Category Archives: multitools

ChannelLock 6-in-1 emergency tool

From the indispensable folks at Popular Mechanics. Seems worth having in a go-bag. Since we’re of the belief that “go” should be organized in groups, with great attention paid to weight – we’re reluctant to suggest one in every go bag – but one or two in every group seems sounds.

The six features are:

  • side-cutting electrician pliers. According to Popular Mechanics, “Cut into both its jaws is a heavy-duty cross hatching that grips with a vengeance.” That is, powerful pliers, and

  • wire-cutting capability

  • gas shut-off wrench – and on the same handle

  • a pry bar.

  • On the opposite handle, a spanner wrench and

  • a glass punch for breaking through car windows

Channellock 6-N-1 Rescue Tool from Popular Mechanics’ Best of the 2008 National Hardware Show. by Roy Berendsohn.

Toolmonger: BCB Mini Work Tool (Flat Multitool)

Dan Kitchen reviews the BCB Mini Work Tool at Toolmonger:

The BCB Mini Work Tool looks like a miniature version of the ATAX tool that Toolmonger [photopress:BCB_miniwork_tool.jpg,thumb,alignright]featured a few weeks ago. This credit card-sized piece of stainless steel integrates 11 tools in its simple frame, including a knife, saw, bottle opener, flat screwdriver, and a hole that can be used as a wrench.

BCB Miniwork Tool

[BCB Survival USA]

Toolmonger: What Do You Get The Last Guy On Earth For His Birthday?

Eric Dykstra at Toolmonger has posted about the ATAX

– a new type of multitool – although – I’m guessing – it has its origins in credit-card sized flat or or flatt-ish multitools. Learn a bit more, and the design innovations seem quite impressive – not merely a larger version of the smaller think.

[photopress:ATAX_designed_by_Ron_Wood.jpg,thumb,pp_image]

Continue reading →

Leatherman Skeletool: 5 ounces (142 grams)

Leatherman has introduced the Skeletool and skeletool CX:

[singlepic=173,480,412,,left] The Skeletool has a removable

pocket clip – so it can be used with or without a sheath.

[singlepic=172,320,240,,right]

The Skeletool CX has carbon-fiber handles; Erik Sofge, in his Popular Mechanics review (link below) says that it’s got a particularly comfortable grip – no small asset for a tool that, almost by definition, one uses in less-than-ideal conditions. The CX also has some attachable bits stored inside the tool. (I’m not entirely sure how they both end up the same weight – this may be the result of my misreading the specs )

Link to Erik Sofge’s review at PopularMechanics.com.