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Optimus Prime
24 December 2010, 17:15
Posted on my blog yesterday.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_p2CS3e4PGsM/TROfUecqtJI/AAAAAAAAAxw/TH1AcFjQtec/s400/Title_Slide.jpg (http://gunscoffee.blogspot.com/2010/12/multitasker-ultralight-review.html#more)

I have previously discussed the fantastic Multitasker Tube, which is a great field tool for some basic AR needs. Multitasker liked what I had to say, and sent out a sample of their Ultralight multitool for me to look over and beat up.

The Ultralight arrives in a tasteful box, simple and utilitarian, much like the tool itself. The minimalist packaging design also avoids detracting from the contents itself, leaving the tool as the main show. Inside the box is an instruction sheet and the Ultralight tool inside of its nylon case.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_p2CS3e4PGsM/TROhHbh5FuI/AAAAAAAAAx0/jHVv5tlj5V4/s400/Unboxing.jpg (http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_p2CS3e4PGsM/TROhHbh5FuI/AAAAAAAAAx0/jHVv5tlj5V4/s1600/Unboxing.jpg)

The case is Molle compatible and closes with a solid push-the-dot snap. Inside is an elastic divider to separate the tool and the spare driver bits.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_p2CS3e4PGsM/TROh3Pb7tmI/AAAAAAAAAx4/SRru2eUJRCo/s400/Uncasing.jpg (http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_p2CS3e4PGsM/TROh3Pb7tmI/AAAAAAAAAx4/SRru2eUJRCo/s1600/Uncasing.jpg)

The tool itself shows Multitasker's usual attention to detail, all the components are cleanly machined, and rotate smoothly out of the handle. The handle wears G10 grip scales, a highly durable fiberglass resin laminate. All tools lock open when in use as well, either by a liner lock system, or traditional spine lock. The back of the tool also has a very sturdy pocket clip with a built in lanyard loop.

Speaking of tools, here's the full spread-

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_p2CS3e4PGsM/TROjjO7RO2I/AAAAAAAAAyA/B2SIP-nGYFw/s400/full_spread.jpg (http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_p2CS3e4PGsM/TROjjO7RO2I/AAAAAAAAAyA/B2SIP-nGYFw/s1600/full_spread.jpg)

From left to right, Castle-nut Spanner/flat screwdriver, bit driver with A2 front sight tool, dental pick on Otis compatible thread, and contoured bolt scraper.

The bolt scraper is what initially attracted me to the Multitasker line of tools, as I am of the scraping persuasion when it comes to cleaning my AR systems. I hate cleaning, and kind of like to see how far I can push it, so all that carbon crud gets plenty of time to bake on to the bolt tail nice and thick. The bolt scraper is precisely machined to match the radius of an AR15 bolt, making it much easier to scrape as much off as possible.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_p2CS3e4PGsM/TROl1tm40iI/AAAAAAAAAyI/mHOkUyKOBOE/s400/hook.jpg (http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_p2CS3e4PGsM/TROkzSbg1gI/AAAAAAAAAyE/aJutQICuJJc/s1600/scraping.jpg"]http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_p2CS3e4PGsM/TROkzSbg1gI/AAAAAAAAAyE/aJutQICuJJc/s400/scraping.jpg[/URL]
Ignore the beat up and ugly fingers...

It really takes no time to scrape off almost all of the baked on carbon, leaving just a small amount to be wiped of with some Hoppes or your preferred cleaning solution.

The bend in the scraper also makes it usable as a "bolt override tool" if you run into a nasty case-over-bolt or double feed.

The dental pick is a handy cleaning and take-down tool, just the thing to get into some of those small corners. Some people have difficulty plucking the firing pin retaining pin out of the bolt carrier, and the pick makes it a breeze-

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_p2CS3e4PGsM/TROmZPSbS6I/AAAAAAAAAyM/2NGjIHWAhhk/s400/Unscrewed.jpg[/IMG] (http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_p2CS3e4PGsM/TROmZPSbS6I/AAAAAAAAAyM/2NGjIHWAhhk/s1600/Unscrewed.jpg)

The bit driver is also a welcome feature. An A2 front sight tool rides here, and there are 10 included driver bits of various sizes and types. They are all standard 1/4" bits, so the user can swap out any other specialty bits they need. The spare bits all ride in a rubber bit holder that snuggles down in it's own part of the case.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_p2CS3e4PGsM/TROpPeRzMoI/AAAAAAAAAyU/3UVOjAFiEx8/s400/montage.jpg (http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_p2CS3e4PGsM/TROnjmbSn0I/AAAAAAAAAyQ/Mo9zI8ZGoZ8/s1600/bit_driver.jpg"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_p2CS3e4PGsM/TROnjmbSn0I/AAAAAAAAAyQ/Mo9zI8ZGoZ8/s400/bit_driver.jpghttp://2.bp.blogspot.com/_p2CS3e4PGsM/TROnjmbSn0I/AAAAAAAAAyQ/Mo9zI8ZGoZ8/s400/bit_driver.jpg

Between the driver and the spanner, there are few field repairs the Ultralight can't handle.

[URL="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_p2CS3e4PGsM/TROpPeRzMoI/AAAAAAAAAyU/3UVOjAFiEx8/s1600/montage.jpg)

The Ultralight is now an indispensable part of my range kit. Since my carbine is also a test platform for various AR things, I run my castle nut unstaked to make it simpler to swap parts out, so having a spanner wrench on hand is a great idea. Plus the front sight tool alone is something so few people tend to have handy.

And of course, it can be utilized as an improvised tactical beverage entry tool for those post-range gatherings and weekend gunsmithing sessions.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_p2CS3e4PGsM/TQGeITjKbLI/AAAAAAAAAwo/JfcD2sm_yZI/s400/Ultralight%2526Beer.jpg (http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_p2CS3e4PGsM/TQGeITjKbLI/AAAAAAAAAwo/JfcD2sm_yZI/s1600/Ultralight%2526Beer.jpg)

I just love the photo too much to not use it again...
The Multitasker Ultralight is a fantastic pocket AR toolbox, and worth thinking about for any serious AR shooter. You can pick on up through Brownell's (http://www.brownells.com/1/1/49190-ar-15-m16-multitasker-tools-ultralight-multitasker-tool-brownells.html) and AR15.com. (http://store.ar15.com/store/product.html?cat=9&prod=262)

Optimus Prime
13 January 2011, 17:14
Series 2 as well now.


As before, pictures should link to bigger ones.

Multitasker Series 2 AR (http://gunscoffee.blogspot.com/2011/01/multitasker-series-2-ar.html)

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_p2CS3e4PGsM/TS94UzW_dsI/AAAAAAAAA0s/OSc7HhBGlP8/s400/Better_Title_Slide.jpg (http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_p2CS3e4PGsM/TS94UzW_dsI/AAAAAAAAA0s/OSc7HhBGlP8/s1600/Better_Title_Slide.jpg)

I have previously shown you guys the Multitasker Tube (http://gunscoffee.blogspot.com/2010/10/multitasker-tube.html) and Ultralight (http://gunscoffee.blogspot.com/2010/12/multitasker-ultralight-review.html) AR specific multi-tools, and Shane was kind enough to provide an example of his Series 2 AR Multi-tool. The Series 2 is, in so many words, the king of the Multitasker line. It encompasses all of the Tube's and Ultralight's abilities, and tosses a few extras into the mix.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_p2CS3e4PGsM/TS95_TpeEVI/AAAAAAAAA0w/0EpnDVf5MZ4/s400/Tools.jpg (http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_p2CS3e4PGsM/TS95_TpeEVI/AAAAAAAAA0w/0EpnDVf5MZ4/s1600/Tools.jpg)

The Series 2 opens in the same way as most popular multi-tools (Such as Leatherman, SOG, or Victorinox) and most of the tools have multiple uses. As with the Ultralight, the Series 2 uses G10 for the grip panels. For those who don't know, G10 is a high strength fiberglass material that is highly temperature and corrosion resistant, and can be textured to provide extra purchase. Currently the Series 2 is only available with black panels, but other colors are in the works.

The first tool that most users will notice are the pliers, most importantly, the jaws.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_p2CS3e4PGsM/TS98QYdf1AI/AAAAAAAAA00/lmZJgYP14WA/s400/Jaws.jpg (http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_p2CS3e4PGsM/TS98QYdf1AI/AAAAAAAAA00/lmZJgYP14WA/s1600/Jaws.jpg)

Unlike most multi-tools, Multitasker does not use cast metal in their construction, but rather CNC cut billet D2 tool steel. The jaws are also Tuffride coated for corrosion resistance. The jaws also feature a twin roller bearing, rather than a simple press fit. The machining also gives the jaws a precision fit. If you expand the above image you can see the teeth actually inter-mesh, providing grip on even the thinnest materials. There is also no cut out section like on most other multi-tool pliers, as this would further compromise the jaw strength. The jaws do have a set of wire cutters built in to them, and the overall strength of the steel allows for cutting some pretty tough stuff.

What does all this mean? Simply that the Series 2 has the smoothest feeling, and strongest pliers on the market.

All tools on the Series 2 are machine cut, either by CNC or wire EDM. The locking tanto-style 2.5" blade is cut from 440C Stainless Steel, with all other tools cut from 420 Stainless, and all being Tuffride coated for extra corrosion resistance. The blade incorporates a liner lock, however the lock is situated opposite of most liner lock knives (if you're a righty, you'll have to pull the lock, rather than push,) and can seem a bit awkward at first. Word is that will be fixed on the next generation Multitasker though. The blade was nice and sharp from the factory though, which is always nice.

The file, while being about as useful as any multi-tool file I've used (which is "meh" at best) is more of an excuse to include a large flat tip screwdriver. The bit driver is magnetic and takes standard 1/4" drive bits, and 10 common sized bits are included, along with the standard Multitasker AR front sight adjustment bit. The dental pick is threaded the same as Otis cleaning kit components, allowing you to use the tool as a handle, just like the other Multitasker tools. There is also a 3/8" wrench for adjusting LaRue optics mount tension.

The carbon scraper, another Multitasker innovation, is simply fantastic for getting the stubborn baked on carbon off your bolt and carrier components. However it has also been discovered the bent tip shape of the tool makes it usable as a "bolt override device" in the event of a case-over-bolt malfunction.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_p2CS3e4PGsM/TS-BhSf1K-I/AAAAAAAAA04/pmm1cMFAS2c/s400/Case_Over_Bolt.jpg (http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_p2CS3e4PGsM/TS-BhSf1K-I/AAAAAAAAA04/pmm1cMFAS2c/s1600/Case_Over_Bolt.jpg)
A case becomes wedged between the carrier and charging handle,
preventing the user from using the charging handle to retract the bolt
and clear the malfunction.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_p2CS3e4PGsM/TS-CFyqGRMI/AAAAAAAAA08/4k9ZtEIun5w/s400/Pull.jpg (http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_p2CS3e4PGsM/TS-CFyqGRMI/AAAAAAAAA08/4k9ZtEIun5w/s1600/Pull.jpg)
The scraper can be used to pull back on the carrier...

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_p2CS3e4PGsM/TS-CZ-lzK7I/AAAAAAAAA1A/TBJTyBJhD8U/s400/Lock.jpg (http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_p2CS3e4PGsM/TS-CZ-lzK7I/AAAAAAAAA1A/TBJTyBJhD8U/s1600/Lock.jpg)
...allowing the user to lock the bolt to the rear and clear the malfunction.
(yeah, didn't wash my hands after the gun show...)

While I have never encountered this particular malfunction, I have heard of them, and it's nice to know I can fix it quickly if it ever does.

The stock wrench is also a great piece of insurance, especially for those of us who don't stake the castle nut. It is cut to match the contours of the nut, and while not intended to properly torque one down, it does allow you to keep it in check in the field or at the range. A dedicated wrench is still suggested if you're building rifles.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_p2CS3e4PGsM/TS-EEeAOhGI/AAAAAAAAA1E/6IzekbwIiMw/s400/Spanner.jpg (http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_p2CS3e4PGsM/TS-EEeAOhGI/AAAAAAAAA1E/6IzekbwIiMw/s1600/Spanner.jpg)

Of course keeping in the multi-use theme, the stock wrench does make for a decent tactical beverage entry tool.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_p2CS3e4PGsM/TS-RBfTgX4I/AAAAAAAAA1M/_78uHgj_EfU/s400/TBET.jpg (http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_p2CS3e4PGsM/TS-RBfTgX4I/AAAAAAAAA1M/_78uHgj_EfU/s1600/TBET.jpg)

The tool ships in a simple cardboard box like the Ultralight does, and includes a MOLLE compatible black nylon sheath that holds the tool and spare bit holder.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_p2CS3e4PGsM/TS-T1NwN_vI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/0-TzkV9xomc/s320/Case.jpg (http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_p2CS3e4PGsM/TS-T1NwN_vI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/0-TzkV9xomc/s1600/Case.jpg)

The tool also has a lanyard hole in one of the grips in case you're one of those clumsy people who need to dummy chord everything to yourself.

Overall, the Series 2 is an impressive piece. It's not intended as an EDC style mulit-tool, but a mission specific AR maintenance toolkit in a small package. If you are a serious AR weapon system user, be it military, LEO, or competitive shooter, the entire Multitasker line is well worth taking a look at.

Multitaskertools
18 January 2011, 02:05
thanks again for taking time to evaluate the tools Fred

Stickman
18 January 2011, 08:30
This section of the forum is for people to post reviews, not links. Please adjust this to reflect that.

Optimus Prime
18 January 2011, 08:51
Ah, will do.