Gerber 600 series Multi-Plier

[Dave53]

I got one of these for my 'collection' recently, and I'm actually growing to like it despite the obvious looseness in the plier head (at the handle connections, not at the main pivot which is fine), and some other shortcomings common to the design (most important of which, for me, is the inability to have the handles 'stretch out' to make a long screwdriver, as you can do with LMs).

I find all of the Gerbers' tools easier to access than the LMs, and I'd say overall quality is almost comparable.

Oh yeah - another marked difference to the LM, of course, is that the plier handles on the Gerber, of necessity being parallel to each other, start off with a less effective angle of operation (unless you're holding a large diameter object, in which case the closer angle could actually be an advantage).

Any other comments on the Gerber 600 series (pos or neg)?
Dave

 

[GIRLYmann]

Naw, it's all good until the day you somehow manage to break it! Or find that the tool blades are built slightly on the short side - just not quite enough for a good reach. Then maybe you might be placing far too much hope on just one multi-tool when you should have at least two? One a Leatherman, and the other a Swisstool. Or, a Gerber 600 paired with either one. Just don't get two Gerber multitools and hope that you would be ready to execute all jobs perfectly!

 

[Eyegor]

My Gerber 600 has held up quite well to moderate use with very minimal care for the last 8 years. I would like a different mix of tools ( I don't really need large, medium, and small screwdrivers on one tool) but other than that I can't complain. When I'm reaching for my Gerber it is usually because I need pliers so the slide head design works for me. Plus the smooth scales when gripping the Gerber.

 

[Dave53]

Oh, I should have said, you definitely need at least TWO multi-tools (of different makes or design) at any given time! For example, if you need to hold work in the pliers while filing it, or whatever. I think the Gerber provides enough variation of design and tool shape, compared to my LM ST200, to make the pair pretty useful (i.e complementary).
Plus they look great in sexy matching black oxide finish(!) Now I think of it, there's a nice twin-compartment ammo pouch down at the surplus store that'd hold both of them side by side... (Hmm, now the only thing missing is a 6" crescent wrench ...oh wait ... and a socket set... and a ball-pein hammer... and a hacksaw... ah forget it!)
Dave

 

[GIRLYmann]

You got it, dude! :thumbup:
If there ever was such a thing as a "multi-tool tactical vest";
there is no way I would ever leave home without it.

 

[Dave53]

' ...a "multi-tool tactical vest"; ... '

[So, you're not really such a GIRLY man after all?]

8>)

Dave