Why should I upgrade my Leatherman?

[5K Qs]

I have an original Leatherman (I think they call them PST) that my wife got me back in the 1980s. I carry it in my backpack every day, even though I probably use it less than once a week (not counting using the file weekly to keep toenail fungus under control ). Is there any functional reason to upgrade to a newer model, and if so, what model would be comparable? My amateur and brief research has me leaning toward a Rebar if upgrading makes sense, but I'm open to the advice of experienced users. Thanks.

- GT

 

[Arcrobe]

Looks like a great tool to me, I like these original ones because they are so light and thin. The newer ones are generally chunkier. However I have a wave and I find that I use the bit exchanger very useful at the range and I can easily use the bit kit it came with to swap out to whatever driver I need to adjust sights, and other things.

 

[Harayasu]

Personally I would like to upgrade to a model with scissors. In my experience it's a very handy tool in daily life. I think the Wave is a great option. It's thicker and heavier, but comes with more tools and since you will carry it in your daily pack, I can imagine that it's not a big issue.

 

[Joe58]

My first thought that is if the current model is serving your needs, then why upgrade. It is fun though to score a newer model with more options, but it's possible that while you have those new features, you just don't use them. The scissors are a nice feature to have however. I would just pick out a model that adds the features you can see yourself using and go with that.

Keeping in mind, adding features also will add bulk and weight.

 

[Raymond1000]

I have an original Leatherman (I think they call them PST) that my wife got me back in the 1980s. I carry it in my backpack every day, even though I probably use it less than once a week (not counting using the file weekly to keep toenail fungus under control ). Is there any functional reason to upgrade to a newer model, and if so, what model would be comparable? My amateur and brief research has me leaning toward a Rebar if upgrading makes sense, but I'm open to the advice of experienced users. Thanks.

- GT

The modern Leatherman has a curved radius to the inside of the handles. That is, the side you squeeze when using the plyers. If you need to grab something hard, a new one may be easier on your hand. That's a functional difference.

But you’ve been using the PST for years without trouble. I’m not sure that radius is a difference that makes a difference to you.

 

[5K Qs]

Thanks for the helpful comments, folks. On my current Leatherman, none of the tools lock. My understanding is that locking tools are standard on current models. Is that true, and does it really make much difference? I've never used my Leatherman and said to myself, "Man, I wish this tool would lock into position." Is that a case of not knowing what I'm missing?

- GT

 

[Raymond1000]

Thanks for the helpful comments, folks. On my current Leatherman, none of the tools lock. My understanding is that locking tools are standard on current models. Is that true, and does it really make much difference? I've never used my Leatherman and said to myself, "Man, I wish this tool would lock into position." Is that a case of not knowing what I'm missing?

- GT

You can lock your PST tools by opening the tool, then shutting the handles. The tool will not fold on your fingers. I never bothered.

Yes, most modern Leatherman come with locking tools. It’s the difference between a slip joint knife and a locking knife.

Many think a slip joint is dangerous because—no lock.

I think locking blades are dangerous because—locks fail. When locks fail, they can fail dangerously.

I always treat my locking knives as though they were slip joints. So for me that’s not a functional difference.

 

[znapschatz]

You can lock your PST tools by opening the tool, then shutting the handles. The tool will not fold on your fingers. I never bothered.

Yes, most modern Leatherman come with locking tools. It’s the difference between a slip joint knife and a locking knife.

Many think a slip joint is dangerous because—no lock.

I think locking blades are dangerous because—locks fail. When locks fail, they can fail dangerously.

I always treat my locking knives as though they were slip joints. So for me that’s not a functional difference.

When the PST handles are closed, the tools are not really locked, but can only close part way before being blocked by the handle ends. Theoretically, that could save you from a cut, but I wouldn't depend on it, and it could still give you grief if a screwdriver or something else folds while under stress, so it's best to use PST implements as you would slip joints.
For myself, I prefer locking blade Leathermen and never had a problem with any of them failing. Of course, I treat them as if they were slip joints, too.

 

[Raymond1000]

When the PST handles are closed, the tools are not really locked, but can only close part way before being blocked by the handle ends. Theoretically, that could save you from a cut, but I wouldn't depend on it, and it could still give you grief if a screwdriver or something else folds while under stress, so it's best to use PST implements as you would slip joints.
For myself, I prefer locking blade Leathermen and never had a problem with any of them failing. Of course, I treat them as if they were slip joints, too.

True enough. A screwdriver doesn’t work like a slip joint blade. It’s harder to not-push from an inconvenient direction.

Locking knives? Not a big deal.

Locking tools? Worth it.

 

[Humppa]

As the others have almost mentioned - why changing a winning team?

But if you want locking tools and scissors you can try to get a LM Blast. It is a great MT with locking tools and scissors. But a discontinued pattern, but still available on the secondary market.
The ReBar is a nice tool as I also have one (as well as the Blast). But it has no scissors.

If you don´t need one hand opening tools, I wouldn´t go with a Wave/Charge/Surge. They are nice, but I prefer the "Old-Style"-LMs way over the modern ones with their one-hand-tools.

Just some thoughts if you decide to get another LM.

I have the original PST as well, but the ST300 is my to-go-LM

 

[powernoodle]

Though I love (and collect) the PST model, one good reason to upgrade is that the thin metal profile digs into your hand with a mighty hurt when squeezing the plier head. This problem is largely mitigated with the Rebar, which has rounded edges for greatly improved hand feel.

 

[kcub]

Other features to consider not mentioned:

Eye glass driver
Saw (with replaceable jigsaw blades in the Surge)
Replaceable plier cutters
Upgraded blade steels

An awl that doesn't lock is semi useless and dangerous if you need to bear down on it, for example to make a belt hole.

 

[znapschatz]

Though I love (and collect) the PST model, one good reason to upgrade is that the thin metal profile digs into your hand with a mighty hurt when squeezing the plier head. This problem is largely mitigated with the Rebar, which has rounded edges for greatly improved hand feel.

That was a problem with moderate to heavy pliering, but when squeeze came to crunch, I could always pad my palm with a folded bandana such as I carry every day of my life. Usually, though, there was always a point at which the tool itself would deform. An electrician friend periodically had to send his in to Leatherman Warranty on that account (strong grip, you really don't want to shake hands with this dude. ) In fact, that was the guy who got the PST in trade for something I don't even remember.

Although it was the tool that got me interested in multi-tools, I didn't really like it much. The best thing about it was being well made and pocket size. Athough the PST was a very capable tool for many purposes, heavy use was not among them, so all things considered, the Rebar is a good replacement in that size. When it came on the market, my immediate thought was that the Rebar was the PST I had wished for. For only a moderate gain in weight and size, it had more and improved implements that locked, and much easier on the hands. You still have to know its crunch limits, though, while I usually give out before my Super Tool 300 does.

 

[bdmicarta]

I like my PST but I've since bought a Leatherman Charge that I carry on weekends. New tools are a lot of fun but may not work any better than your old tool unless there is some feature that you really want. For instance one of the things I like about the Charge is its optional pocket clip. But since they are so much fun nobody would fault you for buying a new one, or 2 or 3.

 

[gadgetgeek]

Don't do it. Unless you want them to start multiplying, its an illness! Not really. If it fits your needs, by all means, I would stick with it. I change tools when my needs change, for me thats been a couple job changes and moves, and for me a multi gets used every day, so having one that has everything I need has been worth hunting down. If you like that one and are thinking an upgrage might be in order, especially to get scissors, the only one I would recommend would be trying to find a Pulse. They are discontinued, but the file and general fit and finish will be closer to what you are used to. The newer ones are a bit more chunky and ugly to keep the price down, and thats a reality of any product. On the other hand, a Style CS would be a good addition to your tool, and would give you the scissors, or a Victorinox classic.

If you were to do a straight replacement for that tool, a rebar would fit the bill. I've been very happy with mine, and it gets used quite often.

 

[Frank]

I have an old PST that I kept in my desk for years. When I retired and took an outside job, I got a new Rebar. My choice was based some on the locking feature and some on the black Rebar sale they were having at Grainger. Most of the work the Rebar gets is with the screwdrivers. I've had a few stuck screws that I had to force which made the lock worthwhile.

The Wave was my second choice but the slightly smaller/lighter size (and the price) tilted the scales toward the Rebar.

If you want scissors you can get a little SAK at Target for $10.

 

[Flint Hills]

As the others have almost mentioned - why changing a winning team?

But if you want locking tools and scissors you can try to get a LM Blast. It is a great MT with locking tools and scissors. But a discontinued pattern, but still available on the secondary market.
The ReBar is a nice tool as I also have one (as well as the Blast). But it has no scissors.

If you don´t need one hand opening tools, I wouldn´t go with a Wave/Charge/Surge. They are nice, but I prefer the "Old-Style"-LMs way over the modern ones with their one-hand-tools.

Just some thoughts if you decide to get another LM.

I have the original PST as well, but the ST300 is my to-go-LM

The Blast is the one I have. My father-in-law gave it to me for Christmas some years back, he passed A few years ago so it's nice and makes me think of him when I use it. It has a nice selection of tools.




I've been wanting to try the Juice S2. Seems to have the tools I want and use most and is smaller and lighter to make pocket carry comfortable.

 

[raistlin65]

Locking knives? Not a big deal.

Unless you have a Rebar or ST300. Allows you to use it like this to have finer control of the blade:

Of course, that doesn't work at all with the Leatherman tools where the knife opens on the outside.

 

[hom76]

I think it all depends on what tools you need regularly.

 

[5K Qs]

My first thought that is if the current model is serving your needs, then why upgrade. It is fun though to score a newer model with more options, but it's possible that while you have those new features, you just don't use them. The scissors are a nice feature to have however. I would just pick out a model that adds the features you can see yourself using and go with that.
...

...
But you’ve been using the PST for years without trouble. I’m not sure that radius is a difference that makes a difference to you.

As the others have almost mentioned - why changing a winning team?
...

Though I love (and collect) the PST model, one good reason to upgrade is that the thin metal profile digs into your hand with a mighty hurt when squeezing the plier head. This problem is largely mitigated with the Rebar, which has rounded edges for greatly improved hand feel.

That was a problem with moderate to heavy pliering, but when squeeze came to crunch, I could always pad my palm with a folded bandana such as I carry every day of my life. ...

Athough the PST was a very capable tool for many purposes, heavy use was not among them, so all things considered, the Rebar is a good replacement in that size. When it came on the market, my immediate thought was that the Rebar was the PST I had wished for. For only a moderate gain in weight and size, it had more and improved implements that locked, and much easier on the hands….

Other features to consider not mentioned:

Saw (with replaceable jigsaw blades in the Surge)
...

...New tools are a lot of fun but may not work any better than your old tool unless there is some feature that you really want. ...

Don't do it. Unless you want them to start multiplying, its an illness! Not really. If it fits your needs, by all means, I would stick with it. ...

Thanks again for all the helpful input from everyone. I have to confess that I'm pleasantly surprised at the nature and quality of the advice I received!! I was expecting a lot of "Oh, you just HAVE to buy this latest model, and you might as well buy two, just to be safe." Instead, I think the advice I got was remarkably conservative, with many comments along the lines of "Why change if it's working for you?"

Having several people confirm my proposal that a Rebar would be a reasonable upgrade if I decided to go that route was also good to hear.

Several people pointed out the PST's lack of scissors, and I do find scissors very useful, but the way I discovered scissors were so useful was carrying a Vic Classic or Minichamp everyday. So I think I have scissors already covered.

kcub pointed out that my PST lacks a saw, and that IS something I'd look for if I were to upgrade. But someday soon I hope to get a Vic Farmer with a saw.

So for now, I'm going to stick with my PST. Thanks for helping clarify my decision!

- GT