As a general maintenance man who has to get into weird tight areas my leatherman has come in handy many many times. Having so many tools in a compact form in your pocket pays off in long run.
i have a farm, and on my side is a Gerber 600. and has been for 28 years now, the same Gerber. love it love it. and a cold steel Ranch Boss 2, i love your vids. greets from the Netherlands
I have several multi tools but value the Gerber centre drive because of the ability to single-hand open the blade, pliers and screwdriver...The rest of the tools are really not used that often but its handy they're there for the few occasions they are needed. The sheath offers a second pocket to put other screwdriver bits. All in all its a useful thing to have on one's hip.
I have the center drive plus, which comes with scissors and a nice little bit kit that fits in the sheath. I’m a deck officer on a merchant ship, so a lot of my daily work involves maintenance and repair of safety equipment and brackets. It’s a handy tool, and has held up pretty well. I’ve broken the prying tool, but that’s because I was asking too much of the little guy. If you understand the reasonable limitations of a pocket tool, then consider this one a solid choice. The center drive with bit kit so easily accessible is great.
I'm not a multi-tool guy. I'm watching only because you posted. As a retired dentist I will offer this analogy for why the wire cutter fractures. With teeth, which hit together thousands of times daily, if the occlusion is off, the weaker of the two teeth banging into each other will shatter. In other words, if the cutter blades are seated so that they touch too hard or in one spot instead of all along the cutting edge when completely closed, it may shatter. Just my thoughts. On the other hand, you have been using this tool over the years if you've replaced the cutting blades 4 times. It's not sitting in the drawer!
Mines sitting in the drawer.. I wanted to much to like this tool but I don’t. Cutters suck. Broke the awl… (they did replace it) hate the serrated blade never use the file, extra bit storage keeps the cutters from closing all the way. The leatherman surge is far superior. Then you get a saw, scissors, better serrated blade, better awl, removable diamond file so you can actually maintain your blade. Those are worth the exchange of real bits to the leatherman bits with bit extender.
@krazmokramer Taking into account that you are a dentist and not a metalurgist, what about this: instead of using an uber hard ceramic to say we did, we use a hardened steel that doesn't explode like C4 when it touches together too hard? Do you think the multitool CEO's minds would explode if we showed them 20CV or Magnacut or jesus something from within a decade? Also I like your explanation and the point that he's at least using them.
I have this. I am an electricoan. The cutters are for electrical wires, not any hard wires. And they do a damn good job cutting copper wires, even on fine stranded wires they cut beautifully! BUT there is a notch in the cutters, and that is meant for stripping the insulation, also works eccelent! If you place the wire over the notch, they will not cut any good. That is kind of the point. It is explaned in the maual, that the notch is for wire stripping. Actually a really good tool for electrical work!
i had similar experience with gerber's cutters, broke on the first wire i cut. i reached out to them and was told "thankfully its all covered under warranty" then asked me to send it in to have replacement cutters put in and verify it wasnt abused. took 8+ weeks for them to mail my multi tool in one box still donning broken cutters. and replacement cutters in another package. wasted my time. meanwhile i bought a leatherman and have had zero issues with daily use in construction. almost all the tools are higher quality at nearly one third of the gerber's price. gerber lives in a drawer somewhere
Great video man. Have been looking for a new multitool for a while now. The thing with carbide inserts is that they are so hard that they get brittle, thats how carbide is. The thing is carbide inserts are really sensitive if you over torque the insert screws you put a hefty bit of tension in the carbide and they are more likely gonna "explode".
I had a gerber suspension that I had for like 18 years... the cutters was dented from cutting fishing wire leader 1000s of times and a picture of the cutters and 1 email and bam a brand new pair. Snapped the tip of my Sedulo, pic with the email and bingo 3 weeks later a brand new one in the mailbox. Their products leave a lot to be desired in a lot of cases but their customer service/warranty is spectacularly good.
I used to work as a build technician, I saw a lot of broken geber jaws, I with the exception of the skeletool I never saw any broken leatherman jaws. I just stick with leatherman.
I carry my 4" knipex in my pocket and usually a Leatherman. I do like having Leatherman pliers and a second set of really good pliers that go really wide for their size. They can fit garden hose ends and stuff the Leatherman can't. I always seem to find I need 2 pairs of pliers for something.
I've gone back and forth carrying a multi tool since I got my first Leatherman sometime in the early 90s. I have 3 or 4 of the old U.S. made Gerber Multipliers that have the excellent U.S. made Simmonds files in them, a Wave, Surge, Wingman, PST, and my old original Leatherman. I guess now I don't often need a multi tool in my day to day. I'll grab one if I'm going to the range, or camping, and I keep one in the truck and my pack. Occasionally I do find myself standing there, wishing I had a pair of pliers or a screw driver or whatever though and I start carrying the Wave again for a while. Then I realize I haven't used it in three months and stop carrying it again. It's a viscous circle..... 😂
Pete…that cutter insert looks exactly like the carbide cutter inserts I use on my lathe. In which case…they are designed to slice off fractions of a millimetre of steel at a time, not cut under pressure. They are sharp but brittle. Are Gerber really just using standard lathe carbide inserts as cutting jaws? Wow.
I was given a Gerber Gator machete once… not a full tang blade & broke one the first hit on a sapling at the handle junction. That was my 1st & last Gerber experience. I laughed & went back to my Ontario machete.
Same here. I know the Strongarm is pretty tough, but most other brands have knife models as strong as that, without the risk of bits snapping. I've broken 2 Gerber multitools, one of them (the top of their range at the time) simply by dropping the tool once, on a Tarmac surface. It disabled the plier spring mechanism. The other multitool was the blade snapping. I've chipped and snapped a few other Gerber knives. I've never chipped or snapped any of my other 30 odd knives, which made me think that Gerber's steel choices must be pretty poor. A lot of Gerbers have a 'No Name' steel. I'm guessing they're the ones made in China or wherever.
turns out cheaping out on products and getting your tools made by the cheapest chinese trash factories & by the lowest standards can harm your reputation. it's sad, but that's the way they took.
i think multitools have a place. it's true that in almost every instance there'd be a better tool for the job - but that assumes you were aware of the job beforehand, knew roughly everything that it entailed, and said job was consequential enough to go fetch some proper tools. i find i quite often run into tasks where at least one of these criteria is violated.
You were not too harsh in your previous multi tool comparison. I frequetly use the wirecuters on my 13 year old Leatherman. Sometimes for wire, sometimes for zipties. The file has been handy too. Gerber lost my business many years ago with a poor qyality blade that snapped when Iwasn't t prying - just cutting tough material. Too many members of the military have related that the handle came off of their Mark II model sheath knife. Im not buying their products !
As a company, Gerber deserves to fade into obscurity & I avoid their products like the plague. Their knives started on a downhill slide in the 90’s and the company has never course corrected since.
I use the pliers on my 600 almost daily. I've busted the carbide cutters a few times and simply replaced them. Are there better options? Sure, but I'm so accustomed to the single hand deployment that it's muscle memory now. I'm open to suggestions though, and appreciate your and viewers reviews. Thanks!
I don't know if it's true since I don't own one but I've heard from a few people that the pliers on the centerdrive aren't as robust as some other multitool pliers. What I've heard the most is that they have a tendency to twist if you grab something with some force and the application of that force isn't completely vertical with the plierhead. Anyone else have any experience regarding this?
All about the warranty for me. Leatherman have amazing warranty / customer service & will ALWAYS get my money over other companies. The model I had was discontinued so they gave me the upgraded model free of charge. Charge titanium with the new replaceable wire cutters, my old model didn't have them. Gerber has abysmal customer service (from my experience) every Gerber product I have bought has failed & they basically tell you to go fk yourself & that using the tool is somehow "abuse"????? Gerber dime is the only tool I still own from Gerber & the Leatherman squirt is better.
@klausheisler5014 I totally agree. Gerber jacked me around over a defective Paul knife in 1985. Instead of repairing it, they sent me some cheap kitchen paring knives and a Japanese made small lockback. Hardly the monetary or tool equivalents. I haven't bought anything Gerber since!
Hi, thank you for the review! I'm wondering how do you feel about the reliability of the screwdriver? I watched a review that the reviewer's screwdriver ripped off, and he thought that's due to just a small screw holding the screwdriver.
How dare you insult the fanny pac…er bum bag bro dads! It’s totally reasonable to carry around knipex pliers, titanium pry bar, full bit kit, $400 zirconium fidget toy, and artisanal handkerchief. How else are we going to completely disassemble our sebenzas and pry open a stubborn tin of mustache wax on a park bench?
I bought an early model leather man in 1994. And lost it. Then I bought a Gerber in 1995 - and lost it. These days I carry a SAK on a landyard so I don’t lose it. I am considering buying another leather man or gerber for bush EDC when I hunt I need to invest in a decent landyard…. Cool video bro 🇦🇺 🇳🇿
Im the guy with the dedicated tools and knipex pliers thats I actually use. I long abandoned carring a big multitool and my edc has never been better. I still carry a leatherman squirt though. Great little pliers and scissors.
Actually Pete they make a multitool now with interchangeable tools so you are able to customize what tools you have on it for any specific days tasks planned now that is genius in my opinion...
I think the problem with those carbides breaking is overtightening them, no carbide should have direct contact with a retaining screw, so maybe a couple of washers will sort it.
My Wave basically disappears in the palm of my hand, and aside from being heavy, it's pretty pocketable. Even so, I usually belt carry it in it's leather pouch, or in a day pack. The Gerber looks a bit too large for a comfortable pocket carry. The center drive screwdriver is definitely a plus though.
Do the carbide cutters have edges on all three sides so you can rotate it if one edge chips out? If not, why the hell not (beside "F you, give us more money")?
Maybe it's semantics, but "wire" as sheathed electrical wire is usually a number of small copper wires. What you were cutting, at the gate, is what I would call bailing wire. We use a similar aluminum "wire" or twine to bale up cardboard and plastic. I have to cut that stuff, and use full on snips. But, I have a tool box in a factory.
There’s wire and then there’s *wire.* Obviously copper electrical wire is going to be softer than steel wire. Many companies will differentiate their cutters for “hard wire” vs. “soft wire”…not sure exactly what Gerber states, but if they’re cutting Leatherman micro bits in half, well…that’s certainly steel. But yes, electrical wire =\= barbed wire, bailing wire, guitar strings, etc. All depends on what it’s made of. Many cutters have been damaged over the years from pushing them outside of their intended use (not saying that necessarily applies in this instance). At some point you’ve gotta grab the bolt cutters 😂.
Those cutters are at most maybe useful for light gauge automotive wiring not much more. I’d use a dedicated pair of linesman pliers for cutting solid wire or heavier work. I think anyone can ask more of what any Multitool can do , it’s a compromise at best. Great for in the box on the Atv.
I want to like and use multitools so bad, but i can never get myself to carry one around consistently. Maybe its cause i bought a surge and the thing is massive
I am that person who carries Knipex pliers and a proper pocket knife in a bum bag🤠 This combination actually ends up weighing less than me Leatherman Wave+, which I use for basic home maintenance and annoying wee glasses screws
As much as I loved the Center Drive, I replaced it with a Knipex 5.5 inch needle nosed plier, a Wera Zyklop and two 7 1/4 inch Knipex pliers, the Cobra and the Pliers Wrench. Multi-Tools are cool, but real tools are better. Lot heavier though.
I don't know why nobody compares this tool the OHT Leatherman which generally sells for 89 to 100 bucks the Gerber Center Drive I purchased at Sportsman's Warehouse for 130 Plus 8% sales tax. I've owned the Leatherman for 5 years and never broke a cutting blade on the jaw. In comparison side by side the Gerber cannot cut compared to cutting with the Leatherman OTH It can cut steel bands off a pallet. You can cut pennies in half if you want Or cut nails it may not have the Center Drive but you can open every tool with one hand. If you drop the Center Drive it will almost always open The screwdriver up and the bit will go flying out. For some reason they felt the need to put holes next to the magnet that holds the bit in. This allows the steel shavings to get in causing poor bit retention. The Gerber Center Drive has a handle that cuts into your hand only goes in the sheath one way protrusions that stick out and get caught. The Leatherman oht handle is Sleek smooth in comparison to the Gerber. The Gerber Jaws are loose and rattly. The biggest fault I find it in the Leatherman oht is the small screws to hold the tools together come loose doesn't matter whether you put Loctite or not there are tiny Torx you almost never have with you. Sacrificing the tip of your jackknife to keep it from falling apart other than that hands down Leatherman is still better.
This thing about the handle “cutting into the hand” doesn’t make any sense to me. I’m literally squeezing my center drive in my hands now and it’s so comfortable! This was the main reason why i choose it over the Leatherman, which is an amazing multitool, but les comfortable to handle. So far one year i upgraded from a very old gerber 600 to a centerdrive, couldn’t be more satisfied
I used my Mp600 in the job a lot and saved a lot of time while having able to do the task at hand with my Gerber at once. Fck those comments that multitools with pliers aint worth it. It is worth having one, period.
I've had my Gerber and Leatherman multitool for 15 years or so. Rarely use them but when I do, they are extremely handy. I keep one in the glove box along with a beater Ganzo. And the other in my general maintenance bag.
If those wire cutters are breaking like that they are made of shit material. There’s no way carbide inserts should shatter like that. Life long cnc machinist here. I would check and see if that is a standard size insert, if it is try get a quality insert.
If you've ever hit a carbide insert with a hammer or dropped one on its edge on a concrete floor they chip or shatter. same principle going on they're not made for static hits. 30+ year tool and die maker here.
@@Bman-xy2vh oh yeah, they shatter no doubt, just saying it should last quite a while before doing so. I did see a post though that did make a good point. Because of the design you are always using the same spot on the insert, not the whole cutting edge so that might make a big difference.
I have watched a myriad of reviewers who try to use the wire cutters for hard wire cutting tasks. You need to be VERY picky like I am about what you cut so you don't shatter the carbide. I have a significant grip strength. So I am more than capable of breaking even my Surge if I wanted to. The design of the center drive cutters are okay, for soft copper, and aluminum. Even then, thickness of the media you cut is limited by the shape of the cutters. They basically press the discarded material of a cut into the cutting jaw. Leading to breakage or preventing a complete cut through the media. You can upgrade the cutters to HSS. Since they are a standard size. Getting a cutter with a more acute angle on the cutting edges also helps a lot. Since the cutters operate like scissors and not shears.
1:40 To be fair, I have a leatherman WAVE have a burr on the pre-replacable cutter from cutting a paper clip. A paper clip, which I will remind you is not a wire. So every time you rant against wire cutters being replaceable I think of the 3 weeks it took me to get replacement parts from Benchmade and go "nah, I can turn a screw, thanks". Oh also the pliers hinge is wobbly and I don't extend them and pry sideways like AvE. But maybe I have bad luck like my "unbreakable" axis spring breaking in under 2 months. Amazon parts, I'll pass on returning.
I use my Surge to cut bike brake cables, electrical wires and steel fencing at my job. Never burred, never replaced the cutters, never any problems with the pliers. I even found an old Leatherman at an op-shop, wouldn’t close, all the tools bent; sent it in and they gave a new Supertool 300.
@@Dan12345 That sounds like exceptionally not bad advice, thanks internet dude, and sounds like a dope tool. You know, man to man in a "not in a bathroom look" kinda way. I didn't want it to come off like I hate the thing, it's in my rotation and there are times where I either need and don't have it (and barely get home) or have it and damn glad I do. But the plier rivet shit the bed, the knife sucks (I mean it ain't magnacut but I'm covered) and the pliers pop past that titanium-osmium military test paper clip induced burr enough to remind me of better times. Love your advice. I know it's free, as free as a free thing is, but what was the shipping like? I'm like a dog knowing there's a treat in the bag. Benchmade was 3 weeks and I forgot what it was even *in* the package. Coulda moved out by then... pocketclip for the curious.
@@sqeeye3102 I didn't mean to come off as someone that refuses to accept there is anything wrong with them. I've had pivots so bad I've returned them to the store I've purchased and got exchanges, as well. Also, cutting brake cables I think is well out of the calibre of the tool, and I did buy replacement cutters anticipating them to break. I'm kind of surprised how well it's held up, and I think I might have just got a good example. I think as well my opinion of it is biased, as my job at a second-hand store fits it perfectly. I'd use probably 70% of the tools on any one day. Cut electrical wires, pull nails out of wood, pick up nasty things people have dropped off, open cardboard boxes, cut rope, disassemble furniture with the bit kid, pry open electronics to remove batteries, etc. For that kind of job where you are doing everything, its just so handy to have it all on you, all the time, and not have to run back and try and find something in a toolbox. It definitely won't do as well as a normal tool, but its good to have on you. I agree that 420HC really isn't up to scratch anymore, I mostly used a RAT 1 for box cutting and used the Surge for cutting bad things as Pete does (on concrete, ceramic etc). In terms of postage, that was the only thing I had to pay for. Supertool cost me $5 (from my second hand store), postage about $7, and I had a new Supertool 300 in about 1-2 weeks. Keep in mind exchanges and repairs are handled by an importer in Australia, so that might be quicker or slower.
@@Dan12345 Wow, what an informative reply, thank you very much for taking the time. I didn't take any offense to anything you said and hope you felt the same. I'm just sarcastic and swear a lot. Bad habbits and all that. Far as cutters, I'd just be real careful they were clean and aligned if the worse ever happened. I honestly haven't really had anyone outright deny that Leatherman pivots never fail or whatever, but Benchmade fanboys will straight up demy that the Axis spring breaking is a myth to my face when I've repaired my own. AND it's a bad design because there are left and right springs, but anyway.. I definitely don't require my Leatherman like you do, but good enough is, well, good enough when the right tool is what works right now. And Leatherman scissors get used as much or more than the pliers. Clippsd and pinched stitches out of people I don't even know, prolly saved people couple grand a pop cause America. Be careful with the RAT1, it's a gateway drug. I gave it away and carry a Hogue Deka now. Now I give away knives 10x RAT price because "they don't feel right" or "are too heavy/bulky for EDC" so keep that check tight. Deka still here though (black, red, and blue). Totally understand about the postage and shouldn't be as bad in America since it's already "here" and I'm kind of excited. Last question: how do you end up in so much "fabrication" sounding work in an "op shop" which is what we call "thrift shop/stores" here. Not a lot of metal to be defanged that I've seen. You that handyman in the back that gets stuff working again so they can sell more stuff or am I just too American to understand? Happened to me before. TL;DR Anyway, you sound like a helpful dude. Thanks for looking out for a stranger from a strange land. I'll pay it forward.
@@sqeeye3102 I've never really had much of a thing for Benchmade, both because of the spring and just the build quality and materials available for the same cost. As for my job, its more of a second warehouse than a shop; most op-shops wouldn't have nearly the same use case, but we accept almost anything, excluding firearms/weapons and chemicals, so think furniture, pallets, building supplies, vehicles, push bikes, tools, kitchenware etc. We fix them up where we can, sell them, then help people fit them into their cars. My job might go from unpacking boxes of magazines to disassembling a table someone has bought, so they can fit it in their ute, to ripping out nails from timber for some guy, which is what the Surge really excelled at. Funny you should mention the RAT 1, because I did end up giving it away to a friend of mine. People don't really carry knives here apart from while working, but he seems to like using it.
I equal parts love and hate Gerber. Some of their stuff is utter rubbish. But there's other lines and specialist products (eg their hunting products) that no one else is even attempting. If they cut out half their products and improved the quality of half the rest, they'd be legendary.
Center Drive, the Strong Arm fixed blade are decent.. but Gerber, im done with...the steel is cheap, overpriced, their "D2" shatters easily, boring selection. Im done with Gerber, Kershaw won me back with Launch 15, and CRKT is on the bubble..im kinda almost done with them...i speak of BUDGET companies of course
The quality and relevance of the review plummets from curious to irrelevant with bailing wire. You are cutting galvanized chain link fence lashing, not "WIRE". Multistranded 18g audio cable or even 12g THHN would be "WIRE". If researching for a purchase, I'd ignore this video completely.
well, for those that arent Jeff Blair and wanted to know, every other multitool CAN cut that wire. The gerber carbide cutters cant. Hope that helps 🥰🥰🥰
Useless cutters, even more useless pliers, can't grip anything with them, they slip right off, worst multi tool I own, shame because the concept is good
I agree with you in principle but I have used wire cutters on a multitool maybe 10 times in the last two years...maybe 3 times on a Leatherman Surge, maybe 4 times on a Charge Plus...and I used the Center drive cutters ONCE. It didn't shatter, it just cracked right down the middle of the cutters. This isn't a question of them wearing down, it's a question of why they will crack like ceramic under light use.
That would be all well and good if other multi tools in the same price range couldn't handle that strain. They can. Gerber just has the inferiour quality product in that regard then and should be called out for it
He has a review channel where he tells people his thoughts and opinions so the consumer can make better purchasing decisions. Yeah he'll include his own personal thoughts on the product but those can also resonate with the viewer and lead to better decisions.
@@hitchpost5822 really, other than the shit cutters. The center drive isn't that bad. Plus using standard 1/4 bits is great. I use my Surge every day at work, but I hate the flat bits
The gerber is superior for a fisherman! The one handed flick open pliers is perfect for holding the lip or gills of a fish and operating a Gerber plier single handed to remove a hook, a fishinghook sharpener, and a scissors to cut braided lines. It is also great for a hunter/outdoorsman who needs a one-handed plier, or a fine file for broadhead sharpener the same file for the hook sharpener. Unfortunately I lost or gave away my Gerber with the fishkook/broadhead sharpener, so I purchase 3 or four more because the single handed plier is absolutely critical for the outdoor uses I need it for! Also for great self defense should I not have my HK readily on my hip or my fixed blade handy!
I tend to think of the multi tool as a investigative tool. I use it to pull the inspection cover off or loosen the clamp to see what connector or fitting I need. Then I go get the required parts I need and the required tools I need. The multi tool can save you steps in a day but using it as your lone tool kit is bound to end up in aggravation in the long run. The Buck 110 has many applications though it is a single tool but it has to suit your individual needs or it is useless.🇨🇦🔪🧰
As a general maintenance man who has to get into weird tight areas my leatherman has come in handy many many times. Having so many tools in a compact form in your pocket pays off in long run.
i have a farm, and on my side is a Gerber 600.
and has been for 28 years now, the same Gerber.
love it love it. and a cold steel Ranch Boss 2,
i love your vids. greets from the Netherlands
I have several multi tools but value the Gerber centre drive because of the ability to single-hand open the blade, pliers and screwdriver...The rest of the tools are really not used that often but its handy they're there for the few occasions they are needed. The sheath offers a second pocket to put other screwdriver bits. All in all its a useful thing to have on one's hip.
I have the center drive plus, which comes with scissors and a nice little bit kit that fits in the sheath. I’m a deck officer on a merchant ship, so a lot of my daily work involves maintenance and repair of safety equipment and brackets. It’s a handy tool, and has held up pretty well. I’ve broken the prying tool, but that’s because I was asking too much of the little guy. If you understand the reasonable limitations of a pocket tool, then consider this one a solid choice. The center drive with bit kit so easily accessible is great.
I'm not a multi-tool guy. I'm watching only because you posted. As a retired dentist I will offer this analogy for why the wire cutter fractures. With teeth, which hit together thousands of times daily, if the occlusion is off, the weaker of the two teeth banging into each other will shatter. In other words, if the cutter blades are seated so that they touch too hard or in one spot instead of all along the cutting edge when completely closed, it may shatter. Just my thoughts. On the other hand, you have been using this tool over the years if you've replaced the cutting blades 4 times. It's not sitting in the drawer!
Mines sitting in the drawer.. I wanted to much to like this tool but I don’t. Cutters suck. Broke the awl… (they did replace it) hate the serrated blade never use the file, extra bit storage keeps the cutters from closing all the way. The leatherman surge is far superior. Then you get a saw, scissors, better serrated blade, better awl, removable diamond file so you can actually maintain your blade. Those are worth the exchange of real bits to the leatherman bits with bit extender.
@krazmokramer Taking into account that you are a dentist and not a metalurgist, what about this: instead of using an uber hard ceramic to say we did, we use a hardened steel that doesn't explode like C4 when it touches together too hard? Do you think the multitool CEO's minds would explode if we showed them 20CV or Magnacut or jesus something from within a decade? Also I like your explanation and the point that he's at least using them.
I have this. I am an electricoan. The cutters are for electrical wires, not any hard wires. And they do a damn good job cutting copper wires, even on fine stranded wires they cut beautifully!
BUT there is a notch in the cutters, and that is meant for stripping the insulation, also works eccelent!
If you place the wire over the notch, they will not cut any good. That is kind of the point. It is explaned in the maual, that the notch is for wire stripping.
Actually a really good tool for electrical work!
The cutters shatter 1 in 500 times...every time😂
i had similar experience with gerber's cutters, broke on the first wire i cut. i reached out to them and was told "thankfully its all covered under warranty" then asked me to send it in to have replacement cutters put in and verify it wasnt abused. took 8+ weeks for them to mail my multi tool in one box still donning broken cutters. and replacement cutters in another package. wasted my time. meanwhile i bought a leatherman and have had zero issues with daily use in construction. almost all the tools are higher quality at nearly one third of the gerber's price. gerber lives in a drawer somewhere
Great video man. Have been looking for a new multitool for a while now. The thing with carbide inserts is that they are so hard that they get brittle, thats how carbide is. The thing is carbide inserts are really sensitive if you over torque the insert screws you put a hefty bit of tension in the carbide and they are more likely gonna "explode".
I had a gerber suspension that I had for like 18 years... the cutters was dented from cutting fishing wire leader 1000s of times and a picture of the cutters and 1 email and bam a brand new pair. Snapped the tip of my Sedulo, pic with the email and bingo 3 weeks later a brand new one in the mailbox. Their products leave a lot to be desired in a lot of cases but their customer service/warranty is spectacularly good.
Thank you for taking the time to do the video
I used to work as a build technician, I saw a lot of broken geber jaws, I with the exception of the skeletool I never saw any broken leatherman jaws. I just stick with leatherman.
I carry my 4" knipex in my pocket and usually a Leatherman. I do like having Leatherman pliers and a second set of really good pliers that go really wide for their size. They can fit garden hose ends and stuff the Leatherman can't. I always seem to find I need 2 pairs of pliers for something.
I really like the one handed opening of the Gerber multi tools that have it.
I love my Gerber Dual Force. Serves me great on the daily carry on the farm.
I would love to see a test of how many wire cuts you can make before they shatter. !! Thanks great content
Perfect sum up of the use of a multitool!!! Good when you have them. Also handy when camping.
Love a good tool review from Pete, especially with a size comparison
I've gone back and forth carrying a multi tool since I got my first Leatherman sometime in the early 90s. I have 3 or 4 of the old U.S. made Gerber Multipliers that have the excellent U.S. made Simmonds files in them, a Wave, Surge, Wingman, PST, and my old original Leatherman. I guess now I don't often need a multi tool in my day to day. I'll grab one if I'm going to the range, or camping, and I keep one in the truck and my pack. Occasionally I do find myself standing there, wishing I had a pair of pliers or a screw driver or whatever though and I start carrying the Wave again for a while. Then I realize I haven't used it in three months and stop carrying it again.
It's a viscous circle..... 😂
"Sometimes they just f***ing explode" I take that rather seriously with any review
In the US, the leatherman wave is the same price as the Gerber Center Drive so I will go with Leatherman every time.
What part of the US are you from? The wave is $120 for me, whereas the Center-Drive is only $40.
@@Sanguivore California but I was looking at online prices.
Pete…that cutter insert looks exactly like the carbide cutter inserts I use on my lathe. In which case…they are designed to slice off fractions of a millimetre of steel at a time, not cut under pressure. They are sharp but brittle. Are Gerber really just using standard lathe carbide inserts as cutting jaws? Wow.
Good observation. That certainly is very odd.
One tool multi-tool is now canon
I was given a Gerber Gator machete once… not a full tang blade & broke one the first hit on a sapling at the handle junction. That was my 1st & last Gerber experience. I laughed & went back to my Ontario machete.
I don't even consider gerber anymore
At least this is made in the USA
Same here. I know the Strongarm is pretty tough, but most other brands have knife models as strong as that, without the risk of bits snapping.
I've broken 2 Gerber multitools, one of them (the top of their range at the time) simply by dropping the tool once, on a Tarmac surface. It disabled the plier spring mechanism. The other multitool was the blade snapping.
I've chipped and snapped a few other Gerber knives. I've never chipped or snapped any of my other 30 odd knives, which made me think that Gerber's steel choices must be pretty poor.
A lot of Gerbers have a 'No Name' steel. I'm guessing they're the ones made in China or wherever.
I don't either...they use cheap steel, the Strong arm, and Center Drive are decent , but their other products don't don't last.
turns out cheaping out on products and getting your tools made by the cheapest chinese trash factories & by the lowest standards can harm your reputation.
it's sad, but that's the way they took.
i think multitools have a place. it's true that in almost every instance there'd be a better tool for the job - but that assumes you were aware of the job beforehand, knew roughly everything that it entailed, and said job was consequential enough to go fetch some proper tools.
i find i quite often run into tasks where at least one of these criteria is violated.
Very well said, my friend.
Hey that mini rant was spot on !!!!
Love my Centerdrive. I’m done with Leathermans proprietary bits. Plus no need to carry an extender. Never had an issue with the cutters.
The leatherman surge with the ratchet bit is the best MT screwdriver from my experience.
You were not too harsh in your previous multi tool comparison. I frequetly use the wirecuters on my 13 year old Leatherman. Sometimes for wire, sometimes for zipties. The file has been handy too. Gerber lost my business many years ago with a poor qyality blade that snapped when Iwasn't t prying - just cutting tough material. Too many members of the military have related that the handle came off of their Mark II model sheath knife. Im not buying their products !
Do you have any steel testing on any 1cr1mop?
As a company, Gerber deserves to fade into obscurity & I avoid their products like the plague. Their knives started on a downhill slide in the 90’s and the company has never course corrected since.
I use the pliers on my 600 almost daily. I've busted the carbide cutters a few times and simply replaced them. Are there better options? Sure, but I'm so accustomed to the single hand deployment that it's muscle memory now. I'm open to suggestions though, and appreciate your and viewers reviews. Thanks!
I don't know if it's true since I don't own one but I've heard from a few people that the pliers on the centerdrive aren't as robust as some other multitool pliers. What I've heard the most is that they have a tendency to twist if you grab something with some force and the application of that force isn't completely vertical with the plierhead.
Anyone else have any experience regarding this?
I've heard the cutters can shatter..
All about the warranty for me. Leatherman have amazing warranty / customer service & will ALWAYS get my money over other companies. The model I had was discontinued so they gave me the upgraded model free of charge. Charge titanium with the new replaceable wire cutters, my old model didn't have them. Gerber has abysmal customer service (from my experience) every Gerber product I have bought has failed & they basically tell you to go fk yourself & that using the tool is somehow "abuse"?????
Gerber dime is the only tool I still own from Gerber & the Leatherman squirt is better.
@klausheisler5014 I totally agree. Gerber jacked me around over a defective Paul knife in 1985. Instead of repairing it, they sent me some cheap kitchen paring knives and a Japanese made small lockback. Hardly the monetary or tool equivalents. I haven't bought anything Gerber since!
the cutter has 3 surfaces did you rotate them?
Hi, thank you for the review! I'm wondering how do you feel about the reliability of the screwdriver? I watched a review that the reviewer's screwdriver ripped off, and he thought that's due to just a small screw holding the screwdriver.
1CrMoP has intentional phosphorus in it. Phosphorus is always an impurity that makes steel worse haha.
How dare you insult the fanny pac…er bum bag bro dads! It’s totally reasonable to carry around knipex pliers, titanium pry bar, full bit kit, $400 zirconium fidget toy, and artisanal handkerchief. How else are we going to completely disassemble our sebenzas and pry open a stubborn tin of mustache wax on a park bench?
LOL, hit the nail on the head perfectly. xD
I carry a wave a thrunite pro and a pen on me every day hardly noticeable but I couldn't carry a full toolbox multitool scores first try
I bought an early model leather man in 1994. And lost it. Then I bought a Gerber in 1995 - and lost it. These days I carry a SAK on a landyard so I don’t lose it. I am considering buying another leather man or gerber for bush EDC when I hunt I need to invest in a decent landyard…. Cool video bro 🇦🇺 🇳🇿
Always interesting content!
I always feel that multitools solve a problem that I don't have, ie I need a tool and inexplicably can't manage the short walk to my tool box. 🤷♂️
Is it JUST that specific wire type that you have issues? And your other multi-tools have no problem?
Im the guy with the dedicated tools and knipex pliers thats I actually use. I long abandoned carring a big multitool and my edc has never been better. I still carry a leatherman squirt though. Great little pliers and scissors.
I like the Gerber MP400. My favourite Gerber is the original MP. The Dual Force looks decent but quite large
Yes, totally agree on your pro-multitool rant!! 🎉😊
There are after market cutters you can buy that fit and don't shatter
Actually Pete they make a multitool now with interchangeable tools so you are able to customize what tools you have on it for any specific days tasks planned now that is genius in my opinion...
G.O.A.T.
I think the problem with those carbides breaking is overtightening them, no carbide should have direct contact with a retaining screw, so maybe a couple of washers will sort it.
My Wave basically disappears in the palm of my hand, and aside from being heavy, it's pretty pocketable. Even so, I usually belt carry it in it's leather pouch, or in a day pack. The Gerber looks a bit too large for a comfortable pocket carry. The center drive screwdriver is definitely a plus though.
Shouldn't Gerber fix the cutter exploding issue?
Do the carbide cutters have edges on all three sides so you can rotate it if one edge chips out? If not, why the hell not (beside "F you, give us more money")?
This inspired me to carry my Gerber Dual Force today. Not perfect, but interesting and pretty effective.
Is the screw driver pretty loose like I mean its opens up on you easily
Maybe it's semantics, but "wire" as sheathed electrical wire is usually a number of small copper wires. What you were cutting, at the gate, is what I would call bailing wire. We use a similar aluminum "wire" or twine to bale up cardboard and plastic. I have to cut that stuff, and use full on snips. But, I have a tool box in a factory.
There’s wire and then there’s *wire.* Obviously copper electrical wire is going to be softer than steel wire. Many companies will differentiate their cutters for “hard wire” vs. “soft wire”…not sure exactly what Gerber states, but if they’re cutting Leatherman micro bits in half, well…that’s certainly steel. But yes, electrical wire =\= barbed wire, bailing wire, guitar strings, etc. All depends on what it’s made of. Many cutters have been damaged over the years from pushing them outside of their intended use (not saying that necessarily applies in this instance). At some point you’ve gotta grab the bolt cutters 😂.
The old mp600 is better for the price id say
Those cutters are at most maybe useful for light gauge automotive wiring not much more. I’d use a dedicated pair of linesman pliers for cutting solid wire or heavier work. I think anyone can ask more of what any Multitool can do , it’s a compromise at best. Great for in the box on the Atv.
I want to like and use multitools so bad, but i can never get myself to carry one around consistently. Maybe its cause i bought a surge and the thing is massive
Ooh, I’ve been thinking about replacing my (decades old) Leatherman so this is timely.
A new Leatherman is worth the money.
Yes what that guy said
I am that person who carries Knipex pliers and a proper pocket knife in a bum bag🤠
This combination actually ends up weighing less than me Leatherman Wave+, which I use for basic home maintenance and annoying wee glasses screws
So… you need safety glasses with them?
1cr1 😮😅 im gonna have to steal that one sir 😊
As much as I loved the Center Drive, I replaced it with a Knipex 5.5 inch needle nosed plier, a Wera Zyklop and two 7 1/4 inch Knipex pliers, the Cobra and the Pliers Wrench. Multi-Tools are cool, but real tools are better. Lot heavier though.
I don't know why nobody compares this tool the OHT Leatherman which generally sells for 89 to 100 bucks the Gerber Center Drive I purchased at Sportsman's Warehouse for 130 Plus 8% sales tax. I've owned the Leatherman for 5 years and never broke a cutting blade on the jaw. In comparison side by side the Gerber cannot cut compared to cutting with the Leatherman OTH It can cut steel bands off a pallet. You can cut pennies in half if you want Or cut nails it may not have the Center Drive but you can open every tool with one hand. If you drop the Center Drive it will almost always open The screwdriver up and the bit will go flying out. For some reason they felt the need to put holes next to the magnet that holds the bit in. This allows the steel shavings to get in causing poor bit retention. The Gerber Center Drive has a handle that cuts into your hand only goes in the sheath one way protrusions that stick out and get caught. The Leatherman oht handle is Sleek smooth in comparison to the Gerber. The Gerber Jaws are loose and rattly. The biggest fault I find it in the Leatherman oht is the small screws to hold the tools together come loose doesn't matter whether you put Loctite or not there are tiny Torx you almost never have with you. Sacrificing the tip of your jackknife to keep it from falling apart other than that hands down Leatherman is still better.
This thing about the handle “cutting into the hand” doesn’t make any sense to me. I’m literally squeezing my center drive in my hands now and it’s so comfortable! This was the main reason why i choose it over the Leatherman, which is an amazing multitool, but les comfortable to handle. So far one year i upgraded from a very old gerber 600 to a centerdrive, couldn’t be more satisfied
I used my Mp600 in the job a lot and saved a lot of time while having able to do the task at hand with my Gerber at once. Fck those comments that multitools with pliers aint worth it. It is worth having one, period.
I've had my Gerber and Leatherman multitool for 15 years or so. Rarely use them but when I do, they are extremely handy. I keep one in the glove box along with a beater Ganzo. And the other in my general maintenance bag.
Gerber and SOG both have excellent ideas at the beginning and then they just give up. It’s so frustrating!
I see the appeal of this, especially plier deployment. But Gerber... I know, I know.
MULTITOOLS!!!
If those wire cutters are breaking like that they are made of shit material. There’s no way carbide inserts should shatter like that. Life long cnc machinist here.
I would check and see if that is a standard size insert, if it is try get a quality insert.
If you've ever hit a carbide insert with a hammer or dropped one on its edge on a concrete floor they chip or shatter. same principle going on they're not made for static hits. 30+ year tool and die maker here.
@@Bman-xy2vh oh yeah, they shatter no doubt, just saying it should last quite a while before doing so. I did see a post though that did make a good point. Because of the design you are always using the same spot on the insert, not the whole cutting edge so that might make a big difference.
I have watched a myriad of reviewers who try to use the wire cutters for hard wire cutting tasks. You need to be VERY picky like I am about what you cut so you don't shatter the carbide. I have a significant grip strength. So I am more than capable of breaking even my Surge if I wanted to. The design of the center drive cutters are okay, for soft copper, and aluminum. Even then, thickness of the media you cut is limited by the shape of the cutters. They basically press the discarded material of a cut into the cutting jaw. Leading to breakage or preventing a complete cut through the media. You can upgrade the cutters to HSS. Since they are a standard size. Getting a cutter with a more acute angle on the cutting edges also helps a lot. Since the cutters operate like scissors and not shears.
The Economy is in shambles but I just bought one at Wal-Mart for 56 bucks!
I would sooner a centerdrive+ honestly; things i would use plus I do not have the skill to do heavy duty mechanics jobs etc.
Impossible to cut a 14awg copper wire...lol
1:40 To be fair, I have a leatherman WAVE have a burr on the pre-replacable cutter from cutting a paper clip. A paper clip, which I will remind you is not a wire. So every time you rant against wire cutters being replaceable I think of the 3 weeks it took me to get replacement parts from Benchmade and go "nah, I can turn a screw, thanks". Oh also the pliers hinge is wobbly and I don't extend them and pry sideways like AvE. But maybe I have bad luck like my "unbreakable" axis spring breaking in under 2 months. Amazon parts, I'll pass on returning.
I use my Surge to cut bike brake cables, electrical wires and steel fencing at my job. Never burred, never replaced the cutters, never any problems with the pliers. I even found an old Leatherman at an op-shop, wouldn’t close, all the tools bent; sent it in and they gave a new Supertool 300.
@@Dan12345 That sounds like exceptionally not bad advice, thanks internet dude, and sounds like a dope tool. You know, man to man in a "not in a bathroom look" kinda way. I didn't want it to come off like I hate the thing, it's in my rotation and there are times where I either need and don't have it (and barely get home) or have it and damn glad I do. But the plier rivet shit the bed, the knife sucks (I mean it ain't magnacut but I'm covered) and the pliers pop past that titanium-osmium military test paper clip induced burr enough to remind me of better times. Love your advice.
I know it's free, as free as a free thing is, but what was the shipping like? I'm like a dog knowing there's a treat in the bag. Benchmade was 3 weeks and I forgot what it was even *in* the package. Coulda moved out by then... pocketclip for the curious.
@@sqeeye3102 I didn't mean to come off as someone that refuses to accept there is anything wrong with them. I've had pivots so bad I've returned them to the store I've purchased and got exchanges, as well. Also, cutting brake cables I think is well out of the calibre of the tool, and I did buy replacement cutters anticipating them to break. I'm kind of surprised how well it's held up, and I think I might have just got a good example.
I think as well my opinion of it is biased, as my job at a second-hand store fits it perfectly. I'd use probably 70% of the tools on any one day. Cut electrical wires, pull nails out of wood, pick up nasty things people have dropped off, open cardboard boxes, cut rope, disassemble furniture with the bit kid, pry open electronics to remove batteries, etc.
For that kind of job where you are doing everything, its just so handy to have it all on you, all the time, and not have to run back and try and find something in a toolbox. It definitely won't do as well as a normal tool, but its good to have on you.
I agree that 420HC really isn't up to scratch anymore, I mostly used a RAT 1 for box cutting and used the Surge for cutting bad things as Pete does (on concrete, ceramic etc).
In terms of postage, that was the only thing I had to pay for. Supertool cost me $5 (from my second hand store), postage about $7, and I had a new Supertool 300 in about 1-2 weeks. Keep in mind exchanges and repairs are handled by an importer in Australia, so that might be quicker or slower.
@@Dan12345 Wow, what an informative reply, thank you very much for taking the time. I didn't take any offense to anything you said and hope you felt the same. I'm just sarcastic and swear a lot. Bad habbits and all that. Far as cutters, I'd just be real careful they were clean and aligned if the worse ever happened.
I honestly haven't really had anyone outright deny that Leatherman pivots never fail or whatever, but Benchmade fanboys will straight up demy that the Axis spring breaking is a myth to my face when I've repaired my own. AND it's a bad design because there are left and right springs, but anyway..
I definitely don't require my Leatherman like you do, but good enough is, well, good enough when the right tool is what works right now. And Leatherman scissors get used as much or more than the pliers. Clippsd and pinched stitches out of people I don't even know, prolly saved people couple grand a pop cause America.
Be careful with the RAT1, it's a gateway drug. I gave it away and carry a Hogue Deka now. Now I give away knives 10x RAT price because "they don't feel right" or "are too heavy/bulky for EDC" so keep that check tight. Deka still here though (black, red, and blue). Totally understand about the postage and shouldn't be as bad in America since it's already "here" and I'm kind of excited.
Last question: how do you end up in so much "fabrication" sounding work in an "op shop" which is what we call "thrift shop/stores" here. Not a lot of metal to be defanged that I've seen. You that handyman in the back that gets stuff working again so they can sell more stuff or am I just too American to understand? Happened to me before.
TL;DR Anyway, you sound like a helpful dude. Thanks for looking out for a stranger from a strange land. I'll pay it forward.
@@sqeeye3102 I've never really had much of a thing for Benchmade, both because of the spring and just the build quality and materials available for the same cost.
As for my job, its more of a second warehouse than a shop; most op-shops wouldn't have nearly the same use case, but we accept almost anything, excluding firearms/weapons and chemicals, so think furniture, pallets, building supplies, vehicles, push bikes, tools, kitchenware etc. We fix them up where we can, sell them, then help people fit them into their cars. My job might go from unpacking boxes of magazines to disassembling a table someone has bought, so they can fit it in their ute, to ripping out nails from timber for some guy, which is what the Surge really excelled at.
Funny you should mention the RAT 1, because I did end up giving it away to a friend of mine. People don't really carry knives here apart from while working, but he seems to like using it.
Tried the Gerber but Leatherman wins.
Its more durable.
I equal parts love and hate Gerber. Some of their stuff is utter rubbish. But there's other lines and specialist products (eg their hunting products) that no one else is even attempting. If they cut out half their products and improved the quality of half the rest, they'd be legendary.
Grrrrrrr! Ber
Center Drive, the Strong Arm fixed blade are decent.. but Gerber, im done with...the steel is cheap, overpriced, their "D2" shatters easily, boring selection. Im done with Gerber, Kershaw won me back with Launch 15, and CRKT is on the bubble..im kinda almost done with them...i speak of BUDGET companies of course
Comment for engagement
The quality and relevance of the review plummets from curious to irrelevant with bailing wire. You are cutting galvanized chain link fence lashing, not "WIRE". Multistranded 18g audio cable or even 12g THHN would be "WIRE". If researching for a purchase, I'd ignore this video completely.
well, for those that arent Jeff Blair and wanted to know, every other multitool CAN cut that wire. The gerber carbide cutters cant. Hope that helps 🥰🥰🥰
Useless cutters, even more useless pliers, can't grip anything with them, they slip right off, worst multi tool I own, shame because the concept is good
Cutters dont work....
gerber is worse than cheap chinese brands. they're on par with or worse than ganzo
Ganzo is better !
what a piece of junk.
If you keep wearing out the wire cutters on your Gerber plier tool, you are using the wrong tool. Get dedicated heavy duty wire cutters.
I agree with you in principle but I have used wire cutters on a multitool maybe 10 times in the last two years...maybe 3 times on a Leatherman Surge, maybe 4 times on a Charge Plus...and I used the Center drive cutters ONCE. It didn't shatter, it just cracked right down the middle of the cutters. This isn't a question of them wearing down, it's a question of why they will crack like ceramic under light use.
That would be all well and good if other multi tools in the same price range couldn't handle that strain. They can. Gerber just has the inferiour quality product in that regard then and should be called out for it
The wire he shows isn't heavy duty so why use heavy duty wire cutters on it?
Also: Gerbers own marketing.
Is exploding considered wearing out?
I am beginning to question your judgment, why are you wasting our time trying to justify crap. Just spend
the money on a well built tool and move on.
He has a review channel where he tells people his thoughts and opinions so the consumer can make better purchasing decisions. Yeah he'll include his own personal thoughts on the product but those can also resonate with the viewer and lead to better decisions.
@@ribstein7714 “He” has a lot of power to influence his followers, I think he need to wield that power
more carefully.
@@hitchpost5822 what's wrong with his opinion on a tool he himself bought?
@@hitchpost5822 really, other than the shit cutters. The center drive isn't that bad. Plus using standard 1/4 bits is great. I use my Surge every day at work, but I hate the flat bits
Pete: **shades on carrying Knipex pliers**
**@zacinthewild has entered the chat**
The gerber is superior for a fisherman! The one handed flick open pliers is perfect for holding the lip or gills of a fish and operating a Gerber plier single handed to remove a hook, a fishinghook sharpener, and a scissors to cut braided lines. It is also great for a hunter/outdoorsman who needs a one-handed plier, or a fine file for broadhead sharpener the same file for the hook sharpener. Unfortunately I lost or gave away my Gerber with the fishkook/broadhead sharpener, so I purchase 3 or four more because the single handed plier is absolutely critical for the outdoor uses I need it for! Also for great self defense should I not have my HK readily on my hip or my fixed blade handy!
I tend to think of the multi tool as a investigative tool. I use it to pull the inspection cover off or loosen the clamp to see what connector or fitting I need. Then I go get the required parts I need and the required tools I need. The multi tool can save you steps in a day but using it as your lone tool kit is bound to end up in aggravation in the long run. The Buck 110 has many applications though it is a single tool but it has to suit your individual needs or it is useless.🇨🇦🔪🧰