If the shackle cannot be opened by hand or a screw needs to be tightened, a multitool can be helpful. Charterers and fellow sailors can rely on their own tools; But owners also like to use fold-out pliers instead of digging out the toolbox.
The little helper is sufficient for many tasks. We tested eight copies from different manufacturers. These included inexpensive models from AWN and PumTec starting at 20 euros, but also more expensive models from Gerber, Leatherman and Victorinox.
What they all have in common are the pliers, the knife, the Phillips and slotted screwdriver and the cable cutter. Other features can be practical, but were not included in the evaluation.
And this is how the different multitools cut off:
Havalon Evolve
Havalon's Evolve * has the sharpest blade. It can easily be exchanged or exchanged for a saw. It also has a woad blade, wire stripper and carabiner. There is a storage compartment for bits in the handle. The price: around 87 euros.
The Havalon Evolve >> e.g. available here *
Leatherman Skeletool
The Skeletool * lies very comfortably in the hand and has a sharp blade - which, however, broke in the test. It has a bit storage compartment and a carabiner. Price: 89 euros.
The Leatherman Skeletool >> e.g. available here *
PumTec
The entire multitool was bent during the test, the pliers do not hold. The screwdriver has no fuse. For this, the PumTec * has a bottle opener, can opener, a saw, file and a scale knife. At 26.50 euros, it is one of the cheap offers.
The PumTec multitool >> e.g. available here *
SOG Powerlock Set
Stable multitool with many functions. Thanks to a special mechanism, the pliers can be operated with one hand. The SOG * is equipped with a bottle opener, can opener, saw, file, scissors, awl and crimper. Price: 85 euros.
The SOG Powerlock >> e.g. available here *
Victorinox Swiss Tool Spirit Plus
The test winner: The Swiss Tool * is expensive, but convinces in all areas. There is also a small ratchet with bits. It is also equipped with a bottle opener, can opener, wood and metal saw, file, awl, wire stripper, scissors and a ratchet set. The most expensive knife in the test for currently 109 euros.
The Victorinox Swiss Tool >> e.g. available here *
Black Fox BF-200
The BF-200 * is also an inexpensive tool. The serrated blade is not sharpened. The smooth blade is also very blunt despite the bevel. It includes a bottle opener, a can opener, a saw, a hexagon and a mandrel. One of the inexpensive knives at around 23 euros.
CRKT Bivy
The tanto blade is smooth at the front and serrated at the back, it tears up cordage when it is cut. But it can be determined. The pliers can be operated with one hand, and a marlin spike is also included. The CRKT Bivy * is the only tool in the test without a bag. The price: 76 euros.
The BF-200 >> e.g. available here *
Gerber suspension
The price-performance winner: robust multi-tool with two knives. Both are very usable, the smooth one cuts rope better. The Gerber Suspension * is also equipped with a bottle and can opener combination, a saw and scissors. With 39.90 euros priced in the lower mid-range.
The CRKT Bivy >> e.g. available here *
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