Leatherman multitools: description, lineup and tips for choosing
There are not many things that can be given as a gift to almost anyone for any reason. One of them is the multitool made by Leatherman. After all, every man periodically needs to fix something. Tighten, fasten, trim, cut and so on. Sometimes every such trifle has to be solved with improvised means. And if you literally have the right tool at hand - that's just fine!
Since the day Tim Leatherman launched his own knife-plus pliers idea for the Boy Scouts in 1975, as he got tired of constantly looking for tools to repair his car, and in 1983 Leatherman Tools was founded, the production and improvement of multi-tools of excellent quality continues. ...
Peculiarities
The main features of Leatherman products include reliability and durability. To some extent, it can be compared in terms of its popularity with Apple computers, but the comparison of the service time of the Leatherman multitool with the Apple gadget is much more. It is believed that the production of these multi-tools is organized only and exclusively in the United States, and China only sews covers for them. One thing is really hard to question - the original instrument has a 25-year warranty.
From the first years of production, Leatherman multitool can be set as an example as the most reliable and functional tools. All multi-tools are made using only high quality and proven materials: stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, carbon fiber. In their production, the most accurate mechanical measurement methods and high-quality heat treatment methods are used.
Of course, a tool with these characteristics will always be in high demand in the market, especially since Leatherman's all-in-one mini-components have proven to withstand the same load as a larger, more familiar tool. ...
Leatherman always thinks carefully about the design of its tools, constantly experimenting with the arrangement of the fixtures in the grips, and this creativity has a positive impact on commercial success. The company's specialists have achieved an optimal balance between the reliability of multi-tools, their layout, ergonomics and the appearance of the folded case.
Review of the best models
Fans of this version of a pocket tool for all occasions have long argued which model of Leatherman multi-tools is the "best". Let's consider the most popular models.
Leatherman Wave (New)
This model was preceded by the original Wave model multitool until the mid-2000s. The model in question is a full-size multifunctional multitool. It includes 17 different tools housed in an ergonomic compact body that has been specially designed for this model.
You can use the following tools: two types of pliers, wire cutters, two knives (with a simple and wavy profile), a saw, scissors, a file for wood and metal, a needle file, two universal holders for double-sided bits, a bottle cap opener. Weight 240 grams, dimensions 100x50 mm. The color of the coating is silver-steel or blackened.
Leatherman Charge TTi
The model is more expensive than the previous one due to the higher quality steel, the presence of titanium handles, a little more tools in the set, and better ergonomics of the case. In addition to the toolbox of the previous model, who bought this multitool will be able to use a medium screwdriver, two files, scissors, a saw and a universal opener that opens not only bottles, but also cans.
Needle-nose pliers (they replace the usual jaws of pliers) can be used for a large number of operations (cutting wire, cable, multitool can strip and crimp wires). And also this model is equipped with a clip for fixing on a pocket, which can be detached with a removable ring and titanium handles with a marked ruler. The cover is not sold with the multitool. Weight 230 grams.
Skeletool
This multi-tool is one and a half times lighter than the previous ones, it contains 7 tools. The owner uses pliers, sharp nose pliers, specialized wire cutters to cut heavy-duty wire, and standard wire cutters. The combination blade has a half wavy sharpening, its stainless steel grade is 420HC. The multitool is also equipped with a carabiner / opener clasp, a belt clip and a large bit holder.
The kit includes 21 double-sided bits. The material from which the Skeletool body is made is stainless steel, the material from which the ruler handles are made is an aluminum alloy... There is no cover included. Length 100 mm, weight 140 g.
Leatherman juice
The following small offer is for those who do not have large hands. This model can be considered a miniature copy of the first model on the list. The owner still has the opportunity to use one and a half dozen devices: sharp and standard pliers, two types of nippers - standard and for cutting high-strength wire, a knife, a saw, scissors, an awl, an opener that can deal with both bottles and cans, a corkscrew , there are four screwdrivers of different types and shapes.
The handle covers are offered in the classic version and in the blue anodized finish, which gives them a unique appearance. Length 82 mm, weight 155 g.
Leatherman Surge
This model is one of the largest in size. Includes 21 attachments: it is equipped with interchangeable wire cutters capable of cutting through both heavy-duty wire and wire, as well as multi-core cables, a wire crimper used when working on electrical installations, two knives (one with a serrated blade and one standard), spring-loaded scissors and an awl knife, equipped with a breakdown, into which a thread for sewing is drawn, a can opener, a bottle opener, two files, screwdrivers. Coprus can be blackened or silver-white in classic color, cover material - nylon and leather.
The disadvantage of this model is its rather large weight and considerable dimensions; it is not intended for constant wearing. Length 115 mm, weight 350 g.
Rebar
This multitool is designed to be worn at all times. The body is equipped with frame recesses, which makes it possible to remove devices from their inner slots, even when wearing work gloves. The Rebar that bought this model has a can opener, needle-nose pliers, pliers, interchangeable nippers that allow you to work with high-strength wire, a crimper for cables, a tool that allows you to strip wires, two knives with a flat and serrated blade, a saw, an awl equipped with an eyelet, a ruler , files for working with wood and metal, screwdrivers of various sizes and purposes.
Surprise is caused by the tools placed in such a multitool. The body is rather small, and this indicates a high degree of ergonomics of the instrument.
In addition to the above devices, the creators of Rebar can be thanked for the large working surface area, the considerable length of the knife blade, the ease of use of the awl, like needles when sewing. Length 100 mm, weight 190 g.
Bracelets that act as a multitool are a relatively new word in the technology of manufacturing these tools. Everyone knows that Leatherman is the most renowned multi-tool company and a leader in this field.
But the bracelet, called Tread (English - link, track), is quite suitable for the category of a breakthrough, a completely unusual, interesting product. The developers of this multitool have tried to have a separate device in each link, so that it is functional, so that in the end the user has no less opportunity to use different bits, knives, screwdrivers, and so on (there is even a special device that helps when removing the SIM card) as if he was using the traditional, more familiar Leatherman multitool.
The diameter of this bracelet is initially excessive, therefore it is possible to reduce it by removing the links. Tread is offered to the buyer in two versions - standard and narrow. The lucky owner of such an unusual multitool will be able to use the following tools mounted in the links of the bracelet:
- a Philips screwdriver No1-2;
- 1/4 wrench;
- flat screwdriver 3/16;
- hex key 6 mm;
- wrench 10 mm;
- with a 5 mm hex wrench;
- 1/4 hex wrench;
- oxygen cylinder opening key;
- key 3 / 1hex6;
- 1/8 hex wrench;
- wrench 3/16;
- hex key 3/32;
- flat screwdriver 3/32;
- flat screwdriver 1/8;
- hex wrench 4 mm;
- wrench 8 mm;
- with a 3 mm hex wrench;
- flat screwdriver 5/16;
- wrench 3/8;
- 1/4 flat screwdriver;
- Philips screwdriver # 1;
- wrench 6 mm;
- Philips screwdriver # 2;
- carbide tip for breaking glass;
- a device that removes the SIM card;
- a special knife for cutting the seat belt;
- for drivers when tightening / loosening 1/4;
- bottle opener;
- device for tightening screws with a square head.
The disadvantage is that Tread has the unpleasant property of leaving scratches on everything that it accidentally touches - after all, it is steel. For this reason, it is not very suitable for daily wear. Another drawback is the considerable weight of the bracelet (168 g).
How to choose?
When choosing Leatherman multi-tools, it quickly turns out that they are multifunctional helpers who will not let you down in any situation. Such a multi-tool will not drain its battery, it will work both in the rain and in the snow. They are used in a wide variety of situations to solve a wide range of problems - from repairing a bicycle wheel to saving lives in an emergency. The question remains - which model to choose from such a variety. Here are the most common goals for choosing a multitool:
- trip out of town, hike;
- survival assistance;
- the trip;
- professional application.
Surprisingly, but from time to time women can also purchase such a multi-tool. It has very high functionality, but at the same time it can easily fit even in a small handbag. In addition, for example, bicycles break down not only in a strong half of humanity, but there can be no question of wheelchair wheel breakage, and men may not be around.
If we consider the functionality of the models (see the section “Overview of the best models), then they are approximately at the same level. Therefore, the choice of a multitool is a matter of taste and the intended scope of application.
Reviews
It is worth mentioning right away that we are talking about original products, and not about fakes, which unscrupulous manufacturers have flooded the market with recently.Reviews of Genuine Leatherman tools often raise questions about whether these multi-tools are worth the money. The answer is the reputation of genuine Leatherman products. As a rule, having acquired such a tool once, the buyer becomes an adherent of the product, if not for life, then for a long time. And there are reasons for that.
- Leatherman multitool is multifunctional. The use of its various devices allows you to solve the most problematic situations in your favor.
- It can serve as a wonderful gift, to which no man can remain indifferent.
- The Leatherman multitool is compact and lightweight (from the review of the models it can be seen that the weight does not exceed 350 g). If you compare the attachments of a multitool with a familiar tool of the same functionality, the difference in weight and size will be visible to the naked eye.
- Leatherman multi-tool is much easier and more convenient to use.
- To store such an instrument, special conditions are not required - a pocket, a belt cover, a car glove compartment will do.
- The instrument has a peculiar aesthetics and its own style.
As a rule, all these points can be found in the reviews of those who have purchased and use Leatherman multi-tools, and their advantages become more and more evident as they are used.
For information on how to use the Leatherman multitool correctly, see the next video.
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