Tag Archives | Multitasker Tools

Review: Multitasker Series 2X

By Matt on January 14, 2013 in EDC, Reviews, Tactical Gear

The Multitasker Series 2X is the successor to the Multitasker Series 2 multi-tool that I have been using extensively for years. I never go to the range without it and I use it frequently for projects at home. I have become so accustomed to using it that I greeted even the small changes to the 2X with some apprehensiveness.

I have now been using the 2X for a couple of months. I wanted to see if the changes, while mostly fairly subtle, improved or reduced the functionality that I had come to like so much about the Multitasker Series 2.

Overview

The Series 2X has the same grippy G-10 handle slabs as the Series 2. These slabs felt like an evolutionary step for a tool meant to be used on greasy, oily, dirty firearms on the Series 2 and it still does now on the Series 2X. It remains one of the best features of the tool.

The Series 2 and Series 2X both possess similar quality of construction. I liked the chunky metal components and bronze washers of the Series 2 and those features are all present on the 2X.

The variety of tools is mostly unchanged save for a few tweaks. The lock up on the blade has been improved. Access to the file has been improved by adding a large notch. The pick, which I only used to fish out the cotter pin on BCGs, has been replaced with a 3/32” punch which is far more useful to me (and any other GLOCK shooter). The bolt scraper, castle nut wrench, box end wrench, and interchangeable tip screwdriver are still intact.

The two most noticeable changes can be found in the plier part of the tool. The original ball bearing pivot has been with a larger “hybrid” that feels nearly as smooth as the original. The jaws have been redesigned on the 2X to provide 2 different gripping surfaces. The teeth are finer near the tip of the jaws and much larger as you move back. The wire cutters are set more toward the center of the jaws.

The same (or a very similar) pouch and assortment of bits is included with the Series 2X. The pouch is made from a semi-rigid nylon material and is quite bulky. It can be attached to MOLLE compatible gear via a single column of webbing though the pouch’s footprint will cover more than just a single column.

The least evident change is the new metal treatment. The Series 2 had a Melonite coating that was extremely durable while the new Series 2X boasts an even more durable PVD finish. They look pretty similar and, so far, they both seem to hold up very well under use.

Observations from Use

I think that much of how you judge the new Series 2X will come down to how you feel about the new plier design. The pivots are close enough to be unnoticeable but the new jaws offer some improved function when trying to grip larger objects like bolts while the finer teeth are the tip of the jaws still work great for doing finer tasks like holding a roll pin vertical while you tap it into the lower receiver. I like the new tooth pattern on the 2X for its increased versatility.

However, there some things I wish were different about the new pliers. The combination of the new pivot and the larger jaws makes the Series 2X noticeably wider than the Series 2 when using the pliers. It is a large tool to begin with. This may be an issue for users with smaller hands, especially when the pliers are extended to grip a larger bolt. Additionally the new placement of the wire cutters, deep in the center of the thick plier jaws, makes them difficult to use. You can’t really see what you are cutting which may be a non-issue in some cases but it can be a little frustrating if you are trying to make a relatively precise cut.

I continue to love the interchangeable tip screwdriver. It is one of the biggest assets of the Multitasker line of tools. I love that it takes normal sized bits so that I can easily and inexpensively build a small kit of bits to carry with the tool to match the specific fasteners that I need. I refuse to consider any tool that sticks me with proprietary bits with a limited selection. I can go to the hardware store and come home with bits to drive just about any fastener with my Multitaskers.

I noticed that the lock up on the knife blade has improved on my Series 2X. It wasn’t bad on the Series 2, it is just better on the 2X. It locks up earlier which gives more room to for wear.

The 3/32” punch is a great addition. It sits on a threaded post that is compatible with the cleaning cable of the Otis cleaning kits. The punch is perfect for detail stripping a GLOCK, pushing a stubborn take-down pin, coaxing a popped primer out of the fire control group, or any other number of tasks. I rarely used the pick attachment that came on the Series 2.

The pouch is bulky (it has to be to carry what is a large tool by multi-tool standards) and because of that, I never use the MOLLE attachment strap. The size is a bit awkward in that is too wide for the single strap that it has and not quite wide enough for 2 straps. I just toss the whole thing in my bag or leave the pouch at home. Original SOE Gear makes a replacement pouch that is an improvement.

Wrap Up

The Multitasker Series 2X feels bigger and stronger than the Series 2 and that is really saying something. The pouch isn’t anything to write home about and users with small hands may have issues getting their hand around the new, larger grip, but overall I like the improvements. The punch is infinitely more useful to me than the pick. The new teeth on the pliers are more versatile and the other tweaks here and there generally make this a more useful tool to me than the original.

Check out MultitaskerTools.com or buy one at TacStrike.com or Brownells.com.

Review: Multitasker Series 2

By Matt on January 3, 2011 in Guns, Reviews, Tactical Gear

The box has many of the features of the Series 2 printed on the sides.

The Series 2 is Multitasker’s version of the traditional folding pliers type multitool. I have reviewed the Multitasker Tools TUBE and Ultralight in the past and I was very impressed with their design, quality, and function. The Multitasker Series 2 tool takes that same design, quality, and function to a whole new level.

Several useful items are included with the Series 2.

In the Box

The Multitasker Series 2 comes with a number of useful items. When you open the box you will find several items: the tool itself, a sheath, 10 assorted 1/4″ screwdriver bits, a bit holder, and an instruction sheet that also spells out information about the limited lifetime warranty.

The 10 included screwdriver bits are as follows:

T10 Torx
T15 Torx
3/32 Hex
7/64 Hex
1/8 Hex
9/64 Hex
3/16 Hex
3/32 slotted
3/16 slotted
No. 1 Phillips

The sheath is made from heavy duty ballistic nylon and seems to be very durable.

The sheath is MOLLE compatible.

The bit holder is held in place behind the Series 2 with an elastic sleeve.

Sheath

The sheath is designed to accept both the Series 2 itself and the bit holder (with bits). There is an elastic sleeve in the back of the sheath that holds the bit holder in place and keeps it from rattling against the Ultralight. The back of the sheath features a MOLLE strap that allows you to attach the sheath to your chest rig, belt rig, plate carrier, pack, or any other MOLLE webbing. The sheath is very nice but I usually just end up throwing the Series 2 into a pocket on my chest rig or cargo pants.

The 2 piece bit holder holds the bits in place when in the closed position.

Bits and Bit Holder

I’ve said it before and I will say it again. The fact that Multitasker Tools use standard 1/4″ screwdriver bits is one of the best things about the tools. There are other tools on the market that use non-standard or proprietary bits which makes them far less useful to me. With a Multitasker Tool, I can walk into any hardware store and buy a screwdriver bit to customize my kit. It is convenient and inexpensive.

The bit holder that comes with the Series 2 is ingenious. It separates into two pieces to allow access to the bits and connects together for easy storage. The bit holder is made from plastic and maintains a tight friction grip on the bits to prevent loss.

The pliers are precision CNC-machined from D2 tool steel.

A precision roller bearing keeps the pliers moving smoothly.

The Pliers to End All Pliers

I will discuss the entire tool selection below, but the pliers are impressive enough to merit their own section. These pliers will blow you away.

Most users will notice the needle nose pliers first. These are the sturdiest multitool pliers that I have ever seen. The pliers are CNC-machined from D2 tool steel which makes them incredibly durable and very precise in how they fit together. They are finished with QPQ Tufftride, a nitrocarburizing treatment, which is very durable. D2 steel is not considered a stainless steel but is close. The QPQ Tufftride finish will protect the pliers from the elements.

The D2 steel will really pay off in the wire cutters which are integrated into the pliers. D2 is highly wear resistant and should deliver great cutting performance for a long time. The teeth of many multitool pliers are easily gouged and rounded over during use. This is not the case with the Series 2 thanks to the D2 tool steel.

To top it all off, the pliers pivot on a precision roller bearing. This makes the pivot point very strong and very smooth. You really have to feel how these pliers pivot to understand how smooth they feel.

The Series 2 features a wide variety of useful tools.

Other Tools

The tool selection of the Multitasker Series 2 is impressive. It is the most exhaustive tool in the Multitasker Tools line up. You will recognize several of the tools from the Ultralight review but several are unique to the Series 2.

The castle nut wrench is a great idea. The castle nut is the notched round nut that holds the end plate and receiver extension (AKA buffer tube or stock tube) in place. Ideally, the end plate should be staked to prevent the castle nut from coming loose but most manufacturers skip this step. If the castle nut comes loose, it is can lead to malfunctions. Castle nuts seem to have a knack for coming loose at the worst possible time so having a way to tighten the castle nut is a wise course of action. It should also be noted that the castle nut wrench also makes a great bottle opener.

The tanto style blade is made from 440C steel.

The liner lock engages the blade very securely.

The Series 2 has a knife with an American tanto profile. It is made from 440C steel. 440C does not get the respect that it deserves as a knife steel. It takes and holds a very good edge without being difficult to sharpen like many more modern cutlery steels. The blade has a thumb stud that allows it to be opened with one hand. It is locked in the open position with a liner lock. The blade has an over-travel stop ground into the tang to prevent the liner lock from slipping off the tang.

The file has a coarse side and a fine side. It also has a tip that is designed to be used as a flat tip screw driver. A small file is a nice thing to have on the range. I have used mine for everything from cleaning up a scarred Glock magazine well to adjusting point of impact on revolvers with fixed sights.

Users of LaRue Tactical products will appreciate the 3/8″ box wrench. It can be used to adjust the tension on LaRue mounts. I have something from LaRue on every one of my carbines so this tool sees a lot of use.

The bit driver is one of the most used tools on my Multitaskers. It comes with a very easy to use front sight adjustment tool installed but it can easily accept any of the included bits. As I said above, many multitools use non-standard sized bits, but Multitasker Tools insist on the extra function, ease of use, and versatility that comes with using standard 1/4″ bits. These bits are available inexpensively in any hardware store which makes it very easy to tailor your Multitasker to your specific carbine. You may want to consider adding an extension to your kit.

The Series 2 features a well designed bolt scraper. It has a thumb stud that allows you to open it one handed. The end of the scraper is bent 90 degrees and is rounded. This allows it to conform to the unique contours of a bolt tail. Many users have also reported success when using this tool to clear brass stuck in the chamber of their AR or correct bolt override malfunctions.

The final tool is a dental pick. The pick is shaped to be helpful in cleaning the very small corners that can be found on an AR-15 bolt. It is also shaped to be a useful for removing the bolt retainer pin from the bolt carrier. The pick can be removed from the tool to reveal a threaded post that will accept an OTIS cleaning cable. This allows you to use your Series 2 as a handle for pulling your cleaning cable through the barrel.

Details, Fit, and Finish

Every tool but the pliers are accessible without having to open the Series 2. This also means that when the Series 2 is opened to be used as pliers you aren’t gripping over all the tools which makes it more comfortable to use.

Individual backsprings and bronze washers are a mark of a well made multitool.

The textured G10 handle slabs and lanyard loop make this tool hard to lose.

Each tool has an individual cut in the backspring. This enables the tool to have consistent tension on multiple tools. Many tools with a single backspring lose tension on the tools next to the one that you are trying to open. This is not the case with the Series 2.

The lanyard loop may seem like an afterthought to some but it is extremely useful. It is a good idea to dummy cord your tool to something if you are working in the dark or near water. It is the kind of thing that you don’t appreciate until you need it.

The handles of the Series 2 are covered with G10. G10 is a laminate material that is very durable. It doesn’t absorb liquid and it is impervious to most solvents. It can be machined with an aggressive texture which makes it the ideal material to cover a tool that works in and around oil and solvents. The use of G10 on this multitool is one of the things that absolutely sets it apart from other tools. It is obvious that some thought went in to where and how this tool would be used.

The construction of this multitool is reminiscent of a high end folding knife. The Series 2 feels substantial and well made in your hand. It has a weight to it that is confidence inspiring. It makes use of D2 tool steel and 440C cutlery steel. It features G10 handle slabs. There is a precision bearing in the pliers. Bronze washers are placed between every tool to allow smooth operation while maintaining a tight fit. These are all qualities and features that you typically see on high end production and custom knives.

Overall

This may be the largest, heaviest, and most expensive Multitasker Tool of all that I have reviewed but it is also the most complete. The tool selection is extensive and functional. The materials are purposefully selected to enhance function. The construction is bomb proof. This tool is made to work hard. I don’t go to the range without it.

You can purchase your own Multitasker Series 2 at Brownells. You can also check out the Multitasker Tools Facebook page for more insight on these awesome tools.

This Multitasker Series 2 was provided to me free of charge for review.

Review: Multitasker Tools Ultralight

By Matt on December 24, 2010 in Reviews, Tactical Gear

The Ultralight box lists several of the features of the tool.

Multitasker Tools makes a line of compact, multifunctional tools that are designed specifically to service the AR-15. I previously reviewed the TUBE from Multitasker and loved it. After the review, I was very eager to try out more Multitasker Tools. Thankfully, Shane at Multitasker Tools was generous enough to provide one of his excellent Ultralights along for me to try.

The first thing that I noticed about the Ultralight is that is has a form factor similar to a Swiss Army Knife (SAK). This is a great form for a tool like this since it allows the tools to open in such a way that they are basically straight and inline with the handle. The Ultralight is what MacGyver would have carried if he wasn’t such a sissy about guns.

The Ultralight comes with everything shown in the picture.

The Ultralight has a useful lanyard loop and pocket clip.

In the Box

When you purchase an Ultralight you will find several useful items in the box. There is the tool itself, a bit holder with an assortment of 10 useful bits, and a heavy duty MOLLE compatible sheath. There is also a paper that spells out the limited lifetime warranty and has some instructions for usage.

Sheath

The sheath is designed to accept both the Ultralight itself and the bit holder (with bits). There is an elastic sleeve in the back of the sheath that holds the bit holder in place and keeps it from rattling against the Ultralight. The back of the sheath features a MOLLE strap that allows you to attach the Ultralight to your chest rig, belt rig, plate carrier, pack, or any other MOLLE webbing.

The sheath is MOLLE compatible.

The bit driver uses standard 1/4" bits so you can easily tailor your kit to your AR.

Bits and Bit Holder

The bit holder is made from a flexible rubber material. It relies on friction to retain the bits and it retains them very well. The Ultralight comes with an assortment of useful bits that should cover a wide variety of tasks like tightening a scope ring. If the included bits don’t work for you, you can easily add any standard 1/4″ bits to suit the specific fasteners found on your gear.

The Ultralight has 4 main tools with many intended and improvises uses. They are (from left to right): castle nut wrench, bit driver/front sight tool, dental pick, and bolt scraper.

Even if you generally don't scrape your bolts, you will find other uses for this versatile tool.

Tool Selection

The Ultralight has 4 tools, many with multiple uses. The first tool is the castle nut wrench (AKA stock wrench). The castle nut is the notched round nut that holds the end plate and receiver extension (AKA buffer tube or stock tube) in place. The castle nut is notorious for coming loose at inopportune times and causing malfunctions. This is why many people stake it in place and why it is extremely wise to have a tool in the field that is capable of tightening it in a pinch. The castle nut wrench also has a flat blade screw driver tip and is capable of being used as a bottle opener.

The second tool is the bit driver. This comes with a very easy to use front sight adjustment tool installed but it can easily accept any of the included bits. Many multitools use non-standard sized bits but Multitasker Tools insist on the extra function, ease of use, and versatility that comes with using standard 1/4″ bits that are available in any hardware store. Thanks to the way the tools opens and locks inline with the handle, the bit driver is very easy to use. It feels much like a standard screwdriver in the hand. You may want to consider adding an extension to your kit.

The bolt scraper is the third tool. It has a thumb stud that allows you to open it one handed. The end of the scraper is bent 90 degrees and is rounded. This allows it to conform to the unique contours of a bolt tail. Many users have also reported success when using this tool to clear brass stuck in the chamber of their AR or correct bolt override malfunctions.

The fourth tool is a dental pick. The pick is shaped to be helpful in cleaning the very small corners that can be found on an AR-15 bolt. It is also shaped to be a useful for removing the bolt retainer pin from the bolt carrier. The pick can be removed from the tool to reveal a threaded post that will accept an OTIS cleaning cable. This allows you to use your Ultralight as a handle for pulling your cleaning cable through the barrel.

Every tool on the Ultralight locks open.

The liner locks are very well executed. You can also see the bronze washers used to keep the tools moving freely.

Details, Fit, and Finish

Many of the construction methods and materials used in the Ultralight are similar to those used in quality folding knives – like G10, locking mechanisms, and bronze washers.

Sometimes a single detail will stand out as a glimpse into just how much experience and thought went into the design and manufacture of this tool. The Ultralight features handle scales made from G10. G10 has some incredible properties that make it ingenious for this application. It is extremely hard and durable so its surface can be machined to provide a lot of grip and it is resistant to solvents. So it is basically exactly what you would want on a tool that is made to work in and around mechanical devices that require the heavy use of lubricants and solvents in order to maintain operation.

Each individual tool locks in place when fully opened. The castle nut wrench and bit driver use a sort of short lock back mechanism. The dental pick and bolt scraper both use liner locks. The liner locking tools both have stops ground into the tang of the tool that prevents the liner lock from over traveling. This is a very functional safety feature that I have never seen before.

There are bronze washers sandwiched between the tools and the liners. Those of you who are familiar with folding knives will recognize this as a desirable feature. The bronze washer allows the tools to pivot smoothly even though they are sandwiched in the tool very tightly. They also serve to shim the tools a bit to reduce side-to-side play. These are the kind of touches that go unnoticed by most but reflect the quality of a Multitasker Tool.

All the metal parts of the tool are finished in an attractive black oxide finish that seems to be very durable. Even after a fair amount of use the tools show little to no finish wear on the tangs where the locks engage which is generally a very high wear area.

The Ultralight also features a lanyard loop and pocket clip. The lanyard loop is very useful for dummy cording the Ultralight to your gear so it can not be dropped or lost. I found the pocket clip useful for keeping the Ultralight clipped in a pocket during tasks where I knew I would need it frequently like zeroing a new optic.

Even with gloved or oily hands, the G10 scales provide excellent grip.

Overall

There are so many uses for the Ultralight both intended and improvised. The quality is great, the design is ingenious, the materials used in its manufacture add to the functionality, and its functions are many. What more can you ask from a tool? The Multitasker Tools Ultralight would make a very worthy addition to your range gear.

You can purchase your own Ar-15/M16 Multitasker Tools Ultralight Multitasker Tool at Brownells.