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Durability of Multitools
- Thread starter ET
- Start date
- Joined
- Nov 24, 1999
- Messages
- 4,981
I have a fairly new gerber 600 series and I carried an original blunt nosed gerber for about 4 years before I got the new one. The original was bullet proof and the new one seems just as solid. I haven't done alot of abusing to the new one yet, but the old one got alot of it. Some of the things I did were:
Driving 16d nails with the tip of the pliars, and with the back of the handle.
Pulling large nails out with the pliars.
Cutting 12 gauge romex wire. Cutting hardened wire.
Prying things with the pliars.Most common thing to pry on was hitch pins on loaded haywagons that had rolled against the hitch. That really got them to flexing but they always sprang back straight when I quit.
I did alot of other things to it to but I can't think of them all. Bottom line is that thing was/is tough. I still haven't broken it, just felt the need for a new one with needle nose pliars and locking blades
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Fix it right the first time, use Baling Wire !
Driving 16d nails with the tip of the pliars, and with the back of the handle.
Pulling large nails out with the pliars.
Cutting 12 gauge romex wire. Cutting hardened wire.
Prying things with the pliars.Most common thing to pry on was hitch pins on loaded haywagons that had rolled against the hitch. That really got them to flexing but they always sprang back straight when I quit.
I did alot of other things to it to but I can't think of them all. Bottom line is that thing was/is tough. I still haven't broken it, just felt the need for a new one with needle nose pliars and locking blades
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Fix it right the first time, use Baling Wire !
I will second the bombproofness of the gerbers. I ended up replacing mine because it wandered off, not because I hurt in in any of the abusive tasks I put it to, or chemicals I put it in. I don't know I could say the same for the blade, I did end up with a nick or two in it, but I never really considered that a good blade, partly because of the effort it took to get it, and the bulkiness of the tool in 'blade-mode' I preferred other blades most of the time.
I've seen the mini 'seber tools' broken, but it was rather humurous seeing a 240lb 6'4" friend using a 2" tool... I've also seen the mini leathermen broken. I guess the moral is don't use a mini tool for a full size task...
Stryver
I've seen the mini 'seber tools' broken, but it was rather humurous seeing a 240lb 6'4" friend using a 2" tool... I've also seen the mini leathermen broken. I guess the moral is don't use a mini tool for a full size task...
Stryver
I also have a Gerber, but my story isn't quite as glowing. I was cutting some hardened wire about 1/8" in diameter and broke the jaws. The one jaw broke off. In all fairness, I looked at the broken surface and there seemed to be a small imperfection where the break started, so it was just this set of jaws I'd imagine. I sent it to Gerber and they replaced the whole tool within 2 weeks. I went back and finished cutting the wire that day, no problem.
I am truly a fan of the gerbers, that incident hasn't lowered my high opinion of them.
I am truly a fan of the gerbers, that incident hasn't lowered my high opinion of them.
- Joined
- Mar 22, 2000
- Messages
- 29
I've given my LM wave a pretty good workout over the past year, and don't have a single complaint. I think one of it's most redeeming qualities is the ability to get to a decent blade with the flick of a thumb, two blades actually, without having to open the entire thing tool.
I gave my super tool quite a workout during my reserve army duty - many times it saved the day, and to date - I wasn't able to break anything in it. The only thing that is a little bent is the smallest screwdriver - which was used to open very stubborn screws under allot of force.
One of the guys in my platoon was able to break the pliers by trying to cut a very thick wire using the old and proven technique of jumping on the pliers while they were closed on the wire, guess what - he broke the pliers and LM replaced the super tool for a new one.
My vote goes to the super tool.
[This message has been edited by Blilious (edited 03-22-2000).]
One of the guys in my platoon was able to break the pliers by trying to cut a very thick wire using the old and proven technique of jumping on the pliers while they were closed on the wire, guess what - he broke the pliers and LM replaced the super tool for a new one.
My vote goes to the super tool.
[This message has been edited by Blilious (edited 03-22-2000).]
I'll vote for the Gerber too - only one I ever saw broken was some guy trying to use the jaws to cut a hardened 16p nail. - Mine are both going strong - just like the Gerber knives I have. good product -
Recently got a standard LM - perhaps a bit more precision in the tools - should hold up - the one I didn't like was the SOG paratool - kept closing folding in my hand
lots of pinches from that one... it went down the road at a show.
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knife Knuts are sharp people
Jonesy!
Recently got a standard LM - perhaps a bit more precision in the tools - should hold up - the one I didn't like was the SOG paratool - kept closing folding in my hand
lots of pinches from that one... it went down the road at a show.
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knife Knuts are sharp people
Jonesy!
Glad to hear that Gerber got things together. I bought a first production run of their first multiplier, I think in 1993. Went to the range one day to shoot, but had forgotten the key to my lock. Well, bless Gerber - I was finally able to cut through a 1/4" steel cable. Unfortunately, the pliers broke behind the pivot. Gerber changed their manufacturing method (cast to drop forge, or maybe vice versus, can't remember). At the time, I bought a Leatherman, and haven't look back since. I used an original until the Wave came out. Neither has given the slightest hint of breaking. I just wish they'd put a better steel into the knife blade. Sigh...
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Knowledge without understanding is knowledge wasted.
Understanding without knowledge is a rare gift - but not an impossibility.
For the impossible is always possible through faith. - Bathroom graffiti, gas station, Grey, TN, Dec, 1988
AKTI Member #A000831
[This message has been edited by Codeman (edited 03-23-2000).]
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Knowledge without understanding is knowledge wasted.
Understanding without knowledge is a rare gift - but not an impossibility.
For the impossible is always possible through faith. - Bathroom graffiti, gas station, Grey, TN, Dec, 1988
AKTI Member #A000831
[This message has been edited by Codeman (edited 03-23-2000).]