Leatherman multitool-which is the best?

[Greenfrog]

Thinking about making a purchase…some multitools do contain too much that is seldom used.
however, educate me on what seems most popular and practical Model. I await a discussion on this. Thx in advance. I’m thinking Leatherman models, however I am open to other brands also.

 

[Janicholson]

good price!
I like the Letherman Wave model. Mine comes out 4 to6 times a day. it stays sharp and has both a fine tooth file and a diamond file on the same tool wand. The wire cutters are good and there are 3 sizes of straight screw driver plus #2 phillips.

 

[wp6529]

When I last checked / purchased, the Supertool 300 was one of the only US made models left, the rest made in China (not that they aren't still a good product). I've used my Supertool 300 enough to wear it out and send it in for the lifetime warranty repair (~$5 postage), and of course being indispensible I had to order a new one first before I could send it off for repair. I don't think there is a tool on it I haven't used and some like the tapered drill are far more useful than expected. I also like the replaceable carbide cutter blades.

 

[Farmerwright97]

I've had the Leatherman OHT on my belt for the last ten years farming and working in metal shops. never had an issue with it and it holds a good edge, best part is it can be opened easily with one hand. I've also got a skeletool and supertool I keep on the boat and in the pickup. all their tools are great but the OHT is best for me

 

[NDIHC]

I have the basic Leatherman Kick. Does what I need it to do, no frills. I used to have a Bear Jaws multitool and liked it better than any of the Leatherman or Gerber tools I've tried. Sadly, I left it on a trailer I was working on and it drove away. The thing I liked was that the tools were accessible with the handles folded. I didn't have to open it to the pliers position to use the knife or anything else like the Leatherman.

It looks like the Bear Jaws aren't being made anymore as far as I can find. They were made strong with handles that were heavier than the Leatherman I have now.

 

[kevinj54]

The Wave has several tool on the outside.

2 knife blades, file, & saw

 

[JOCCO]

I have had a bunch of them any name brand is probably good. They can save some time from having to go get a tool. However, I found a lot of the gadgets they contain to be a use once in a pinch. If I had lot of screws to do I wanted a good screwdriver! Also look on sites like ebay probably better prices.

 

[kevinj54]

I have had a bunch of them any name brand is probably good. They can save some time from having to go get a tool. However, I found a lot of the gadgets they contain to be a use once in a pinch. If I had lot of screws to do I wanted a good screwdriver! Also look on sites like ebay probably better prices.

You are absolutely right but many times afield you need to cut a branch or turn a carb screw they serve their purpose.

The correct tool is always a better option!

 

[Loosehandle]

Thinking about making a purchase…some multitools do contain too much that is seldom used.
however, educate me on what seems most popular and practical Model. I await a discussion on this. Thx in advance. I’m thinking Leatherman models, however I am open to other brands also.

I like the wingman, discontinued but probably available online. You can use the knife without opening it.

 

[GChief]

I have carried an original Leatherman most days since 1995. This is working on ships as a crew member and in a shipyard environment as well as at home, camping, off-roading etc. I have tried to replace it with many others but always end up back at my original. Seems to be the best for size and functions in my SY industrial environment.

 

[NDIHC]

The Wave has several tool on the outside.

2 knife blades, file, & saw

I didn't know that Leatherman made any like that. The one I have you have to open it to get at the tools. Guess I haven't looked at them. Still miss my Bear Jaws though. Used to be sold by Mac Tools, I think made by Bear and Sons Cutlery.

 

[kevinj54]

I didn't know that Leatherman made any like that. The one I have you have to open it to get at the tools. Guess I haven't looked at them. Still miss my Bear Jaws though. Used to be sold by Mac Tools, I think made by Bear and Sons Cutlery.

I had my worn out wave rebuilt by Leatherman last year & they put in the newer updates like replaceable wire cutter inserts.

Their lifetime warranty repair service is great.

 

[wp6529]

I have had a bunch of them any name brand is probably good. They can save some time from having to go get a tool. However, I found a lot of the gadgets they contain to be a use once in a pinch. If I had lot of screws to do I wanted a good screwdriver! Also look on sites like ebay probably better prices.

Absolutely dedicated tools will be more efficient, however the time savings of having a servicable tool on you vs. having to walk 100' or more to the shop to get the "proper" tool and 100' or more back to use it will save you man-years of time even if the less efficient tool makes the actual task 10% slower. Many times I find myself using the multitool I'm a whole lot more than 100' away from my regular tools, sometimes miles.

 

[JIM MN]

I will second The Leatherman Wave! A great tool. Great warranty. Had a blade break, replaced at no charge. Use it all the time.

 

[TerryfromSWIowa]

I have a Gerber Suspension, like it.

 

[scootergmc]

Depends. How do you carry a knife? What tools do you need?

Personally, I like the skeletool because I prioritize the knife. I pocket carry with the sideclip and as it has a thumb opening knife at the outside, it's quick. It really bugs me to have to open a tool to access the knife. It's also thin, so it lacks a lot of tools that the others have, which I don't really need. After the knife, the pliers and screwdrivers get the most use, in that order. It's cheap enough that I don't feel guilty about abusing it and if I lose it, I only get mad at myself because I hate losing things, and not so much at the money lost. I have other standard bigger leatherman tools, but they don't get nearly the use.

 

[GChief]

Depends. How do you carry a knife? What tools do you need?

Personally, I like the skeletool because I prioritize the knife. I pocket carry with the sideclip and as it has a thumb opening knife at the outside, it's quick. It really bugs me to have to open a tool to access the knife. It's also thin, so it lacks a lot of tools that the others have, which I don't really need. After the knife, the pliers and screwdrivers get the most use, in that order. It's cheap enough that I don't feel guilty about abusing it and if I lose it, I only get mad at myself because I hate losing things, and not so much at the money lost. I have other standard bigger leatherman tools, but they don't get nearly the use.

That's why my Leatherman in on my belt and my CRKT is clipped in my pocket. Both used for work and pleasure.

 

[buickanddeere]

I bought both the wife and daughter the biggest fanciest pink Leatherman that was equipped with a wine bottle corkscrew .
Both women complained the tool was too large . Not sure how they could notice with all the cargo they carry in their purses .
Purchased the smallest pink Leathermen that were equipped with a wine bottle corkscrew .
Both women have saved the day several times and impressed friends when no corkscrew could be otherwise located .

 

[Gumby]

I happen to like the Wingman model, as it is spring loaded to open. Leatherman only makes a few models that have that fearpture.

 

[300jk]

Thinking about making a purchase…some multitools do contain too much that is seldom used.
however, educate me on what seems most popular and practical Model. I await a discussion on this. Thx in advance. I’m thinking Leatherman models, however I am open to other brands also.

I will also vote for the leatherman wave. A few years ago they changed the name to wave plus. I’ve carried mine for 3 years now I think and feel lost without it. A quality tool with enough good tools without being weighted down with things you won’t use. High quality tool. I’ve had 3 Gerber multi tools in the past and broke the pliers on all doing minimal small jobs. Seemed like a quality control problem. I won’t waste money on them anymore. Leatherman is the only I would buy. Many different styles to fit different needs. Not cheap, but worth the money.