So Why Do I Want a Leatherman?

[Matt M PA]

For years, I've been "needing" a Leatherman tool. A friend, an HVAC uses his all the time. I'm not a HVAC tech...or any other type of "tech" for that matter.

Yet...I want a darned Leatherman. I doubt I'll carry it full time....

So, here I was ready to order on Amazon as the wife had a gift certificate she wasn't going to use....and it was already redeemed!

So guys...I know that this isn't the place to be talked out of a tool...so talk me into "why I need one"!

 

[rayh91]

It'd be nice to throw in a car or some weird last resort scenario but mine just sits in my toolbox. Kinda pointless in my opinion.

 

[mech-tech]

Zombie apocalypse, armageddon, civil uprising...or maybe just for a handy fishing tool

I'm still trying to justify the third one I bought

 

[TerryH]

It'd be nice to throw in a car or some weird last resort scenario but mine just sits in my toolbox. Kinda pointless in my opinion.

^^^ this

 

[CAOS]

My opinion of carrying a multitool daily is the same as wearing a fanny pack.

In all seriousness, for work purposes, sure. But why not just use the proper tool for the job.

Throw it in your car I guess, but I believe you should have a proper set of tools to fix road side problems. Need a screw driver, use a screw driver.

I have never seen the purpose of a multitool.

 

[customh]

Guess it depends what you do for work. Countless times my Leatherman Wave has saved me from a long walk to go get the "right" tool. Don't get me wrong, I love my toolbox and using the right tool, but in the field 50' up ladders in the middle of a job the "right" tool is the one that gets the job done.

 

[senor fozz]

a leatherman will likely never outperform a dedicated tool. but its strength is if you are only going to put one tool in the car the leatherman would be on my short list. the current model i'm using is the supertool 3000. iirc i picked it up on sale for less than 60. the only fault i have with it is it does not have the bit holders some of the newer models have and it lacks scissors. if you want someone to sell you on a multitool check out nutnfancy on youtube. i would also recommend models with replaceable cutting blades i have never hand to replace mine sinfe i rarely use and abuse them. my thinking is if i ever need to abuse them to get out of a jam i can and just replace the blades later.

 

[Fast Orange]

I've been carrying a multitool of some sort for as long as I've been working-and use it every day. If I worked just in an office,I might only carry a nice pocket knife,but working in the electrical trade, when my toolpouch is out of reach,the Leatherman comes in too handy to be without. Let's put it this way-if it's on your side,you will use it. You won't be able to change the headgasket on your car with just a leatherman,but it's great for those little tasks that aren't worth a trip to the toolbox.
My personal choice is the Wave-it's got the basic tools you need,is a useful size to work with, without being too big and bulky. In it's sheath,it's no bigger than an old flipphone-but twice as weighty.

 

[basspro]

My leatherman kick saved my *** twice in a treestand and once in my boat up in sturgeon bay, in 6ft waves, I got back because of it. I just got a Supertool 300 from my wife for Christmas, it will be worn at work daily. I could use the proper tool, but when you are 1000 feet away from your double bay toolbox in a plant, and a machine is down and needs to be up now, and all that needs to be done is open a box and reset a breaker or drive or plc... a leatherman is the perfect fit, Ive wished Ive had one at work countless times. Im all for the proper tool when available mind you.

 

[NC-Shaun]

I am a motorcyclist so I carry a back pack, usually with dry work clothes, ibuprofen, jacket, water, and my leatherman is clipped on that bag. Since it goes almost everywhere with me I have used it for everything from installing batteries in christmas presents, to cutting with the scissors, and of course the knife blade for boxes etc...

 

[kenburkholz]

No, a plier tool of any kind is not an end all,but on my last job I carried a Leatherman skeletool, a large Victorinox tool, and an original Leatherman. When in emergencies, I have used at least two at a time to fix drive chains and control wiring, they really came through when I needed them. Ken.

 

[Flivver250]

Never again will you have an issue with opening a beer.

 

[firebox40dash5]

I am a motorcyclist so I carry a back pack, usually with dry work clothes, ibuprofen, jacket, water, and my leatherman is clipped on that bag. Since it goes almost everywhere with me I have used it for everything from installing batteries in christmas presents, to cutting with the scissors, and of course the knife blade for boxes etc...

Same, I have a Wave at work, at home, and in my truck, and one of those cheap $30 ones they brought out last year on the bike. It doesn't do anything great, but it's pliers, a knife, scissors, wire strippers, crimpers, a couple screwdrivers... you get the point. I've used a Wave many, many times for field-expedient wiring repair. And the scissors are excellent for braided fishing line, too.

 

[katotter]

No day goes by without me using mine, being in Hardware I need all different tools and my Charge, Wave 2 and Supertool does the job. Given that it does not always fit where needed and some other proper tools need using for certain jobs, it just cannot be replaced.

I sell them, I collect them, I repair them, I love them.

Buy one, you might not have a use for it now when thinking about it, the first few days you feel awkward with it on your side, but in a month you will feel naked without it.

 

[nicksnothereman]

For years, I've been "needing" a Leatherman tool. A friend, an HVAC uses his all the time. I'm not a HVAC tech...or any other type of "tech" for that matter.

Yet...I want a darned Leatherman. I doubt I'll carry it full time....

So, here I was ready to order on Amazon as the wife had a gift certificate she wasn't going to use....and it was already redeemed!

So guys...I know that this isn't the place to be talked out of a tool...so talk me into "why I need one"!

Now wouldn't be the time to buy a leatherman. Couple of years ago? Sure! But now?

Why do you need one? Bunch of usable tools in a small package. Going by the ones I have I'd say the best built is the sog stuff (s44 entry level), best knife in the tool is leatherman (fuse entry levell), cheapest in good quality bear mgc bear jaws (similar entry level). By entry level I mean doesn't have a whole lot of bells and whistles. People swear by the victorinox swiss tool but they're a bit more pricey.

Best to look for old stock of these brands (discontinued models) or possibly used. I paid about 15 bucks for the bear jaws multi tool. Good quality and us-made but slightly clunky. The entry level stuff nowadays (aside from the sog) from leatherman looks like garbage to me, don't even ship them with sheaths anymore, don't have any visible country of origin (somehow). I wouldn't touch the new (non old stock) leathermans with a ten foot pole but the older models are very very good. If you'll use the pliers a lot you'll want the sog though because it's "geared" (less effort to use); blades **** on those though.

 

[thejudges69]

When I was 16 and not so bright I scabbed a gerber from the stock room at Kmart when I worked there. I carry it in my glovebox of my truck but 90% of the time its broke, first the Phillips breaks, then the regular screwdrivers break and the knife gets dull. The only thing I like about it vs a leatherman is the fact I can flip it open one handed. but the leatherman has always seemed a lot more sturdy. may look into that supertool 300 mentioned earlier

 

[Outlawmws]

If you do camping/hiking they are invaluable to have "just in case" Is it a compromise tool, and dedicated tools are better? Sure but the Leatherman is the Swiss army knife of tools; a bunch of small tools that fold up into a super compact package. Ideal for anything? Of course not.

Bikers (pedal and MC), boaters, campers, hunters, all should have one.

If you never leave your comfort zone in the city, you should probably find something else to spend $$ on.

 

[ajchien]

My wife just bought me a wave for Christmas!

No, I don't see any use for it at home with my toolbox and garage close by.

It's too big for me to Every day pocket carry. If you're looking for pocket carry, chose something lighter than the wave. However, if you don't mind having something hung on a belt clip, it'd be fine.

This is a camping/hiking/backpacking recreational tool for me. more capable than the Swiss army knife climber model I have. Lol - It's probably too luxurious if you're the type that likes to bushcraft or do 'survivalist' activities.

I can see it being extremely helpful if your trade sends you out on the field somewhere where you have a limited tool set. In that case, I might choose the biggest tool filled leatherman possible.

I've only spent a few days with it. Its suprisingly comfortable in the hand. Feels very solid and firm with all the tools locking into place. Easy to open tools, much more so than the fingernail nicks on my Swiss army knife. I don't fear accidentally cutting myself at all with the knives.

 

[928'er]

I've got a cheapo $5 Husky chicom version in each vehicle. Have I ever used them? No - but they're there if I need them.

Of course I also carry a tool roll of combination wrenches, vice grips, etc., and a set of 3/8" and 1/4" ratchets and shallow and deep sockets from 8-19 mm, so I'll probably never need them.

My philosophy is - better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.

I've only come home "on the hook" once - and that was when my clutch pedal broke off in the middle of nowhere....

edit Threw away the chicom **** and replaced them with Leatherman Skeletools bought on sale at HD

 

[Flivver250]

Why do you want one? Because you don't have one evidently.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I have had a nice Leatherman for awhile (I actually broke the scissors, but they replaced them) and would probably carry it more, except that it is too heavy.

I need to find a sheath that I can hang off my belt.

 

[Matt M PA]

Flivver250...agreed.

I've been on the fence for years...but never got one. Truth is, I know that I'll likely not carry it often...and it'll get banished to a drawer or toolbox...where there are better tools for a given job.

 

[shadow745]

They don't replace any single tool, but definitely come in handy when you're in a bind and need something that works for a particular application. Like the old saying goes, the best (tool, light, etc) available is the one in your hand getting the job done.

I've had a Gerber Suspension and wouldn't own another if it were free. Also have a SOG Powerlock. Very robust build with some useful applications, just not quite as refined as others. Not long ago I bought a Leatherman Wave (after mangling the Gerber trying to cut very thin stainless wire coil) and I'm very impressed with the build quality, fit/finish and usefulness of the included tools. Their warranty and customer service is second to none as well. Only very small minus for me is the barely decent Made in China nylon sheath that came with it. I know I can always buy a better one, but after comparing it to the heavy duty leather sheath w/stainless button snap that was included with my SOG it was a bit of a letdown.

 

[PECVD2]

I seem to get one every birthday and every Christmas (except this year ).
I have used them in a pinch on the road to cut a cable tie, fish out my keys from between the seat and console or when I need to trim my nails while waiting in the parking lot for the misses. But for the most part they reside in the glove box, tool box, junk drawer and rarely get used and only bring a few bucks in garage resales.
I would get a nice smaller, high quality daily carry knive in lieu of a leatherman if I was in the market JMHO.

 

[BlindViper]

I have carried a wave for the the passed 16 years or so. I also carry a small led flashlight. I don't carry either for work only but have them 99% of the time. I use the knife on my for scraping items when I don't want mess up the edge on my pocket knife. People say get the right tool. But when is a pair pliers or a screwdriver not the right tool for a bolt or a nut? Or your 12 feet in the air on a ladder and you need a pliers to bend a piece of metal.

 

[Flivver250]

I don't know how many I have. Every time I walked into the PX it seems I walked out with the new Gerber du jour. I prefer the Gerber brand. I like carrying the optional driver set with it. I don't have one in dubai, but always have one hand at home, especially when on a bike trip. Mac tool sold them from Bear. Those were very high quality.

 

[Mickey O]

So Why Do I Want a Leatherman?

Someone stole your paper weight.


I myself don't like or use them, I've had them and never found them all that useful, others love them and use them all the time. Break the bank, buy one and see if you like it, if not resell it.

 

[Moose97]

I've carried the Leatherman since they first came out. I currently carry the Wave. I carry it in a sheath (I beleive they come with one to attach to your belt) on my belt everyday, work or no work. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't use it for something. I can't imagine not carrying one. Absolutely the most used tool I own.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

Over twenty years ago I got a Victorinox Swiss Tool to replace the 4th Leatherman that "didn't meet the requirements to be replaced under the 25 year warranty" even though it was less than 5 years old. I've never looked back. It gets daily use at work. I broke a tip on one of the blades about 2 years ago. I sent it to Victorinox for repair thinking I would have to pay for it as the damage was 100% my own fault. They sent me a free brand new one including the pouch.

I can't recommend this brand enough.

Tommy

 

[toecramp]

i would also like one, but when i had a look at one in a store, i thought this is quite heavy, to carry round in your pocket, at present i have a no make little one, i keep in my pocket like a pen knife. i find it very handy for fixing stuff on the hoof, when i m not any where near my tool boxes, or doing some thing whilst at a funny angle,like when i only have one had free.
but i still want a leatherman, maybe just to look at

 

[toecramp]

your right. victorinox make great cutting knives for grafting plants/taking cuttings etc.. they stay sharp along time, and don't break,or rust, i have one which is over 15 years old still works like it is new.

 

[jeffmoss26]

I carried one all the time when I did sound and lighting work, along with a flashlight. Came in handy countless times.

 

[cruzer75]

I have 2 of the origonal leathermans. I dont carry on me but its usally in my truck or backpack. It gets used a bunch for random stuff...I wouldnt be without one. I think if you get one you will be happy to have it when you need it. Try the pawn shop... you could maybe get one for a few dollars to try out.

 

[Cap'n]

I have a skeletool somebody gave me. Considering it IS a multitool, it works. But it is still a multitool, and isn't nearly as good as the right thing.

I used to have it in my vehicle as a mcgyver tool, for those emergency situations. Then I had a heater hose blow off and I had to re-attach it on the side of the road. Needed both pliers and a flathead screwdriver for the job that should take 30 seconds...

...never, ever again have I relied on a multitool of any kind. And that leatherman was, in my opinion, about the best on the market.

For me, this was the solution to that problem:



It's 19" long, 4" high and about 6" wide, and will fit with your spare tire, or under the seat of the truck in my case.





Yes, all that came out of that little toolbox...

Some may say it's a little over the top, but I've changed everything from u-joints, to alternators, to thermostats and even once a transmission crossmember that broke and started to fall out (obviously I also have a jack, and a 1/2 drive breaker bar not pictured). I have around 150 bucks in the entire setup, most of the stuff was used or on sale, it's exclusively a travel kit, I have a real toolbox at home. The blue thing at the top is a bluetooth code reader that goes to my phone, and in the box are zip ties, electrical tape, a roll of wire, some nails, screws and bolts, and lots of spare fuses and relays.

The leatherman now goes in the tackle box for sport fishing exclusively.

 

[GreenLBZ]

They are invaluable when you don't have your tool box. I have a cheap Gerber Suspension and it works pretty well for what it is. I carry it in an aftermarket belt pouch and use it every day. I even broke it once and gerber warrantied it. It did not replace my regular pocket knife though.

Saved my **** countless times just with the can opener. Also attended a trade function last month and no one remembered to bring a bottle opener. Those events alone were worth the $30 I paid.

 

[mrjaw14]

I have several leathermans: a Charge TTi, a ST300, and a Juice S2. The Juice is in my work bag every single day. I use the scissors and pliers the most. The ST300 has gone on camping trips with me, are great for fisherman or anyone else that needs a pair of pliers and a knife. The Charge TTi with bit kit goes with me when I want an assortment of tools without the tool box

Sure they aren't the best pliers, screwdrivers, etc...but the best tool is the one you have with you. I have had to take my road tool box out of my car before when the wife needed all the room in the trunk...but my leatherman has always come along for the ride. Get you one...you'll want all three sizes like I ended up with

 

[Cap'n]

...but the best tool is the one you have with you.

I have to respectfully disagree, at least in some cases. Yes, I would rather have any tool as opposed to no tool if I was 4 hours from home in a blizzard in the middle of nowhere, but I know guys that just carry around, say, vice grips (for example), then end up calling me when they round off a bolt for something that broke because they didn't have the right tool. In many instances, they would have been further ahead with nothing but a cell phone (ok, sometimes it runs out of batteries, or service...but I think you get the point)

I know, lots of people have done lots of amazing things with a toothpick and some bailer twine, myself included, but honestly, I don't want to be in that situation again.

Just food for thought, it's your tools, your vehicle (or whatever you're fixing), and your decision. Who cares what I think? Nobody except me lol.

 

[BK13]

I would guess the only time I don't carry one is when I go to the gym...

I carry a Leatherman 300 at work, a Sidekick when not working. They saved my **** frequently when I was on a power line staking job in SoCal, working in remote locations that I hiked into, using patched-together equipment. The sidekick is nice, having a small scissors on board. Came in useful two evenings ago, cutting yarn for steelhead drift fishing.

The only thing I wish they had is a 5/64" (I think) hex, for the little Allen screws in surveying equipment. But the keys don't take up that much extra space. Well, a beer tap would be nice. Probably not very practical, though.

 

[demographic]

I have one in my van, its stuck to the bulkhead behind the drivers seat on a couple of magnets. I also have a massive toolsafe full of full size tools in the back of that very same van.
Sometimes I just want something fast and although the full size tool may well be better I just can't be bothered to have to move loads of toolboxes about to get to that perfect tool.
Its sometimes just handy to reach behind the drivers seat and pull my Leatherman (mines the Leatherman Fuse) out.

Its no substitute for the proper tool if I'm putting a lot of force through it but handy sometimes.

 

[whyNick?]

You probably don't need one.

Over the last 15+ years I've carried 4 different multi tools, an old Gerber, an original Leatherman, a Kershaw with locking pliers, and most recently a Leatherman Wingman. For years I tried to convince myself that they were great tools but it was hard to ignore the weight and bulk and I found they have lots of features but don't do any one thing particularly well.

About a year ago I went back to my trusty Swiss Army Knife but I missed the pliers so I picked up a pair of 4.5" Channellocks. They are tiny and light and are virtually unnoticeable in my pocket but they grip like gangbusters. Between the two the only function I've given up is a wire cutter but so far it hasn't been an inconvenience. No more multi tools for me thanks.