I have said it before, and I will probably say it many more times here on The Gadgeteer pages: I am a pocket multi-tool junkie. I love having the ability to carry around small gadgets that can perform several different functions. I especially like items that I can fit on a keyring or into a wallet slot. But not all of these types of tools are created equal; some fall short in the areas of features, materials, or size. The Parachute multi-tool from Jeff Morin is one I posted about when it was a Kickstarter project. Now that it is funded and shipping, Jeff was kind enough to send me one for review.
Note: Images can be clicked to view a larger size.
The Parachute is a multi-function tool with the following features:
- Scraper
- Can opener
- Seatbelt or hook cutter
- 2″ ruler
- Flat screwdriver
- Keychain hole
- 1.5″ saw blade
- Hex wrenches x 3 (1/2″, 1/4′ and 5mm)
- Bottle opener
- Belt loop hanger
While you could debate how functional some of these items listed are, the Parachute does have 10 functional items.
Size-wise, the Parachute is 3.5″ high, 2″ wide (at its widest point), and .157″ thick; it weighs approximately 1.67 ounces. The Parachute is made of stainless steel and comes in either matte black or a matte silver finish. As you can see by the picture, I received the matte silver version. The size and the heft of the Parachute is good and my initial thoughts on its construction is that it is well made.
Of all the features on the Parachute, I find two of them to be the most unique compared to a lot of other multi tools I own or have seen. The first unique feature is the seatbelt or hook cutter. This part of the Parachute can be used to cut cord, string, seatbelts and even cloth. It may be the smallest part of this multi-tool, but it is one of the handiest. The second feature is the saw blade. As you can see from the picture above, I do own a multi-tool with a saw blade, but that is one of the few others that I have found. I will note that the saw blade on the Parachute does seem better made and has a more aggressive cut than the one on the other tool. In my opinion, the Parachute could have probably done without the saw blade feature. It does work, but it is prone to snag on things when hanging on a key chain in the open.
The Parachute won’t replace your normal tools set, nor was it intended to, but in a pinch (as it was designed to be used for) all the tools function well. The fit for the nuts and bolts was precise without a lot of play, and the thickness of the Parachute didn’t make me feel like I was going to damage or slip off the nut while trying to loosen or tighten it. If there is any weakness in the design, from my non-engineering viewpoint, it would be the area where the saw blade is. I do not think I could actually break the Parachute using or even abusing it, but I did get some flex from that section when I torqued down on some nuts.
Another nice feature of the Parachute is the 1/4″ hex will allow you to use various removable screw and socket bits if you happen to lose power to your drill. The bottle opener is nice to have. The can opener is a feature I think we forget about, but if you are out camping, it can save the day (especially if you are like me and always seem to forget something). The scraper is practical and not overly sharp, but it does do the job without the fear of cutting yourself when the Parachute is on a keychain. The ruler is a ruler; I will say I have actually been in situations where I needed something like that to measure with and had to SWAG (Scientific Wild Ass Guess) it. As long as what you are measuring is 2 inches or less, you are good. The flat head screw driver works well, and in a pinch, you can use it to wedge or pry things. And the keychain hole allows you to carry the Parachute with your keys.
The Parachutes design is actually very practical for use as a keychain. It can hook to a belt loop or hang from a pocket, allowing easy access to your keys. This is a practical design feature, in my opinion.
So, what’s my overall view on the Parachute multi-tool? I like it. I find it to be a practical, useful pocket tool for everyday use. It is well made, with a good size and functionality. Although you may find it a bit heavier than some other pocket multi-tools on the market, I believe that the thickness and quality justify this. At $19.99, in my opinion, it is reasonably priced compared to the competition.
Product Information
| Price: | $19.99 |
| Manufacturer: | Jeff Morin |
| Retailer: | Coins for Anything |
| Pros: |
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| Cons: |
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I’d be very interested to know how this compares to Tactical Keychains’ Bottle Grenade, whcih also started on Kickstarter (www.kickstarter.com/projects/tactical/bottle-grenade-the-last-opener-you-will-ever-need).
@ Rob O Just from a cursory look at the Bottle Grenade, the Parachute has far more functionality. I saw the Bottle Grenade when it was a Kickstarter project, but the lack of functions and the fact that i open very few bottles is what made me pass on writing about it.
I too am a pocket multi tool junkie, actually a any tool junkie,
but this one I believe I’ll leave on the shelf. Seeing it hang on a belt loop is a scary sight for anything he or she may sit on. Should one of the 3 hex sizes be needed I hope there’s room to rotate the tool and that a glove is handy so the saw doesn’t cut your fingers off!
I hope for Jeff’s sake I’m missing useful about this tool.
@Paul Dumstorf Sr While I do agree about the saw, I have a different carry style/philosophy. Compared to the tools that I previously carried in my EDC the Parachute is of better build and material quality. I would not under normal conditions carry this type of tool on my keychain or belt loop, but I have seen far more menacing things being used as such. And while using this tool may present some challenges, I believe a lot of similar challenges exist with other pocket tools of this type, mainly the ability to rotate the tool. When I reviewed and tested this tool I compared it to products I have seen on the market or own that are similar in design and nature. I would not compare this tool to say my Gerber multi-tool or a Leatherman type tool, but in the overall context of what it is I still find that it can be a useful tool in my EDC arsenal. In the end I guess it all comes down to perspective.
I saw this and really liked it for a fun gadget, but there’s a design flaw I haven’t heard anyone mention. The keychain hole is situated so that if you actually put a split ring through it to hold keys, it would no longer slide through your belt loop and hang. Even some of their own pictures I’ve seen show them using the smallest hex hole instead for hanging keys. If it’s made well, that little bit of wear shouldn’t make the hex hole unusable in the future, but you’d have to remove your keys first.
@John actually, I did test this out and at least on my jeans and another pair I tested. the belt loops will allow the inner section to slide through. But your observation about how the keychain feature is displayed on the Parachute link is correct and I missed that one… Good catch.