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What Leatherman or multitool?

D

duragezic

Lifer
I've been thinking about getting a multitool for use around the house. I checked out a thread made by a member here of an EXCELLENT Charge XTi review, but at $100+,that is just way way too much $ to spend on a multitool. Same for the Charge Ti too unfortunately, since those tools seem to be killer.

The Wave is a little outta my price range. Is it worth it still, and fairly comparable to the Charge models? Whats it missing? I really like the black look + non-slip grip of the XTi too. Damn.


Also, what about Gerber tools? Any specific models you'd recommend?

Or any other fairly cheap but quality multitools? Please give me suggestions.

Mostly I want the basic features like a good size and quality knife, pliers, wire cutter, serrated knife, can opener, bit driver (much better than separate screwdrivers, and I already got bits) and scissors. Extras like a saw, ruler or additional drivers and knives aren't really important. It'd also be nice to have some sort of tweezers.


Anything that fits the bill? Like cheaper but quality Leatherman knockoffs?

Finally, where should I purchase? I have no big stores around here cept a few sporting goods stores (I'd expect them to be rather expensive) and a Walmart. The Walmar had maybe 8 models... are the ones for $30 any good?
 
Whats so good about the auto-pliers? The reason I ask is for $50 it doesnt seem to come with very many other tools like a bit driver or scissors.
 
Originally posted by: bradruth
I have this one.
Click to expand...

That's definitely the one to get.. Gerber is better than Leatherman, imo.. but they're both still good. Butterfly-opening style is by far the best. I had the older click-drop style and it's annoying to use any tool on the thing - the pliers don't have recoil and you can use the blades without opening it with two hands..

I have the Gerber Legend 800 awesome 2000 billion kickass multitool and I love it. It's a bit heavy - but you can get the same style in a smaller size, but it's very substantial. They're the size of normal pliers.. and both the blade and scissors can be opened with one hand.

 
I still haven't decided. It will definitely be a Leatherman or a Gerber.


I don't think the Gerber offers much more over the Leatherman except the auto pliers which I don't really understand. I'm leaning towards the Wave even though its a little more than I want to spend, but its about the cheapest Leatherman that has a good amount of features (ones like the Core are cheaper but missing key stuff like bit drivers).

Is there anywhere better to buy than Walmart?
 
I have Gerber, Letherman, and SOG multi tools..and by far prefer the Gerbers due to the snap out one handed opening. I find Leatherman and SOG tools harder to open and up and use. They are all quality tools however.
 
Originally posted by: duragezic
I still haven't decided. It will definitely be a Leatherman or a Gerber.


I don't think the Gerber offers much more over the Leatherman except the auto pliers which I don't really understand. I'm leaning towards the Wave even though its a little more than I want to spend, but its about the cheapest Leatherman that has a good amount of features (ones like the Core are cheaper but missing key stuff like bit drivers).

Is there anywhere better to buy than Walmart?
Click to expand...

Tried amazon?
 
I don't understand these things, except maybe to stash in a glovebox or take on a camping trip. My Gerber sits in my toolbox, and if I need a pliers, I go right past it to the pliers. If I need a blade, I grab the utility knife ... etc. etc. Am I a complete idiot or is there some way that these tools are somehow useful in a place (your home) where you have access to any number of specialized tools and places to store them? Not hatin, just wondering what would prompt you to purchase such an item ..
 
Originally posted by: myusername
I don't understand these things, except maybe to stash in a glovebox or take on a camping trip. My Gerber sits in my toolbox, and if I need a pliers, I go right past it to the pliers. If I need a blade, I grab the utility knife ... etc. etc. Am I a complete idiot or is there some way that these tools are somehow useful in a place (your home) where you have access to any number of specialized tools and places to store them? Not hatin, just wondering what would prompt you to purchase such an item ..
Click to expand...

I wear mine on my work belt. You never know what kind of situation you'll get into where you need some type of tool.
 
I tried using a leatherman a few years ago. It was the most awkward POS to 'get into action' and use that I've ever had the misfortune to have in my possession. I gave it away. Anyone who uses tools for a living wouldn't waste belt space on one. I can walk outside and get the proper tool out of my truck before a multitool geek can get his leatherman ready to use.
 
Hmm.. Guess the Gerber would be a good choice for the quick use then. The only thing I wish it had was a bit driver instead of a bunch of retarded separate screwdrivers. Then I'd be limited to flat and phillips rather than access to the bit set I have. Crap.


And the reason I want one is partly work and partly home. I do a lot of electronics technician crap and its handy to have pliers, cutters, etc at any time. I don't have much tools at my college house so a do-it-all would be quite useful IMO.
 
Originally posted by: Rastus
I tried using a leatherman a few years ago. It was the most awkward POS to 'get into action' and use that I've ever had the misfortune to have in my possession. I gave it away. Anyone who uses tools for a living wouldn't waste belt space on one. I can walk outside and get the proper tool out of my truck before a multitool geek can get his leatherman ready to use.
Click to expand...

Try that when you're inside and all you need is a screwdriver - sure beats walking out to the truck in the rain. 😛
 
Originally posted by: CadetLee
Originally posted by: Rastus
I tried using a leatherman a few years ago. It was the most awkward POS to 'get into action' and use that I've ever had the misfortune to have in my possession. I gave it away. Anyone who uses tools for a living wouldn't waste belt space on one. I can walk outside and get the proper tool out of my truck before a multitool geek can get his leatherman ready to use.
Click to expand...

Try that when you're inside and all you need is a screwdriver - sure beats walking out to the truck in the rain. 😛
Click to expand...
An occasional inconvienence is much worth trading for a constant inconvienence.

 
Originally posted by: myusername
I don't understand these things, except maybe to stash in a glovebox or take on a camping trip. My Gerber sits in my toolbox, and if I need a pliers, I go right past it to the pliers. If I need a blade, I grab the utility knife ... etc. etc. Am I a complete idiot or is there some way that these tools are somehow useful in a place (your home) where you have access to any number of specialized tools and places to store them? Not hatin, just wondering what would prompt you to purchase such an item ..
Click to expand...

😕

You seem to realize that it's useful outside the home.. yet on the other hand you don't.

My car is useless because I can't use it outside the house!
 
Gerber blades have a tendency to break (must be very high carbon content of the steel--good for sharpness, but brittle). They also do not have any replacment parts that I can find, which is odd considering the ease of taking them apart.
 
I have a Bucktool that I got about 10 years ago.

Great tool. Really has held up well. I think they cost about $50-75
 
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