Scoring System: Multi Tools

SCORING SYSTEM: MULTI TOOLS

Multi tools have a great deal of variability present across the various brand ranges. The challenge here is to develop a fair scoring system that can be applied across all tools. I have chosen five areas in which multi tools will need to 'work' in order to achieve a score of '10' which indicates that the tool is at least worth buying for an enthusiast. 

Each of the five categories will be trying for a maximum score of 4. 

4. Class leading

3. Works well

2. Works

1. Does not work

Here are the categories I will be working with. 

Primary tool

This category is the success of the primary tool of the multi tool. What the tool is based around. For example, on a Leatherman Wave, a plier based multi tool, this will be an assessment of how the pliers work. On a knife based multi tool such as the Victorinox Explorer, it will be the main folding blade. 

Secondary tools

This will be an assessment of any other main tool or tools present. Success in this category will be guided by a quality over quantity philosophy. For example, the excellent secondary tool of the Leatherman Skeletool CX - a one hand opening 154CM steel locking blade - would score a 4 in this category, whereas  less useful, but more numerous secondary tools, such as the diminutive blade, saw and strap cutter on the Leatherman OHT would likely score at least one point less. This will be a category to read closely.

Ergonomics and accessibility

How comfortable the tool is to use in its primary and secondary stages. How easy it is to deploy the primary and secondary tools. A high score here will be claimed with rounded edges, well designed nail nicks and general great design. The sheath and carry options also fall under this category. if a multitool feels like a giant brick in the pocket and comes with a lacklustre sheath, points will be lost in this field. I will discuss and weigh up size and weight issues. Large tools will do fine if they have good sheaths. Small tools will do poorly if they have low quality clips or jagged edges in the pocket.

Quality

How substantial the tool feels in hand. How it comes from the factory. The durability of the tool after hard use. High scores here will be achieved with sharp blades, tight locks, aligned plier heads and how well it wears.

Value

This category hits at the hip pocket, but takes in all the X factors such as warranty, brand, and competing options, as well as how the previous four categories stack up against the market price, which will generally be attained by an ebay search. 

I will generally begin with an introduction, containing more difficult to quantify calls on things like looks, gadget factor (how fun the tool is to play with) and a bit of background on the tool.

I will conclude with alternative choices and how I would compare the reviewed tool to its playing field.

This system may morph if it comes across tools which require it to, but I think it is quite a malleable little matrix. 

Stay tuned