10 ways a multitool can save your life

Are you going to go into the wilderness, on a trek, expedition, military exercise or just plan to visit relatives on the other side of the country? We have prepared for you an overview of 10 activities in which a multitool can significantly help you. Come with us and see when you can use this handy tool.

1) Emergency repair

Not every escalated situation starts with a bear attack, multiple falls off a mountainside, or a kidnapping. Sometimes even seemingly harmless accidents, such as a broken engine, unglued shoe sole or torn backpack strap, can have very unpleasant consequences. They could reliably spoil your good mood and turn an otherwise pleasant day into a nightmare.

How can you use the multitool in these cases? For example:

• emergency separation of a bumper that has twisted and prevents you from driving,

• repairing the zipper slider using pliers,

• sewing part of clothing/shoes. Simply make a few holes and pull the two pieces together tightly.

2) Escape from a blocked car

A seat belt is very useful in mitigating an impact, but on the other hand, it can also be a major obstacle when exiting a crashed or sinking vehicle. In such a situation, it's good to know that instead of frantically trying to unlock the belt, you can use your multitool to cut the belt.

After releasing the belt, you can finally lean towards the door and try to open it. But the door could have been deformed by the impact, the same is the case with a sinking vehicle, where it is almost impossible to open the door due to the high pressure. Once again, your multitool comes into play. Grab it firmly and smash the car's side window with a few punches.

A multitool is a hard-to-replace piece of outdoor equipment that can literally save your bacon in many situations.

3) Creation of splint

Sprained ankle, broken leg or arm? Even in this case, it is good to have a tool at hand that will make the situation as easy as possible for you. Using the multitool, you can make a very well-fitting splint directly tailored to the needs of the injured person from the available material. To make a splint, you can use not only branches, but also a piece of mat, a solid plastic bottle or a canteen, which you cut in half and then tie with laces or paracord, or strengthen with duct tape.

4. Calling for help

If you're cold and exhausted, you'll probably need to conserve whatever strength you have left. For that reason, a whistle is part of the multitool. You will use much less energy to whistle, and the sound will travel much further than your scream. A whistle comes in handy when you get away from your group and simply don't want or can't shout over all the sounds of the forest.

5. Adjusting the optics

If you don't carry your rifle in extremely durable cases that aren't prone to shock and movement, you may end up walking into your spot with your optics out of alignment and split. If you don't have special tuning tools with you, you have to accept the fact that you probably won't hit anything today and head home angry. Fortunately, there are several types of multitools, thanks to which you will always have everything you need for adjusting optics at hand.

In addition to universal multitools, the online store also offers specialized models, such as multitools for maintenance and adjustment of weapons from Real Avid.

6) Building a shelter

According to survival experts, shelter is one of the most important factors that determine the success or failure of your expedition. We therefore recommend not to underestimate the whole process and pack a quality multitool with you for every outdoor event or hike. You can be sure that when you find yourself in a situation where you need to build a shelter in an emergency, a multitool with a built-in saw, knife, pliers and other gadgets will definitely come in handy.

7) Starting a fire

The multitool is made for starting a fire. That is why it has several handy functions that will make the whole process as pleasant as possible.

• A saw, knife and other tools will help with wood preparation and tinder making.
  

• With the help of pliers, you can grab a broken match so that you don't have to burn your fingers.
  

• A built-in flintlock is often part of a range of multitools.
  

• Grasping hot parts. This will prevent unpleasant burns.

8) Fishing

In case of emergency, you can use almost any piece of wire and, with the help of a multitool, shape it into the shape of a hook, then attach it to fishing line, dental floss or other durable cord and simply try your luck. In the same way, you can use the multitool when fishing to measure the catch thanks to the built-in ruler and when removing a stuck hook from the hand or other part of the body. Just be careful not to break any applicable laws.

9) Opening a can

Nothing is likely to generate more audience interest than a man trying to open a can of beans with a rock. Therefore, if you do not plan to prepare a cultural experience for the other campers, or if you do not want to voluntarily move back to the Stone Age, we recommend that you carry a multitool with a built-in can opener.

10) Hiding food from uninvited visitors

Open the multitool, wrap the rope around its center and tie a knot. Close the multitool and throw it over a branch at a height of at least 180 cm. Then tie a food bag to the free end and fasten the other end tightly around the trunk.

A story at the end

A member of the US Air Force, who was surprised by heavy enemy fire during a routine patrol in Afghanistan, was also convinced that a multitool can really save lives. Just at the worst possible moment, the door lock of the armored vehicle malfunctioned, and due to the damage, it began to open uncontrollably. Using a multitool and duct tape, the unit was able to create an improvised handle that allowed the door to be held throughout the retreat, protecting everyone inside from small arms fire.