Swiss+Tech® Micro Plus® EX 9-in-1 Tool

Comments about SwissTech Swiss+Tech® Micro Plus® EX 9-in-1 Tool:

This is a very sturdy tool, as far as small multi-tools go. The pliers are supposed to close around your keyring when the tool is folded up, but was poorly engineered and the pliers have about a 1/8" gap (when the tool is folded up) which a keyring easily slips out of. My solution - I bought a 3/16" quick link (similar to a caribiner) which I close up in the pliers because it's too big to slip out. My key ring is attached to the quick link. I'm very impressed with the tool but I am annoyed at the poor engineering that requires this work-around.

Comments about SwissTech Swiss+Tech® Micro Plus® EX 9-in-1 Tool:

First off, this is a great product for [$]. No, it isn't perfect and it isn't the kind of tool that would be an easy tool for mom to keep on her keychain like the Swiss+Tech Micro-Plus 8 because of size and weight. This tool does act very similar to that one, but it has VERY substantial Pliers made of thick 1/4" steel which outperform even my Gerber and Leatherman tools on many nuts and bolts. There is no gap in the pliers and the curved grip is very comfortable in hand. Wire-cutters/strippers work well, but are not a replacement for your proper tool. 1/16" inch steel grips and standard size screwdrivers make for easy jobs. The tool can also be flung out a bit to make a long, hand fitting screw driver with your finger in the now empty inside notch making it one of the best portable Phillips screwdrivers EVER (no more storing of bit drivers or buying specialized ones). Some Bad things: Very difficult to use bottle opener (you have to completely open up the pliers all the way and sneak your bottle in-between and flick backward), No way to lock the handles into place (you are basically a the mercy of how strongly together the rivets are), and it doesn't close as tightly around your keychain as earlier models. Overall though, a great little pocket tool that you can have multiples around the office or home. Pair with another small bladed multitool like a Micra or Victorinox and you should be able to handle every need under the sun for less than $25 and a lot less pocket space than a LM Wave or equivalent.