We’ve found the 5-in-1 or “painter’s tool” to be so useful that they’re always in our tool pouches. However, not all multi-tools are created equal (which isn’t a bad thing).
A 5-in-1 like HYDE’s 02975 does everything from shim crown out to close a miter to help remove a roller cover.
However, HYDE has upped the ante with two other multi-tools that can do more.
The Max Grip Pro 10-in-1, is a real evolution. It has a similar blade to the 02975 that can do everything from gouge open a caulk bead (think: window replacement) or slice off over-sprayed expanding foam (think: weather sealing a house) it also has 4 screw driver bits stored onboard, enabling you to sink proud drywall screws or remove an electrical device cover.
HYDE’s 14-in-1 06993 takes it another step. Doing all the things the 5- and 10-in-1 do, it also has a contoured blade for various scraping applications. I’d use it knocking down over-applied hole filler on crown-molding prior to sanding. See, I don’t love sanding. So get away with sanding as little as possible I like to scrape over-applied filler first.
But if finish work isn’t your thing, don’t worry: I used it for scraping away dirt and rocks from the base of our playset.
That was right before I noticed the bottle opener.