Individual Components
Case
The case of a multi tool is commonly an outer casing to hold all of the tools together, however in many multi-tools it can be a simple nylon bag or box. It’s primary functions are to hold all the tools together for convenience, it must then also act as a protective cover for the tools in case it is dropped and finally it must also act as a handle when a particular tool in being used. To carry out all this function a case must be compact to keep the overall size of the multi-tool down, strong to withstand any unexpected impacts and finally comfortable and small enough to firmly grip. The most common shape for a multi tool which satisfies all of these requirements is the common penknife shaped tool, which is lightweight and small enough to not be a nuisance if being carried or operated. Furthermore it can package a wide range of tooling in its minimal dimensions. Another popular multi tool design is the Leatherman, which features a pair of pliers with tools in both handles, which effectively gives it double to tooling capabilities of a pen knife, plus the added feature of a pair of pliers and because it is effectively a pair of pliers it has the same comfort as a pair. The final ways in which multi tools are typically held together is in a pouch or carry case. The advantage of this is it offers good protection for the tools and allows more tools to be carried, however it’s disadvantage s that it is nowhere near as easy to transport and unless a handle is included for the tools it is much harder to operate a tool.
The materials multi tool cases are typically made out of are metal, plastic and rubber. The cases on most multi tools are stainless steel on more expensive tools because it is a strong material and the stainless finish gives it a nice feel. On cruder models such as the spark plug tool mild steel is used because it is cheap and offers good strength. The manufacturing process for most cases would be milling and lathing performed on a CNC machine, however a few may be cast. Many mass-produced tools or cheap tool cases would be manufactured from plastics such as polycarbonate or polypropylene. Plastics would be used because they are cheap and f they are merely being used as a case they do not need great strength they just need to protect the tools within. Many multi tools require their cases to act as handles and they therefore add rubber to outer sections of their cases to give more grips to the user. Nylon is used not specifically in a case put on a carry pouch or bag for a multi tool that does not have a case. The manufacturing process for these would typically be sewing.
Tools
The most important area of a multi tool is the tools this is because the main function of a motorcycle multi tool is to allow the user to repair and fix basic problems on a motorcycle and to do this the correct tools are required! The function of the tools on a multi tool is therefore just to be able to deal with most basic repair jobs that would need to be carried out on a motorcycle. Below I will analyse the tools contained in existing multi tools and what uses they have.
The majority of tools in the multi tools are manufactured from steel, the reason for this is because the majority of fasteners on motorcycles are manufactured from steel, therefore it is important the tools are made from a harder material than the fastener in order to be effective. Typical finishes on the tools are a chrome vanadium finish, brushed, stainless or machined. The manufacturing processes used to manufacture the tools differs however, the most common processes are milling, hardening, forging, brazing, cutting, turning and drilling. However, these in industry would not usually be performed by hand they would instead be machined using CNC Machines.
Screwdrivers
The types of screwdrivers required on a motorcycle are a given, however their handles, functions and length can be modified to suit a motorcycle. The handle is most commonly the case of the tool, secondary functions a screwdriver could have are a ratchet drive for ease of use or a torch to show the user where they are putting the screwdriver. Finally on a motorcycle reaching carburettor jets can be tricky to reach therefore the flathead may need to have an extra long handle, or be stubby in its design or possibly flexible.
Blades
The only necessary type of blade to have in a motorcycle multi tool is a multipurpose blade because there are no specific tasks on a motorcycle a blade will have to do. However if a blade is to be included as multi tool it would be best to include a locking device as a safety precaution.
Pliers
As an emergency tool pliers are good instead of sockets or spanners however it takes a lot of commitment to include them in a multi tool because for them to work effectively they must have two large handles for give good leverage and therefore it is hard to make them foldaway. This means the only option to include asset of pliers is to shape the tool much the same as a Gerber or Leatherman.
File
A file is more of a workshop tool as opposed to an emergency tool because you usually need a vice to effectively operate a file. For this reason it is only for use in more unusual situations.
Wire cutters
Wire cutters are an essential tool on motorcycles because many faults can be electrically caused. Therefore wire cutters and strippers would need to be used. However if repairs on electrics were to be done either electrical connecters or tape would need to be used and if the owner does not have these than these tools are not of much use.
Allen Keys
Allen key bolt heads are popularly featured on motorcycles. Many of the Allen key bolts are done up tightly therefore Allen keys should feature one large handle and a shorter one such as in the picture. Furthermore because they can be located in difficult areas a ball end would be useful to undo bolts at an angle.
Sockets
Due to the fact that hex bolts are the main fastener used on a motorcycle this makes sockets one of the main tools which should be used. Sockets are a good alternative to a spanner because they take up much less room and you can come from above the bolt or nut. However for sockets to be effective the multi tool will need a handle that sockets can adapt onto.