Cool Tools I Use: Leatherman "Wave"

I truly believe that every one of us (yes, that includes YOU!) has cool tools that we use on an every day basis and stories about how we use these tools and how we came to find and use them.  I'd like to hear about yours.  Meanwhile, here's another one of mine:

I used a Swiss Army knife for many, many years but have since replaced it with an even more robust multi-functional tool from Leatherman.  I use their "Leatherman Wave" model, but they also have a large variety of others to choose from.

Being all stainless steel has been especially welcome, since I spend a lot of my time at sea or around salt water. But these tools are also extremely well-designed and it is definitely in that category of "what did I do without this?".  Many models are available in different sizes and tool combinations, so you will likely find a one that is particularly suitable for your needs. 

As with many of my Cool Tools, this one makes the list not only because it is so practical and useful daily, but also because of the great design involved.  Every time I use this tool I appreciate how all the functions and tools are combined together into such a small unit, as well as its heft, its fit in my hands, how it folds up into a small space, and the real leather belt holder.

Except when I need to travel by air, I carry this handy tool on my belt, so it is always ready and available for use (which for me is at least 10 times a day!).

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Have  "Cool Tools" you use and want to share?  Send me your favorites with the following information:

• Name of the tool and source for getting one. 
• What does it do? 
• How did you come to discover this? 
• How do you use it? 
• Why is it on your top ten "Cool Tools I Use" list?

Comments

[Ted Boardman]

* Name of the tool and source for getting one.

Wovel snow removal tool. http://www.wovel.com

* What does it do?

Speeds removing snow with no back strain and is environmental friendly.

* How did you come to discover this?

Heard about it on the radio.

* How do you use it?

Watch the videos on the website

* Why is it on your top ten "Cool Tools I Use" list?

I live in New Hampshire and I hate shoveling snow and have only done it in the past when my car cannot blast through. I refuse to run a snow blower for a number of reasons.

Now I can clear about 2000 sq ft of drive and walk in about an hour with 6" of wet heavy snow. Because of the ergonomics of the device there is absolutely no back strain and I get a good aerobic workout to boot.

I takes a bit of practice to get the coordination down, but then it is almost fun...and I had plenty of fun this winter.

Great blog, Wayne
Ted

[Stacy Reed]

Great blog! I enjoy reading... particularly these Cool Tools I Use articles!
My husband has one of these and we take it with us in our laptop case when we're traveling by car since it has come in handy on more than one occasion when we were away from home and toolbox!

I'm not a frequent flier so it didn't occur to me to check the case before I packed for a business trip. Of course they found it when it went through the scanner and I had to jump through hoops to keep them from confiscating it. I explained that my husband was ex-military and that he would be so upset if he lost it. One airport employee even offered to ship it home for me!

Seriously though, it's a tool to be respected, well-designed and uber-useful!