Gerber multitools

A

ASBOB

Joined
Feb 8, 2008
Messages
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I'm thinking of getting a small multitool, something smaller than the Leatherman Juice. I mainly need just the pliers for light work.

I'm considering a Gerber, so two questions:

--any comments on their small ones?

--any alernatives?

My thanks.
 
Leatherman Squirt P4 Or PS4.
The Leatherman Squirt Is Smaller Than The Juice And Still An Awesome Leatherman.
Squirt P4:
Tools:
420HC Clip Point Knife
Awl
Bottle Opener
Extra-small Screwdriver
Flat Phillips Screwdriver
Medium Screwdriver
Regular Pliers
Spring-action Needlenose pliers
Wire Cutters
Wood/Metal File

The Squirt PS4:
Tools:
Spring-action Needlenose Pliers
Spring-action Regular Pliers
Spring-action Wire Cutters
420HC Knife
Scissors
Medium Screwdriver
Flat/Phillips Screwdriver
Wood/Metal File
Bottle Opener

I Think Either Of These Are Perfect For What You're Looking For.
 
Gerber 400 and 600 series tools are "OK", many of the other Gerbers...not so much. The best small pliers multitool, if you can find one, is the Leatherman Mini. Or if all you need is pliers, how about a 4" or 6" vise-grip?
 
Mahoney said:
Gerber 400 and 600 series tools are "OK", many of the other Gerbers...not so much.
Click to expand...

+1. I have both the 400 (gift in the late 90's) and the 600 (bought used from a member here in 2007) and both have served me well, but they're not the best out there. Good entry level multitools, and a lot of the Scouts I know here get a Gerber as their first MT. If it's lost, it's not a lot of money out-of-pocket to replace.

Later, as they get older, almost all of them move up to a Leatherman or SOG.

Mahoney said:
The best small pliers multitool, if you can find one, is the Leatherman Mini. Or if all you need is pliers, how about a 4" or 6" vise-grip?
Click to expand...

Good idea. My first thought on reading the OP was, "Just get a small pair of needle-nose pliers, and a small slipjoint." In the center console of our Honda Pilot, I had my Gerber 600 for over a year. Now, I have a small 4-way screwdriver, and a small pair of needle-nose pliers. They're easier (than the Gerber) for my wife to use.

One lesson I've learned is that if I don't need all the tools in a multitool, I try to get smallest, most minimal one that has just what I need. I had a Surge for a while, and didn't use all the tools on it. I realized a Leatherman Juice would have sufficed.

~Chris
 
I do like my old Multi-Plier. It's always in my car and it isn't bad quality actually, but I don't know much about the modern Gerbers.
 
I got the gerber/bear grylls MT, it works well for a "don't wanna go to the tool box" tool, it's compact, lightweight and easy to use. I usually keep mine in my laptop bag, that way it's home with me or at work
 
I liked my Gerber Clutch well enough, but I passed it on to someone as I always ended up carrying my LM Squirt P4 or PS4 instead. I also wasn't particularly impressed with the Vice if I'm honest. However I've got the new Gerber Dime on the way as it is getting some good reviews.
 
If all you want is pliers, then get the Leatherman Freestyle. It is designed like the Skeletool without the bit driver and carabiner. It is very compact, and most importantly, very well made. Best of all, it is only 35 bucks.
 
I had a Gerber Clutch and I thought it was nice enough. My daughter took it so years later I thought I might get a Leatherman Squirt PS4 to replace it. After reading and contemplation I ended up getting a Juice instead. Most people looking for a very small tool would think the Juice was too big. I wanted it for pocket carry so the size is OK for me.

From my experience so far with 2 different Gerbers and 5 different Leathermans, the Gerber is OK but the Leatherman is made nicer.
 
The only small Gerber I have any experience with is the Clutch. It is a descent tool for the money. The Leatherman Style PS is another small tool to consider.
 
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