When Leatherman released its first multi-tool, I immediately bought one. I can’t tell you how many times I have been stuck somewhere without a set of tools. The Leatherman seemed to be a great stop-gap for when you needed some makeshift pliers, or a screwdriver, knife or file.
But after using it a few times, I found it insanely uncomfortable (among its other limitations). So I threw it in a drawer and instead filled a small Klein canvas bag with essential tools and stashed it in my truck.
Fast-forward more than 25 years. I’m at the farm of my friend Narayan, and he is using one of these tools in the field. Really using it. Carrying it on his belt every day. I asked to take a look.
It was the Leatherman Skeletool, and it was nothing like my old boxy Leatherman. The handles are ergonomic, the build quality is much better and all the tools work well, if not superbly.
Gone are all the oddball tools that you won’t need unless you are fishing on an asteroid. Instead, you have heavy-duty pliers with wire cutters. There’s a good knife that locks in the open position – like a traditional locking folding knife. Plus a hex-bit chuck (a Phillips and straight driver are on board) that will take standard hex bits Leatherman’s flat bits. You can buy lots of these flat bits from Leatherman (I did).
Plus there is a carabiner that works as a bottle opener.
The Skeletool comes in three colors (I got it in green so I could easily find it). And there are some customizable options for the fancy lads. The base Skeletool is $65, made from stainless steel and is made in Portland, Ore. I’ve been using mine regularly and am so glad I gave the company a second chance.
— Christopher Schwarz
Read other entries from The Anarchist’s Gift Guide here.
I’ve had one of those in my pocket for close to 10 years now. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
You had me at “ bottle opener” !
Ordering some for my sons for Christmas.
I have this tool, and I don’t see a hex-bit chuck. Is that a seperate accessory?
Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. I had one before it walked off, and it took these thinner bits. No clue if the jaws open wide enough to take a standard bit. Maybe?
You can swap out the Philips screwdriver for different bits. I’m not sure if it’s standard, but leatherman makes a separate set of various hex and other screwdriver bits that work with it. They even make a ratchet driver that will fit on the skeletool!
I corrected my post. Sorry. The tool takes flat bits, which you can buy here.
https://www.leatherman.com/bit-kit-set-127.html
Interesting. My father gave me a Swiss Army knife when I was a kid about 40 years ago. With exception of the wire cutter, it’s got the other items mentioned this one has. Plus, it’s got a cork screw (paramount), toothpick (nice), and tweezers (anyone ever get splinters?). Available at most hardware stores.
I have used all sorts of multitools daily letterman wave was my favorite. Love the 25 yr guarantee till this last time I used it sent me a “good or better ” replacement I feel is sub standard. The wingman I use daily knife pliers and screwdrivers but nothing else in it of value. However knife is goog and locks.
If you buy them in Canada they helpfully include a Robertson (square) bit along with the flat and Phillips. I’ve had one for a decade or so now, only part I dislike is sharpening the serrated part of the blade!
I use a Wingman on the boat for the spring loaded pliers, a Skelitool for when I am in the office. Solid tools that are easy to work with. Wingman was a warranty replacement for a defunct model that had the riveted springs crack after many years if hard use in a marine environment.
The Skeletool is a truly useful multi-tool like you said. I don’t leave home without it.
Multi-tools are the best of all the transformer toys. I have heaps.
I had similar issues.
The leather man wave solved most of them. I’ve had my wave tool for almost 25 years. (I’ve had to regrind some of the smaller screwdrivers a few times, but it’s still going strong.)
I wish I had not sent in my Wave.