Skeletool Engineering

It is often in the details that good or bad engineering most readily reveals itself – whether the item in question is a mobile phone or a jet aircraft, a personal computer or a multitool. When the engineers have been careful and thorough in their job, taking their time to perfect the features of an object and make certain that it performs its function to the optimum possible level within the limits of its material and build, then you can often tell by relatively subtle signs that the end product is well made. There is a smooth, complete, balanced feeling to a well-engineered tool that is unlike the clumsiness of a more poorly-built item.

Some of these revealing details are to be found in the engineering of the Skeletool, a family of highly-similar, full-size, minimal-weight multitools produced by the Leatherman Group. The signs of good engineering are to be found in many of the small details of the Skeletool, which is a reassuring feature for those who wish to make use of this lean and effective type of multitool.

The arrangement of the knife blade and its locking system are one sign that the Leatherman engineers pondered the design thoroughly and worked to perfect it as much as possible. The blade can be easily rotated out by turning your thumb in the handle’s thumb-hole, then locks in place automatically once it is fully open. It can be opened whether the Skeletool itself is open or closed, and, as an added benefit, the liner lock provides a very firm, secure hold on the blade, so it will not tilt or wobble while you are using it. There is a ramp at the blade’s base to ensure that the retention stud is depressed properly and the blade closes smoothly, also.

Another of these details is that the area for the spare bits to use in your bit driver has a snug fit, ensuring that the bits will not fall out on the ground at an inopportune moment. Furthermore, the fit remains properly snug even after months or years of use, so you will be able to carry extra bits with you long-term – and since these bits are necessary to give the Skeletool enough versatility to make it practical to use in place of a screwdriver set, this is another example of thoughtful, useful engineering.

Finally, there is the bottle opener/carabineer clip, which is solidly attached to the knife rather than being easy to break or slip off accidentally. You can clip the Skeletool to your belt and be certain that this small but excellent piece of engineering will remain with you for many years of service.