Investigation into Multi-Tools

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Investigation

Existing Products

Existing Products Evaluation

Above I have researched into nine different existing multi tools designed for use on a motorcycle. They are all very varied in shape, price, size, materials and tooling. The shapes of them are all very different; some are your stereotypical perception of a multi tool being a pen knife containing multiple functions or a pair of pliers with a tools folding out of the handles such as in a Leatherman, then there are multi tools which are just a collection of various tools held in a carry case. Next there pricing is completely different. There is the spark plug tools which is extremely cheaply priced, but is perhaps crudely made and not hard wearing. Then, you have the mainstream brands such as Victorinox, Gerber and Leatherman who charge extortionate amounts in comparison. The most common materials used in them all is steel because it is a hardwearing and strong material which is required for tools and hard wearing cases, however a few use aluminium and plastic cases for lightweight and the plastic can also some protection. Finally and most importantly is the tooling, which is important because it is what allows the consumer to fix their motorcycle. Most of them have all standard Allen key, screwdriver and socket sizes, however many have many more specialized tools such as spark plug tools, feeler gauges, electrical tools, torches and pliers. Below I am going to scrutinize in depth all the different aspects of a motorcycle multi tool.

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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 ...

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