|
Real men need gadgets but picking the category-busters is never easy. Duncan Madden, a former editor of Boys Toys magazine and one of Britain's leading technology journalists, on the five best gizmos for blokes. Click to view Top 5 Boys Toys.
|
Best Multi-tool (Leatherman Charge TTi) |
|
 Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or member of the military, legendary multi-tool manufacturer Leatherman’s Charge TTi is the first choice for durability and versatility. Lightweight, extremely tough and featuring over 20 different tool applications, Leatherman is so confident of its quality it offers a 25-year guarantee. |
| |
| A multi-tool should be exactly that – a single, compact and rugged go-anywhere gadget that offers quick and easy access to any tool you might need in any given situation, be it camping in the middle of nowhere or nursing a broken down car in urgent need of quick repair. |
| |
 By far the most respected and recognised manufacturer of the multi-tool is Leatherman, now with over 30 years experience of creating multi-tools for anyone and everyone. Top of the Leatherman range sits the Charge TTi combining all the attributes of the previous range leaders the XTi and Ti, a multi-tool verily bulging at its titanium-crafted handles with enough stainless steel blades, ANSI specified screwdrivers and every tool in between to have your local hardware store drooling in envy. |
Complete Versatility |
A quick rundown of the TTi’s numerous tools gives you an idea of just how capable this pocket-friendly gadget is. They include: Titanium Handles, Needlenose Pliers, Regular Pliers, Wire Cutters, Hard-Wire Cutters, Crimper, S30V Clip-Point Knife, Serrated Knife, Cutting Hook, Saw, Wood/Metal File, Diamond-Coated File, Scissors, Large Bit Driver, Small Bit Driver, Large Screwdriver, eight Double-End Bits, Ruler (8-inch/19 cm), Bottle/Can Opener, Wire Stripper, Fixed Lanyard Ring, Quick-Release Lanyard Ring, Removable Pocket Clip, and your choice of either a rugged leather or durable nylon sheath to keep it in.
And all this housed in a body weighing 232grams and 10cm long, though the double-end bits come separately, but can still be carried in the carry pouch. And in case you're wondering, the exact bits included are: Phillips and flat tip eyeglasses screwdriver, screwdriver 1/8" and Torx #15, Phillips #1 and #2, Hex 3/32" and 5/64", Hex 5/32" and 9/64", Hex 1/16" and .050, Hex 1/8" and 7/64", Robertson #2 and #3. Phew. |
Ultimate Durability |
 While stainless steel is the metal of choice for most multi-tool manufacturers, one reason why the Charge TTi stands above the competition is the exacting standards enforced by Leatherman. The TTi is heat treated for optimum hardness; its main blade is crafted from SV30 steel, which offers an optimal combination of edge retention, flexibility and hardness; the pliers have been redesigned to withstand 133% more squeezing load; the plier jaws and screwdrivers are tempered to a Rockwell C hardness of 49-53 and the screwdrivers are verified with a laser micrometer to ensure they meet ANSI standards of strength and dimensions. Hell, even the cosmetic side of things is catered to immaculately with any flaw in the TTi’s finish larger than a speck of pepper meaning it fails to meet Leatherman’s exacting standards. |
Professional’s Choice |
 Thanks to the Leatherman TTi’s inclusion of a cutting hook (sharp enough to slice through a seatbelt like a hot knife through butter) and cap crimper, it is the perfect tool for hunters and rescue workers. ”The TTi is super choice for the most demanding users who want a great knife blade and titanium construction... The TTi is the lightest, strongest multitool in Leatherman’s portfolio.” says Amazon.com
The TTi is so new, there are few reviews of it available. But consider this, the TTi is the UPGRADE to the XTi, which was afforded ample praise by Mike Schoby in his Field Guide for Cabela’s, the world’s foremost outdoor outfitter, “What I really like about the Leatherman XTi is it's one-tool-does-it-all design … From tuning a bow or setting a nock point, to tightening up the rattling hex head screws on the quiver or rifle hunters' loose scope rings, to cutting obtrusive limbs away from my blind or tree stand to hopefully cleaning a big-game animal, I can now have one tool that does it all on my belt.”
Alongside the all-new Al and ALX, the TTi represents Leatherman's newest addtion to its bountiful range. Having listened to customer feedback, the company has added a pair of scissors to its previous XTi range leader in place of one of the lesser used small bit drivers, whilst also tweaking the layout for heightened ease of use. It’s all about your choice after all, and Leatherman has it covered. |
| |
To buy this product try one of the following retailers. They are competitively priced and reliable:
Facewest - a great specialist UK retailer
Amazon.co.uk - The US arm of the giant online retailer
Amazon.com - The US arm of the giant online retailer
UK Shop Search – Click here for more UK retailers
For currency converter click here
|
|
Other great reviews in Gadgets:
|
|
RELATED PAGES
USEFUL LINKS
|
Could this