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Amulti-tool (ormultitool) is ahand tool that combines several individual functions in a single unit. The smallest are credit-card or key sized units designed for carrying in a wallet or on a keyring, but others are designed to be carried in a trouser pocket or belt-mounted pouch.[1]
The idea of incorporating several tools in one unit is very old, dating back at least as far as Middle Roman times.[2] Many of these were used for eating.
One venerable sort of multi tool was tool handles which accommodated different tools. An early example wasMillers Falls Company's tool handle featured in their "Number 1 Family Tool Chest" in their first catalog[3], with the handle ultimately becoming hollow and appearing in three different sizes (No. 1, 4, and 5) in their Catalog G of 1910[4]. A slightly different approach was used by other manufacturers such as the Bonsa Tool Company where the handle had a levered catch to secure tools which were designed to fit into the opened recess and be secured when the usually spring-loaded lever was closed.[5]
Among the earliest contemporary examples is theSwiss Army knife, as supplied by makersVictorinox andWenger. The actual version supplied to theSwiss army includes aknife blade, areamer, abottle-opener–screwdriver–wire stripper, and acan-opener–screwdriver. Besides Victorinox and Wenger, many other manufacturers now make similar knives.
Other versions may include items like anail file,tweezers, foldingscissors, atooth pick, amagnifying glass, screwdriver bits and others. There are also versions that have special tools for specific sports or outdoor activities likegolf,horseback riding,shooting,hunting orfishing. Versions intended forcyclist may have a selection of allen (hex) and torx keys, a selection of wrenches, screwdrivers, tubeless plugs,spoke wrench, and achain tool.
In 1983,Tim Leatherman sold his first "Pocket Survival Tool", [6] larger and more robust than a pocket-knife-based tool, and incorporating a set of needle-nosed pliers in abutterfly knife-style mechanism. Too large for most pockets, it came with a belt pouch.
Other multi-tool functions include a hammer,[7] LED light, lighter,[8] tape measure and an assortment of screwdriver bits.
Multifunction tools may be specialized for use in certain activities. Cyclists may carry a folding tool with screwdriver bits or wrenches to allow adjustment of bicycle fasteners during a ride, or for repairing a broken chain. For sport fishermen, a specialized multitool may combine common functions such as cutting fishing line, crimping weights, removing hooks or opening split rings. A specialized multitool may be used for adjustment, cleaning or minor repair of a firearm in field use. Since 2007, the repair of smartphones and electronic devices has become a prominent application for multi-tools.
