17am
As septagenarian, I carry a Swiss Army Knife. It has a sharp blade, a bottle opener which possibly could be used for a screw driver or can opener and a cork screw. It also has a tooth pick and a pair of tweesers. It weighs just over an ounce (34g) and meets most of my mobile needs. If I need any other tools, I have a heavy tool box at home. When I travel, I take a Leatherman and a Buck knife in my baggage. I mostly need the Buck knife and seldom use the Leatherman.
ayls
June 26th, 2008
at 6:44pm
techies might want to consider this multi-tool instead:
PowerPlay PT-540 Multi-tool
Leatherman Skeletool Multitool as low as $42 shipped! ~ usrbingeek’s deal finder
October 23rd, 2008
at 10:37am
[...] previously reviewed the Leatherman Skeletool Multitool earlier this year in the post, The Last Pocket Multi-Tool You’ll Ever Need. The Leatherman Skeletool CX is made of aluminum, carbon-fiber, and stainless steel which is coated [...]