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- Sep 1, 2002
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I've read posts on how the Gerber 600 is "poor in fit and finish" and "undependable". How exactly is it undependable/poor in fit and finish? Thank you for your time.
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How undependable is the Gerber 600?
- Thread starter Diamond Cut II
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- Sep 25, 2002
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- 3,179
It's bit too heavy to keep on my belt, but it follows me to work in my bag. I bought it after a friend broke the pliers on my Leatherman. I keep real tools in the car if I have to do heavy work. But I don't have any issues with its quality, just its weight. I have more faith in my Gerber than I do in the basic Leatherman (never tried the Supertool). YMMV
Frank
Frank
I think most of the F+F complaints come from the fact that when the pliers are extended they have a lot of wiggle room and feel very loose.
This is not really a reliability issue, but it does make doing real precise work (the kind that you would usually use needle nose pliers for) difficult, simply because the jaws can move independantly of the handles.
This is not really a reliability issue, but it does make doing real precise work (the kind that you would usually use needle nose pliers for) difficult, simply because the jaws can move independantly of the handles.
I think fishbulb hit it right on. They have a decent bit of necessary play when open. However, they are quite convenient if you use the pliers alot as it's all one handed. I also like the fact that the handles are rounded and don't cut in at all. They were one of the first tools with that feature, but now there are others.
I did have one problem with my first pair, I broke the jaws. But in all fairness, I was trying to cut 3/16" hardened wire which is not something to be tackled with any multitool out there. When I called Gerber, they told me to send it in and I received a brand new one in about 10 days. They stand behind their product.
I've been using the second one for about 4 years now and haven't had a problem since. But I didn't try that wire again either.
I did have one problem with my first pair, I broke the jaws. But in all fairness, I was trying to cut 3/16" hardened wire which is not something to be tackled with any multitool out there. When I called Gerber, they told me to send it in and I received a brand new one in about 10 days. They stand behind their product.
I've been using the second one for about 4 years now and haven't had a problem since. But I didn't try that wire again either.
- Joined
- Sep 1, 2002
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So is it the same story with the 400, too? Thanks.
Yep, the 400 is the same way. It's just a result of the design.
The only problem that I've seen out of a Gerber multitool resulted from my brother trying to cut through a heavy spring with his 400.
Nothing "broke" but the cutter area was deformed enough that the pliers could not be closed.
I really wouldn't even consider this to be a failure, as quality springs are very tough to cut and the tool was just being used beyond it's limits.
The only problem that I've seen out of a Gerber multitool resulted from my brother trying to cut through a heavy spring with his 400.
Nothing "broke" but the cutter area was deformed enough that the pliers could not be closed.
I really wouldn't even consider this to be a failure, as quality springs are very tough to cut and the tool was just being used beyond it's limits.
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I have done things to a 600 you wouldn't beleive. Prying, pounding, cutting things too heavy for the wire cutters, all kinds of stuff.
Its the most solid, heavy duty multi tool I've ever handled. I've been told the SOG multi pliars are heavier still, but haven't handled them.
I have truly abused every last component on my 600 and its still going strong, after 4 years of baling hay and straw and working around the horses. The snap open pliars are the best too. Its so convenient when your crawling around under a peice of machinery or trying to hold peices with one hand and open the tool with the other. They're very well suited to prying things since the handles don't try and fold up no matter what direction you pull them in.
The bolt action lock on all the tools inside the handle seems to be stronger and more reliable than the other locking mechanisms I've seen as well. I've had it so packed full of mud that you could hardly fold things open and the lock still engaged solidly.
Its the most solid, heavy duty multi tool I've ever handled. I've been told the SOG multi pliars are heavier still, but haven't handled them.
I have truly abused every last component on my 600 and its still going strong, after 4 years of baling hay and straw and working around the horses. The snap open pliars are the best too. Its so convenient when your crawling around under a peice of machinery or trying to hold peices with one hand and open the tool with the other. They're very well suited to prying things since the handles don't try and fold up no matter what direction you pull them in.
The bolt action lock on all the tools inside the handle seems to be stronger and more reliable than the other locking mechanisms I've seen as well. I've had it so packed full of mud that you could hardly fold things open and the lock still engaged solidly.