The Leatherman Skeletool is one of the most useful multitools on the market.These 3D printed accessories make it even better
Of the many multitools available today, one of the most universally useful is the Leatherman Skeletool.This is a simple folding pliers with cord cutters, blades, corkscrew, drill driver and storage for extra bits.It’s not as flashy or feature-rich as other multitools, but that’s exactly what makes it great for everyday carry — it’s simple and stylish.The Skeletool has about the same footprint as a large folding knife and comes with a pocket clip for easy portability.Like any other tool, it’s only useful when you need it, and Skeletool is a versatile tool that you’ll always have.
I’ve never really carried a multi-tool on a regular basis (I always only carry a pocket knife).My buddy Frank did, though, and I found myself constantly borrowing from him when we were out.After getting the skeleton tool, I didn’t look back.This is a tool I use several times a day.However, as useful as the stock Leatherman Skeletool itself is, there are aftermarket parts that can make it even more useful.
My route into Skeletool aftermarket add-ons was in the form of a link to Skelpel that someone sent me, made by Metro Grade Goods and sold on Shapeways.This is a stainless steel 3D printed scalpel blade adapter that replaces the blade on the Skeletool.It has the same blade as popular replaceable-blade knives like Havalon, and folds up just like the original.Skelpel inserts can be changed quickly and easily with T8 Torx bits.
The Skelpel is 3D-printed — just $23 — and requires some work from the user.Printing doesn’t produce as delicate work as precision machining, so some file assembly may be required to remove some burrs and get the blade to snap into place properly.The only downside to combining a scalpel and pliers in one is that pliers are one of the best tools for changing blades easily and safely.If you want to change blades on the fly, you’ll have to find something to pry them up and push them out of the way.
For day-to-day use, scalpel blades aren’t the best choice for multi-tools — or that’s what they come with.But if you’re already a fan of scalpels, it could be your ticket to a hunting app that already carries a multi-tool.While I carry a regular blade with me in my Skeletool for everyday use, I’ll be swapping it out soon and using it on my hunting trips.
A more useful add-on for Skeletool is Hammer/Jammer.The accessory, also made of 3D printed steel, fits in the gap in the open end of the Skeletool and is held in place by two small machine screws and a bushing.It features textured hammered surfaces on the sides and bottom, as well as a prying tool.It also has 3 different sized hex receivers and a bottom receiver for Leatherman flat bits.
The Hammer/Jammer is easy to install, but like the Skelpel, it requires some finesse to fit perfectly.A small file or Dremil bit can be used to smooth various bit receivers with rough surfaces during printing.
Generic application of almost any multitool will knock things out, and Hammer/jammer significantly strengthens Skeletool’s framework.It takes advantage of otherwise unused space in the tool and fills the gap between the top frame of the corkscrew, all the way to the spacers on either side of the jaws.You wouldn’t use it to hammer railroad spikes, but after using it for eight months, I found it very handy.
Don’t underestimate the “disruptor” part of this tool, it has a small wedge/pry tool that is useful for several tasks your pocketknife blade does.Open paint cans, adjust scope turrets, you name it.My friend Frank does tile work for a living and he finds it very useful for leveling and lightly adjusting tiles.The prying edge isn’t great, but you can easily file it into any shape or profile you need.
If the Hammer/Jammer doesn’t fit your needs for Skeletool accessories, the Wedgey Bar probably will.If you do more prying than hammering, this is what you want.It mounts and mounts the same way as the Hammer/Jammer, but instead of a hammered surface, the Wedgey Bar is a long, wide wedge.It also has a claw for pulling small nails and several mounting holes for hex drill bits.As a prying tool, it is stronger than a hammer/jammer, and given the Skeletool’s frame design, the prying direction is more rigid.
All these add-ons add unique and valuable utilities to an already very useful tool.Use the ones that suit your needs and you’ll find yourself using them a lot.
The biggest downside to these 3D printed tools is the fit and finish.They all require some fine-tuning by the end user before they are fully ready to roll.
After purchasing and using these three add-ons for Skeletool, I can confidently say that they have added to the utility and enhanced the utility of the multitool.Aftermarket add-ons sometimes carry the stigma of gimmicky garbage.This is not the case here.
These are just the tools I use myself, the company also makes a variety of other aftermarket tools for Skeletool and other Leatherman multitools.If they are as useful as these, they are worth having.
Tyler Freel is a staff writer for Outdoor Living.He lives in Fairbanks, Alaska, and has been covering a variety of topics for OL for over a decade.From backpacking sheep-hunting adventure stories to DIY tips to gear and gun reviews, he covers it all with an experience-based perspective.
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