Multi tool price drops on Amazon

Here are some multi tools that have dropped in price on Amazon recently:

Gerber Suspension:  About the same size as a Leatherman Sidekick or Wingman, this multi tool -- currently an "Amazon's Choice" product -- usually goes for around $28 to $30 on Amazon.  Right now, it's listed for $22.99.

Gerber Curve:  The Curve is a pocket knife that can clip onto your belt or keychain, with locking screwdrivers.  It's typically listed for about $10, but right now Amazon has it at $7.19.

LORJE Tactical Pen:  Calling this pen a multi tool might seem like a stretch, but it can also be used for self-defense or breaking glass.  It previously sold for $5.88 but is now down to $3.26 -- much cheaper than some other tactical pens.

Thorsen puck wrench for $1.42

Know someone who'd like a puck wrench as a stocking stuffer?  Pep Boys sells the Thorsen puck wrench (model #22-333) for just $1.90, but by using coupon code MMJ25 you can get it for even less: $1.42 (through July 3rd).

This puck wrench is kind of neat as an "extra" wrench, and might make a good cheap gift for anyone who likes tools.  Read a full review of the Thorsen puck wrench here.

DeWalt sticker on eBay

You can often find inexpensive stickers on eBay.  Right now, there's an 8" x 2.5" DeWalt sticker for $1.48 (free shipping).  If you want several, you can get a free one by buying two.

Stanley pocket screwdriver: $2.99

The Stanley 66-344 pocket screwdriver is one of the best (if not the best) pocket screwdrivers on the market.  It features magnetic bits, a sturdy design, and windowed caps.  Amazon, Sears, and HD Supply Solutions are listing it right now for $2.99.

Stores like Walmart and Home Depot often sell cheap pocket screwdrivers for $2 or $3, but this Stanley driver is a higher-quality driver that will last longer and perform better.

For comparison, here are some other current online prices for the same driver that the three sites listed above have for $2.99:

- $4.59:     Quill.com
- $6.79:     Staples.com
- $11.99:     Houzz.com

Read a full review of this Stanley driver here.

Tool review: Leatherman Squirt PS4

Key Features:
 +   Sharp, sturdy knife
 +   Pliers are strong for their size
 -   Outside frame is too smooth


The Leatherman Squirt is a small multi tool that can easily fit inside a grown man's (or woman's) palm.  It doesn't weigh much (only two ounces) and you probably won't notice it in your pocket.  But it is a good tool to carry, and has several useful functions.

The Squirt comes in several different varieties.  This review focuses on the Squirt PS4, which folds out into a small pair of pliers, but other varieties include the ES4 (which replaces the pliers with a wire cutter/stripper/crimper) and the S4 (scissors instead of pliers, and also include a pair of tweezers).  There is also the P4 and E4, which are similar to the PS4 and ES4 respectively, but without scissors.  (The E4 includes tweezers as well.)

The PS4 model is a very useful multi tool.  Its pliers are small, but have good spring action and are surprisingly sturdy.  The jaws are lined up almost perfectly and they come together at the tips.  The pliers don't open smoothly, but they aren't hard to get to.

This tool also includes a small knife, 1.6 inches long.  The tip is very sharp and impressively strong.  It works well for popping e-clips -- much better than the knife found on a Sidekick.  The edge is sharp enough, and there is a nail groove for easy access.

Another feature of the PS4 is the pair of scissors.  Good for cutting plain paper, but not great at thicker material.  The scissors can be useful for cutting small wires and opening toys and wrapped packages.  The scissors fold back up easily when you're done with them.

The Squirt PS4 has a few other tools, as well.  It has a small slotted screwdriver and what serves as a small Phillips driver -- both of which are adequate for light use.  There's also a double-sided file.

The biggest drawback to the PS4 (unless you need a specific tool that it doesn't include) is that the frame of the tool (which is also the pliers handles) is too smooth.  In a hurry, the tool can evade your grip.  A textured frame -- either grooved or raised -- would be helpful.  I added grip tape to my Squirt's handles, which eliminated that issue.  If the biggest complaint you have about a tool is that its outside is too smooth, then it's probably a pretty good tool.

I've used many small multi tools, both for work and for personal use.  Hands down, the Leatherman Squirt PS4 is the best one I've tried (at least in the "small" category).  I would recommend it for anyone looking for a multi tool that won't weigh them down but doesn't lack in functionality.

Leatherman currently sells the Squirt PS4 for $36.85, and Amazon lists it for $35.14.  Both of these prices are a bit high, as you can often find a Wingman or Sidekick for around $30.  (If you're looking for one of those larger tools, check Home Depot for good prices.)  If you can find the Squirt PS4 for $20 or $25, that's a good deal.  It comes in black, blue, and red.

Leatherman Skeletool on sale at Home Depot

The Leatherman Skeletool is not typically in the lower-end price range for multi tools, but right now you can pick one up at Home Depot for under $30.  HomeDepot.com has it listed for $29.88.  As a comparison, here are some other current prices for the Skeletool:

- $41.14    Amazon.com
- $49.58    Walmart.com
- $54.95    KnifeCenter.com
- $69.85    Leatherman.com

3 Insulated Screwdrivers -- For Just $7.00

If you're in need of some insulated screwdrivers -- or looking for them as a gift -- Home Depot has a set of three insulated Husky drivers (one slotted tip, one Phillips tip, one square tip) for $7.00.  You probably won't find three insulated drivers for less than that -- and if you do, they may not be reliable.

These drivers are rated for up to 1000 VAC, and they have grooves cut into them for wire stripping or bending.  Amazon lists the same set of drivers for over three times as much money ($21.95).