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Ryo
18 July 2010, 22:05
Multitasker TUBE

I saw QUIB's review and figure to add my own on the Multitasker TUBE.

I was lucky enough to receive a pre-release of the new Multitasker TUBE with the Expansion Kit. This tool is the first of its kind that I’ve seen that fills in a gap between multi-tools and a dedicated AR-15 tool.
http://i376.photobucket.com/albums/oo201/Ryo_Shared/Multitasker%20TUBE/IMG_0849copy.jpg

http://i376.photobucket.com/albums/oo201/Ryo_Shared/Multitasker%20TUBE/IMG_0475copy.jpg

First of all what is the Multitasker TUBE. It’s a portable multi-tool to be used specifically on the AR-15/M-16 weapons platform. It was designed to be a portable tool that will fit into your pocket and a supplemental tool if you own any mutli-tools. The length of the body of the tube is about 5 1/8”.

http://i376.photobucket.com/albums/oo201/Ryo_Shared/Multitasker%20TUBE/IMG_0834copy.jpg

The main body is made up of 6061-T6 aluminum, CNC machined and hard anodized. The pocket clip is specially heat treated spring steel which can be used as a flat screwdriver. The scraper tool and the A2 sight tool bit are both 420 stainless with a black oxide finish.

http://i376.photobucket.com/albums/oo201/Ryo_Shared/Multitasker%20TUBE/IMG_0848copy.jpg

The Multitasker TUBE comes in 2 options. First option is the standalone TUBE, street price of $35 (MSRP $45). The second option is to purchase it with an expansion kit as shown in this review at a street price of $50. In my opinion this is an extremely reasonable price for such a versatile tool.

Let‘s start off on taking a closer look at the TUBE. The finish on it is flawless. It screams out quality when looking at and touching it. Even the seams where the cap & body screw together, they align up perfectly.

http://i376.photobucket.com/albums/oo201/Ryo_Shared/Multitasker%20TUBE/IMG_0524copy.jpg

The cap has a push head that can be used as a starter for breaking down the AR-15/M-16. Just take the tube and push it in the stubborn takedown pin and voila, you have a starting point on gripping the takedown pins to break down your rifle.
http://i376.photobucket.com/albums/oo201/Ryo_Shared/Multitasker%20TUBE/IMG_0524copy.jpg

Taking off the cap exposes the ¼” magnetic bit holder attached with a 4 prong A2 front sight adjustment tool. The ¼” magnetic bit holder is the standard size to fit most bits and has a strong enough magnet to keep bits from falling out. The ribbing in the center of the tube allows a positive grip when screwing/unscrewing a screw. However you have to be aware that the lower cap of the tube will unscrew off while twisting counterclockwise if you are not holding the main body of the tube.

http://i376.photobucket.com/albums/oo201/Ryo_Shared/Multitasker%20TUBE/IMG_0519copy.jpg

The cap itself can serve as a flat head screwdriver as well as a take down pin punch.
http://i376.photobucket.com/albums/oo201/Ryo_Shared/Multitasker%20TUBE/IMG_0837copy.jpg
http://i376.photobucket.com/albums/oo201/Ryo_Shared/Multitasker%20TUBE/IMG_0529copy.jpg

Taking off the lower side cap of the tool exposes the scrapper screwed into a 8-32 male thread. The scrapper can be hand unscrewed off to attach the dental pick or even an OTIS cleaning kit cable. Wait a minute.. a OTIS cleaning kit cable? Yes, that was an unexpected but pleasant surprise since I have an OTIS 5.56 cleaning kit sitting in my closet. The 8-32 male thread is the right length to positively hold the OTIS cable on one end. The case has extra loops that can accommodate a couple of the OTIS cable attachment accessories, but I’ll discuss about that later.

http://i376.photobucket.com/albums/oo201/Ryo_Shared/Multitasker%20TUBE/IMG_0811copy.jpg
http://i376.photobucket.com/albums/oo201/Ryo_Shared/Multitasker%20TUBE/IMG_0810copy.jpg
http://i376.photobucket.com/albums/oo201/Ryo_Shared/Multitasker%20TUBE/IMG_0814copy.jpg
http://i376.photobucket.com/albums/oo201/Ryo_Shared/Multitasker%20TUBE/IMG_0857copy.jpg

The expansion kit consists of the Multitasker case and a set of hex driver bits. If you look at the case, it has 2 extra loop holes and pockets to hold other tools such as the OTIS cable and attachment tools. The case itself feels sturdy. The workmanship is very good, except for the velcro area which is slightly crooked. It doesn’t affect the performance of what it was intended but it’s noticeable to the naked eye. However I did receive a pre-release so I can’t say whether the production models will display the same symptoms. As stated, it doesn’t affect the form or function of the case and will do its job at holding the OTIS cable in the case.

http://i376.photobucket.com/albums/oo201/Ryo_Shared/Multitasker%20TUBE/IMG_0823copy.jpg

I believe one nice improvement to the case would be to add some method to carry the case on a belt or MOLLE attachment. In the mean time I can wear the TUBE in my pocket, or throw the whole case into my range bag.
The hex bit drivers that come with it looked like they were selected to fit most of the standard fittings used in most AR-15/M-16 accessories. The bit holder holds the bits in pretty tight, so I don’t expect to have them fall out easily.

The following bit drivers were included in the set:
Phillips Head: #1
Flat Head: 3/32, #5
Torx Head: T10, T15
Hex Head: 3/16, 9/64, 1/8, 7/64, 3/32

http://i376.photobucket.com/albums/oo201/Ryo_Shared/Multitasker%20TUBE/IMG_0512copy.jpg
http://i376.photobucket.com/albums/oo201/Ryo_Shared/Multitasker%20TUBE/IMG_0515copy.jpg
http://i376.photobucket.com/albums/oo201/Ryo_Shared/Multitasker%20TUBE/IMG_0507copy.jpg
http://i376.photobucket.com/albums/oo201/Ryo_Shared/Multitasker%20TUBE/IMG_0498copy.jpg

There are a few accessories I am adding to my personal kit:
1. A long hex wrench bit to remove the bolt holding the grip in place.

2. Parts from my Otis Kit such as the pull cable, brush, and patch holder.. and throw the kit back in the closet. Here’s a size comparison of the case to the Otis case.
http://i376.photobucket.com/albums/oo201/Ryo_Shared/Multitasker%20TUBE/IMG_0786copy.jpg

3. Brownell’s Needle Nose Oilers filled with lubrication like CLP, and some solvent. Apparently the case can accommodate two of them.
http://i376.photobucket.com/albums/oo201/Ryo_Shared/Multitasker%20TUBE/IMG_0838copy.jpg

Talking with the owner of Multitasker, he has taken great care of making sure that the tool met high standards of quality. I’ve had interesting conversation on how he changed minor details to improve the performance of the tool. This included changing angle and shape of the dental pick, to selecting higher quality of metals to keep the tool to be durable. Kudos.

I would definitely approve the Multitasker TUBE for purchase since it fills in a gap that no other multi-tool company has ventured, or at least from what I’ve seen. If you have a multi-tool already, this is the item for you to supplement its capabilities. At a street price of $35 ($45 MSRP) for the Tube, and street price of $50 ($60 MSRP?) the Multitasker TUBE is worth purchasing whether or not you have a multi-tool in your collection.

Where can you get it? I’m guessing Brownells would be the first place to look when it gets released.. You try to guess what makes me say that..
http://i376.photobucket.com/albums/oo201/Ryo_Shared/Multitasker%20TUBE/IMG_0844copy.jpg

Here are other photos of the Multitasker TUBE.
http://i376.photobucket.com/albums/oo201/Ryo_Shared/Multitasker%20TUBE/IMG_0492copy.jpg
http://i376.photobucket.com/albums/oo201/Ryo_Shared/Multitasker%20TUBE/IMG_0498copy.jpg

I'll add more info to this post as can find more free time to look at it.

(Sorry for the cray colors of the photos. I'm testing out a new camera.)

Stickman
23 July 2010, 00:08
Great review, the "tube" is a great piece of gear.

Quib
23 July 2010, 06:43
Can't say enough about the whole line-up of MT Tools! Very well designed indeed!

markm
24 July 2010, 09:44
That scraper looks tempting. I'm a card carrying carbon scraping society member.

Optimus Prime
24 July 2010, 13:39
I was cleaning mine the other night... and really wished I had one of these. Any word on when they'll be out?

Multitaskertools
24 July 2010, 17:40
Brownells will have theirs in about 2wks; the Multitasker ones should be available in 3wks.

Optimus Prime
24 July 2010, 19:44
Cool. I'll be watching.

Dualspringfields
3 August 2010, 12:12
Man I want one or two of those. Nice review.

willardcw4
2 September 2010, 22:11
Brownells has the Multitasker and the Ultralight in stock (I think they both went up at the beginning of this week)

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=40883/Product/AR_15_M16_MULTITASKER_TOOLS

Don't see the tube yet =| Although I really like the Ultralight..

Ryo
3 September 2010, 00:36
The Ultralight is also a great tool. I had to warm up to it.

Man.. I'm so behind.. I need to complete the review I have for it. Been sitting on it for a couple of weeks. Any case A lot of photos will come up about it. Also I have the Multitasker 2 which I need to complete that review.. So little time.. Any case I'll get the review about them sometime in the next couple of days.

willardcw4
3 September 2010, 00:52
Looking forward to them Ryo! I really want to consolidate all of my bits, wrenches, etc. into a smaller package :) Just have to be willing to fork over the $$!

Ryo
3 September 2010, 00:58
If you want to consolidate your tools, the TUBE is the easiest due to the ability to put things in it's case. The Ultralight and Multitasker have many cool functions, but they don't allow you to really add anything to the case since it was design to fit the bits and the tool. I find myself having a hard time deciding what I like the most. Each has it's own role.

Ryo
23 September 2010, 00:50
New Info:

The TUBE was again upgraded to have 2 O-rings to help seal the caps in place when fully closed. I thought that was a very nice touch.

Also the Multitasker TUBE is now going to be offer in 2 colors. Black and FDE. For those FDE fans.. it's a really awesome color.

Mutitasker TUBE in FDE
http://i376.photobucket.com/albums/oo201/Ryo_Shared/Multitasker%20TUBE/IMG_2931copy.jpg

http://i376.photobucket.com/albums/oo201/Ryo_Shared/Multitasker%20TUBE/IMG_2940copy.jpg

http://i376.photobucket.com/albums/oo201/Ryo_Shared/Multitasker%20TUBE/IMG_2940copy.jpg

http://i376.photobucket.com/albums/oo201/Ryo_Shared/Multitasker%20TUBE/IMG_2940copy.jpg

Since my photo setup isn't complete, and the color is a bit off. I took some known color references from Magpul and Surefire FDE.
http://i376.photobucket.com/albums/oo201/Ryo_Shared/Multitasker%20TUBE/IMG_2941copy.jpg

http://i376.photobucket.com/albums/oo201/Ryo_Shared/Multitasker%20TUBE/IMG_2953copy.jpg

Guess who might be carrying this TUBE?
http://i376.photobucket.com/albums/oo201/Ryo_Shared/Multitasker%20TUBE/IMG_2955copy.jpg

Hatter
23 September 2010, 06:14
I'd love one! But can anyone tell me where to get one? I haven't been able to find anything available at Brownell's or MultiTasker

Ryo
23 September 2010, 07:06
Are you asking about the FDE version or black. I believe the black has been released but I maybe wrong. I believe Brownells and NRA store will carry them. The FDE hasn't been released yet, to my knowledge.

skd_tactical
23 September 2010, 08:18
Nice post. Thanks for the review. I'm checking this out now. May replace my jury rigged Magpul ACS stock kit I crammed in there.


SOS

Hatter
23 September 2010, 10:24
Black, and yes they are available. That's what I get for replying without checking one last time!

The NRA version is apparently called the "NRA BlackTac Gun Tool"?

Quib
23 September 2010, 10:31
Maybe Shane can drop in to give us some release dates.

My FDE TUBE sample should be here next week, for addition to my review of the Multitasker 2010 Multitool Line Up.

Optimus Prime
23 September 2010, 10:34
That FDE one looks sweet... I guess I'm going to have to wait. (Unless they want to send out a sample to a gun blogger...? :) )

Ryo
23 September 2010, 22:11
You'll really like it Quib. I know you've had your hands on the TUBE, probably the same version I had my hands on. You'll notice he added the O rings which helps water seal the TUBE and ensure the caps don't easily screw off. I like how Shane just keeps upgrading stuff from the input he get from the reviewers.

I think he did a good job on the anodizing it to FDE considering it's not easy to anodize FDE. I would say it's a bit more golden than Magpul's FDE, but it looks good in my opinion. Don't know if he plans to tweak the color or not. From my photo Surefire is way lighter than Magpul's FDE.

Notice how I compare it to Magpul FDE.. it's the more commonly known color.. though I don't know what color code is really consider FDE, or if there's a standard FDE color code.

Quib
24 September 2010, 03:20
You'll really like it Quib.

I can't wait to get my sample in!


I like how Shane just keeps upgrading stuff from the input he get from the reviewers.


Yes Sir, very true, Shane is very receptive to the input he receives from his reviewers.

Multitaskertools
26 September 2010, 07:01
Are you asking about the FDE version or black. I believe the black has been released but I maybe wrong. I believe Brownells and NRA store will carry them. The FDE hasn't been released yet, to my knowledge.

Black version just shipped to NRAStore and Brownells; FDE version, we need to tweak the anodizing to get the color more consistent - the hollow casings react differently than the solid middle section

Eric
29 September 2010, 19:55
AR-15/M16 MULTITASKER TOOLS at Brownells. (http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=40883/Product/AR_15_M16_MULTITASKER_TOOLS)
MULTITASKER TUBE TOOL at Brownells. (http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=40885/Product/MULTITASKER_TUBE_TOOL)

Eric
4 October 2010, 21:10
I'm gifted at breaking things. One of the tips on the front sight adjustment tool snapped off.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v503/AR15forme/Tools/IMG_8466.jpg

Multitaskertools
4 October 2010, 23:29
im not sure what happened, but it's one reason we made the sight tool a replaceable bit - PM me an address and we'll get a replacement out

Ryo
7 October 2010, 00:02
I just thought to mention that I just decided to try the TUBE to remove and install an AR pistol grip. It won't work as a removal tool since the cap will screw right off as I tried to unscrew the screw, but it will work as a tightening tool if the pistol grip's screw ever gets loose. However, it might be a bit of a work to hold on the exposed part of the tube sticking out of the grip since it's a smooth surface, and approx a little more than an inch of grip area.

Note that it works on Ergo SureGrips and Magpul MOE/MIAD pistol grips

Ryo
7 October 2010, 23:16
I found a way to make it work even for the pistol grip.. Something really simple. I'm adding one of these to my kit, a 3" magnetic bit holder. I pulled one from my DeWalt kit to try out.. but unfortunately the base is not attracted to magnets so it won't stay in place. 3 inches is long enough to get the tool out of the pistol grip to allow me to have a positive grip with the TUBE. This will way better with the Ultralight and Series 2 since they have a more positive grip area. Now it's time to go to the store to find which brand is magnetic and add it to my Multitasker kits.

http://www.drumsanders.net/images/pictures/dewalt-magnetic-bit-tip-holder--3in.-model-dw2045.jpg

Quib
8 October 2010, 11:24
You can also buy longer bits........


http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4106/5063099704_2e64726419_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4089/5062533325_b270ce5633_b.jpg

Quib
8 October 2010, 11:52
I'm not sure the TUBE with the proper length bit would provide enough torque to adequately tighten the pistol grip screw.

The Series 2 or the Multitasker Ultralight I think would be the better choice. Especially if you clock the bit driver at 90 degrees forming a T-handle, as I have it shown above.

Optimus Prime
8 October 2010, 18:04
I think it would be enough for a quick field fix, but you'd want to take a more serious driver to it when you got home. I had a battle buddy in Afghanistan whose grip came loose and his selector lever fell out. The armorer was a little pissed.

Optimus Prime
8 October 2010, 23:18
I've also got a quick review up on my blog (http://gunscoffee.blogspot.com/2010/10/multitasker-tube.html) for those interested.

Ryo
9 October 2010, 16:46
Definitely the Ultralight or the Series 1 or 2 Multitaskers would be better.
BTW I originally looked for long bits, couldn't find any. I have phillips, flat heads, and even some torx long bits. For a quick fix, I just grabbed the 3" extension until I can find a supplier.

Possibly not enough torque, but you can get it tight enough to use the rifle with out issue.

Multitaskertools
4 November 2010, 19:22
another nice review, thanks to Matt @ Jerking The Trigger

http://jerkingthetrigger.wordpress.com/2010/11/04/review-multitasker-tube/

45&223
17 November 2010, 12:41
I have been evaluating a Tube for a few weeks and used it during an instrucotr course I was teaching. Very well built and it does exactly what I thought it would. The front sight tool and the pocket clip flat tip got the most use. Frankly those two elements would probably get the most use since I carry a full tool kit for range training. Handy to have on you and the expansion kit easily fits in an admin pouch. I would recommend and buy. http://www.tap-rack.com/blog/