Best multiple-use tools?

what tools have you found to be sufficient to cover a range of size or type needs? Honestly, very few. One of those few would be an http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0000302WX/metafilter-20/ref=nosim/, or maybe it's called a wire pliers, with which you can do almost all the tasks you'd need to rewire an outlet or do other home wiring. You can cut and strip wire and cable, grip wire for pulling it, crimp various size connectors, cut screws to length, put a loop in your wire and a couple other things. I have one that is sized to strip 14/2 or 12/2 Romex and it really comes in handy when I'm doing any home wiring. That, a tester, and a screwdriver will fit in your back pocket and will be all you need to do some basic work. Obviously, you need to know what you're doing as well. I'm not generally a fan of multi-tools in my shop, I prefer to use the right tool for whatever I'm doing, that includes a full range of various screwdrivers. But around the house, like in a kitchen drawer, I'll keep a multi-bit ratcheting screwdriver with a few bits stored in the handle. Very handy when you need to tighten something real quick. Ditto having proper wrenches and sockets, though I think having a dogbone wrench would be handy in that same kitchen drawer. I speak as someone fortunate enough to have a basement and space for a large collection of tools I started 30 years ago and as someone who uses those tools quite a bit. I think if you're lacking space or only need tools occasionally, multi-tools would suite you well. An entrenching tool is a good multi-tool to keep in the car. Also, every human being should be issued a rechargeable drill/driver and a set of drill and driver bits upon leaving their parents house. If you don't have one yet, get one. I guess they can be considered multitools.

On one hand, as you note, multi-tools make-do for some jobs, but you also allude to the right tool -- as shopmaster says, you use the right tool for the job. Because of that, I've found all space saver or multi-tool types are deficient compared to using the right tool for the job. That's how you end up with 38 different screwdrivers/bits.

There's a tool that painters refer to as simply a "four-in-one" that can be used as a scraper/putty knife, a tool for sloughing liquid off of a paint roller, a pry bar, and maybe a mallet. It's generally as good at these tasks as one-trick ponies.

As far as multi-head screwdrivers go, IME the most important attribute is A Sturdy, Closeable Carrying Container. I have a bright orange, plastic one with a sliding latch, over ten years old. I still have every single driver head that belongs in it (along with the handle and extension tube), and just used the Torx (star) heads yesterday. 4,000 different heads are of no use after the one you want drops out of the open-air holder on the front of the handle (or can't be found in the drawer full of loose parts). This advice also extends (IMO) to socket sets, although there SIZE LABELS I CAN READ IN THE GRIME AND IFFY LIGHT UNDER MY CAR would be a goddamn miracle. Just sayin'.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00JQ753W8/metafilter-20/ref=nosim/ I recently got this and it's completely replaced a bin full of tiny screwdrivers that I was constantly misplacing, as well as providing things that I didn't have to begin with (ie: pentalobe bits for more recent Apple devices). Wiha makes things of exceptional quality; the box is very solid feeling, and the foam holds the bits firmly enough that I can just toss the box into a bag without worrying about things falling loose.

I love my http://www.knipex.com/index.php?id=1216&L=1&page=group_detail&parentID=1368&groupID=1501 adjustable "water pump" pliers. http://kk.org/cooltools/archives/655

It doesn't completely replace every possible screwdriver permutation, but http://www.sears.com/craftsman-autoloading-multi-bit-screwdriver/p-00947380000P is the one I carry every day and I very rarely have to go out to the car for something more specialized. Switching bits literally takes about two seconds, you never take the bit out in normal use so it can't be lost, and they're standard 1/4" screwdriver bits so you can easily load your own custom assortment. It works as well as any interchangeable-bit driver so the shaft is sometimes too thick for recessed screws and sometimes you just really need an angle driver, but other than that it's magical.

https://www.google.com/search?q=flip+pliers&newwindow=1&espv=2&biw=1280&bih=663&tbm=isch&imgil=HNG4qAD5uzseuM%253A%253BBoa4Dg9CqZYZXM%253Bhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Ftoolmonger.com%25252F2006%25252F09%25252F04%25252Ffinds-kronus-switch-grip-pliers%25252F&source=iu&pf=m&fir=HNG4qAD5uzseuM%253A%252CBoa4Dg9CqZYZXM%252C_&usg=__NG4pCJu4jV3_eLNtB41IsUjB1Lc%3D#newwindow=1&tbm=isch&q=switchgrip+Plier+&imgdii=_. I mean, they only multitask being pliers/wire strippers/cutters, which is a pretty common multitasking, but they cover a broad range of sizes in a single tool, and I would never stock a toolbox without them. Also, they're nearly indestructable.

On the basis of http://thesweethome.com/reviews/the-best-screwdriver/, I got the MegaPro 13-in-1 Multi-Bit Ratcheting Screwdriver. I'm sure other screwdrivers can do the same job for half the price, but it's truly a pleasure to use. Even as a pretty light user, I think the extra $20 will be well worth it over time. Other Sweethome tool recommendations (wrench, pliers, etc.) are http://thesweethome.com/leaderboard/tools/.