If the shackle cannot be opened by hand or a screw needs to be tightened, a multitool can be helpful. Charterers and co-sailors can rely on their own tools, but owners also like to use the fold-out pliers instead of having to dig out their toolbox.
The little helper is sufficient for many tasks. We tested eight models from different manufacturers. These included affordable models from €20 from AWN and Puma Tec, as well as more expensive models from Gerber, Leatherman and Victorinox.
The pliers, knife, Phillips and slotted screwdriver and cable cutter are common to all of them. Other features can be practical, but were not included in the assessment.
And this is how the different multitools fared:
Havalon Evolve
The Evolve from Havalon has the sharpest blade. It can be easily replaced 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.
Leatherman Skeletool
The Skeletool fits very well in the hand and has a sharp blade - which, however, broke during the test. It has a bit storage compartment and a carabiner. Price: 89 euros.
Puma Tec
The entire multitool bent during the test, the pliers do not hold. The screwdriver has no safety catch. However, the Puma Tec It has a bottle opener, can opener, saw, file and sheath knife. At 26.50 euros, it is one of the cheapest offers.
SOG Powerlock Set
Sturdy multi-tool with many functions. The pliers can be operated with one hand thanks to a special mechanism. The SOG is equipped with a bottle opener, can opener, saw, file, scissors, awl and crimper. Price: 85 euros.
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, currently priced at 109 euros.
Black Fox BF-200
Another inexpensive tool is the BF-200 . The serrated blade is not sharpened. The smooth blade is also very blunt despite being sharpened. Included are a bottle opener, a can opener, a saw, hexagon and a spike. At around 23 euros, this is one of the cheapest knives.
CRKT Bivy
The Tanto blade is smooth at the front and serrated at the back, it tears cordage when cutting. But it can be locked. 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 that comes without a pouch. The price: 76 euros.
Gerber suspension
The price-performance winner: robust multitool with two blades. Both are very easy to use, the smooth one cuts cordage better. The tool is equipped with Gerber suspension The tool also comes with a bottle and can opener combination, a saw and scissors. At 39.90 euros, the price is in the lower mid-range.
