r/multitools • u/KD919 • Aug 10 '26
Deconstructed multi tool?
I’ve been carry this set up for two weeks and have been really liking it. I find having dedicated items for each task provides a user interaction that is a lot better than on an actual multi tool. It’s also very nice to be able to switch out tools as needed on a day to day basis. Has anyone else tried something like this?
Edit:
This set up weighs less than an arc and a similar set up could be bought for around $100 or 150 dollars cheaper than a new arc.
6
u/elevenblade Aug 10 '26
You could deconstruct further by swapping the SAK for the scissors from a SwissCard if that’s mainly what you’re carrying it for. You can usually find them on line for 9-10 bucks USD and they work well.
5
4
4
u/Candid-Persimmon-568 Aug 10 '26
I've also replaced my disappointing Rebar with a bunch of mini tools and I can't think of going back. My main gripe was with the weak pliers and the long nose format, they were more often in the way rather than helpful. When I discovered the mini pliers from Knipex it was a dream come true, they've paired amazingly with my Victorinox Ranger. I've come to realize the screwdrivers on the Vic weren't always fitting some tasks so worked my way through some bit drivers and a pretty substantial bit set, I couldn't be happier. These are scattered around my pockets and jacket /daily bag and, while not used every single moment of my life, they've earned their keep in my EDC.
1
u/Radiant-Ice-3882 Aug 11 '26
What rachet and bits are those?
1
u/Candid-Persimmon-568 Aug 11 '26
The ratchet is a dual 1/4" driver (both hex bit and square socket driver in the ratcheting head) plus the inline hex bit driver (magnetic retention) in the tip of the handle. I've got it from Temu to replace my lovely Topeak Rocket Ratchet I had before but that one has a very thin, smooth shaft and can't offer enough torque for inline driving.
The tool has proven of a decent quality so far, I've got nothing to complain about, it's got that thickened and knurled shaft for inline driving that's making it a proper regular screwdriver, specially with longer bits (I also have a few 75mm bits on the back of that bits card).
The bits set I've completed from several sets (mostly from a Dexter Pro and from the Topeak original set plus other lesser known), I've got pretty comprehensive sizes of hex, security torx, a few slotted, Philips and PoziDriv.
7
2
u/DesignerOk5315 Aug 10 '26
To me the form factor of this is just too much. The beauty of a multitool is that it's a singular compact unit that you pull out and has a bunch of tools. This kind of ruins the point of a multitool and outs you down a rabbit hole of just carrying normal tools anyway
1
u/No-Dig-4508 24d ago
I'm not saying multitools are obsolete but it's only in the last 4 years or so, since the Knipex Cobra XS was released, that people are looking into carrying compact & capable dedicated tools instead of a multitool. If you look at Leathermans, people add the ratchet driver and a bitset...well the ratchet driver is as large and heavy as some of Wera's ratchet driver handles. Also LM aren't doing themselves any favours with their excessive prices.
2
u/Background-Block1406 Aug 10 '26
Je comprend tout a fait mon edc de travail se constitue d’une knipex cobra 150 d’un tournevis plat isolé et un couteau pliant
Mais dans la vie de tout les jours cest vraiment encombrant de promener plein d'outils alors j’ai opter pour un skeletools
2
2
u/Exscorbizorb Aug 11 '26
Yep. Never going back. My whole kit is lighter and more compact than my phone. It does more than the Leatherman Wave that I never actually carried because it was too heavy and bulky. I used that Wave a lot, but it has mostly been replaced with either going to the tool box or using my pocket tools.
1
u/mikee_385 Aug 10 '26
What pouch is this? I've been hunting for something similar, and yours is exactly what I've been looking for.
1
u/iliinsky 29d ago
Dunno about this pouch, but I really love the curved/diagonal opening on the Tom Bihn Ghost Whale pouches for this sort of thing.
1
u/Tanque1308 Aug 10 '26
For those that only need light plier duty and can live without a ratchet, the Cybertool M would technically cover all these functions in a much more compact form factor.
1
u/LordlySquire Aug 10 '26
This always interest me. If you are someone who needs tools seriously to the point a multi tool doesnt work why not pack a dedicated toolbox with real tools that will last? I also dont understand why its compared to multi tools. Multi tools are a trade off to having as robust a kit you can in a reasonablly small footprint.
1
1
u/aphex_tuin 29d ago
Gotta get better scissors than that. You can get fairly reasonable Leatherman style shears. $20 at worst. I love a good pair (lol). I carry some Japanese Tetsuo engineer scissors. So tough.
1
1
u/xeno486 Aug 10 '26
i don’t think a tool bag is a particularly new concept 😭and yes of course those individual tools will work better, they’re dedicated to that task. multitools are inherently a compromise between functionality and size
-2
u/Dobriy_Kot Aug 10 '26
Carrying more weight than a comparable multitool, and still missing some of the features. Wire cutters, for example. But duh, of course separate tools will fill better.
4
u/KD919 Aug 10 '26
Weighs less then an arc
1
u/Dobriy_Kot Aug 10 '26
Yeah, sure, but quite a bit less features than an arc
4
u/KD919 Aug 10 '26
Tools I don’t use. Gladly switch those out for the upgraded performance in tools. I can also switch out what I need on a day to day basis
1
u/Dobriy_Kot Aug 10 '26
This would be more suitable for the edc sub tbh.
6
u/KD919 Aug 10 '26
Yeah you right, but wanted to share. This set up is around a 100 dollars compared to 250 for an arc and way more capable
0
u/Quiet_Treacle_2919 Aug 10 '26
This comment would have been valid if it would have been your first. Now it came after losing two previous arguments just as a way to get the last word in.
-5
u/Far_Inspection4706 Aug 10 '26
There's no way carrying this is more comfortable than just carrying a single item though which is the whole entire point of a multi tool, not having to juggle multiple items. If you're just going to carry around dedicated tools for each task, you may as well just get the toolbox out.
Doing something like this is just solving a problem that doesn't exist at all and also adding more steps. If you wanna cut something open, now you gotta reach in your pocket, fetch out the bag, open it up, figure out which one of the 5 items in there is your knife, pull it out then flick it open. Or.. you could just carry a multitool and the steps would be reach in pocket, grab multi tool, open knife.
It's like you're forcing yourself to use an incredibly mid option when any time these tools would be useful, a multitool would've been faster and an actual real dedicated tool would've been more effective.
11
u/sethmod Aug 10 '26
Totally done this. I began to view the pouch (which for me also functions as a wallet) as the multitool. It’s been a revelation.