Multi-tools: A Couple of 'Off Brands' That Still Warrant a Look

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 The fist multi-tool was one I found simply sorting through old things in a box.  It is a mini multi-tool marked with Vermont American.  I found one for sale on ebay for $8.95, so it's clearly not a collector's item.  However, it looks well made for an 'off brand'.  It appears to offer 11 or 12 tools, and I'm thinking of putting it in my turnout gear given its size.  Vermont American is a tool company that was acquired by Bosch (Automotive) in 2000.  You can still buy tools and parts from Vermont American at a number of outlets.  Lee B. Thomas, Sr. originally founded American Saw & Tool Co. in November of 1947. Over the years they acquired other companies and eventually is 'rebranded' as Vermont American in 1961. They specialized in a number of tools such as saw blades and screwdriver bits among other items.  By 1973 they were topping $50 million in sales.  It continued to acquire other companies.  In 2014 it notes that "hand tools such as wrenches, pliers, sockets and other traditional handtools came back to the Vermont American line up at the National Hardware Show in Las Vegas May 6-8th," probably reflected in the mini multi-tool in my possession. You can read about the history of this company up through 2014 here: https://vermontamerican.com/vermont-american-history/

 

The second multi-tool was purchased off of Amazon for an amazingly low price ($8.99, down from $19.99 - 55% off!!).  It receives fairly good ratings.  The brand is TBAGKIT, and  I'm honestly not sure what the letters stand for or where the company is located, other than they sell on Amazon. Perhaps it is a brand of Amazon itself. They make a number of survival, tactical and camping tools.  The "country of origin" is China.  It is advertised as a 16-in-1 multi-tool.  The description further states: "Our pocket knife combines sharp knife, serrated knife, wire cutter, regular pliers, needle nose pliers, bottle opener, can opener, and a 9-in-1screwdriver bit set."  I don't know what kind of stainless steel it is made of; it simply describes it as "high quality".  Overall it seems sturdy enough and would work fine to include in my car for emergencies.  

Off brand multi-tools, of course, are what they are: an attempt to imitate the more substantial brands like Leatherman.  That said, from my limited examination, I think they can do what they are intended to do, understanding that their durability is probably limited.  

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