Thinking about getting a LM Core....

O

Outlaw45

Joined
Feb 17, 2004
Messages
156
I'm thinking of getting a LM Core, but haven't heard much about this model.
Anybody have one?


TIA
 
I got one not to long ago and I have found it to be tough and reliable but it is not without it's problems. The pliers are excellent as are the wire cutters. All the tools lock which is nice. Unfortunatley it's heavy and some of its tools especially the knife blade are way below other multitool manufacturers such as Victorinox. I think you should seriously consider getting one of the Swisstool models because the fit, finish and overall quality are superior to that of Leatherman.
 
Hi,

I have a Core. As RubberJohnny says, it is big, rugged and heavy. His suggestion regarding the SwissTool is not a bad one (I have three SwissTools) as they are also excellent.

Just to make you decision more difficult, you really ought to look at the Leatherman Surge if you want a big multi. I like the fact that you can access the knife blades without opening the handle. Also, the blade exchanger for the saw and file is pretty neat.

As far as weights, here is how things stack up:

SwissTool Spirit 7 1/4 oz
SwissTool 9 3/4 oz
Core 10 1/4 oz
Surge 11 3/4 oz

Hope this helps - Joe
 
Hey Guys,
I was thinking of the Core because....


It seems to have the tools I would need / want, with no wasted space... like the mini eyeglass bit on my Wave. It's something I have no use for & kinda bugs me.
Since it will live in my "bail out bag" weight is not a problem. I'm just looking for something to have nearby in case things go South.

Big, Rugged, Tough, and Reliable = :thumbup: :thumbup:

I was mainly wondering if the quality was there because last year I had to send back a Wave & a Fuse to LM for warranty issues. :(

Victorinox might be the way to go ????
 
The Core is of decent quality and would be a good choice for your BOB especially if it has all the tools you want. But keep your options open for now and check out felinevet's ebay store (he is a member of the forum and all procedes got towards helping cats :)) I think he's got a Swisstool RS for sale there. BTW I have heard some complaints about the Core saying that the screwdrivers are too soft I can't comment because I only use them to adjust my airpistol's sights. Just something to keep in mind.
 
Go with the core. The quality was very good on mine. The only thing I wish it had was harder screwdrivers, but I can live with them the way they are. Now the swisstool has been recomended in this thread but I wasn't all that impressed with mine. Don't get me wrong it's a good tool but the quality, fit, and finish was no better than my core. Here's why. When I got it the file was crooked so that when you closed it it would cut into the head of the pliers, meaning I had to bend the file so it was where it needed to be. Also at first I was happy that the pliers opened and closed easily, but on closer inspection I noticed that the reason for this was the point on which they pivoted was not tight whereas my leatherman is. Also here's the main reason I like my core better than my swisstool, the core has a much better phillips screwdriver. Now I read that the swisstool had a poor phillips so I did get a plus model but I did try the phillips on it. I was not impressed. The phillips slips far to easy on the swisstool. However the bit wrench on the plus fixes that, but it dissapoints me that victorinox couldn't have put a better one on it from the get go. Now having said all that, the swisstool is a good tool, but all I can say is, it is not better than the leatherman unless I just got a bad one. I still say pick the core, but the best advise I can give you is to look at both of them in person and decide for yourself.
 
I've got a core and the swisstool plus a few others to boot. I have to say that all and all (and I know that many will disagree with this statement) that the supertool 200 that the core replaced was a better multi-tool. I edc a supertool 200 to work where it truly gets used and somewhat abused on a daily basis. The core has basically all the same tools and even the same arrangement, but I just like how the supertool 200 feels in the hand a lot better, the blades seem to hold an edge and cut a lot better, and overall it seems to be a better made product. I could carry a core and get along with it just fine, but I really don't see why Leatherman went in that direction with an "upgraded" multi-tool when the older version was top notch.
 
jtb49er2000 said:
I really don't see why Leatherman went in that direction with an "upgraded" multi-tool when the older version was top notch.
Click to expand...

I would guess to sell more tools. It appears to me that Letherman have been churing new modles out a rate I can only assume is to get those that already have the older tools to buy more of their product.

It seems to that this effort to constantly update tools has lead to the quality to suffer. It seems older tools are simpler and more robust. There have also been rumours that Leatherman farm more and more of the individual tool pieces abroad and just assemble them in the US. There was a law suit over this and now it no longer says "made in the USA" on the packaging and they have removed the letters "USA" from the plier heads.
 
Gatch - you're probably right about the selling point. I guess all companies are trying to make just as much money when it's all said and done, but I really hate to see technology and greed produce a cheaper, inferior product. I bought another new supertool 200 the other day just because of my distaste for the newer products. Nothing worse than finding something you really like and can use to finding you can't replace it a few years down the road.
 
jtb49er2000 said:
I've got a core and the swisstool plus a few others to boot. I have to say that all and all (and I know that many will disagree with this statement) that the supertool 200 that the core replaced was a better multi-tool. I edc a supertool 200 to work where it truly gets used and somewhat abused on a daily basis. The core has basically all the same tools and even the same arrangement, but I just like how the supertool 200 feels in the hand a lot better, the blades seem to hold an edge and cut a lot better, and overall it seems to be a better made product. I could carry a core and get along with it just fine, but I really don't see why Leatherman went in that direction with an "upgraded" multi-tool when the older version was top notch.
Click to expand...

Maybe this perception is really about familiarity with the product. After 9 years with an original Super Tool, I started using a ST 200 and DAMN!, couldn't get use to the feel of it. It was just a bit too large, those sharp lock releases dug into my palm, and somehow it didn't seem to be as solid (although solid enough). Well, here I am 6 months later and it's surprising how well that tool has broken in. Now I use it without a second thought about those things. In some ways, I already prefer it.
Can't guarantee it would change your mind, but maybe you should give the Core a little more time in the hand and see what happens.
 
Check the Victorinox Swisstool before you buy, I think is more rugged and better finish and it's on a decent price on Amazon.com
 
Hi All,
Since cash is tight, I picked up a LM Core on eBay for $28.50 (not counting shipping)
I'll let y'all know how it works out after I've had it awhile. If I don't like it, the Swisstool will be next for sure!

Thanks for all the replies! :)
 
I have bought my third Victorinox Swisstool (replacement and a spare), and I am happier than ever.
I have a Leatherman PST and Gerber 400 but IMO none of them beat the Vic blade steel and overall finish. I intended on buying a new Wave or Surge but all (3) of the models I handled in the shop had hinge freeplay when closed. Does anyone else notice this or did the shop buy a bad batch?

Anyway, I used my old Swisstool for six years before I lost it, and I couldn't fault it. Highly reccommended.
 
It's a bit more expensive but you might consider a LM Charge Ti. I picked one up from Wall Mart about 3 weeks ago for $77 and some change. While it comes with a belt pouch it also has a removable pocket clip. I use the pocket clip and carry in the front right pocket, works well. The fit, finish and overall function is first rate. Good primary blade steel also.
 
The new model Leathermans are put together in the U.S.A. but the parts come from overseas! The swisstool is the best bet if your looking for a dependable multitool.
 
Hey All,
My Core arrived the other day.

It is.... BIG, it is... HEAVY, but it seems very well made.

I would not want to carry it as an EDC, but I feel much better knowing it's there in my gear bag...
just in case ;)
 
Well, just try to use it, and you just might be disapointed, I was. After paying full price at wallyworld, one month later, using it as an ice pick, the locking mechanism broke, sent it in, and it came back replaced, no big deal. But, just last week, I was replacing the left rear tail light on my car using the small flat head screwdriver, and guess what happened? The tip broke off. What a disapointent. I use it almost every single day. The file is worn out, and no way to replace it. I think I'll just keep my sheeth knife with an assortment of tools with my last ditch bag, that is my utility belt.
 
To be honest, after following this thread a little I pulled my Core back out and wore it to work everyday to give it a second chance (and used it around the in-law's house for some home repair/wiring jobs too). I guess that I could get used to how it feels in the hand, though I really like the Supertool 200's handles better.

The big thing I've noticed, and maybe it's just mine, the blades are so dang loose that numerous blades open halfway out of the handle when I'm just opening the Core up. I keep the blade shaving sharp, so I actually came close to slicing and dicing myself a few times just by handling and using the tool. I have to admit that I like the safety of the clumping effect on the older Leathermans. Once you get used to how to manipulate and select the blade you want, you can do it blindfolded without giving it a second thought. I know the newer Leatherman models are supposed to eliminate the clumping effect and all, but I just wonder if mine is just too loose or maybe I'm not holding my mouth right?
 
jtb49er2000 said:
I know the newer Leatherman models are supposed to eliminate the clumping effect and all, but I just wonder if mine is just too loose or maybe I'm not holding my mouth right?
Click to expand...

Could you please explain the part about holding your mouth right?:confused:
 
jtb49er2000 said:
The big thing I've noticed, and maybe it's just mine, the blades are so dang loose that numerous blades open halfway out of the handle when I'm just opening the Core up.
Click to expand...

Something's wrong there. :eek:

This was the reason for my original post. It seems QC at Leatherman needs to be tightened up. My new Core is just fine,(so far) but I've sent back other brand new Leathermans because of defects. :(

To their credit, I've received perfect replacements back.
Just wish I didn't have to send them back in the first place & have to pay shipping. :grumpy:
 
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