One tool I always carry in my pocket is the Swiss Tech Micro-Tech keychain tool.  I’ve tried different pocket tools and this one is the smallest, most portable, and does the most things for its size.  It doesn’t make a great screw driver but when I need one I always have one.  It doesn’t make a great pliers either but, again, I have one on me at all times.

One problem I have is that over time, and especially after using it as a pliers or wire cutting tool, the hinges get loose.  If you use it on your keychain (I do not) then it won’t stay on if the hinges are loose.  In my case it just comes open in my pocket.

How to Tighten Hinges of a Swiss Tech Micro-Tech Tool

Hardware:

• Swiss+Tech ST53500 Micro-Max Xi 19-in-1 Key Ring Multi-Function Tool

Tools Needed:

• Hammer
• Center Punch (with beveled tip)
• Anvil or Vice with Anvil (a hard as steel flat surface to pound against)

The thing that makes you able to tighten up the hinges (and their fault) is that they are held together with a type of rivet.  The rivet loosens up but you can tighten things up.  The way this rivet works is that it is smashed in a bell shape (opened up) on each side:

Swiss Tech Micro-Tech 6-in-1 Tool Rivet

Step 1:  Lay the Swiss Tech Micro tool on the anvil.

Orient it so that the head of the rivet is flat on the anvil and the bell end is straight up.

Laying the rivet on the anvil of my vice

Step 2: Tap the center punch in the bell end of the rivet.

You need a punch shaped like this on the end:

You need a punch that has a slight point on the end like this

Placing the punch in the end of the rivet

Other Links:

• Swiss tech Micro-Tech 6-in-1 Product Literature (pdf)
• Buy it on amazon.com: Swiss Tech Micro-Tech keychain tool