August 2008
Converting a Leatherman-Skeptic
I'm gradually converting my father-in-law, who's also my erstwhile boss, to believe in the usefulness of a Leatherman and having one around all the time. I work with him in property maintenance and although he's got a truck full of tools, I use my Wave virtually all the time and it's been just the right tool on a number of occasions. Sometimes having my Leatherman right there on my belt when a tool's needed has made the difference to us spending ages on a single job because of needing to run back to the truck for another tool we've forgotten. I've found the pliers completely outrival my father-in-law's collection of standard pliers in his tool box, so I'll turn to my Wave first of all.
One time we managed to shut ourselves out of a flat while changing the door lock and handle - meaning that although we could unlock the door, there was no handle to turn to open it. Out came the trusty Wave, and the file was the perfect fit to turn the handle bolt and get the job done.
Seeing as my father-in-law's only multi-tool cost 2.95 (6) on an offer, I can somewhat understand his skepticism about multi-tools... but I make all the more sure to never miss an opportunity to demonstrate to him how useful my Leatherman is. Maybe I'll give him my Wave when I upgrade to a Surge.
JM
Stokenchurch, High Wycombe, England
OK, you voyeur, you. Enough of reading other people's stories. It's time you told your own tale of gripping heroism or even just neat DIY'ism. We know there's a Shakespeare in you somewhere. Don't make us use the Steens to find it.