Brewer's Specific Multi Tool - Feedback Needed Please

[Jephro]

As i am sure many of you are I am a bit of a Gadget Guy. I have been carrying my Leatherman for years and use it several times every day.

After running around searching for a spanner wrench to fix a leaky faucet I once again thought "why can't I have one on my Multi Tool?"

So...

I just got off the phone with a local company that produces Quality Multi Tools and knives which they boast exist for all industries. I was inquiring about the possibility of having a tool specific to the brewing industry.

They are talking with the engineering dept about the possibility of putting such an animal into production. I told them I would put out my feelers to see how much interest there would be in such a product and to see what other tools people would like to see that would fit on such a device.

Here are my wishes:
- Spanner Wrench
- Crimper for steepless clamps
- Pliers that open wide enough to fit a beer nut
- Obviously a bottle opener

Plus the standards:
- Interchangeable bit drivers
- Straight and serrated blades
- File

Question one:
Would you buy such a device if reasonable priced?

Question two:
What else would like so see on a "Brewers Multi-Tool"? (I am almost afraid of a few responses in know i will get to this one


Thanks in advance for your feedback
Jeff Byrne

[HinduKush]

As i am sure many of you are I am a bit of a Gadget Guy. I have been carrying my Leatherman for years and use it several times every day.

After running around searching for a spanner wrench to fix a leaky faucet I once again thought "why can't I have one on my Multi Tool?"

So...

I just got off the phone with a local company that produces Quality Multi Tools and knives which they boast exist for all industries. I was inquiring about the possibility of having a tool specific to the brewing industry.

They are talking with the engineering dept about the possibility of putting such an animal into production. I told them I would put out my feelers to see how much interest there would be in such a product and to see what other tools people would like to see that would fit on such a device.

Here are my wishes:
- Spanner Wrench
- Crimper for steepless clamps
- Pliers that open wide enough to fit a beer nut
- Obviously a bottle opener

Plus the standards:
- Interchangeable bit drivers
- Straight and serrated blades
- File

Question one:
Would you buy such a device if reasonable priced?

Question two:
What else would like so see on a "Brewers Multi-Tool"? (I am almost afraid of a few responses in know i will get to this one


Thanks in advance for your feedback
Jeff Byrne

Not sure why you'd need an opener.

Your list plus a flat screw driver small enough the fit the lugs on an eliwel controller.

[MatthewS]

I like the idea of a multi-tool.

Hex keys for butterfly valves and such
and maybe a 1/4" nut driver too for worm drive clamps

I guess a bottle opener seem obvious, but no need for one in the multi, real estate in there is too valuable. I always just have a promo opener tried to pack table.

Keep us posted for sure, sounds like a great gift for me from my wife.
Matthew

[Rosie]

Great idea, one I have thought about many times.

I use a Swisstool, and it saves my life every day. Actually, on my second one as it has a lifetime guarentee and I've broken a couple of the tools of which the Swiss kindly replaced FOC.

I think it does need a bottle opener for sure. I love how it scares people when I pull my tool out during sales calls

Other tools that get frequent use on mine:

* Needle nose and wire stripper
* Phillips and flat head screwdrivers
* Both blades, serrated and normal
* Small electrical type screwdriver
* Braddle (think I used to call this a Awl), very handy for crafting bits
* I also use the tree saw quite frequenty to cut off Cornelius fittings that have been hammered on the wrong posts...

The one thing that I wish my tool had is a collet locking tool for 3/8" beer line. From the board here, I'm not sure you guys in the States are using John Guest fittings for your beer line. If you aren't, I can't imagine why...but anyway, this tool helps you release the lock on a fitting. Currently, I am able to use the bottle opener on my SwissTool for the job.

Cheers,
Jeff

[JMoriarty23]

I'd have to recommend having a faucet wrench on the multi-tool.

[MatthewS]

Nice add James.

I gotta agree on the faucet wrench.

[Guestimate]

I agree with a small flat head and phillips for opening electronic controls. Instead of a blade that needs to be constantly sharpened, I have grown fond of the replaceable utility blade knives. Not sure how it would be configured, but an adjustable wrench would be nice. Of course, it would have to be stainless steel. If it is a brewers specific tool, then it needs something that is brewers specific. The faucet spanner is close. How about a compartment for the plastic CO2 regulator washer, or a small vial that can hold a couple drops of hop extract to help brewers survive the "domestic lager only" situations.

just a thought

Kevin

[mmussen]

While not brewer Specific the tool I use around the brewery all the time is the Zillatool (I got mine off thinkgeek.com)
what I really like about it is that I can get to both the knife and the needle-nose pliers with only one hand. I always find I need one of those when I'm currently holding working with something and I only have one hand free.
Beyond those it only really has a bit driver and room for 2 bits on it. but I still reach for it more than my leatherman.

[lagunabrewdude]

multi tool

Aspirin dispenser attachment for "those days".

[Pro Filterman]

Brewmaster Mute Button?

[Ted Briggs]

Allen wrenches that fit the 2-3 common sizes on butterfly vales. Those always need tightening.

[Fennellys]

I currently use to SOG SB-66. It is ok, I have also used the Gerber legend 800. Both have their ups and downs. What I like about the SOG line is that if you do not like how it is set up you can get many other non-standard tools to customize your multi-tool with.

[liammckenna]

Given the apparently imminent discovery of additional dimensions at the large hadron collider (here), my vote for the multi-tool is a button that pops you back 24 hours in time with each pressing.

Think how handy that could be.

Pax.

Liam