All I Need is a Good Multi-tool and Duct Tape

One of the things I've learned in life is that having a good multi-tool and Duct Tape can help save the world! Well, at least small little pieces of it. This article is a review of several different multi-tools to help you pick the one that's best for you to fix your little pieces.

Leatherman is rumored to be the original creators of the multi-tool. Tim Leatherman is the driving force behind the excellence and precision of Leatherman tools. When asked about the company's devotion to quality, Tim simply replies, "My name is on every tool."

The Juice multi-tool is 3 1/4" closed. It features glacier blue, thunder purple, flame orange, or inferno red anodized aluminum handles. This is a perfect multi-tool for those that want a little style to go with their work!

The Juice features a needle nose pliers, which is standard on most multi-tools. You will also find a knife blade, wire cutters, extra small, small, and medium screwdrivers, a Phillips screwdriver, a lanyard tab, a combination can/bottle opener, a corkscrew with assist, scissors, a saw and an awl. An awl is a long pointed spike, which I find, is good for prying at things that need pried open, like childproof containers.

Another Leatherman multi-tool is the Micra Mini Tool. This little wonder is only 2 1/2" closed. That's small enough to fit comfortably in your pocket or purse. It's made of an all-stainless construction. As a side note, stainless steel will rust if it's left out for long, so make sure and clean this multi-tool accordingly.

The Micra Mini Tool also features scissors, a clip point blade, a ruler (inches and metric), tweezers, a combination nail file/cleaner, a flat Phillips screwdriver, small & medium screwdrivers, a bottle opener and lanyard attachment.

The next manufacturer we are going to look at is Gerber. Gerber is a name that commands respect among knifelovers and knifemakers alike. Gerber has been in business since 1910 and are still going strong with a focus on outdoors and sporting. The Gerber Compact Sport Tool with Tool Kit is great for a camper, hunter, or anyone that ever has to use a tool to fix their pieces of the world. This tool is 3 7/8" closed. It has an all-stainless construction. Again, make sure you keep your stainless tools dry because they will rust.

The Gerber Sports Compact Tool also has the standard needle nose pliers, wire cutters, a crimper, a partially serrated drop point blade, a lovely pair of Fiskars scissors, a medium combination screwdriver/bottle opener, a Phillips screwdriver, large and small screwdrivers and a can opener. All tools lock into place for safety. A tool kit is included as well, which includes a coupler and six bits. This fits nicely into the included black ballistic cloth sheath.

Another Gerber multi-tool is the Suspension Multi-Pliers and this baby is sweet! It's 4" closed, so it's a little big for your pocket, but a sheath is included for your belt, or its perfect for your glove compartment or fishing kit. It features an open frame styling, which gives it a high tech style. The Multi-Pliers are spring-loaded and you'll find needlenose pliers, a serrated sheepsfoot blade, a drop point blade, a can opener, large, small and micro screwdrivers, scissors, a saw and a lanyard tab. The Saf.T.Plus component locking system is specifically engineered by Gerber and makes it extra safe for use as it locks tools in place as you are using them.

The last multi-tool we'll look at comes from Spyderco. Spyderco hails from Golden Colorado and is known for unique innovations in quality and design. You will see why when you take a look at Spyderco's unusually designed multi-tool. It's called a Spyderco Byrd Harp Tool because its silhouette is reminiscent of the musical instrument.

The Byrd Harp has eight functional tools, which rotate out individually from an outer ring and snap open, ready for use. This interesting looking tool features: a slotted-head and Phillips-head screwdriver, a combination punch/awl, a gimlet, a saw, a corkscrew, a file and a small/large-head hammer that doubles as a bottle opener. When the Byrd Harp tool is folded flat it slips nicely into a leather carrying case. It's like having a micro toolbox for your car, boat, backpack or bike.

There are several other types of multi-tools out there, but between Gerber, Spyderco, and Leatherman, these are the crème of the crop. With one of these tools, and a roll of Duct tape, you'll be able to fix just about anything that comes your way!