I have a multi-tool that has been in my pocket for nearly six years. It has opened crates, tightened loose screws on my daughter’s bike, and cut more paracord than I can count. Last week, I noticed the main blade was getting a bit sluggish to flick open, and the pliers had a faint, gritty crunch whenever I used them.
Most people would just keep using it until it seized up, or worse, toss it in a drawer and buy a shiny new one. But on a rainy Sunday afternoon, I decided it was time for some “shop therapy.”
There’s something incredibly meditative about breaking down your gear. I’m not talking about a full disassembly—most modern multi-tools aren’t meant for that—but a deep, honest cleaning. I started with a small basin of warm, soapy water and an old toothbrush, scrubbing away the pocket lint, the dried sap from last month’s camping trip, and the unidentifiable grime that builds up in the crevices.
As the water turned gray, I felt a strange sense of accomplishment. At EverGears, we talk about the toughness of these tools, but even the toughest stainless steel needs a little love.
The best part, though, is the oiling. I use a tiny needle-nose dropper of high-grade machine oil. One drop on each pivot point, a quick wipe with a microfiber cloth, and then the magic happens. I spent ten minutes just opening and closing the pliers, feeling the grit disappear and the smooth, hydraulic-like action return.
Click. Snap. Slide.
That sound is the language of a well-maintained machine. It tells me that when I’m actually in the middle of nowhere and I need that wire cutter to work, it won’t let me down.
Taking care of your tools is a way of respecting your future self. It’s about ensuring that the things you rely on are ready for the unexpected. When I finished, the tool looked almost new, but it still carried the scratches and scuffs of every job we’ve done together.
If your favorite tool is feeling a little “grumpy” lately, don’t ignore it. Give it twenty minutes of your time and a few drops of oil. It’s the cheapest insurance policy you’ll ever buy, and trust me, your hands will thank you.
