Opinions on the Gerber 400 series

[AC_23]

I'm in the market for a new multi-plier. I've had a gerber for years. I really like the black coated 400 series. What are your opinions re: this model?

Thanks,
Clay

 

[pipedreams]

Pretty good tool for the money.

+:
light and compact
pliers tip very pointy
comfy to use
pliers flick out...cool
pretty good screwdriver selection
all tools lock

-:
seems a touch flimsy compaired to other tools
scissors suck
blade is half-serrated

todd

 

[guy g]

I dont have a current model ,but I really like them! I bought the LM wave (old style) just because, but I still have two 400's.

 

[UnknownVT]

-:
seems a touch flimsy compaired to other tools

Agreed - the "mini" Gerber 400 series can have problems if one squeezes too hard on the handle, the pliers mechanism can seize up.
(this also seems to apply to the full-sized Gerber MultiPliers too - but especially to the smaller lighter 400 series).

It is however very simple to free up the pliers - by simply pulling out the handles (opposite direction to squeezing) and adjust by feel/trial and error the action of the pliers.

This may not be such a good thing if done frequently, as I feel this might fatigue/weaken the metal......

--
Vincent

http://UnknownVT2005.cjb.net
http://UnknownVT.cjb.net
http://UnknownVincent.cjb.net

 

[AC_23]

Hey all,

Thanks for the great info. pipedreams, I didn't realize the blade was half-serrated. This is a definite turnoff. Perhaps the 600 series is more what I'm looking for. Do you all have the same general opinion on this model?

Thanks,
Clay

 

[UnknownVT]

Perhaps the 600 series is more what I'm looking for.

The Gerber 600 series also suffers (perhaps to a lesser extent) from the seize-up when squeezed too hard problem - it's inherent in the design of the handles.

600 series also has a partially serrated knife blade.

Please see this thread and review(s - by two separate posters) -

Gerber Sportsman Multi-Plier for $5

--
Vincent

http://UnknownVT2005.cjb.net
http://UnknownVT.cjb.net
http://UnknownVincent.cjb.net

 

[dunc5]

I had a Gerber 600 and i didnt like it at all , i liked the idea of the one handed flick out plier head but wasnt keen on the plastic lock release buttons ( much prefer the ones on the swisstool ) but the thing that wound me up the most was the way the screws/bolts in the handles kept working loose and all the blades went slack with loads of movement , then i snapped the awl on a thin bit of plastic and that was it i got a swisstool then a LM st200 then a LM Charge and then a Swisstool X all of which i still own and rotate edc depending my needs and mood but none of which have let me down like the Gerber. I really wouldnt feel comfitable going out of the house or to sea with a Gerber.
AC 23 have you had a look at the Victorinox Swisstool , for a full size multitool most people will say its far better than a Gerber or go for the swisstool spirit for a mid size tool .

Dunc

 

[bquinlan]

Thanks for the great info. pipedreams, I didn't realize the blade was half-serrated. This is a definite turnoff.

I'm pretty sure that all of the Gerbers have combo blades.

I kind of like the Gerbers, particularly the Legend, but I have to agree with the general concensus that they just aren't as sturdy as several of their competitors. My top picks would be any of the Victorinox SwissTool series (my EDC is a SwissTool Spirit) or the SOG PowerLock.

If one-handed opening on the pliers is important to you the PowerLock is your best choice. You can flip it open like a balisong knife.

--Bob Q