Leatherman Sidekick multi tool online price comparison

The Leatherman Sidekick is a versatile, mostly well-made multifunction tool.  (Full review here.)  It makes a good everyday carry (EDC) tool, especially for someone who may not already have an EDC tool they like.

Below are some current online prices for the Leatherman Sidekick.  As you can tell, there's not a lot of price differentiation among retailers right now.  That may change as the holidays approach.

- $49.95  ..........  Amazon
- $49.95  ..........  Galls
- $49.95  ..........  Home Depot
- $49.95  ..........  KnifeCenter
- $49.95  ..........  Leatherman
- $49.95  ..........  REI
- $49.95  ..........  Swiss Knife Shop
- $49.95  ..........  Walmart
- $49.99  ..........  Dick's Sporting Goods
- $54.99  ..........  Cabela's

There are multiple sellers offering a new Sidekick on eBay as well.  $38.00 seems to be a common price point today, but you may be able to find better offers.

Multi tool deals on Amazon

The following multi tools are currently selling for well below list price on Amazon:

- Nite Ize Doohickey, $3.98

This key-sized multi tool clips onto your keychain for several everyday uses.  It includes a flathead driver, different sized wrenches, bottle opener, box cutter, and -- of course -- bottle opener.  List price: $4.99.

- Gerber Dime, $15.99

Gerber makes several different multi tools in the same size and price range as the Dime.  One factor that makes the Dime stick out is its protruding bottle opener.  The Dime comes in multiple colors, and Amazon sells different-colored Dimes for different prices.  If you're not picky about color, you can get a Dime on Amazon for as low as $10.49.  List price: $21.00.

- SOG PowerLock EOD, $57.99

This Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) tool has many military and civilian uses.  The multi tool has flathead and Phillips drivers, a partially-serrated knife, scissors, wire cutter and crimper, double tooth wood saw, and more.  It comes with a nylon sheath.  List price: $124.25.


All of these tools qualify for Amazon's free shipping (if you spend at least $25).

Stanley 6-Inch MaxSteel Adjustable Wrench: online price comparison

When it comes to adjustable wrenches, the Stanley 90-947 6" MaxSteel adjustable wrench is a decent, middle-of-the-road model at an affordable price.  It has a comfortable grip, SAE and metric markings, and a max jaw width of just under an inch.  It can usually be found for under $7.00.

Below are some current online prices for this wrench.

• $6.19  .....  Amazon
• $6.19  .....  Jet
• $6.19  .....  Target
• $6.19  .....  Walmart
• $6.20  .....  Home Depot
• $10.02  .....  Tool Nut
• $10.55  .....  Toolup.com
• $10.99  .....  Kmart

Vessel 220 JIS Ball-Grip Screwdriver: price comparison

Anyone working on Japanese electronics could probably use a JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard) Phillips screwdriver.  If you need one with a long shaft -- useful for copier repair or auto work -- the Vessel 220 Ball-Grip Screwdriver is a good one, with a long steel shaft, magnetic tip, and a knurled ball grip.

Below are some current online prices for this #2 Phillips Vessel driver.

• $8.27  -----  Crawford Tool
• $9.49  -----  Amazon
• $11.46  -----  eBay (sold by ashley_outfitters)
• $11.99  -----  Vessel Tools

SOG tool reviews

Multi Tools:
- SOG Micro ToolClip

Tool review: SOG Micro ToolClip

Key Features:
 +   Good tension on pliers
 +   Fits well in palm
 -   Tool tends to pop open in your pocket
 -   Awkward positioning of Phillips driver

I've tested many small multi tools. Most of them have been underwhelming. But right off the bat, the SOG Micro ToolClip (model #TC1001-CP) began to impress.

Even before you try it out, the Micro ToolClip looks cool.  It's a compact pair of thick-jawed pliers, a combination of black plastic and gray metal that fits very comfortably into your palm.

The tool is well-made.  The pliers are strong, with good tension.  The Phillips driver is finely machined; much more precisely than a typical multi tool Phillips driver.  The knife is sharp, both on the blade and the tip.  The Micro ToolClip measures 3.9" closed, and weighs a solid 3.3 ounces.

In addition to the knife and pliers (which are not needle-nosed, despite what the SOG website says) this tool includes both a small and large slotted driver, a double-sided file, and a bottle opener.  It has a removable belt clip and removable key chain loop.  The base of the pliers jaw can be used as wire cutters or strippers.

The SOG website also claims that the knife and other tools lock.  The tools don't actually lock -- there's no unlocking mechanism -- but the internal tension does hold them in place very well while they are in use.

Two issues keep this tool from being a good everyday carry tool.  Because of its design, the Phillips driver (which doubles as one of the pliers handles) can pop out fairly easily when you keep the tool in your pocket.  Since the driver has a good point on it, you may find yourself with small holes in your pocket (or leg).  You can remedy this problem by stuffing a piece of foam or rubber above the pliers lock, to prevent the tool from opening without a significant amount of pressure on the lock.

The second issue is the positioning of the Phillips driver.  The idea of doubling one pliers handle as a screwdriver is a creative way to save space, but it makes the Phillips driver close to useless for turning screws.  There's no good way to grip the tool to use it effectively as a Phillips driver.  This tool resembles Thorsen's multi pliers in appearance, but Thorsen avoided the Phillips issue by using a pop-out driver, rather than attaching it to the pliers handle.  Including a cross driver instead of one of the two slotted drivers would also have been preferable, and more functional.

The SOG Micro ToolClip is a decent pocket tool, once you fix the self-unlocking issue.  SOG lists the Micro ToolClip for $27.00, which is extremely over-priced.  Amazon sells it for $19.94 -- also far too much money, but they do sell it as part of a set with a SOG pocket knife for $14.99.

Holiday gift guide: Tool and tool storage deals

Tools make a great gift for many different types of people: mechanics, weekend DIYers, new homeowners, hobbyists, etc.  With the holidays fast approaching, online retailers are throwing up new deals every day.  Below are some current online deals that can net you a good tool (or tool storage) present for a great price.

- Milwaukee 48-32-4502 Magnetic Bit Holder (Home Depot, $3.97)
Magnetic bit holders tend to be generic and unremarkable; they either work or they don't.  This Milwaukee bit holder stands out, however.  It has a slightly smaller footprint than many other bit holders (2.36" rather than 2.5") and the magnet is very strong.  For a more detailed description, see my full review of this bit holder.

- Cat Premium Plastic Portable Tool Box with Lid Organization and Removable Tote (Amazon, $25.71)

This tough plastic toolbox measures 9.25" x 20" x 9" and includes everything you'd expect to find: removable plastic tote, removable small parts organizers in the lid, metal padlock eyes, and reinforced side walls.  There's even a ruler imprinted onto the lid.  This tool box gets a 4.6 out of 5 star rating on Amazon.

For a less expensive option, check out the Stanley 016011R Series 2000 16-Inch Tool Box.  It's smaller (7.8" x 16" x 7") and not quite as tough, but it currently sells for $18.76 and it may drop lower.  (It has been as low as $10.35 recently.)

- Ryobi 130-Piece Drill and Drive Bit Set (Home Depot, $9.88)

Probably too large for a stocking stuffer, this 130-piece bit set would make a great gift for anyone running low on drill or driver bits.  The set includes Phillips, slotted, Torx, square, and hex bits.  It also comes with a magnetic bit holder and a durable plastic case.

- Anvil 5-Piece Pliers Set (Home Depot, $4.88)

Anvil seems to be one of Home Depot's newer brands.  The pliers in this set probably won't be the highest quality pliers ever seen, but at less than $1 per pair, it's hard to beat that price.  This set would make a good gift for someone who needs some extra pliers to stow in the car or in a kitchen drawer for emergencies.