Rate this multi-tool - Gerber

cgmblade

cgmblade

Joined
Jun 4, 2009
Messages
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I've not previously given much thought to multi-tools. I've had this Gerber multi-tool in my truck for several years. I don't even know what model it is, but it's come in handy on occasion. I was wondering what others thought of it in terms of functionality and quality as compared to other tools on the market.

And if I were going to buy a new tool do any of them have cutters that are strong enough to cut chain-link fencing or hog wire?

Thanks

Chris

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Looks like an older Gerber MP600 series. Good tool.

If you were wanting to replace it and cutters are important, I would get a Leatherman Supertool 300.
 
Ive got one just like it, only my Multipler 600 has a serrated sheepsfoot blade instead of the scissors. I used this tool everyday for 1 1/2 years at work.

It held up pretty much to anything i could throw at it. One time though i tried to cut a piece of stainless steel welding filler rod, unfortunately it was too thick and too hard so it damaged the cutters which were softer than the rod, but it still cut it though. Only minus with the Multipler 600 is that the cutters dosent come with a hardwire notch.

Quality was pretty good, nothing broke or got loose and everything performs as it should. Ive retired it now cos of the damaged cutters and carry a Swisstool X at work.

For serious cutting id recommend the Leatherman Supertool 300 with the replacable cutters.
 
Leatherman supertool 300 is what I think your looking for. If you damage the wirecutters they can be replaced.
 
Thanks for the comments. I checked out both the Supertool 300 and the updated MP600. Both are very nice. The one I have has served me well, but I think I'm leaning more toward the supertool 300 now. Not in a big hurry to buy anything. May wait until after Christmas, but much appreciate the input.
 
And if I were going to buy a new tool do any of them have cutters that are strong enough to cut chain-link fencing or hog wire?
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Have you cut through chain-link fencing or hog wire with your Gerber?! It lacks a hardwire notch so it would be surprising that the cutters weren't damaged.

In the Super Tool 300 topic, I cut through nails with a bunch of multi-tools. Didn't test the Gerbers (but mentioned it). Back in 2001, Doug Ritter busted the Gerber carbide cutters on some piano wire so I didn't think the cutter would make it through a nail. Well...I was right! Snapped the carbide cutters rather than the nail! :(

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Luckily I have two more tries! Gerber's carbide cutters give you three tries (rotate them until all three sides are broken) and then you need to replace them. Leatherman's 154CM cutters can be removed and sharpened (or replaced).

When it comes to cutting hardwire, the older style Leatherman cutters perform quite well. The Leatherman Core actually cut through the nail better (photo) than the Super Tool 300 (photo), which cut part way and snapped it apart. I'd skip the carbide cutters if you cut a lot of hard wire. You might consider the Core or one of the other Leatherman multi-tools - even the Leatherman Kick can cut through a nail.

Both the Gerber carbide cutters and the Leatherman 154CM cutters have a square edge. Here's a comparison photo of the edge on the Super Tool 300 and the SOG PowerAssist.

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A square edge is more robust but the PowerAssist cutters cut more cleanly on stranded wire. Comparing the Leatherman 154CM and Gerber carbide cutters on stranded wire, the Leatherman cutters cut more cleanly and require less force. Notice that the edge cut with the Gerber is slightly smashed.

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Victorinox and SOG also make very capable multi-tools (some of my favorites). Someone posted some nice photos of his results with the Victorinox SwissTool : http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=694833 The cutters on the Victorinox SwissTool and SwissTool Spirit tend to mash through stranded wire than cutting it. Here's a photo showing the SwissTool Spirit jammed on stranded wire. I could actually suspend the SwissTool Spirit by the wire!

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But the Victorinox cutters are quite capable when it comes to hardwire. One thing to consider is that the hardwire notches on Victorinox & SOG multi-tools are a little smaller than the notches on the Core and some of the other Leatherman multi-tools.

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supratentorial said:
Have you cut through chain-link fencing or hog wire with your Gerber?!
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No, I've never considered them up for the job. If I get a new tool it would be nice if it had robust cutters.

Thanks much for you post. There's a lot of information in it that I'm still processing.

If I read your post correctly the Core would be a good choice for hardwire and the Supertool 300 for stranded wire?
 
You're welcome - glad I could help! Yes, I like the Leatherman Core/Surge and Charge/Wave/Blast/Fuse/Kick for heavy gauge hardwire and I prefer the Leatherman SuperTool 300 for stranded wire.
 
supratentorial said:
Have you cut through chain-link fencing or hog wire with your Gerber?! It lacks a hardwire notch so it would be surprising that the cutters weren't damaged.
Click to expand...

Great post you made there, with the cutting test!

This is what happens when you try to cut a 316L stainless filler rod, they look like hardwire notches but theyre actually damged cutters.

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kmm said:
Great post you made there, with the cutting test!

This is what happens when you try to cut a 316L stainless filler rod, they look like hardwire notches but theyre actually damged cutters.

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I have the same Gerber and that's what happened to mine also. It's a pretty good multi otherwise. The Leathermans are better quality.
 
So what do you think if I got a Surge to keep in my truck and maybe a Wave or Skeletool as a companion piece to carry around?
 
I like the Surge and Wave as a companion. The Skeletool is more of a medium to light weight multi-tool - that may or may not suit your purposes. A lot of people like the Skeletool but I'd have reservations if you are intending to put the wire cutters to hard use, esp chain-link fencing or hog wire. There are also a lot of other good multi-tools - there's too many to fit on my scanner bed but here's a photo of the Surge and Wave pliers among a few of the many other good choices.

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Multi-tools is a whole new world for me to explore. Now it looks like I have something to spend my (limited) money on besides Spydercos.

Thanks much for the help, and I also followed the link in that other thread to... http://www.multi-tool.org/ ...cool site!
 
supratentorial said:
Thank you. I didn't realize I had a signature showing. Let us know what you get!
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I didn't go to the store today with the intention of buying a new multi-tool but after getting what I had gone for I wandered by the tool section and saw the Leatherman Wave on sale at a price that would have been good online but without the shipping charge so I now have a new Wave.

I may get a Surge later or I may just throw a good pair of wire cutters in my truck (it's not something I need everyday anyway), but I like the Wave. It weights about 1 oz more than my Gerber but it folds up smaller. I like the one-hand opening blades and the wood/metal & diamond coated file. It seems like a very well made product.

Thanks much for your help.
 
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