How many of you use a Leatherman or similar multi-tool or EDC on a regular basis?

[pirate]

Idly wondering if many use such a tool...
I find mine very useful for odd tasks, and a godsend for certain others, like when you are back up the ladder and you need a knife/file/scissors/small screwdriver.
Many are one-handed operation and give you just the tool you need from time to time.

 

[JK-Electrical]

Many are one-handed operation and give you just the tool you need from time to time.

I could make good use of something like this.

 

[pirate]

It's just another string to your bow, i guess...
Always a problem carrying a knife though...
however, some don't have a blade at all, for just that reason. I wouldn't bother with a bladeless one though. I like a sharp blade and a serrated blade...the latter is great for chopping out plasterboard.
I use a couple of Leatherman ones, one doesn't have a locking blade so apparently is legal to carry, but i wouldn't want to argue that point with the police...
The other has all locking blades/screwdrivers/scissors etc and never leaves my side when on a job. The wire cutters are very useful on small jobs as are the pliers. The one-handed operation can indeed be very useful!

 

[littlespark]

like when you are back up the ladder and you need a knife/file/scissors/small screwdriver

Is this a posh Swiss Army knife?
Up a ladder and you need a bottle opener and something to get the stones out of horses hooves...... up a ladder?
There are some useless ones. I’ve seen one that’s a screwdriver, pliers and when you close it up it looks like a hammer. Not any use AS a hammer, but certainly looks like one.... a little

 

[SparkySy]

Oh man I love a leatherman, and have several from over the years! Use mine daily wouldn't be without it, don't go anywhere without it.

 

[pirate]

Up a ladder and you need to cut and strip a couple of cables, pull them through a hole in the wall, screw a JB to a joist, open a beer...
like I said, just another string to your bow!
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With you there, SparkySy!

 

[Strima]

I’ve always had leatherman but don’t use it often now. I like the Wave, nice size and very durable.

I was introduced to Leatherman over 25 years ago in Norway when working alongside the US forces, traded a beret and cap badge for one.

As for Gerber, stick them up yer bum... ?

 

[PEG]

The Leatherman are nicely made and finished,as are the dearer Gerber models,but only for specific tasks,or situations. Any locking part,and it's certainty of being described as a bladed article,rules it out,as every day carry.

I always have a UKPK Spyderco,as permanent carry,having used it to the extreme benefit of other folk,on two occasions,i would not be without it. There are situations where it has to be handed over,but always gets receipted and returned.

I have a beautiful,Buck locking knife,with bearings,walnut scales,and a cracking edge,but it's possession has to be specific....forget it's on your belt,whilst shopping,and the opportunity to lose good repute,is a risk.

Personally,i would like to roam wherever,with a Samuri sword,and a loaded musket.....but we live where we are,and have to play the game...

 

[Midwest]

I’ve a Gerber, which I bought 20 years ago in US. Never really used until I started work in maintenance, last year. Dead handy to have, for the odd thing. However, I’ve managed to snap the tip off the knife and the file, trying to lever open things. And it’s started to rust.

 

[richy3333]

Leatherman surge for me. Carry it all the time. I have a habit of going to the van for cable and forgetting to take cutters, so the surge is always there for me to use.

 

[PEG]

I’ve a Gerber, which I bought 20 years ago in US. Never really used until I started work in maintenance, last year. Dead handy to have, for the odd thing. However, I’ve managed to snap the tip off the knife and the file, trying to lever open things. And it’s started to rust.

I also bought one,in the US,thirty years back,as a gift for a pal? he still has it,but as a momento,not everyday tool.

The good quality steel,does require oiling up,as rust will form,ans the complex design,collects every bit of dust and grit....

There is a Youtube chimney dude,who seems to use his for every task ..... (maybe forcing a sponsor bid...) i suppose it's all about practicality V convenience ....i dare say,the biggest Swiss army knife...Champ XLT??....would be useful,but it's a lump of features to haul about,the rest of the week....

 

[Andy78]

Yes. I have a leatherman rev which is in my work trouser pocket always. Comes in useful at least 5 times a week.

 

[Timbo]

I use Swiss Tool, by Vitorinox. On my 3rd now. Over 20 years. Tried Leatherman and Gerber, you're welcome to them.

 

[TequilaBrad]

I’ve a Gerber, which I bought 20 years ago in US. Never really used until I started work in maintenance, last year. Dead handy to have, for the odd thing. However, I’ve managed to snap the tip off the knife and the file, trying to lever open things. And it’s started to rust.

Please, contact Gerber, they have a LIFETIME WARRANTY. I have carried one of their tools for almost 20 years. Here in Texas the locking aspect isn't an issue. I prefer the Gerber over the Leatherman, because of the snap open feature. I can remove from my side holster, snap my wrist, and it is deployed and ready to use. Not where you have to fold it out of itself, like the Leatherman.
My original had the camo paint coating peeling off, and they sent me a new one, no cost. I have replaced several over the years, as I use it daily.

 

[Midwest]

Please, contact Gerber, they have a LIFETIME WARRANTY. I have carried one of their tools for almost 20 years. Here in Texas the locking aspect isn't an issue. I prefer the Gerber over the Leatherman, because of the snap open feature. I can remove from my side holster, snap my wrist, and it is deployed and ready to use. Not where you have to fold it out of itself, like the Leatherman.
My original had the camo paint coating peeling off, and they sent me a new one, no cost. I have replaced several over the years, as I use it daily.

I used it to try & open a tin of paint. Snapped the file blade. Tried the knife & snapped that

 

[TequilaBrad]

I used it to try & open a tin of paint. Snapped the file blade. Tried the knife & snapped that

I personally would have used the slot screwdriver attachment.
But they are very liberal with their warranty. You will need to send your old one back to them, so postage across the pond may not be worth it to you. But they are $100 for one here in the US.

 

[Pete999]

I personally would have used the slot screwdriver attachment.
But they are very liberal with their warranty. You will need to send your old one back to them, so postage across the pond may not be worth it to you. But they are $100 for one here in the US.

My EDCs are Wallet, Cell and a Picture of Her in doors. LOL

 

[Midwest]

I personally would have used the slot screwdriver attachment.
But they are very liberal with their warranty. You will need to send your old one back to them, so postage across the pond may not be worth it to you. But they are $100 for one here in the US.

There's no warranty, that will cover you (me) for being an idiot.

 

[TequilaBrad]

There's no warranty, that will cover you (me) for being an idiot.

It can't hurt to ask. The worst they can say is no. But if you are lucky, you get a brand new tool for the cost of postage.
They even replaced my holster when the bottom wore out of it from as much as I use it.
They are a GREAT company.

 

[Midwest]

It can't hurt to ask. The worst they can say is no. But if you are lucky, you get a brand new tool for the cost of postage.
They even replaced my holster when the bottom wore out of it from as much as I use it.
They are a GREAT company.

I've looked at their T&C's. It clearly states they don't cover accidental damage caused by morons

 

[TequilaBrad]

I've looked at their T&C's. It clearly states they don't cover accidental damage caused by morons

My last return was the file broken off at the handle, because I was a bit exuberant with my filing, and it snapped off. No questions, just replaced.

 

[Midwest]

Thanks I’ll give it a go!

 

[pirate]

I prefer the Gerber over the Leatherman, because of the snap open feature. I can remove from my side holster, snap my wrist, and it is deployed and ready to use. Not where you have to fold it out of itself, like the Leatherman.

The newer Leatherman tools have one-handed deployment for most blades. Indeed one range has a magnetic architecture, but i don't fancy them much. Current Wave and Surge are superb tools, and open easily with one hand.

 

[SparkySy]

I have the wave, most excellent tool!

 

[pirate]

Wave is my EDC...
I agree, most excellent tool!
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Just imagine if they added a neon mains tester!

 

[PEG]

I used it to try & open a tin of paint. Snapped the file blade. Tried the knife & snapped that

Oops?....to be fair,the info states,"do not use as pry bar or lever..." as most yankee tools...(except my prybars and levers...?)
Me pals dad,who was a decorator,used a ¾" washer he had slightly curved...it was on his keyring,and he always had a terminal driver in his top pocket for faceplates,etc,which could be slid in the washer hole for extra twist?

I get to use a Snap-on ½" strong-arm,which i originally bought at 17 years of age?
I broke it about 10 years after,and got a free replacement.....then last year,bust the square drive,again....got a new end fitted by the Snap-on man?....then shattered the complete yoke,a week later.

He then,bless him,said i had to have a new model as old one was obsolete....£180 worth...gratis?

So,i suppose anything can have it's limits?

 

[HappyHippyDad]

I had a beautiful leatherman, it stayed in my rucksack all the time and my rucksack always goes with me everywhere.... including to the airport where I had forgotten to take the knife out! That was the last of the leatherman, I bet the security guy kept it!

 

[Pete999]

I had a beautiful leatherman, it stayed in my rucksack all the time and my rucksack always goes with me everywhere.... including to the airport where I had forgotten to take the knife out! That was the last of the leatherman, I bet the security guy kept it!

Similar story, Whilst I was doing my stint in the USSR, I had a rather large swiss Army knife in a leather case, most of the Guys I was supervising commented on how nice it was, and "could I get some more on my next visit to Helsinki" where we got all of our materials, B&Q hadn't reached Russia then, so anyway, next trip to Finland, Local tool shop had some fake Swiss Army gear in stock, so I thought why not I'll buy 5 and distribute them to the guys that had wanted them.
Finnish customs all went well no probs, but the Sovs different matter, " Ah sir weapons in your case", me "" no for my Sons"" "Ah but you only have 1 Son" took 4 and left me with 1, you couldn't make it up if you tried. The Cold War didn't you just love it??

 

[Andy78]

Similar story, Whilst I was doing my stint in the USSR, I had a rather large swiss Army knife in a leather case, most of the Guys I was supervising commented on how nice it was, and "could I get some more on my next visit to Helsinki" where we got all of our materials, B&Q hadn't reached Russia then, so anyway, next trip to Finland, Local tool shop had some fake Swiss Army gear in stock, so I thought why not I'll buy 5 and distribute them to the guys that had wanted them.
Finnish customs all went well no probs, but the Sovs different matter, " Ah sir weapons in your case", me "" no for my Sons"" "Ah but you only have 1 Son" took 4 and left me with 1, you couldn't make it up if you tried. The Cold War didn't you just love it??

Look on the bright side, maybe 4 customs officers sons were made very happy with whittling gifts ?

 

[Pete999]

Look on the bright side, maybe 4 customs officers sons were made very happy with whittling gifts ?

Yeah at my expense, Bastids

 

[Westitude]

I have the wave, most excellent tool!

I am on my 3rd Wave. I have returned 2 in 20 years after snapping blades which they replaced without quibble. The replacements have been refurbs though and I don't really use the current one as it is very stiff to open. Nowhere near as ergonomic as the original. Currently the small glasses screwdriver is snapped on it after I tried using it as a bradawl

 

[Pete999]

I am on my 3rd Wave. I have returned 2 in 20 years after snapping blades which they replaced without quibble. The replacements have been refurbs though and I don't really use the current one as it is very stiff to open. Nowhere near as ergonomic as the original. Currently the small glasses screwdriver is snapped on it after I tried using it as a bradawl

No one else to blame but yourself then Westitude is there? moral of the story use the right tool for the job.

 

[Edtwozeronine]

I keep one in the car but only ever used the pliers to help take a trampoline apart for a house move.