This week, we’re highlighting the Multitasker Tools AR15 Tool Series 3. It’s a mouthful to say, for sure, but don’t let that dissuade you from looking into getting one for your prepping kit. As the name implies, the people at Multitasker Tools have made this tool to cater to AR15 enthusiasts, but it crosses over into other weapons platforms very well. If you’d rely on a modern sporting rifle in a SHTF scenario, you should have a tool like this one to keep your weapon properly maintained.
Multitasker is based out of Marietta, Georgia, and seems to go all-out when building this handy little pocket tool. The following, taken from their website, showcases the attention to detail and top-notch quality that they expect out of every tool that leaves their shop and arrives at one of the 36 vendors that distribute the AR15 Tool Series 3.
Multitasker employs CNC machining (and solid billet-steel material) to make the plier head and other major components. G10 scales, commonly used for tactical knives, are selected to help insure a slip-resistant gripping surface. Aluminum-bronze washers and rust resistant Ti CarboNitride (TiCN) treatment on the pliers help provide for maintenance-free operation.
There are six arms that swing out of the steel body that cover a wide array of needs, from a blade capable of cutting rope or plastic up to 1/2″ thick, to a 3/8″ hex-head wrench for scope-mount adjustments. Unfortunately, the only arm that locks open is the knife blade—it uses a tried-and-true liner-lock system to secure the blade in the fully open position. I hope that in the generation-four tool they improve the design so the other arms lock out using a similar liner-lock system.
One of the features that initially drew me to the Multitasker was the castle nut wrench and the overall size and weight of the tool. It’s not often that someone says they like a heavy tool in their hands, but sometimes you can just feel the craftsmanship of a tool right from the start. When the box from Brownells arrived, I was happy to tear into it and put the AR15 tool through its paces.
Upon inspecting it, and trying to use the 1/4″ magnetic driver/AR15 sight tool, I noticed a flaw that aggravated me. Of the eight bits that came with it, only four actually fit into the magnetic driver deeply enough that they could be used. I understand modern manufacturing and assembly lines as well as the next guy, so I also understand the possibility of machine and human errors, but I was annoyed nonetheless.
Upon closer analysis, I discovered that overspray from the tool’s coating had gotten down into the driver and developed a degree of build up, preventing the bits from fully seating. Why only four instead of all eight? I have no idea, but that’s just how it seemed to go.
I could easily just take some sandpaper or a file to the bits and make them fit, but I shouldn’t have to. I have contacted both Brownells and Multitasker to see if I can get a replacement. I still like the tool, and honestly, I doubt I will ever use the bits—to me, the AR15 sight tool is the most useful component—but it’s the principle of the matter to me. You can clearly see what I mean in the picture .
There is by far more good wrapped up in this multitool than bad. For instance, the designers tucked in some handy features that I initially overlooked, such as the 3/32″ pin punch. The punch looks normal enough, but this one unscrews to reveal a 8-32 male-threaded end that is perfectly suited to use with the OTIS family of cleaning kits. I honestly overlooked it until I was reading through the Multitasker web page.
Another arm that can be put into use after almost every trip to the range is the radiused tip carbon scraper—perfect for getting a head start on removing the carbon buildup before being able to completely clean and scrub your rifle. Your choice of black or tan G10 scale panels sandwich the sides of the Series 3 tools, although several limited editions have been spotted with other-colored G10 panels. There are two varieties of blades available, a serrated blade or a more traditional non-serrated blade. I chose to go with a non-serrated because I find serrated blades are more tedious for me to sharpen.
The dual lug M4 castle nut wrench locks up very solidly and works just like it should. I didn’t mind the lack of locking hold-open on this arm because, as you can see in the photo above, applying downward pressure actually locks the arm open. A wide, flathead screwdriver on the end of the castle nut wrench caps the arm off nicely.
All of these arms fit into a package that feels very solid and well built. Just not well suited for your pocket, to be honest. The Series 3 comes with a pocket clip, but I feel it’s much better suited for the pocket of a range bag or a pouch, or on a plate carrier/chest rig. Once I had some time to handle it and get used to it, I put it in one of the pouches on my Haley Strategic D3 chest rig and it fits very nicely, like it was made to be there.
I do like having an easy-to-use sight tool that I won’t lose very easily. While the magnetic driver may have been a failure in my eyes, the sight tool makes up for it nicely. This may or may not be a big hit with other shooters, as it seems I am a dinosaur in the AR15 community because I still have a military standard A2-style front sight post. The “tacti-cool” crowd has predominately gone to some form of low-profile gas block with no front sight, but to each their own, I suppose.
I know this review seems like a negative one or a neutral one at best, but I really do like the Series 3 tool. If you are shooting an AR15-based rifle for fun, for work, or counting on it in a disaster, then I completely recommend the Multitasker Series 3. Honestly I have looked at other tools and I wasn’t impressed with their attention to engineering craftsmanship.
That wraps up this week’s installment. Next, we will be doing a first: the top 10 items people forget when prepping. A simple top 10 list, but some of it may shock you.
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Rick
Opening image courtesy of multitaskertools.com.
