Choosing the right Leatherman

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Charlie_K

Joined
Jul 16, 2012
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So I good recommendations concerning selecting the right SAK, now I have questions concerning the Leatherman because I'm getting really tired of my POS chinese made multi-tool.

How do you go about selecting the right Leatherman. Do you pick one that has the tools you're likely to need due to matters you know you'll be encountering, or do you pick one that has the tools you might have need for at some point in the future if you find yourself in a situation you didn't consider?
 
I use Leatherman tools and the criteria I use is, 1. size, I have XL hands so I like the 4.5 inch ST 300 the most, and 2. Tools, I use your basic tools on a MT at work all the time, pliers, screw drivers, blades and occasionally the saw.

I do have a Rebar which is like a small ST 300, which I use on a casual basis, when I don't want the weight of a large MT hanging off my belt. The ST 300 rides on my belt everyday at work.
 
have been using the Charge and the Charge TTi at work as a technician for years now.
Just recently I switched to the OHT tool.
So far I am really liking that tool.
While their knives are pretty basic, and has been so forever, the other tools like the pliers and the Bit-heads have always been very useful to me in my line of work.
 
When in doubt, buy them all. :D

If you are planning to buy one to begin with, for most utility, definitely buy what you need it for(or skip what you don't like).

For example, if a heavy duty pliers is most needed, then buying the ST300 might be a good choice. If one hand opening blade is what you will appreciate most, then probably a Charge TTi.
 
I look at what I want the MT for and what tools I'll need. For my normal EDC away from work I choose the leatherman sidekick because I like to go hiking and spend time outdoors and it has a saw. I don't use the saw regularly (in fact I rarely use the MT at all) but it had all the tools I wanted in a small enough package I can comfortably EDC it. I got an ST300 specifically for the outdoors because it's bigger and has more tools that might come in handy in the woods but it doesn't have the removable screwdriver bits and saw blades that could get lost. I don't need a saw at work so I keep a PST II on my work gear.
 
Honestly, my main criteria is comfort while using the pliers, followed closely by total number of tools.
 
I have a couple but my fav is the the black wave with molle sheath. I also bought the bit kit and combo sheath but the combo sheath blows in my opinion its too snug. I also kike the wave and charge because you have accessable to the user without opening the pliars
 
I try to think of which tools I won't need or use and try to look away from tools with those. That said, my current carry (LM Rebar) has two tools I don't need, serrated blade and saw, but its not too bad. I'm not trying to carry a toolbox on my belt, I need good pliers with grippy points, good cutters that won't gum up on zip-ties, and a selection of screwdrivers for opening things up. Plain blade is a must, file is indispensable, and scissors would be very good. But thats just me as an AV tech, and the drivers I need here in OZ are different that what I used in Canada (no more robertson #1 for opening power plugs and such). I carry an adjustable wrench, so gripping bolts isn't that big a factor.
I've been carrying a multitool of some sort for over ten years now, so I've got a pretty good idea of what I'll really use day to day, and what I might use on the odd occasions.

In your case, just look at which tools you use on your current MT, (and which ones you wish actually worked) and start there. other than that, you can't go wrong with starting with a mid-size leatherman, and then upgrading later. If you use wire cutters often, then I'd go with rebar, if not then either the sidekick or wingman, depending on if you want scissors or a saw.
 
So eliminating every Leatherman with swappable screwdriver bits I'm left with four models that stick out as promising: ST300, Rebar, Sidekick and wingman. The only choice now is which one to select.
 
depends on if you will carry one for work, outside of work, or outdoors...the wave was overkill for me; i never used much of its functionality so i gave it to a friend...i do have 3 leatherman's...i primarily pocket a kick as it's lightweight and has all the basic tools i need for the day, but i'll choose the skeletool if i need that bit driver...if i need some firepower or when camping i'll reach for my rebar

i don't like carrying (or buying) functionality that i don't really need...be efficient LOL...
 
My Leatherman use has changed over the years, but my LM Juice KF4 has most things that I use/need. The most used tools (by far) are the diamond file, the saw (which I modded to do stick tangs) and the pliers.
 
I primarily go for the smallest MT that still provides the level of utility I'm after. Other considerations are whether the pliers grip hurts my hand, and what the tool selection is. I like, for example, a real 3D phillips driver with long shank (like the Rebar and ST300), and not the 2D, short driver (Wave and Charge). No Leatherman scissors are good for fine, detailed work like hangnails and skin boo boos (in my view). And depending on your usage, you may want replaceable cutters.

So there are many variables that are highly personal to the user. You just gotta prioritize your wants, and see which tool comes closest. All of them are a compromise, so you just go with what comes closest to what you see as the perfect MT. In the Leatherman lineup, for me its the Rebar. I like everything about it, except its a little hard on the hand when using the pliers, and you don't have outside opening tools. And if you shop around on a large auction site, they are very affordable.
 
Charlie_K said:
So I good recommendations concerning selecting the right SAK, now I have questions concerning the Leatherman because I'm getting really tired of my POS chinese made multi-tool.

How do you go about selecting the right Leatherman. Do you pick one that has the tools you're likely to need due to matters you know you'll be encountering, or do you pick one that has the tools you might have need for at some point in the future if you find yourself in a situation you didn't consider?
Click to expand...

There is an old saying that applies very well here......."You can't use what you don't have".

That said there is but one tool in the whole multi tool world that will take on all jobs thrown at it. The Leatherman Supertool. If the tool you need isn't on the
Supertool then you need to go get your tool box!!

One thing is sure the Supertool won't let you down........ever.
 
Charlie_K said:
So eliminating every Leatherman with swappable screwdriver bits I'm left with four models that stick out as promising: ST300, Rebar, Sidekick and wingman. The only choice now is which one to select.
Click to expand...


Of the 4 you talk about, the Rebar and ST300 are the best and most useful. Size will be the deciding factor, I have both but as stated, I prefer the ST300. If you have small hands and do not want to carry alot of weight then the Rebar is for you, If you want more of a robust and a longer handle for larger hands and better screw drivers then the ST300 would be the better choice.
 
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