Tool Review: Jeep H07 Multi Tool

You've probably heard of Leatherman and Gerber multi tools, and possibly some other brands as well -- SOG, Sheffield, etc.  But, if you're like me, one company that you definitely would not associate with multi tools is Jeep.  Until you meet the Jeep H07 multi tool, that is.

Apparently there are a lot of branded Jeep products, including multi tools and knives.  (I never knew this.)  I came across the H07 multi tool on eBay one day, and thought it looked neat so I bid on it.  I ended up winning the auction but didn't think much about it.

Several days later, the multi tool arrived, and the first thing I noticed was that it was a lot smaller than I thought it would be.  The H07 can actually fit in your pocket somewhat comfortably, and it's not significantly heavier than other multi tools.  It's very compact for everything that it offers.

The obvious draw to this multi tool (at least for me) is that it has both an adjustable wrench and pliers in the same tool.  That by itself is unique.  Both tools are very functional.  The wrench opens to half an inch -- pretty good for a small pocket tool -- and the wheel spins freely.  The pliers handle is held in place by a flip lock, so it doesn't get in the way when not in use (though on occasion it will pop open in your pocket).  The pliers have good spring action and are easily gripped, and the plier jaws open to a good inch and a quarter.

In addition to the wrench and pliers, the H07 has a swing-out knife with a 2.5" blade and a very sharp tip.  The knife can be opened and closed one-handed (right hand only) and does not lock in place.  The only improvement I would like to see on the knife is a partially serrated blade.

The H07 also has three small screwdriver bits stored in its handle.  These bits can be inserted into hex holes at the pliers head or on the side of the jaws, to make either a straight screwdriver or an offset screwdriver -- another cool function.  There are two slotted bits and one Phillips bit, all unmarked.  The black plating on the bits chips off quickly, but the bits themselves seem durable.  They fit snugly into the hex holes, so you don't have to worry about them falling out during use.

When not in use, the bits are stored in holes in the side of the handle, which is another example of how the H07 makes use of all possible room to provide an optimal amount of usefulness while requiring a minimal amount of space.  The bits are held in by a slight spring tension that keeps them from falling out, but still allows for removal.  Removing the bits can be a hassle sometimes, especially if you have big fingers and no fingernails.  (On a side note, if you ever remove the plastic handle where the bits are stored, be very careful because the springs will pop out.  Without the springs, the bits will slide right out of their slots.)

There is a belt clip on one side, which can be removed if you don't want it.  The H07 also comes with a Jeep-branded black storage pouch, and the pouch has loops so you can fit it onto your belt either horizontally or vertically.

I would have liked if the designers could have worked a saw blade into this tool somehow, but that wouldn't be possible without making the tool thicker, or reducing some other functionality.  As it is right now, this tool is very versatile, and offers a lot in the way of performance.  A bottle opener somewhere would have also been nice, but certainly not necessary.

The Jeep H07 multi tool is pretty cool when you first use it, I think mainly because of the combination of pliers and wrench, and because of how functional the driver bits are.  It's almost as cool, in my opinion, as the DeWalt MT16, though slightly more awkward in your pocket.  It gets 4 out of 5 stars.  It is a neat little tool, and very handy to have around.  I would recommend picking one up if you can find it for about $15 or so.  (They often go on sale on eBay.)  Amazon currently lists the H07 at $21.97 -- a little high in my opinion, but not extremely over-priced for what you get.  For Jeep owners, it may be worth paying slightly more.  Before buying the H07 I was considering buying Columbia River Knife & Tool's Guppie multi tool, but the Jeep multi tool is such a good tool that I have no problem keeping the Guppie on my wish list.