Poo Poo Leatherman :S

[garboui]

So the other day when I walked in to HD for some 8-32 screws I got all distracted by all the end of isle tools that they have out now for x-mas. While looking around I noticed hey had leathermans new wingman for $25 which waas also cheaper than MEC.

http://www.homedepot.ca/product/leatherman-wingman/958816

I ended up buying it; bringing my $3 pack of screw trip to just over $30. I was all excited to het it out of the package when I got home as it seemed, feature and size wise, the perfect step up from my Freestyle CX. Was I wrong! The features may be nice and the pliers comfortable in the hand but the build quality was absolutely ****! The pliers have sooo much slop. Probably 3x more than my 3 year old Freestyle that sees its share of daily abuse. Im not exaggerating either, the slop is bad enough that it would make twisting some wires together nearly impossible. The knife on it too was even at least half the thickness of the Freestyle.

My question now is where do I go from here. These pliers were seemingly the perfet step up from the CX with the following requirements:
- slightly larger pliers and comfortable in hand handles
- maintains belt clip and small enough for inter pocket carrying
- straight blade knife
- some extras like a screwdriver and can opener.

Any suggestions for a better (I hesitate now) Leatherman or other would be greatly appreciated.


cheers

 

[jeffmoss26]

I just bought a Wingman but my go-to Leatherman has been a Core, since replaced by a Super Tool 300. They are very hefty, full size tools.

 

[garboui]

haha, looking at alternatives now I can say one other thing that I like about it is Leatherman's product page for it, lol

http://www.leatherman.com/product/Wingman

 

[GoBlue]

Have you looked at the gerber line? I have not really compared the two but i have been happy with mine fwiw

 

[twincam00]

Leatherman makes excellent expensive multitools, the wingman and the cheaper models have nowhere near the quality of say the wave. The old adage is true 'you get what you pay for'

 

[garboui]

I have, though not real seriously. Right now from web searching the next Leatherman inline that meets my criteria is the charge series. Planning on going to MEC tomorrow and compare some tools. Unfortunately I dont know a retailer in the Hamilton Ontario area that carries the full (or most) of the gerber line. Their industrial tools look much nicer than their outdoor series.

 

[Stuey]

Here's my Leatherman Sidekick review. The Sidekick and Wingman share the same design and most of the same tools with a few minor differences.

I did not see any slop in the pliers. Taking a closer look right now, I see ZERO play. I also have a Wingman on my desk but didn't open it from its packaging yet. We've got the same $25 Wingman deal at USA Home Depots, so I might have one from the same production run as yours.

The Wingman and Sidekick are designed and priced as entry-level multi-tools. The blade is thin, but not flimsy. My main complaint is with the sluggish one-handed motion, not the thickness. But yes, it's thicker than some of LM's other multi-tool blades.

Leatherman makes excellent expensive multitools, the wingman and the cheaper models have nowhere near the quality of say the wave. The old adage is true 'you get what you pay for'

Does anyone really think that a $25-30 multi-tool will match up with a $65-75 one? Still, I have a $25 Gerber multi-tool, and these new LM ones are leaps and bounds better. And made in USA to boot.

 

[garboui]

Here's my Leatherman Sidekick review. The Sidekick and Wingman share the same design and most of the same tools with a few minor differences.

I did not see any slop in the pliers. Taking a closer look right now, I see ZERO play. I also have a Wingman on my desk but didn't open it from its packaging yet. We've got the same $25 Wingman deal at USA Home Depots, so I might have one from the same production run as yours.

The Wingman and Sidekick are designed and priced as entry-level multi-tools. The blade is thin, but not flimsy. My main complaint is with the sluggish one-handed motion, not the thickness. But yes, it's thicker than some of LM's other multi-tool blades.

Interesting that yours has no play. I am going to check out the Sidekick and Wingman again tomorrow at MEC along with some higher end leatherman tools. Im definately curious to see if the plier slop is limited to the production run. If I find one thats not sloppy up for a blade swap?

 

[garboui]

Does anyone really think that a $25-30 multi-tool will match up with a $65-75 one? Still, I have a $25 Gerber multi-tool, and these new LM ones are leaps and bounds better. And made in USA to boot.

I wasnt expecting ultimate precision from it but just usable pliers. I had myself convinced at the time that they would at least be up to par with my $45 Freestyle CX. I find it strange still that the mid range Leatherman's don't come with belt clips nor do the gerbers seem to.

 

[Stuey]

By slop you meant side to side play, right? I just opened up my Wingman, and there's absolutely no play. Comparing the two, the Sidekick actually has a little play, barely detectable, on the order of maybe a few hundred microns. But I also did abuse it a bit in tests to gauge its quality, so I cannot really tell.

Overall, I'm actually pretty satisfied with the Wingman, might buy another.

 

[Stuey]

I wasnt expecting ultimate precision from it but just usable pliers. I had myself convinced at the time that they would at least be up to par with my $45 Freestyle CX. I find it strange still that the mid range Leatherman's don't come with belt clips nor do the gerbers seem to.

Which ones are you talking about, the Juices? I recently bought an S2 and agree that it could use a pocket clip. It would also benefit from handles that are even and the same thickness, but that's a complaint for elsewhere.

The Wave and Charges can be fitted with add-on pocket clips that LM sells. The reason they don't come with them is because the tools are a bit on the larger side, so most people would likely choose the sheath over a clip.

 

[garboui]

yes, looking at them now (getting returned tomorrow) and twisting the handles or just the closed jaws between my fingers I can get the jaws to overhang each other almost almost 1/16". Grabbing the keyring for my car keys and twisting that open the jaws almost completely step over themselves. The freestyle again for comparison has no problem twisting open the keyring.

 

[Shipfittin]

I surprised myself and actually picked up a multi tool the other day. I'm not real big into them, I have a lot of friends who have the Leatherman and the Gerbers but they don't do much for me. The only reason I bought one is because I just wanted something that was a real basic knife, flat head and pliers. I don't plan on using it in any situation where I'd want a good set of pliers or a real sharp knife. So I just picked up this Kobalt model for $15 at Lowes. I'm actually quite happy with it, havn't found anything to really use it on yet but it seems decent and has a lifetime warranty according to the reviews on their website.

I know I went real cheap, but from playing with mine it sounds a lot better then garboui's review on that el cheapo LM Home Depot has going.

 

[garboui]

I know I went real cheap, but from playing with mine it sounds a lot better then garboui's review on that el cheapo LM Home Depot has going.

This is still to be confirmed to some extent after I compare again tomorrow. Though I do agree that theres some decent cheap multitool pliers out there but it usually lacks a knife steel that takes a beating while maintaining an edge. I know I can do a lot of very un-kosher things to my 154CM steel blade on my Freestyle and it holds up just fine. I wonder how the 420HC blades hold up in comparison?

 

[rickairmedic]

I have been quite happy with my Wave and its been on my side since the day I got it .


Rick

 

[TWX]

This is why I stick with my Gerber multitool. I've had a 600 series and currently have a 400 series.

I also got a severe blood blister from a Leatherman, years after I lost my Gerber 600 series and tried out the Leatherman for awhile.

 

[IndyGarage]

See my review of the Wingman in the other thread. I bought it yesterday, because I've been looking for a replacement for my Juice S-2 with more readily accessible Scissors and locking blades - the wingman fits the bill.

I used the Wingman several times last night and really like it. My pliers aren't loose - they have a very small amount of slop in the hinge. Other than the stamped steel sides, which are nicely done, I don't think the Wingman seems cheap.

Right now I have 6 multitools sitting in front of me, Gerber, Shrade, cheapo Great Neck from Walmart and three leatherman - Wingman, Juice S2 and Freestyle. All except the Leatherman Freestyle have about the same amount of slop in the hinge. The Freestyle hinge is tight, no slop in it.

The Juice S-2 has been my go-to tool for 12 years - because it fits in my pocket nicely. I don't like the uneven handle, but it's like that due to the efficiency of the design.

I don't like pocket clips on my tools. I guess it's a matter of opinion, but I never liked the Freestyle at all. I picked it and the Skeletool up when they first came out, because I liked the new styling, but I found they just weren't as functional as the juice, so they both went into one of the car glove boxes.

I think the Wingman looks like a great product. Yup, Leatherman cut costs a bit on it, but they also cut the price, and in the ways that count it still looks tough.

 

[JMartel]

Bought my Blast 6 or 7 years ago and it's held up great. Needs a good cleaning and sharpening, but that's about it.

 

[Tarheelgarage]

With the introduction of the Wingman, Leatherman appears to be trolling for the typical bottom feeders that shop a places such as Horrible Freight. I fully expect to see the Wingman stocked in HF stores within a few months.

I looked at one today at local HD; I passed on it and bought a two pack Chicom multitool for $9.99 instead.

 

[dan1120]

Check out SOG. Top notch company, with many variations on the multitool.

http://sogknives.com/store/tools.html

 

[Danglerb]

If you get what you pay for, why bother shopping, just hand some money to the first person you see on the street. I prefer what my auction friend used to say, if you want to get what you expect, inspect.

 

[Stuey]

Check out SOG. Top notch company, with many variations on the multitool.

http://sogknives.com/store/tools.html

Until you need to contact customer service at which point they flat out ignore you.

http://toolguyd.com/2010/12/sog-an-example-of-poor-customer-service/

 

[garboui]

As much as their power assist models appealed to me (since they have one handed blade opening with the tool closed) there is still no option for a belt clip!

I know its silly that im so stuck on the belt clip but I am not comfortable with having a holster hanging on my side all the time as I have enough of a hard time to keep myself from running in to things.

 

[jeffk14]

I bought the Wingman for $25 today at HD. My pliers have an acceptable, small amount of play in the hinge. Yes the blade is thinner than some other models, but it IS a smaller, lighter, entry-level tool.

While it doesn't compare to my old model Wave, it is, in my opinion, about on par quality wise with my Original that I've had for nearly 25 years. For what it is, I'm happy with it.

 

[strnjss]

Until you need to contact customer service at which point they flat out ignore you.

http://toolguyd.com/2010/12/sog-an-example-of-poor-customer-service/

+1

My experience with SOG customer service turned me off to the entire brand.

Leatherman on the other hand has gone out of there way to take care of any issues I've had.

 

[IndyGarage]

With the introduction of the Wingman, Leatherman appears to be trolling for the typical bottom feeders that shop a places such as Horrible Freight. I fully expect to see the Wingman stocked in HF stores within a few months.

I looked at one today at local HD; I passed on it and bought a two pack Chicom multitool for $9.99 instead.

So you are basing your opinion of the tool and it's customers from the way it looks in the package? Or the price?

Having actually taken the Wingman out of the package and used it for 2 days - I can say that if it proves durable, then I think it is a fantastic bargain.

I applaud Leatherman for finding a way to put so much functionality into a low-priced tool. I wish other American tool makes were doing the same thing.

 

[PowerGenGuy]

I use the Leatherman Charge and I am quite happy with it, but it does cost 4X the price. Maybe 4X quality!

 

[Subyroo651]

+1 Charge TTI or Ti if you can still find one.

S30V main blade is not bad and the scissors although very small - are good at cutting general and detail tasks too.

 

[Sparkfarmer]

I picked up the CHARGE TTI last week for when I travel for work (leave for India in 2 weeks). Absolutely fantastic quality; for 150$ it better be right? Im nothing but happy after playing with it for about a week. Heres a review by nutnfancy:

He's an ex-military guy who does really good reviews on everything outdoors, he knows his stuff. If your in the market I suggest watching his reviews first.

Cheers
SF

 

[jeffmoss26]

So far, no complaints with the Wingman. Granted it's not as hefty or feature-laden as the ST 300 but it gets the job done!

 

[locoind]

Charge TTi is an excellent tool. I carry mine everyday, at work or at home. The only issue I've ever had is from breaking the belt clip when I hooked it on something too many times. I also have the SOG EOD. It's a great tool as well. It's bigger than the Leathermen, but also has things that make up for the size. The power assist, the geared opening on the pliers, and in my opinion, the size of the needle nose tips. I carry the Leathermen though because I like it hooked in my pocket, and the SOG doesn't have that.

 

[Larwyn]

It was 10 or 12 years ago that I purchased the SOG Pocket Power Plier (about the same size as the original Leatherman). I carried it daily on the job for many years, it has performed flawlessly and saved me hundreds of trips back to the service truck for tools. For me it is the geared compound leverage on the pliers that makes this tool and larger Power Plier preferable to the other multi tools out there. I'm retired now, but chances are, if I'm awake I have that same SOG either on my belt or in a pocket of my overalls. I own several other multi tools but none out shine the Pocket Power Plier for my use.

For my purposes, the pliers, wire cutters, file and phillips screwdriver are the most used tools. I am not impressed with the knife blade on this tool but have always carried a good pocket knife in addition to the SOG. It is still my favorite multi tool.

 

[koditten]

Tried a few Leathermans", didn't quite like the way they felt. I always went back to Gerber. Have had the 400 series now going on 10 years. Probably on my 6th or 7th. I keep losing them. The 400 fits in my pocket quite well when it is collapsed. I never cared for the belt cases, so I always go for the smaller multi-tools.

Gerbers' warrenty is top notch. I had no paper work for my last one. I sent it back to gerber, with a note to "please repair or replace at my expense". They sent me a brand new one. I was prety impressed how fast the thing made it back to me. Left Michigan on Wednesday morning, new one was in my mailbox the following Thursday. Not too bad of turn around going from Michigan to Oregon and back.

 

[garboui]

Well finally today I was able to make it out to MEC and compare some of the leatherman and gerber line up that they carried.

The gerbers to me either felt toyish or weren't as easily accessible as the leatherman charge tti or wave. They had a Victornox multitool there as well. Unfortunately it lacked a belt clip and one handed knife opening. The Vic dod have a much stouter needle nose though.

This now brings things back to either the wave(second gen) or the charge tti. The one big thing that i was getting hung up on was the knife steel differences. The hook knife was also, but that was more minor. In the end I ended up getting the Wave after being explained MEC's return policy (if it doesn't meet your expectations; even after a few months of abuse. Just bring it back).

Now time to find the belt clip for it online

 

[rlitman]

This now brings things back to either the wave(second gen) or the charge tti. The one big thing that i was getting hung up on was the knife steel differences. The hook knife was also, but that was more minor. In the end I ended up getting the Wave after being explained MEC's return policy (if it doesn't meet your expectations; even after a few months of abuse. Just bring it back).

I've got the original Wave, the Charge TI, and the Charge TTI.
The Charges have bronze bushings under the knife blades, and their one-handed opening is much smoother.

The S30V steel in the Charge TTI isn't much better than the 154CM I have in my Charge TI, but the knife in the Wave wouldn't stay sharp for anything. Awful knife steel, whatever it is (it was unnamed at the time).
I ended up machining my own 5 pointed torx driver, just to remove the blade, and replace it with something I made from damasteel.
That was my royal pain, but was my favorite tool until I got the Charge.

 

[garboui]

The new wave is apparently 420HC well see how it does. Ill be sure to update if I end up taking MEC up on their return policy it if its edge is too dainty for daily abuse.

The new wave appears to have bronze bushings between the handle body and the blade. Cant say if there is any between the end bolts and the blade though.

 

[Omphaloskeptic]

All this talk about multi-tools got me interested in buying myself a late birthday gift. I checked out Nutnfancy's YouTube reviews on such, and decided on the Leatherman Charge TTI. I ordered it from an "outlet" outfit out of Brooklyn, N.Y. because this weekend ends their free shipping. There is no tax charged so my purchase comes to a grand total of $109.95. The only hitch is they are back ordered at the moment; however, the 800# sales rep stated they are due in this coming week. They do not process the CC payment until the unit is shipped, but we'll see how long it takes to get one to me.

Yesterday I emailed Leatherman C.S. as to why so many retailers were back ordered on the Charge series and got this reply:

"Thank you for contacting us regarding the purchase of a Leatherman Charge TTI.

There was an issue with a part that has since been corrected and as we get good parts to put in the tool we are shipping stores their back order on this item.

Please keep checking with your local retailer as well as the online retailers as the general rule of thumb is that we send to the oldest back order and work our way through from there so an online retailer could get their back order before a local walk-in dealer does.

I hope this information helps. "



Having never owned any multi-tool before, I hope I'm not disappointed by the retailer or the manufacturer; wish me luck.

 

[rlitman]

The new wave appears to have bronze bushings between the handle body and the blade. Cant say if there is any between the end bolts and the blade though.

That should be good enough then. The original Wave was kinda crunchy, and I had to use a lapping compound on the blades to get it relatively smooth. The Charges were pretty smooth right out of the box, and the bushings were the reason. It's good to hear that it made it down one level.