MetMo has launched a new Multi-Drive tool on Kickstarter, making it their 7th crowdfunded project.
MetMo recently sent over a test sample for one of their latest projects, and also provided a one-line intro to their new Multi-Drive tool.
I took one look, and WOW.
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MetMo tools tend to offer a balance between form, function, and fun.
MetMo describes their new Multi-Drive as “a classic tool reinvented for the modern era,” and I think this just do the new tool proper justice.
Not to mince words, the MetMo Multi-Drive is kind of like a pin vise, and the company engineered different attachments you can use it with.
You can use the tool with pencil leads, precision files, a custom scalpel blade bolder, a scribing point, and there’s also a miniature screwdriver bit holder.
The Multi-Drive is compatible with custom and off-the-shelf tools and accessories. But MetMo didn’t stop there. There’s a smooth-turning ball bearing end cap, which should be useful in screwdriver mode, and also a set of bespoke tungsten drill bits.
There are a couple of choices for the handle material and finish, and there are a couple of kit options to get you started with.
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Discussion
I tend to be wary about fundraising projects, but MetMo seems to have a great track record about delivering on their promises rewards.
Part of me thinks “sure, it’s a pin vise,” but I’m also seeing a practically-sized pin vise, screwdriver, knife, pencil, and micro hobby drill all in one.
And on top of that, it looks sleek and maybe even fun to use.
I might not have been completely speechless when I went through the Kickstarter campaign, but my words were something like wow, wow, wow, WOW.
Do you need this? I’ll leave that up to you. Is it essential? I don’t think so. But it looks practical and convenient – at the least. It’s worth a look. And if you’re not into crowdfunding projects, sit tight.
If you’re building up your first took kit and are looking for the best bang for your buck? Look elsewhere. As they say, this is a classic tool for a modern era. You can save money by getting a selection of clunkier classic tools.
Getting your hands on a MetMo Multi-Drive requires a pledge of at least £84, or around $106 and change, with a delivery ETA of February 2025.
Leo B.
“I tend to me wary about…” I think that should be “I tend to be…”. Thanks!
Stuart
Thanks – *fixed*!
Scott F
Couple others:
“modern era,” and I think this just do the new tool proper justice.”” – did you intend to say ‘just does’?
Next para down says Scalpel ‘bolder’ instead of ‘holder’
Cool looking idea, probably not something I need in my life but it looks nicely designed.
MM
I think this kit is pretty cool, but in my opinion it is firmly in the “fancy gift category”. For less money you can buy a precision screwdriver set, a quality scalpel handle or art knife, a lead holder, and a carbide or diamond scribe. And if you are using the tools often I think you would prefer to have dedicated tools you can grab without having to fiddle with assembly before use.
I don’t think there is much of a risk for Kickstarter with this one. I don’t see any red flags: they aren’t promising pie-in-the-sky technology, they’re not dependent on hard-to-get components, and they aren’t trying to come in with some insanely low price either. These parts are easy and cheap to make on modern machine tools so the only reason why I could see the kickstarter fail is incompetence or malice but it sounds like MetMo already has launched successful kickstarters before so that doesn’t seem to be a risk.
I think it all comes down to whether or not you think this is cool enough to drop $100 on. For me that’s a no.
Jared
I feel about the same. It’s pure luxury. I think it’s neat and kind of fun, but only sort of makes sense as actual tools.
Doesn’t make me mad to see it though. It looks high quality and novel.
Parker C
For what it’s worth, I backed MetMo’s previous project (mini driver), and have directly purchased their full size driver. Their items are pricey, but very well made and their campaign went smoothly with regular detailed updates, and realistic time estimates. I would recommend their stuff for those not budget sensitive who want quality but novel tools.
carl
Metmo’s past stuff has been really neat, but the pricing on this one feels off compared to the ratcheting drivers they’ve made.
Wayne R.
I do appreciate and use the 4mm bits, but the slim/smooth handles that are part of most of those 4mm sets don’t work well for my hands. Rather, I use a 4mm-to-1/4 Hex adapter in a larger handle, works much better.
That’s the only ding I see with this set. It’d be good to give as a gift.
Wayne R.
BTW, how would you repoint the pencil?
MM
Should be pretty simple with the file.
fred
Drafting pencil sharpener?
My K&E 58 0510 might work.
Or a piece of fine sandpaper?
The K&E 3508 was a book of sandpaper sheets on a thin wood handle.
William Adams
The metal case includes a pencil sharpener.
Robert
What part of it performs the function of a chuck in a tradition pin vise? How does it grip the removable parts? That’s not obvious to me.
Scotty.
For that price I would expect a larger assortment of 4mm bits.
Wayne R.
Remind anyone who gets this that changing a scalpel blade is best done with a hemostat or needlenose, not fingers.
MM
There are also special sharps containers that have built-in blade removers.
DC
Hex driver? The photo looks like a Philips screwdriver to me.
Wayne R.
That’s a 4mm Phillips bit in the 4mm hex driver.
Bonnie
It looks pretty, and probably feels good. But for the life of me I can’t think of why I’d ever prefer this over a handful of dedicated tools. I’ve never looked at a pin vise and thought “I really want to stick a scalpel blade in there” and the carrying case seems less compact than a small pencil case with a regular scalpel/knife, mini-screwdrivers, and pin-vise.
Especially at that price this seems like a fancy tool to be bought and framed rather than actually useful.
Jared
I agree, if you’re working at a bench you probably don’t want to be swapping scalpels, files and bits as you progress through a project. Maybe for the model-builder on the go? 😄
William Adams
I’ve bought all of the Metmo tools and have been quite pleased with them.
Even engraved a driver as a Christmas gift for my son: https://community.carbide3d.com/t/what-did-you-cut-on-your-shapeoko-nomad-today/31274/3268
Funded this one because I’ve really been liking the Veritas Carvers Knife: https://www.leevalley.com/en-us/shop/tools/hand-tools/carving-tools/knives/31088-veritas-carvers-knife?item=05K7301 and am actually planning on getting the wooden-handled Veritas Joiner’s Knife: https://www.leevalley.com/en-us/shop/tools/hand-tools/carving-tools/knives/110790-veritas-joiners-knife?item=05K7210 — I figure this way I can have 3 blades to switch between (and 3 more X-Acto knife blades from the handles in my X-Acto Deluxe Workshop set)
Randy
But bit holders are so efficient, a bit holder holder must be even more efficient.
Jp
I am glad you featured this. I’ve always wished you spent more on crowd funded stuff. I’ve purchased plenty, haven’t been disappointed.
Stuart
I am not too fond of posting about crowdfunding campaigns anymore, due to the inherent risks to readers.
A lot of times, the comments devolve into discussion about crowdfunding platforms, rather than whatever new products we’re talking about.
MetMo has an excellent track record. I have mixed opinions about some of their previous launches, but was WOWed by their pocket driver, and then equally impressed with how the new Multi-Drive tool is being presented.
There’s also an aspect where a lot of crowdfunded tools are not necessities, but this one seemed to have a better form, function, fun ratio. It’s not *another* titanium doohickey.
All that is to say that I’ve had hesitations about crowdfunding tool/gear posts, on top of how it seemed readers stopped enjoying them. I appreciate your feedback, and will try to increased crowdfunding product coverage.
blocky
I already keep a slim zippered pencil case in my backpack with the equivalent tools, and I use them in different permutations daily. I cannot imagine trading down to one-handle for frequently used items. I would be insanely annoyed every time I reached for the pencil or scribe or file or craft-knife.