Schrade's ST5E Tough Tool was the first plier multitool with adjustable slip jaws. (Spyderco's SpydeRench employed this feature earlier, but in a less conventional tool) The slip jaw allows the pliers to get a grip on larger objects such as pipe or bolt heads. However, the jaw and handle arrangement of the ST5E make it one of the largest most inconvenient-to-carry multitools ever. The slip jaw also makes the tool annoyingly difficult to fold up at times.
Laminated Jaws |
Blade Locks |
Bit Driver Variations |
Jaws small |
Jaws large |
screwdriver |
double-ended, reverseable bits |
Jaws
Jaw construction on the ST5E is made up of laminated plates of steel, riveted together.Note that the laminations allow one jaw to pass directly through the other jaw, making for an incredibly strong pivot.
The ST5E is unique in its ability to adjust to two different size jaw openings. (see photos at bottom of page)
Jaw serrations are very sharp and aggressive. Bypass wire cutters are blunt, and appear to be intended for hard wire.
Handles/Frame
Handles are bent in a complex shape, forming a complete rectangular tube at one point.All pivot points are rivets, not screws.
Finish is matte bead blast stainless all over.
The SCHRADE TOUGH logo is stamped in one handle, patent info in the other. No inch or metric scales are present.
Blades and Tools
- Three sided file blade
- Saw blade
- Partially serrated knife blade, clip point profile. Measures 2-1/4" long. (60mm)
- Plain edge knife blade, sheepsfoot profile. Measures 2" long. (50mm)
- Chisel
- Can opener
- Unusual hook-shape knife
- Folding hex bit driver
Locking Mechanism
A patented locking mechanism engages a slot in the back of the lockable blades. Pressing downwards on a neighboring blade releases the lock.Other Features
The hex bit driver locks at both 90 and 180 degrees. (see photo)Early models carried a removable hex reducer, each end of which has a removable double-ended 1/4" screwdriver bit. (four total screwdriver tips)
Later models carried only one double-ended 5/16" screwdriver bit. (two total screwdriver tips)
The single hole in the handle was intended as a lanyard attachment point.
Sheath
Included sheath was a woven nylon affair with velcro closure. Vertical or horizontal carry.Dimensions
- Length open = 7-1/4" (183mm)
- Length closed = 4-3/4" (123mm)
- Width closed = 2" (50mm)
- Thickness = 3/4" (19mm)
- Weight = 9 oz (255g)
Variations
As stated above, early models carried a hex reducer with two 1/4" hex bits. Later models only had one double-ended 5/16" bit.At some point stiffener bumps were added to the blade backsprings/locks