Gerber Multi-Tools

V

Valiant

Joined
Apr 2, 2003
Messages
26
I'm considering purchasing a multi-tool and was wondering what your opinions are of the Gerber multi-tools?

Specifically the Gerber Scout, Gerber Compact Sport, and Multi-Plier pocket tool as they are within my price range or $50-80 CAD. The Leatherman PST is also of interest.

My main priority is the multi-tool is it being light weight, portable and not clunky. This is because I'll carry it when hiking, camping, fishing, hunting etc.

Thanks in advance.
 
Go for the Gerber. Leathermans are incredibly prone to rust and I think the Gerber design is much better. Just my 2/100 of a dollar.
 
Originally posted by frank k
If you want something compact to carry in your pocket, I would recommend the PST II or the Sideclip (if you don’t need a lot of tools).

Here’s a review I did of the Gerber Compact Sport -


http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=274908





- Frank
Click to expand...

Pocket carrying isn't needed. I want something I can comfortably carry on my belt which will be somewhat lightweight and not bulky. Budget is important, I won't be spending more than $100 CAD. I don't need a lot of tools either, just the basic ones.
 
The SOG Pocket PowerPlier, Leatherman PST/PST II & Pulse are all pretty compact and weigh 5-6 oz. – any of these would make a good choice.


The Gerber 400 is a little heavier (6.6 oz.), and a good bit bulkier – in fact it is about as bulky as a Wave when folded; although the Wave is heavier (7.9 oz.). If you don’t mind the weight and bulk, I would go with the Wave because it has a lot more features.






- Frank
 
I'm a big fan of Leatherman, but my current EDC is a SOG Powerlock. Big mofo though! :eek:

You might want to go with smaller version, like the SOG Power Plier.
 
The Leatherman Super Tool 200 without a doubt!



Others that I have tried but did'nt like:

Gerber Legend--it's huge! You need the hands of a gorilla to use it.

SOG Power Pliars--I keep it in my tackle-box these days. The handles dig into you hand when using the pliars hard, the tools all clump together, and the bolt holding the tools keeps loosening.

Leatherman PST--Nice if you don't mind non-locking tools. The handle also digs in to your palms when using the pliars.

Good luck,
Allen.
 
Valiant,

If you live near Toronto, Lebarons in Mississauga and Markham have a range of multitools you can handle at relatively reasonable prices.
 
I like my Swiss Tool, but it's probably one of the heaviest of the bunch.
 
Tried the Gerber Multipliers years ago - they broke. The newer versions are supposed to be better. The original Leatherman was nice, but not user friendly. The Wave is much better, but the tools you put pressure on to twist don't lock. The early SOG had pliers that flipped out sideways, and would when you used them. I hear Power pliers are better if you can use the widely spaced handles to get a grip.

I still have the Leathermans and use a Victorinox Swiss Tool. It has yet to fail me, even when I tried to cut hard wire . . . which I could fix. All the rest have gone down the road. The new Juice series from Leatherman looks good and has a good rep so far, but IIRC it doesn't lock the tools. And for mini's, the Squirt P4 is easier to carry than all the others, non -locking or not.
 
Get yourself a SOG Deluxe Pocket PowerPlier...That's what I carry on MY belt, and I'm very pleased with it.
 
The Compact Sport is a good choice in my opinion, but only you can decide if it's right for you. The Sport is also inexpensive in the multi-tool market, so you can use,lose,and abuse and not be out of allot of dough:)
 
I have had the Gerbers now I carry edc a leatherman sideclip.. no sheath...light.... just enough tools.. and clips to my pocket.. no sheath !!
jack
 
I carry a gerber 600 series (can't remember which specific model)
I've been beating on it for about 4 years now and haven't managed to break it, although it is slightly bent :D
Its my favorite of all the multi tools on the market, I've never handled a SOG and have heard they are built a little heavier, but seriously....if the gerber isn't strong enough you should be getting a real tool for the job. I've used my gerber as a hammer and crowbar and alot of other things it wasn't necessarily designed for and its in great shape other than the handles being worn down to a mirror polish and the jaws being scratched up.
I've cut all kinds of wire, including 10 gauge romex with it and the wire cutters are fine. They seriously have had a lot of use, I work for a farm that bales about 15000-20000+ bales of hay and straw a year and we use a baler that ties with wire.
 
I live in St. John's actually. Not a huge selection but all the main multitools (Gerber, Leatherman, Victornox etc) are available at good prices. Thankfully walmart carries a good selection.

I just need a multi-tool for light, general use jobs. It's not likely going to be in heavy use. It's there for convience and safety when I'm hiking, camping etc.
 
Personally I prefer the Swisstool, but that is bigger than what you are looking for. Honestly after the first couple of hours you don't notice the weight at all.


I like the Gerber Multitools quite a bit, except for the dissapointing Legend series. They have a number of unique features that are great for some users, and in my experience all of their implements work rather well.

The only real downside to the Gerber tools is that due to the slading mechanism used there is a considerable amount of play in the pliers head. This is not problem with big jobs such as holding bolts, but on high precision things like pulling hooks it can be an issue. I borowed my brother's Gerber for an electronics project because I needed the needle-nose pliers to work with the tiny wires, and the tool ended up causing more problems than it solved because the head could not be controlled with the degree of accuracy that was required.

If this is not much of a concern the Gerber tools are an excellent product.

Whatever you choose, I recommend that you make sure to get a product which features 100% locking tools. If you do not you will curse your decision every time you try to use a screwdriver that just won't stay deployed.
 
I like the Gerber And I hate the Gerber Be I can open the Pliers with one hand for cutting Mig Wire .Thats great !! And it fits in my pocket easy

But on the other hand I think they are junk I have broken evey tool on a couple of them I just Like the sliding Pliers
And if its all I got with me then It is All I can use .
Thanks
Chris
 
The Leatherman Wave is on sale for $90 CAD. The Scout is $80 CAD.

I think I might spend a little extra for the wave.
 
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