I like the Supertool 200, but...

K

KennyB

Joined
Jan 19, 2010
Messages
2,312
Why so many screwdrivers? I mean, I suppose I can see large and small but there's three different sizes of standard screw drivers. I don't even run into that many different sizes of standard headed screws

I've been checking out the Waves/Charges. I like the scissors and a diamond file is really nice too, but I don't really like the bit adapters. Why not just a Supertool with one less screw driver that's replaced by a pair of scissors, and one side of the wood/metal file diamond plated?

So yeah, just ditch one of the screw drivers, throw in some scissors and a diamond file and the Supertool would be all I'd need.
 
Well this type of tool is for workers that may need those tools, I have used all the screw drivers on my ST300 and back when I had the ST 200, the tools are the same but they have the better grinds on the ST300. Look at the Leatherman website and see what uses the ST200 is good for and you will understand a little better.
 
Okay, yeah I can see that now. Darn, I guess the only thing really holding the charges/waves back from being perfect are the bit adapters instead of the long shank and the Phillips.
 
I prefer the 4.5 inch models over the smaller 4 inch, plus the ST300 is $30-$40 bucks cheaper than the Charge. I did carry a wave then a charge for a while but the size just did'nt fit me so I went with the ST 200 then later to the ST 300.
 
I like the large bit adapter on my Charge TTi. With the accessory bit kit, plus extender, you can screw everything in sight. Can't tell you the number of times (well, maybe 4 or 5 :o ) I came up with an exotic (to me) fastener that found its proper bit in one of those plastic holders. However, the tiny bit holder sux. The whole tool is just too big and unwieldy for the "eyeglass" driver, with the danger of applying too much torque on small screws The space it takes up would have been better filled with an awl. If you need a sturdier screwdriver for the purpose of prying, there is a fixed one for that.

My first Super Tool was the original, which I bought in 1997. It, a Micra for the scissors and other supplementary implements, were all I needed for many years, and I got real fond of the beast despite the clumsy but simple lock release method. Occasionally, during that time, I tried others. Although the ST 200 came with some improvements, I didn't like the release levers because they dug into my hand when using the implements. That problem was finessed by the Core, which maybe should have been designated Super Tool 250. It was an okay upgrade, and I put into the rotation, but when Leatherman came up with the ST 300, I switched to that.

Lately, I have been returning now and then the original Super Tool, much used but still strong. There's something to be said for simplicity.
 
Last edited:
Yeah, the bit adapter thing I just don't like... For one thing I don't really like feeling like I have to carry extra bits with me, I like that the Supertool is just one self-contained package. That's why I wish they just made a little extra room for a pair of scissors.

Also, the charges/waves don't have an awl? That's one thing that looked like a really nice improvement on the ST300. I would miss my awl...
 
Look for the older pre 2004 Waves that don't have the bit driver and instead have the decent Phillips head driver. I always found the bolt driver kind of short and hard to do anything with.

Still my favourite is probably the original Supertool. It has all the tools of the later version, the toughness, and only half the size.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top